Miracles of Multiples

Obstetrical and Maternal-Fetal Safety Conference- Jan 13-14th

2012-01-11T13:15:00.000-06:00

The Obstetrical and Maternal-Fetal Safety Conference is a two-day educational conference designed to provide an evidence-based review of emergencies encountered in the care of pregnant women. Presentations will provide management and treatment recommendations aimed to prevent or minimize maternal or fetal harm.

Additional aims include education regarding quality improvement and safety monitoring as it pertains to obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine.

By the end of the conference, participant will be able to:

Explain the risk factors and the prevalence of serious safety events in obstetrical patients during antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum periods
Identify situations where error disclosure to patients and families is appropriate, and what the best practices are to conduct and document these processes
Compare management strategies for medical and surgical approaches to treatment of postpartum hemorrhage
Discuss the nomenclature, definitions, terminology and techniques for appropriate interpretation of FHR tracings
Discuss the consequences and perinatal outcomes following development and progression of infectious diseases in pregnancy and the postpartum period
Guest Presenters:

Alfred Abuhamad, M.D.
Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA

Karolina Adam, M.D.
Houston Perinatal Associates, Houston, TX

Diana J. Behling, R.N., B.S.N., M.J.
Ob Right Program, Sentara Healthcare, Norfolk, VA

Alfredo Gei, M.D.
The Methodist Hospital System, Houston, TX

Speakers from UTMB and UTHealth Medical School will also be presenting.

Registration

Register online by clicking here.
$150 for attending physicians
$100 for nurses, residents and students
Parking at the conference will be validated on Friday and free on Saturday.
For questions, call 713.448.5914 or 713.448.5101 or email cmesupport@memorialhermann.org

Education Information

Who should attend:

Physicians and other perinatal healthcare providers.

Continuing Education Hours for Nursing

Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Texas Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

This activity is approved for 4 contact hours on Day 1, Jan. 13, 2012, and 6.75 contact hours on Day 2, Jan. 14, 2012.

Continuing Education Hours for Physicians

Memorial Hermann Hospital System designates this live activity for a maximum of 11 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Fetal Center baby has surgery by Dr Tsao

2012-01-11T13:01:00.001-06:00

Here is the link from our very own amazing fetal surgeon, Dr KouJen Tsao. We are so happy that he is on our team!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2084954/Hayes-Davis-Baby-born-organs-outside-body-recovering-rare-surgery.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Educational Video on Spina Bifida

2011-12-07T16:20:00.001-06:00

Excellent Article

2011-10-14T07:43:00.005-05:00

Here is a great article for my mums of multiples,

http://www.examiner.com/parenting-multiples-in-houston/child-care-options-au-pair

We are home

2011-10-13T14:36:00.002-05:00

Wow, is all I can say! We have soundly landed on our feet. We are in a new temporary home, complete with amazing views of Rice University and Hermann Park. Our hospital partners have welcomed us and made us feel completely at home.

Our referring physicians are finding Drs Moise & Johnson the old fashion way ...by Google! Yea for the internet!

We have been very busy in the OR and we have also seen a great influx of new moms that we are helping navigate and coordinate their care that their unborn babies. Our Neo colleagues are awesome and imagine...all of our affiliated physicians are coming into our Fetal Center office and are performing the consults in one room and the families are not having to walk all over the place.

Our marketing team is helping us get the work out not only to our physicians but also to you!

Please be on the look out for our new Facebook Page and Soon to be Twitter account!

you can find us at www.texasfetalcenter.org

As always.....

we are so grateful to serve you...and your family

We have a NEW address

2011-09-11T05:23:00.002-05:00

Our team is MOVING!

The same care, and professional spirit is moving just down the street

We are joining our colleagues with The University of Texas and Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital

The Texas Fetal Center
The University of Texas Professional Building
6410 Fannin
Houston, Texas 77030

Phone: 832-325-7133
Toll free: 888-818-4818
Fax: 713-512-2214
Email: texasfetalcenter@uth.tmc.edu

Updates will be forthcoming!

It's a New Day

2011-08-15T06:01:00.001-05:00

I start a new chapter today in my life.... with Baylor College of Medicine as a research coordinator. I will miss everyone with the Fetal Center very much.

Birth Defects Associated With Smoking During Pregnancy

2011-08-02T16:00:00.003-05:00

We all know that smoking causes various health problems to both smokers and inhalers of second-hand smoke. When you throw an unborn child into the mix, the dangers of smoking not only affect you, but according to the Human Reproduction Update published on July 11th, they may also have several negative affects on the little one inside of you.

The study found that babies face a greater risk of health problems when their mothers continue to smoke while pregnant. Extensive studies have shown that many of the 4000 chemicals in cigarettes can cross the placental barrier and cause issues in the development of unborn children.

