Twin babies were born in a home off M-95
REPUBLIC TOWNSHIP -- Hospital workers are still talking about it; twin babies were born in a trailer off of M-95 two days ago.
About 48 hours after the home-birth, mom and babies were doing well at the Marquette General Health System's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. They are doing remarkably well for premature infants who've had a lot to endure in their short lives. The identical twins are fighters just like their mother.
Born nine weeks premature, breach, and right in their family's Republic trailer, little Scott and John Shepeard are lucky to be alive.
"I have to say that this is nothing short of miraculous," said NICU Medical Director, Julia Frei.
It all began Tuesday night, when mom, Christian, began contractions. When her water broke, she knew this would be no ordinary birth, and she called her husband.
"I told him we're not going to have time to drive to the hospital, you better call 911," said Christian.
But ready or not, the babies were coming. Christian says Republic Township first responders got to her home just in time to deliver her first son.
"It's like something you see on TV, you don't think it's going to happen to you," Christian said.
They were transported to MGH by two Bell EMS ambulances; an hour-long ride that Christian says she'll never forget.
"The ride was very emotional for me," she said. "I was very worried about my boys."
And despite minimal intervention, the infants arrived at MGH in stable condition. They each weighed three pounds, four ounces.
"Both boys had IVs started right away because their blood sugars were a bit low," said Dr. Frei. "They were put on overhead warmers to keep their temperatures in the normal range, and they were put on assisted ventilation."
The family is in awe of their two new blessings.
So can we expect any more little ones in the Shepeard clan?
"This will do it for us," Christian said. "The Shepeard family is done making babies."
Although the twins won't be able to leave the hospital for six or seven weeks, mom was released today. While she's sad to leave her little ones behind, she is excited to get home to her two-year-old daughter and husband in Republic.
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