Georgann, Penelope and Olivia, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit NICU Mom and Patient, St. Mary’s Medical Center

Georgann Leffler has been a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Palm Beach Children's Hospital for over 12 years. At 39-years-old Georgann found out that she was pregnant with twins. At just 16 weeks gestation, she found out that her twins had twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). TTTS is a rare life-threatening condition in which the blood flows unequally between twins that share a placenta (monochorionic twins). TTTS occurs in about 10-15 percent of monochorionic twins.

With this discovering Georgann knew that one or both of her babies could die without intervention. She had emergency fetoscopic laser placental ablation surgery the next day at Wellington Regional Medical Center.

“On December 3rd, my water broke, and I was only 25 weeks gestation, says Georgann. I knew the results would not be great if the babies were delivered at that time.”

She was admitted to the antepartum unit at St. Mary's Medical Center where she spent the next 17 days on bedrest. While on the antepartum unit, she was on continuous fetal monitoring and every time she or the babies would move, the monitors would need to be adjusted. This required frequent visits from the nurses.

“Brenda and Marilyn were two of the nurses that were always able to find the babies no matter where they were hiding in my belly. I knew it would be a good day when either of them was working. It takes a lot of skill to find 2 different babies’ heartbeats and to make sure you don't just have two different monitors on one baby,” Georgann explains.

“I also must mention Billy from the food service department. I know it sounds crazy, but when you are strapped to a hospital bed, knowing that someone will get you the food that you want can put a smile on your face in an otherwise stressful situation,” says Georgann.

Georgann remained on bedrest until she developed placental abruption which required an emergency c-section on December 19th. Her babies Penelope and Olivia were born at 28 weeks & 5 days. Penelope came out first weighing 2 pounds 9 ounces then Olivia weighing 2 pounds 11 ounces.

“I am super thankful that Dr. Michelle Herring was working the day I had my emergency c-section. She literally held my hand while I got my epidural and was part of the team that took care of the twins when they were delivered. I am grateful for Dr. Albert Tano, medical director of “Kidz Medical Services”, as he was always communicating with the physicians and nurse practitioners, ensuring my babies had the absolute best care,” says Georgann.

She and the babies’ father, Marc, drove to the NICU every day for the next 90 days.

“It was traumatic to watch the babies struggle every day,” says Georgann. “Brooke, Chantel, and Jill were some of the amazing nurses in the NICU. They were very patient, empathetic, kind, and took great care of our babies during that time. It makes it less heartbreaking to leave your babies at the hospital when you know there is an excellent nurse caring for your baby. The thought of your baby crying and no one consoling them is just horrible.”

Olivia spent 79 days in the NICU and was discharged March 8th. On the day of Olivia's discharge, her nurse Jill, made her a little graduation hat to wear. Georgann said it was the cutest thing ever and just made the day even more special.

Penelope spent 90 days in the NICU and was discharged March 19th.

They just turned two and are healthy, strong, happy, loving, smart, perfect toddlers. No one would ever know what they went through.