The researchers at University College London, examined nearly 174,000 cases of malformations – they concluded that cigarette chemicals can lead to limb deformities, congenital heart disease, gastrointestinal and optical disorders, clubfoot, oral clefts, premature birth and even stillbirth. Even non-smokers who are consistently exposed to second-hand smoke, at work or home, faced a higher risk of having a stillbirth.

It was reported that 14% of women in the U.S. still smoke during their pregnancies and I personally believe that that is 14% too many.

Do any moms have helpful advice on how expecting mothers or mothers who are planning to get pregnant can kick the habit?

Q&A: Questions that may arise after your laser ablation surgery

2011-08-01T09:51:00.006-05:00

A lovely couple, who recently had the laser ablation surgery which treats twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), came to me with some really great questions. I'd like to share this short Q&A with you because if one family has these questions, then there’s a good chance other patients are wondering the same thing. If you’ve recently had corrective TTTS laser treatment or are planning to, I hope the below addresses some of your concerns!

Q: I'm concerned that there is still a major difference in the amount of amniotic fluid in each of my babies sacks. I'm unsure what is "normal" after this procedure. Are we looking for fluid to completely equalize or will the babies continue to have such differences?

A: After the placental laser ablation is performed there is a period of a time of adjustment (heeling) or transition back to normal life of now sharing blood. It sometimes takes days to weeks for the fluid levels to equilibrate. As long as there is fluid in both amniotic sacs and the amount is not excessive in the ex-recipients sac we tend to watch and wait.

Q: We are completely off of bed rest and been given the green light to live life as normal. Just wondering what your thoughts were.

A: Our recommendations for bed rest are complete bed rest for a period of 7-10 days initially post-op, and modified for the remainder of the pregnancy. You should not be back at full activity until after the babies are delivered. We realize how difficult this can be especially when there are younger children in the home and you really don't feel ill or may feel guilty for not carrying your normal "mom load", but the insertion site from the surgery into the amniotic sac does not heal and you remain at a higher level of risk for PROM (premature rupture of membranes), so recumbent rest is a must!

Please feel free to comment — Advice from a mom who has been in your shoes and made it through is the best type of support!

For more information on TTTS please visit our website.

Special Delivery!

2011-07-20T10:45:00.007-05:00

A few months ago, an incredible San Antonio couple came to us with an extremely rare condition; their unborn baby girl had a tumor growing on her lung. As the mass grew in size, it took up a large amount of her chest cavity and affected her breathing. After a successful 11-hour procedure, in which Dr. Olutoye and his amazing team of specialists partially removed the baby from her mother while they removed her tumor, I am happy to announce that baby Alejandra is healthy and off to happy start at life!

The CBS Early Show produced a segment on the family’s miraculous story and I’m so exited to share it with you!

My heart goes out to the Rodriguez family and I wish them all the best!

More information on EXIT procedures:
An EXIT (ex utero intrapartum treatment) involves surgeons partially removing the fetus from the womb and performing surgery while the fetus remains attached to the umbilical cord. When the procedure is complete, the baby's umbilical cord is cut, and surgeons deliver the baby.

Fighting Pertussis

2011-07-13T16:02:00.006-05:00

As a mom of three, I have doctored my share of boo-boos and nursed my children each and every time they’ve been sick. I consider myself extremely lucky to have raised three very healthy babies.

I recently read an article published by MSNBC that I believe will help more women keep their newborns healthy. The ACIP voted in favor of pregnant women receiving the booster Pertussis vaccination while in the late stages of their second trimester or early in their third. The precise provisional recommendations should be available by August of this year. Receiving this vaccine will help prevent what is known as “Whooping Cough.”

Whooping Cough manifests itself as a common cold, but after 1 to 2 weeks can evolve into coughing spells that can last for more than a minute. During these coughing spells, babies may turn red or purple, vomit, or stop breathing for several seconds. A “whooping” sound is often heard when babies gasp for breath.

The illness can be spread through fluids from the nose or mouth and will become airborne during a sneeze or cough that goes uncovered. CDC recommends the “cocoon strategy” as protection against whooping cough for infants less than six months old. A “cocoon” is created by vaccinating family members who will be in close contact with the infant so that the baby is surrounded by people who cannot become infected with whooping cough and spread the infection. The Texas Children’s cocoon strategy program was implemented in 2008 and remains the only cocoon strategy vaccination program of its magnitude in the nation.

It was previously recommended that women be vaccinated immediately after giving birth, however, it is believed that mothers can pass the antibodies to their unborn baby, thus protecting him/her against the illness upon birth. It is important that you check with your doctor before receiving the vaccination.

The number of cases of whooping cough rose from 13,000 in 2008 to nearly 17,000 in 2009. In 2010, there was a whooping cough outbreak in California and 10 babies under 3 months of age died from the disease. I hope that more women find out about this illness and are able to prevent their children from coming into contact with it.

I would love for you to share your experiences with whooping cough. Have you or anyone you know ever come into contact with the virus?

Drink Up!

2011-07-05T14:20:00.004-05:00

Pregnancy is often accompanied by cravings and every-so-often, it’s hard to fight what the baby wants. However, one staple you should never substitute is water.

