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Norma underwent an emergency c-section today at 34 weeks and 3 days. Baby B had been unresponsive this morning and being concerned, Norma called the OB and he asked her to come in to take a look. The OB was not able to find a heartbeat for Baby B and asked her to go into L&D since the indications were not good at the time. She had just gotten a checkup this past Monday that showed both of them active and growing per expectations so it was surprising things could go so terrible so quickly. There was a slight abnormality with Baby B's doppler for bloodflow but nothing serious was identified at that time and they asked for her to come back early next week to check again.
Once at the hospital, the two OBs checked again for Baby B's heart rate and couldn't find it. The risk to Baby A was thought to be too great once Baby B expired so they recommended to take them both out immediately. She was able to get an epidural quickly in the OR and didn't have to be put to sleep. Baby A came out first and let out two quick screams to let us know he arrived. He was pink right away and cried more as the nurses took care of him and brought him to the NICU. A few minutes later, they were able to retrieve Baby B, but unfortunately the U/S was right and he looked like he may have passed away sometime last night or early this morning.
The OB pulled the placenta out and the size difference between Baby A's and B's umbilical cord was striking. Baby A's was inserted in the middle and look big and healthy, Baby B's was attached on the side through the membrane and was 1/4 of the size. The only thoughts the doctors have so far is that he may have experienced a blood clot or crimping of the small umbilical and that may have led to his expiration.
The hospital staff was very gracious and let us hold Cristian (Baby B) for a long while and we were able to say goodbye. He looked exactly like his older brother (they were MoDi twins) with lots of hair and the same pouty lips and furled brow. The difficulty of the experience was only countered by the knowledge that we have a wonderful little boy that we have been fortunate enough to be blessed with that will need our help and strength to make it through the next few days and weeks.
Mateo (Baby A) was born 4lbs 15ounces and 18.5 inches long. He's on 40% oxygen by CPAK (sp?) to help his breathing but the nurses say he's doing fine so far with temperature and bloodwork. He may be in the NICU for a few weeks till full term but we'll know more tomorrow and as the days progresses. We are excited and thankful he's doing ok.
Thank you for letting me share some of our story with you - our hope is that through our experience, it may be of some help to any of you as you progress through the blessings of your children's births. I can't say enough about this community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Joe & Norma
Pictures and more of our story will be posted on our blog
This post has been edited by summerfun: 26 September 2008 - 12:09 PM
Reason for edit:: to add loss mentioned to the title
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I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Please give Norma our best. 
Mateo!! I'm so sorry for the loss of Cristian. 
I am so sorry for the loss of your baby boy, Cristian. There are no words... I hope that Mateo's NICU stay is short and that you will have him home quickly. Please tell Norma to come to the NICU if she needs any support-we are there! 
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Mateo and I hope he comes hom soon.
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