Berenice was thrilled when she found out she was expecting twin girls. What she didn’t expect to find out was that she was already 7 cm dilated at 33 weeks pregnant when she went to her follow-up OB appointment with Dr. Ted Robertson, AdventHealth OB/GYN. She was filled with emotions when she heard the words, “emergency C-section,” worried her girls were not ready to join the world just yet at 33 weeks, but excited to finally meet them.

With their early arrival, the twins received extra special care of the Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at AdventHealth Daytona Beach, part of the nationally recognized AdventHealth for Children care network.  “When they were born, they were both tiny,” said Berenice. Baby Olivia was intubated, needing more time to grow her lungs. “When I saw them, I felt so bad, like I failed them in a way.” But the team was quick to reassure Berenice that these conditions are common with premature babies and that she was doing the best she could for these babies by visiting every day, practicing skin-to-skin and learning infant massage. She and her husband were grateful for the fact that the NICU was close to home, so that they could visit so frequently. 

After 31 days in the NICU, the sweet twins were able to go home to finally meet their big brothers, who love to snuggle them and read bedtime stories. “I’m very grateful to have a team that is caring and willing to get them better and get them home to me.”

Click here to learn more about Berenice and her journey as a NICU mom (or watch it below).

With convenient locations in Daytona Beach and Orange City, Volusia County families have access to OB care close to home. Whether your next child is born healthy or in need of additional specialized care, you can rest assured knowing that the AdventHealth for Women care network provides access to state-of-the art technology, soothing baby-friendly environments and have a wide range of specialty services. 

Learn more about the care at AdventHealth for Children, recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the Best Children’s Hospital for newborn care in Florida.