During your pregnancy, it is important to increase your fluid intake. Drinking more water will result in a healthier pregnancy for both you and your little one. Increasing your water intake can combat nausea caused by morning sickness and prevent constipation and fatigue as well as maintain a healthy growing environment for your baby.

Insufficient water intake during the 1^st trimester, and part of the 2^nd, may cause a lack of amniotic fluid in which the fetus floats. This can cause the baby to lie against the uterus and lead to deformities of the arms, legs, and feet. Not only is the amniotic sack the place where your baby is getting his/her nutrition, but it is also the safe space where your child can comfortably develop.

Dehydration is 1 of the 3 most common reasons for labor contractions behind bladder infections and imminent birth. Without the proper hydration, mothers can go into premature labor.

You should try to avoid drinks high in sugar, as consuming too many of these can lead to dehydration.

It was often recommended that pregnant women consume eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day; however, some nutritionists recommend drinking half your body weight in water.

You should still speak to your physician to make sure you are consuming the proper amount of water for you and your baby.

Have any of my moms out there had any problems with dehydration during your pregnancies? Do you have any advice for our moms-to-be?

New Regulations Make Sleep Safer

2011-06-30T16:36:00.006-05:00

As a parent, you want nothing but the best for your children. Your main priority is keeping them fed, clothed, and protected. When you lay them down at night, you may expect the occasional feeding cry, but one thing you never expect is for the crib they rest in to cause them harm.

I remember when my husband Ken and I had our daughter Rachael. Ken’s dad gave us a crib from his childhood. Although it was much older, I was excited to fix it up and use it for our daughter. Once we refinished the crib, I felt so proud. One day, after I put Rachael down, she decided that she was going to attempt an escape. She managed to wiggle through the slots of the crib and when I caught her, she was dangling by her neck on the outside of the crib.

I had this flashback after reading about 10-month-old Tyler Witte . In 1997, Tyler suffocated when his drop-side crib malfunctioned and his head was trapped between the headboard and side rail. Since that day, Tyler’s mother has been on a mission to get new legislation and regulations passed to make cribs safer for infants.

The crib safety standards in the U.S. are about to get much tougher according to an article posted on Tuesday. Not only are drop-side cribs banned, but the hardware, mattress support durability, and slat strength are going to undergo much tougher testing.

Progress is being made to remove drop-side beds from the market. 11 million cribs have been recalled in the U.S. since 2007. The new regulations will also change the child beds used in day care centers and hotels.

There are still drop-side cribs being sold online, but Commissioner Robert Adler of the CPSC assures us that his office is scanning the classifieds and cracking down on the sale of these dangerous beds.

Luckily, Ken and I were able to avoid a terrible outcome. My heart goes out to the parents of Tyler. I couldn’t imagine going through such a tragedy. Ms. Witte fought hard to make sure more families didn’t suffer such a loss and I want all of my moms out there, looking for cribs, to be better informed about the merchandise being sold.

Does anyone have any cribs they recommend?

Balancing Diet and Exercise for a Happy, Healthy Pregnancy

2011-06-24T08:55:00.006-05:00

Many of my patients are concerned with weight gain during their pregnancies. I can say, with confidence, that weight gain during pregnancy is normal and healthy, as long as it is done gradually.

For mothers of multiples, the rate at which you gain weight and the amount of weight you gain is slightly different from single-child pregnancies. When carrying multiples, it is often recommended that your diet include foods higher in fat in order for the babies to receive the nutrients they need.

The guidelines for weight-gain during pregnancy with twins are BMI (Body Mass Index) specific. Once you determine your BMI, you can see how much weight is appropriate for you to gain over the course of your pregnancy.

The guidelines suggest women gain 37-54 lbs if they begin their pregnancy at a healthy, normal weight.

Exercising during your pregnancy will not only make you feel good during the process, but result in better overall health for you and your baby. You should consult your doctor before beginning an exercise routine.

Although it is recommended that you cut back on strenuous activities such as aerobic exercises, lifting, bending over or standing for long periods of time, you are not stuck. You can go on walks, swim or participate in pregnancy yoga. When you reach 24 weeks, you should cut back on exercise and spend more time resting.

Texas Children’s Hospital has a wonderful program for mothers expecting multiples that are 10-18 weeks into their pregnancy. To find out more or to refer yourself, visit the Fetal Center’s Program for Multiples website.

Every woman and every pregnancy are different. Make sure to discuss your nutritional needs and your anticipated exercise regimen with your doctor.

For all of my moms, I’d love to hear what you did to stay fit during your pregnancy.

Bed Rest During Pregnancy

2011-06-14T13:22:00.031-05:00

Many of my patients have to go on bed rest during some point in their pregnancy, but they're not alone. Here are a few quick facts about bed rest:

Each year, nearly 20 percent of pregnant women are put on bed rest.
Expectant mothers are typically prescribed bed rest for complications that may result from weakness of the cervix, preeclampsia and placenta previa, to name a few.
Many physicians recommend that women expecting multiples go on bed rest in order to prevent preterm labor (check with your doctor for recommendations).
Mothers can be restricted to bed rest anywhere from a few days to several months.

There is no need for my expectant mothers to worry. I put together a list of tips that should help pass the time:

Take the time to do a little research and find the best deals on all of the baby essentials, such as cribs, changing stations, and strollers.
Take up a hobby such as scrapbooking or crocheting/knitting. Not only will this keep you busy, it will also help prepare for your child's (or children's) arrival.
Organize that pile of papers/coupons building up in your room. The small things you tend to look over when you're busy can be taken care of while you're on bed rest.
Join an online support group. When you're stuck sitting still and everyone else is out, it can get lonely. Support groups will give you someone to talk to who understands exactly what you're going through.
Ask your friends to come and hang out with you once a week. Make it fun with a spa night, book club or a progressive/pot luck dinner where everyone brings a dish.

Remember that it is also very important to keep the lines of communication flowing. Let your family and friends know when you need help with anything. What you're doing by resting is more important to the health of you and your child, so don't let yourself feel inept.

Mothers of multiples out there, do you have any suggestions for our moms on bed rest? I'd love to hear how you made the time pass!

Study: Mothers of Multiples Live Longer

2011-06-10T09:26:00.005-05:00

As a mother of three, I can honestly say that having children is one of the most fulfilling experiences a woman can have. When the miracle of twins occurs, it can be both thrilling and challenging; however, along with challenges come several advantages!

I recently came across a really interesting study that found a relationship between women’s health and the ability to conceive twins. The research, in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, showed that mothers of twins tend to live longer and be more fertile than women who do not conceive twins.

The study focused on 58,786 women born between 1807 and 1988. Results showed that twin-bearing mothers had more children, shorter time spans between births, and delivered their last child at a slightly older age than non-twin-bearing mothers.

Mothers of multiples, I’d love to know if you believe that this study is accurate -- Please share your thoughts!

TTTS Miracle Stories in the News!

2011-05-25T14:22:00.007-05:00

As a nurse, I try my best to educate and spread awareness about common pregnancy conditions, but when former patients become proactive in their communities and share their personal experiences with a terrifying medical diagnosis, they not only educate, but they spread hope in their neighborhoods as well. This month, the Donley Family of Dallas, TX and the McCown family of Chandler, AZ, both who were diagnosed with twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), shared their success stories with their local news stations. They both have beautiful families and I’m so happy to now share their miracle stories with you!

WFAA (Dallas): The Donley's
KTVK (Arizona): The McCown's

Images: The Donley boys and the McCown girls - Healthy and beautiful!

Using Tea and Herbal Supplements to Soothe Your Baby?

2011-05-16T13:34:00.003-05:00

A new study by Dr. Yuanting Zhang and colleagues at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) showed that after surveying more than 2,600 mothers, 9% had given their infants tea or herbal products. There is no evidence if these types of products work, but just the same, there is no evidence that they are completely safe. We have all heard at least one “old wives tale” and sometimes we are tempted to try them — especially if the method is supposed to help soothe our teething baby. There have been cases in which alternative-medicine products, “including traditional Indian Ayurvedic remedies,” as stated in the article, have poisoned infants. My advice is to speak with your pediatrician before giving your infant any supplements and medications — we always want to look for safer alternatives!

The Perfect Mothers Day Weekend -- My Baby’s Getting Married!

2011-05-06T16:29:00.004-05:00

It feels like yesterday that I was holding my daughter Rachael in my arms, just wondering where those little fingers and toes would lead her in the future, and now here I am, one day before her wedding day, and I couldn’t be more proud to have raised such a beautiful young woman -- Gosh how time flies! This Mothers Day weekend, nothing makes me happier than spending it in Austin with friends and family while celebrating my daughters special day! I wish all you moms out there a Happy Mothers Day and I’d love to hear about some of your weekends! Does anyone have anything special planned? Or if your kids surprise you this Sunday, please share!

(Above Photo) My beautiful girls and my new son-inlaw Geoff!

Fish and Pregnancy

2011-04-27T09:29:00.003-05:00

In a Rueters article, researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, found, women who ate two or three servings of fish per week were about 40 percent less likely to deliver preterm than women who ate it less than once per month. This finding is inline with recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) who recommend that pregnant women eat up to two fish meals per week. Fish may be healthy for your pregnancy but be sure to watch what type of fish you’re eating! You’ll want to stay away from shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish because they are high in mercury and could harm the fetal nervous system. I think this finding is interesting — What do you think about the article?

Pregnancy Risks

2011-04-22T10:03:00.004-05:00

I recently came across an interesting article by Kerry Grens at Reuters about the health risks for middle-aged women during pregnancy. More and more women are waiting to have children, and as with any pregnancy, I think it’s important for parents to know the risks so that they can be proactive and take the necessary steps to prevent them, if possible. It doesn’t matter if you’re pregnant at 45 or 25 – always be your own advocate!

Pregnancy Lessons

2011-04-14T08:55:00.001-05:00

This week’s interview with Megan McAlister got me thinking about the lessons that moms learn while they’re pregnant. Hindsight is always 20/20, and I can’t even count the number of times I’ve heard moms say “I wish I knew what foods I was to eat and how much weight I was to gain while I was pregnant.” Part of the reason that Texas Children’s opened the Program for Multiples was to help moms answer all of the important questions – what risks to look for, how much weight to gain, what kind of foods to eat – but I wonder...what other advice do moms of multiples wish they would have received while pregnant? Is there anything that you wish you would have known?

Mom Interview: Megan McAlister

2011-04-11T11:18:00.002-05:00

This week, I thought I’d share with you a mom interview from Megan McAlister. Megan is a Houston-area expectant mom of multiples, and participated in our Program for Multiples. She has been a great advocate for multiples pregnancy health, and I’m excited to share her story with you!

Karen: What was your reaction when you found out you were pregnant with twins?
Megan: I was initially in shock! My doctor did a diagnostic ultrasound at the first appointment, so I found out very early when I was four weeks, five days pregnant. I didn’t know what to look for on the ultrasound screen, but I thought to myself “Are there two?” And when my doctor said “Do you see that?” I just knew – twins! I started screaming, but in a positive way. I think I let out the same scream when I found out the sexes (we are having a boy and a girl). There were two sacs at our first ultrasound, and two weeks later at my next appointment, we saw two little heartbeats. When it started to sink in, both my husband and I were so excited! For the first few weeks we were both anxious, not knowing at all what to expect in a twin pregnancy, or really what to expect at all since it’s our first pregnancy. It’s only recently as I go into my third trimester that I’ve started to think past the pregnancy itself and look forward to them actually coming into the world!

Karen: What has your pregnancy been like so far?
Megan: I’ve been fortunate that other than more frequent appointments and ultrasounds with my doctor, this has been a pretty unremarkable pregnancy. Since my first appointment, I have seen by my regular obstetrician every two to three weeks. Recently, he has started monitoring me for pre-term labor through cervical checks and Non-Stress Tests in addition to doing the regular growth scans on the babies since I was about 18 weeks along. I have really enjoyed being pregnant, although I’m starting to feel the weight of there being not one, but two babies in there. They are both measuring average for a single baby, so at this point we estimate that I am carrying around four pounds of baby, and at about 30 weeks I will be carrying the same amount of weight as a full-term single pregnancy! But up until this point I have still been able to travel, work, and still move around pretty comfortably.

Karen: Why did you choose to participate in the Texas Children’s Program for Multiples, and how many weeks gestation were you when you went to the clinic?
Megan: In those first weeks of pregnancy, I was looking for information about twin pregnancies and trying to find anything I could do to be proactive in order to avoid complications - pre-term labor especially. It was frustrating, because you see a lot of “worst case scenarios” and not enough positive outcomes. I also had a hard time finding out how my pregnancy would be different than a singleton pregnancy, although my doctor was a helpful resource for that. I self-referred to the Texas Children’s Program for Multiples when I was about 12 weeks pregnant, and they were able to get me in for their full day consultation a week later when I was about 13 weeks. I had an established relationship with my obstetrician, so I wanted something that would supplement, but not replace, his care.

Karen: What was the most interesting thing you learned from Program for Multiples? How did Program for Multiples best help you plan the care for the rest of your pregnancy?
Megan: There is so much that you can’t control in pregnancy, so the most interesting thing I learned from the Program for Multiples is that there are two things you can control: your stress level and your nutrition. Knowing that there was something that I could do that was evidence-based in helping me achieve a better outcome in a multiples pregnancy – which to me means a full-term gestation and babies that are at a healthy weight – really did a lot to relieve some of my anxiety. Their nutrition consult was really vital, since it was personalized to me and how much I needed to gain, and the rate at which I needed to do it. The nutritionist, Susanne Trout, also included some packets of research that the team had done, so I had a reference as to how and why they came to these guidelines. Overall, the information they gave me about my pregnancy was really comprehensive – I even left my appointment with a several- page letter that summarized my consult, and my husband, who was unable to be there, really appreciated the information.

Aside from the appointment with the nutritionist, the appointments with the other clinicians were beyond helpful too. I wouldn’t have had an opportunity to see a geneticist had it not been for the Program for Multiples, and when I met with the Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist, I learned a lot about multiples pregnancies in general that I wasn’t previously aware of. Since that appointment, I have been able to better plan my diet with the help of my husband, I’ve taken the proper supplements recommended by the nutritionist, and at this point in the pregnancy, I’m where I need to be in terms of weight gain and fetal growth. I am someone who really likes to have a plan, uses checklists, and likes to know what to expect, so this Program was the best thing I did for my pregnancy, as it gave me a road map for what I needed to do.

Karen: Have you talked to any other moms that have multiples? What is the best advice that they’ve given you?
Megan:Yes! I have been able to get great information about raising multiples from people I know, as well as communities online. I am fortunate to have family friends with multiples, ranging from around five years old to newborns, and they have been a great resource throughout the pregnancy. This group includes my grandmother, who went from having two toddlers to four children under two when she had my twin aunt and uncle in the 1950’s! In addition to advice from family and friends, I follow a lot of blogs and message boards for Moms of Multiples. I read those fairly regularly, since it’s nice to have a day-to-day account from some MoMs about what their early days with their babies were like.

The best advice that literally everyone has given me is to have help and support after the babies are born. Not only do I need to make sure I’m taking care of the twins’ needs, but that I’m taking care of myself, too - the best way to accomplish that is to have people there to not just visit the newborns, but also to help with things around the house and facilitate meals, getting out for doctors visits, and running errands if necessary. I’m glad that other
Moms of Multiples gave me a heads up so that my husband and I would know to ask for help early on!

Karen: What are you looking forward to the most about having twins?
Megan: One of the “perks,” I think, of a twin pregnancy is the extra ultrasounds. I’ve been able to see them develop and we have already seen little personalities emerge. Baby B, our boy, was the first to move on the ultrasound at eight weeks, and he always seems to be active and kicking. I always joke with the ultrasound technicians that he’s going to be uncooperative, and by the end of the ultrasound they always agree – I really “know” my babies! Baby A, our girl, is shy and often covers her face, but is always the easiest to measure. Especially as they’ve grown, it has been neat to see the two of them interact during the ultrasounds. I think it’s really special that they have each other, and what I’m most looking forward to is seeing their relationship once they are out into the world, as well as see whether or not they have the same temperament that they do during the ultrasounds.

A Busy Week

2011-03-29T12:32:00.001-05:00

The last couple of days have been a complete whirlwind at the Fetal Center. We saw 5 moms in the OR for laser ablation on Thursday alone, with 2 additional consults. While it’s hard to see so many families go through the worry and stress of a TTTS diagnosis, I’m also glad to know that they caught it in time to seek our help. One of our previous patients, Bryanne McCown, recently spoke to her local NBC station in Phoenix about her beautiful little girls, Brooke and Allison, and their experience overcoming TTTS: http://bit.ly/McCownTTTS. It’s successful stories like theirs that bring hope to other families, and our team, in the fight against TTTS!

Multiple Pregnancies Need Special Care

2011-03-14T13:21:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, the Houston Chronicle featured an editorial written by my husband, Dr. Kenneth Moise, about the new guidelines for multiple pregnancies and how moms expecting twins or more need special, individualized care. Our hope is that moms and OBGYNs in the Houston area read the article and are better equipped with the knowledge to have safer pregnancies and healthier babies! You can read the article here: http://bit.ly/MultiplePregnancies. There is a lot of important info in there, so please forward it along to any moms you know who are expecting multiples!

Multiples Making Headlines

2011-03-11T10:56:00.000-06:00

It seems like celebrity twins are always making headlines, so it was no surprise when I read that Mary Stuart Masterson (of Fried Green Tomatoes and Army Wives fame) is expecting twins! I would love to have someone like Mary or her star colleagues participate in our one-day Program for Multiples to help us spread the word about the importance of the right pregnancy plan for moms of multiples. If more moms were armed with the proper information about nutrition and important pregnancy checkpoints, think of how many more healthy twins and triplets there would be!

A TTTS Success Story!

2011-03-02T09:04:00.002-06:00

One of our doctors at Texas Children’s Fetal Center, Dr. Lee, has two charming little boys that have helped shape his career in more ways than you could imagine. As TTTS survivors, their experience with the condition has led their father to participate in the same surgery that saved their lives! Rachel McNeill at KPRC recently interviewed Dr. Lee about his family’s experience with TTTS and what he is doing with the fetal surgery team at Texas Children’s to help others in the same tough position. His story is an inspiring one that will hopefully bring about more awareness for TTTS and give hope to families that are battling the condition. To see the story about Dr. Lee and his adorable family, click here: http://www.click2houston.com/hot-button/27002916/detail.html

One-Stop Info for Moms-to-Be of Twins!

2011-02-24T10:16:00.003-06:00

The Bellaire Examiner recently talked with Ken and I about Program for Multiples and our work together helping moms with twins and more. The article just came out today, and I am so excited that we were able to spread the news about multiple pregnancy health to our Bellaire neighborhood! You can read the story here: http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/bellaire/living/article_7f875d66-25fe-52c0-9789-b58cb583309d.html

Program for Multiples on KPRC!

2011-02-11T10:38:00.003-06:00

Last week, PFM mom Megan and I were lucky enough to visit the KPRC studios to talk with Courtney Zavala about pregnancies with multiples! It’s so great to be able to share this important information with the community, and Megan and I had a blast on set. You can see our interview here: http://www.click2houston.com/video/26758377/index.html

Twice as Nice

2011-01-26T16:30:00.002-06:00

Great Day Houston did an amazing segment today on our Program for Multiples! I'm so happy that Nicole and Megan -- two moms who came through our program -- were able to come on the show and talk about> their experiences. Megan hit the nail on the head by saying that the Program for Multiples at TCH "helps you know what you're expecting" when you're expecting twins! I can't stress enough the great outcomes that can come out of PFM, and it's so nice that Great Day Houston was able to highlight it. This segment seriously made my day and I know my husband was so happy to be a part of it too. Check out the clip here: http://www.khou.com/great-day/gdh_012611_seg3-114649139.html

A Fort Bend family's story

2011-01-24T12:54:00.001-06:00

More families found about TTTS this weekend thanks to a great article in the Fort Bend Herald. The article highlights the Rainosek family's experience with TTTS, and provides an essential and informative look into this condition. It was my pleasure helping the Rainosek's learn about TTTS and I can't wait for the day they are able to bring their
sons home. What a great success story!

http://www.fbherald.com/news/article_7c2b8740-2683-11e0-9932-001cc4c03286.html

Great Day Houston

2011-01-20T22:56:00.001-06:00

For those of you in the Houston area, I wanted to pass along an opportunity for you to come see Great Day Houston for a special "multiples" show! Here are the details, I hope to see you there!

Looking for audience members for Great Day Houston! Are you pregnant with multiples or a mom who had identical twins or multiples (over the age of 5)? If you are, then you may qualify to win FREE tickets to sit in the audience of Great Day Houston on January 26th, featuring our Program For Multiples. Email Christy Brunton at: clbrunto@texaschildrens.org, and the first 10 people to respond will be contacted for their tickets!

TCH Blog!

2011-01-18T12:14:00.001-06:00

In addition to contributing to The Bump, I recently started guest blogging for Texas Children's new blog, Medicine, Milestones, Miracles. The blog is all about pediatric health, and some of our amazing doctors, nurses and other staff members will be sharing their opinions here on a regular basis. If you haven't checked it out yet, I definitely
recommend it. You can see my article here: http://www.texaschildrensblog.org/2011/01/program-for-multiples/

Teen Pregnancy on TV

2011-01-13T16:20:00.001-06:00

The issue of teen pregnancy in America isn't going away anytime soon and in fact, pop culture is putting these young moms in the spotlight with shows like "16 and Pregnant" and its MTV spin-off, "Teen Mom." These shows are somewhat controversial, and often times the behavior exhibited on the show is downright frightening. But it does provide an honest glimpse into what it's like to be a mom when you haven't even finished growing up yourself. I thought this Today Show segment was an interesting look into whether these shows are helping to promote or prevent teen pregnancy:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/3041445/ns/today-parenting#40976903

CMV

2011-01-10T17:10:00.001-06:00

We talk a lot about complications that can occur in pregnant women, but CMV is a totally common virus that you can get at any point -- the only catch is, when you're pregnant and have CMV at the same time, it can be very dangerous for your babies! My colleague, Dr. Gail Demmler-Harrison, is a leading expert on CMV and has outlined some information and preventative measures that everyone should know about. Check out her info here --
http://www.texaschildrensblog.org/2011/01/cmv-every-pregnant-woman-should-know-about-this-virus/!

Overwhelming Acronyms

2011-01-06T13:32:00.002-06:00

I was writing an article the other day on multiple pregnancies and it got me thinking about all the acronyms that we, in the medical community, use every day. From conditions like TTTS during pregnancy,to all the acronyms a family can encounter in the NICU, I would imagine it could be very overwhelming for women. I try to sit down with my patients and explain all of these foreign-sounding terms in a way that's easy to understand, rather than rushing through them. But I'm also working on outlining a list of acronyms and their meanings, which will hopefully help clear things up for all you moms-to-be. I'll be sure to share it here, as well as on The Bump, so definitely check back soon!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-29T10:19:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year everyone! It's been an amazing year filled with many emotions. We've saved so many lives, and also seen too many little lives that couldn't be helped. My professional New Year's resolution has been the same every year recently -- to spread the word about TTTS. I believe we're making great progress, and our Program for Multiples is truly helping to make a difference for women with multiple pregnancies who need to receive the proper care. What are your New Year's resolutions?

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-22T11:58:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays everyone! I love this time of year -- it truly feels like
miracles are supposed to happen now, and that's what we want every day at The
Fetal Center! This morning I had breakfast with Santa and his Fetal
Center elves, and it was pure fun to see the kids tell Santa what they
want for Christmas. I know that every mom-to-be I meet with just wants
healthy babies -- and that's what our team is going to do our best to
give this year! Merry Christmas!

