By NICOLE VALICEK
WHAT was meant to be the happiest day of Jennifer Clark’s life almost turned to tragedy when her twin girls were born 13 weeks premature.
Jennifer and husband Adam’s twin girls Sophie and Grace survived delivery against slim five per cent odds after just 27 weeks gestation.
“What we have here is miracle twin girls,” Mrs Clark said.
She said her waters broke unexpectedly at 23 weeks, but she was able to hold off delivery another four weeks until 13 October.
Grace weighed a staggering 0.95 kilograms at birth and spent the first 97 days in hospital while her sister Sophie weighed 1.117 kilograms and spent an extra 86 days in hospital.
Mrs Clark said that instead of it being the happiest time in a mum’s life it was the most traumatic.
“Really at a time when most parents are making decisions about nursery decor we found ourselves making decisions about resuscitation which was not something that you expect to find yourself in.
“One minute you’re enjoying being pregnant and looking forward to starting a new family and suddenly your thrust into a world of hospitals and different procedures and equipment and big words that you don’t know – it’s really quite scary.”
Today the Clarks have two bouncing 10-month old girls, with seven months their corrected age.
The girls have chronic lung disease as the result of extended incubation and will not escape some developmental issues, but they are considered lucky.
The girls were transferred to the Mercy Hospital in Werribee on Christmas Day before going home, but their journey certainly did not end once they left hospital.
Mrs Clark joined the Inner West Nurture Group, part of organisation Miracle Babies. Miracle Babies Foundation is Australia’s leading not-for-profit supporting premature and sick newborns, their families and the hospitals that care for them.
“Going along to the nurture groups is a reminder that you’re not alone, but there are other people that have gone through the same trauma some stories worse than ours.”
The Clarks said would be many challenges to be faced in the future but believe their experience has made them stronger.
“Were very lucky to be here we don’t forget for a moment just how lucky we are, were in very good health the future is very bright for us and hopefully it will continue that way,” Mrs Clark said.
The inaugural Miracle Babies Victorian Picnic will be held on Sunday, 8 September at Treasury Gardens from 11am-2pm.
Families of premature and sick babies are encouraged to connect, share their journey and celebrate their miracle families.
