Four sets of twins. Eight babies. One remarkable stretch at NorthBay Medical Center in Fairfield.<\/p>\n
The babies arrived around the same time, surprising parents and medical staff at the hospital.<\/p>\n
For the doctors and nurses in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit, caring for twins is nothing new. The NICU provides specialized care for newborns who need extra medical support.<\/p>\n
But having four sets of twins come through in such a short period was unusual.<\/p>\n
“Especially for a community NICU that has 16 beds, that is very unusual,” said Dr. Elena Minakova.<\/p>\n
Dr. Brian Montenegro said twins are often born prematurely.<\/p>\n
“Twins are often born early and the reason they’re often born early is there’s not a lot of room in there when you have multiple babies,” Montenegro said.<\/p>\n
Mallory Brady was still processing the news that she was having twins.<\/p>\n
“I was shocked. I think I’m still shocked that two came out,” Brady said with a laugh.<\/p>\n
She wasn’t alone. Other parents were equally surprised to learn they were expecting two babies.<\/p>\n
“Oh yes, I was very surprised,” said Tracy Leonardo.<\/p>\n
For parents Shayna and David Lagares, the news brought its own share of disbelief.<\/p>\n
“I was in shock too because I’m so tiny, so I was like, can my body even bear this pregnancy?” Shayna Lagares said.<\/p>\n
Amid the surprises, the families also celebrated the joy of welcoming their babies, especially for Brady, who said the pregnancy came after two miscarriages.<\/p>\n
“Before we’ve been trying, we had two miscarriages, and then to find out we’re having two babies, it was like the universe saying, ‘Oh, we made a mistake. You were supposed to have two,’ ” Brady said.<\/p>\n
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