Supported Through the Storm

When a routine 12-week scan revealed identical twins, joy quickly turned to anxiety for Tayla and Shaun. One twin was dangerously smaller than the other. Through premature birth, intensive care, and countless uncertainties, our partner charity – The Little Miracles Trust – became their beacon of hope, offering crucial support that helped transform a potentially tragic story into one of hope and resilience. Read the family's story, as told by mum, Tayla.

Early in 2024 my husband and I were thrilled to learn we were expecting our second baby (we also have a two-year-old son). After a smooth first trimester, our excitement turned into shock during the 12-week scan when we discovered we were having identical twin girls.

We were still processing the news of two babies when we were referred to Auckland's maternal-foetal medicine team due to a size discrepancy between the twins. One baby was over 20% smaller than the other, diagnosed with selective foetal growth restriction linked to where the cord was inserted into the placenta. The doctors were uncertain about their survival, and we had to return for scans every fortnight to monitor their progress and associated risks with having twins.

At 26 weeks pregnant, I was admitted to Auckland Hospital for closer monitoring as the risk of premature delivery loomed. I underwent ultrasound scans three times a week and CTGs (Cardiotocography) twice daily. The goal was to reach 32 weeks for delivery unless complications arose sooner.

During my stay on the high-risk antenatal ward, I met the Little Miracles Trust team, who hosted support groups for mothers with babies potentially heading to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I hadn't realised there was a whole ward dedicated to high-risk pregnancies, and sharing experiences with other parents became an invaluable source of comfort for me, even if I cried when discussing our journey!

Every weekend, my husband and son travelled from our home in Whangarei to stay at Ronald McDonald House, which became the highlight of my week. The day before our scheduled caesarean at 32 weeks, a CTG showed one twin was in distress, prompting the girls delivery a day early.

Mila and Kayley were born on 5 June 2024, at 2:06 and 2:09 AM, weighing 1.8 kg and 1.47 kg, respectively.  Arriving with strong cries, the nurses affectionately referred to them as “feisty little girls.” After stabilising on CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) breathing support, they were transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The Little Miracles Trust team continued to provide essential support, checking in daily and hosting weekly support groups for NICU mothers. Meeting other families navigating similar challenges was reassuring, especially since I didn’t know many people with premature babies. They also provided a chiller bag full of goodies, and the shop in NICU was so good to stock up on supplies without leaving the hospital.

When the girls were two weeks old, we flew back to Whangarei’s neonatal unit via Starship Air Ambulance to be closer to home. Kayley needed a few days of high-flow breathing support post-flight, but both girls progressed well, moving from incubators to cots and started wearing clothes. They began practicing breastfeeding around 34 to 35 weeks but still required breast milk top-ups through a nasal gastric tube for a while.

Unfortunately, Kayley caught a virus which set her back as she was struggling to breathe. This necessitated her return to high-flow support, but thankfully, it was only for a few days. Two weeks later, she improved and resumed feeding.

After 58 days in hospital, on their due date, the girls were fully breastfeeding and gaining weight, allowing us to finally take them home at weights of 3.06 kg and 2.54 kg.

Since returning home, Mila and Kayley are thriving!  Feeding well, growing, and displaying no medical issues. Our family of five is complete, and we are immensely grateful to have them home, safe and sound, after such a rollercoaster journey.

A huge thank you to everyone who was part of our journey.

Tayla and Shaun

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Words and image supplied by The Little Miracles Trust