Throughout history, we’ve always been captivated by tales of miracles and the incredible power of love. Just like in the beloved Harry Potter stories, where a mother’s love shields her son from harm, real-life instances also remind us that love can work wonders. In the world of modern medicine, the soothing power of human touch often plays a vital role. A remarkable case from 1995 stands as a testament to this power when a baby born prematurely in the United States was saved.
Paul Jackson experienced a whirlwind of emotions when his twin daughters were born at UMass Memorial Hospital. Arriving 12 weeks ahead of schedule, the twins weighed a mere two pounds each.
The nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were transparent about the challenges ahead. They advised Paul that while the current situation seemed stable, the following 42 to 78 hours could bring sudden and drastic changes.
As the weeks passed, Brielle, one of the twins, began struggling with her breathing. Her oxygen levels were dangerously low, and her tiny heart raced. Alarmingly, her skin started showing signs of turning blue.
A NICU nurse named Gayle Kasparian proposed an unconventional and unprecedented approach to the situation.
The suggestion was groundbreaking for neonatal care in the U.S. Nurse Kasparian proposed placing the stronger twin, Kyrie, in the same incubator with Brielle to facilitate skin-to-skin contact—an approach also known as ‘Kangaroo Care,’ widely used with preterm infants in other parts of the world.
As if by a miracle, Kyrie immediately placed her tiny arm over Brielle, which the media soon described as a life-saving hug.
Brielle’s condition began to change rapidly for the better. Her breathing stabilized, and her vital signs showed significant improvement.
Kasparian recounted her experience:
“The transformation was instantaneous. When I put Brielle next to her sister, an extraordinary calm washed over her. Her heart rate leveled, her breathing evened out, and her color miraculously restored.”
Before this groundbreaking event in the U.S., it was common practice to keep twins and triplets in separate incubators. However, the remarkable recovery of these twins changed neonatal care practices forever.
Dr. Stuart Weisberger of UMass Memorial Hospital commended this practice, reflecting on its revolutionary impact:
“These methods seemed unattainable. We once thought preterm infants were too delicate for such interventions. Now we apply this method to babies born as early as 23, 24, and 25 weeks. We even practice it while they’re supported by ventilator machines.”
The twins grew up healthy and together as best friends, forming an unbreakable bond. Over the years, their connection has only strengthened—they share their thoughts effortlessly and sometimes even finish each other’s sentences.
Witness more of their amazing story below:
