Newark, N.J. (July 23, 2026) — Doctors, nurses and staff at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, celebrated the birth and remarkable journey of a rare set of Monochorionic-Monoamniotic (MoMo) twins, Shednhee and Claydee with a special clap-out ceremony.

MoMo twins are extremely rare, occurring in approximately 0.01% of pregnancies. In these high-risk pregnancies, babies share both a placenta and a single amniotic sac, creating significant risks including preterm labor, growth restriction and umbilical cord entanglement that can threaten the lives of one or both babies.

Despite these challenges, first-time mother Shedeline Pierre Louis, 22 years old from Roselle, NJ, safely delivered the twins on May 26 at 32 weeks under the care of Dr. Alexander Juusela and the Maternal Fetal Medicine team at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Immediately after delivery, the twins received specialized care in the hospitals Level 4 Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

“MoMo pregnancies require careful monitoring and highly coordinated care because of the significant risks involved,” said Dr. Alexander Juusela, Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist. “Seeing these babies reach this milestone is incredibly rewarding and reflects the expertise and dedication of our Maternal Fetal Medicine, labor and delivery and NICU teams, who worked together every step of the way to support this family.”

The twins’ progress represents an extraordinary outcome for one of the rarest and highest-risk forms of twin pregnancy.

“When I learned about the risks associated with my pregnancy, I was scared and overwhelmed,” said Shedeline. “The team at Newark Beth Israel supported me through every step of the journey and treated us like family.  Seeing my babies healthy and finally being able to bring them home is more than I could have hoped for.”

The miracle birth was celebrated with a special hospital-wide clap-out, recognizing the resilience of the babies, the strength of their family, and the collaborative care that helped make this outcome possible.

“This milestone is a powerful example of what can be achieved through advanced maternal and neonatal care, teamwork, and compassionate support,” said Darrell K. Terry, Sr. President and Chief Executive Officer of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. “We are honored to have been part of this family’s journey and are thrilled to celebrate this special moment alongside them.”

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About Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is a 665-bed regional care teaching hospital that provides comprehensive health care. Newark Beth Israel is a Top Teaching Hospital and home to one of the nation’s top 15 heart transplant centers, which has performed more than 1,200 heart transplants; RWJBarnabas Health’s Heart Failure Treatment and Transplant Program; New Jersey’s only Advanced Lung Disease and Transplant Program and a Valve Center that performs complex cardiac valve procedures, including minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVRs). Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is also home to Children’s Hospital of New Jersey (CHoNJ), which cares for children from birth through adolescence, with more than 30 specialized pediatric services including New Jersey’s largest Valerie Fund Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders; and the Children’s Heart Center that offers a complete range of medical and surgical treatments for the most complex cardiac abnormalities. The Newark Beth Israel robotic surgery program is the most experienced in northern New Jersey. RWJBarnabas Health and The Frederick B. Cohen, MD, Comprehensive Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey Breast Health Center, in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute – the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center – brings a world class team of researchers and specialists to fight alongside you, providing close-to-home access to the latest treatment and clinical trials. Newark Beth Israel also offers many preventive health programs that promote wellness in the community, including The Beth Greenhouse, which provides access to fresh produce and health and wellness education to local residents.

Children’s Hospital of New Jersey (CHoNJ), located at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, cares for children from birth through adolescence, with more than 30 specialized pediatric services including New Jersey’s largest Valerie Fund Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders; and the Children’s Heart Center that offers a complete range of medical and surgical treatments for the most complex cardiac abnormalities. Children’s Hospital of New Jersey also includes a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and a Level IV Regional Perinatal Center that offers New Jersey’s only Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) therapy; and the highest level of intensive care for both mothers and newborns.

 

To learn more visit rwjbh.org/NewarkBeth.