Jane and John were delighted to learn they were expecting identical twin boys. All was well until a scan at 27 weeks showed her boys had developed the potentially life threatening twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and Jane was transferred to the Mater Mothers' Hospital.
Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome is a condition affecting identical twins only, where one twin receives an excess of nutrients, while the other is starved of nutrients.
The Mater’s maternal fetal medicine specialists confirmed Jane and John’s worst fears and immediate in-utero laser surgery was recommended. Before it could go ahead, Jane went into labour - three months early.
Weighing 1032 grams Richard entered the world followed two minutes later by his little brother Carlos who weighed just 774 grams. The boys were immediately placed in the specialist care of the Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU).
Richard spent nearly three months growing bigger and stronger before going home to the Gold Coast. Carlos however had a long battle ahead of him.
"At four days old, he underwent surgery and there were times we were told he might not survive, "said Jane.
But Carlos was successfully treated and continued to fight on.
"The Mater’s doctors and nurses were incredible; they helped us through our ordeal both clinically and emotionally," said Jane. "We will be forever indebted to the staff of the Mater and we can’t thank them enough for our beautiful miracle boys."
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