Identical twins Olivia and Violet were born at 24.5 weeks, both weighing in at roughly a pound and a half; an extremely early arrival that parents, Brooke and Matthew, didn’t plan for.
The pregnancy was high risk because the girls shared a placenta but were in different sacs within the womb, known as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), a rare condition, causing one twin to receive too much blood and the other too little.
QUICK INTERVENTION
Prior to an emergency c-section, Brooke was sent to Toronto to have a procedure done that helps reverse the effects and stop TTTS from progressing. The procedure was successful; however, Brooke went into labour a week later after returning to London.
“Both were very sick when they were born.”
Olivia had a Grade 4 brain bleed and Violet was born with a Grade 2 brain bleed, and both suffered from breathing issues. The micro-Preemies were in the NICU for four months. Olivia lives with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects her movement, posture, and motor skills.
DISTANCE MATTERS
The Peters Family could stay close to their babies without disrupting their oldest daughter, Scarlett’s, routine at home in Sarnia.
“She was able to spend the weekends with us. Playing outside in the courtyard was one of our favourite memories at RMH.”
The Peters Family continue to capture memories like the ones they made at the House; most recently, Olivia and Violet’s Minnie Mouse themed second birthday. The girls are thriving—they’ve just moved up to the toddler room at daycare, where they enjoy playing in sensory bins, painting, using the walking toys, and circle time.
“We got to stay close to our girls while they were getting big and strong. RMH was our home away from home.”
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