Nutritionial News

2010-12-15T12:07:00.000-06:00

We've been talking a lot about weight gain in the Fetal Center now that our new Program for Multiples is up and running. Our wonderful dietitian, Susanne, has been meeting with women who are pregnant with multiples, explaining to them the different guidelines they should follow since they're expecting more than one baby. People joke about eating for two (or three or four), but every pregnant woman should really have a specific nutritional plan to follow. There are even stats that say the right nutritional guidelines can help prevent premature birth! Luckily, there's no better time to up your food intake than the holidays!

Thank you!

2010-12-10T17:41:00.001-06:00

I wanted to give a special thanks to all of you who posted and talked about TTTS World Awareness Day. Your support means so much and really helps to make a difference. Here's one great example from a TTTS mom who came to Texas Children's Fetal Center for treatment: http://estherslittlewonders.blogspot.com/2010/12/ttts-awareness-day.html

Keep spreading the word!

World TTTS Awareness Day

2010-12-07T12:44:00.001-06:00

It's World TTTS Awareness Day today, which serves as a great reminder that we need to do all that we can to educate everyone about TTTS and the laser surgery that can be done to correct it. I'm feeling so good about all the moms who are coming in to our Program for Multiples, because I know they're getting the proper education and are learning what to watch for throughout their pregnancy. Please help me spread the word about TTTS, and encourage anyone you know who is pregnant with multiples to check out our program at http://bit.ly/texaschildrenspfm

Keep 'Em Coming...Program For Multiples

2010-12-02T16:37:00.003-06:00

You may have heard me mention the Fetal Center's incredible new Program for Multiples, and now we are in full-effect. We're even accepting self-referrals so any mom who's pregnant with multiples can come in for this very important appointment. You can find all the info about it here: www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/texas-childrens-fetal-center-launches-unique-program-for-moms-expecting-multiples-111030249.html.

And my friend Ned at Fox News Houston just did a great segment on it: http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/health/101201-expecting-twins-treasure-or-trouble

Pregnant women are already starting to call us after seeing the segment. Very excited about all the new moms-to-be who we'll be seeing!

Great TTTS Story

2010-11-30T10:39:00.000-06:00

WMC-TV in Memphis, TN just did a great story about the Warren family and TTTS on Thanksgiving Day. The story talked about how their trip to Texas Children’s Hospital saved their twins -- a wonderful day for all of us, as well as for their family. These inspirational and educational stories are all bringing us one step closer to letting the world know that there's something we can do about TTTS!

Check out the story here: http://www.wmctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13565787

Giving Thanks

2010-11-24T13:16:00.000-06:00

As Thanksgiving approaches, I know that there's much to be thankful for! It's rare that a holiday goes by where we don't have an emergent case of TTTS to treat, but I'm thankful that we are able to help so many of these families, and bring them good news about their babies during the holidays. I feel blessed every day to have my wonderful family and friends, and to be in a job where I can make a difference. What are you thankful for today?

TTTS Coverage!

2010-11-19T10:17:00.001-06:00

Tennessee got a lesson on TTTS recently, thanks to a couple that we treated here at Texas Children's. The Crouse family story was on the WBIR 10 news last week, and hopefully it helped educate other families on the risks involved with multiples and the concept that there is hope if your babies are diagnosed with TTTS. Check out the great coverage here: http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=142356

What's Up Doc

2010-11-15T09:25:00.001-06:00

Sometimes it's nice for local parents and grandparents to have a chance to talk to doctors in an intimate setting that isn't at the hospital. I was reminded of this the other night, when we went to the What's Up Doc benefit dinner at the River Oaks Country Club. At our table we were able to inform everyone about our work with The Program for Multiples. We all know the importance of early diagnosis for the best care for moms who have been diagnosed with multiples. Supporters of Texas Children's Hospital were able to meet with many of the physicians and other staff from the hospital to get to know some of what's going on behind the scenes here everyday. We had a great time taking the night off and meeting all the wonderful families that help to keep Texas Children's Hospital going strong!

Prematurity Awareness

2010-11-09T11:48:00.004-06:00

As I mentioned, November is Prematurity Awareness Month, and The Bump has put together a special section for moms-to-be about the risks of prematurity. I've helped by answering some FAQs, and you can check them out here at: Prematurity Awareness Month - November 2010. Remember, those little ones need a chance to grow inside of you -- so it's important to do what you can to prevent premature birth!

Inspiring email

2010-11-05T11:00:00.005-05:00

After a tough couple of days, I was relieved to get a wonderful email from a mom who has 9mnth old TTTS survivors. These success stories keep me going during the rough patches. Here's what put a smile on my face this week:

Hi Karen,

Today marks the one year anniversary of the life-saving surgery for our twins, Paige and Emily – TTTS survivors. Thanks to the miracle workers at Texas Children’s Fetal Center, we have two more beautiful and healthy daughters. We are forever grateful for the work you all do every day.

It’s been a crazy year since the surgery. The girls are now 9 months old and doing well. It took a lot of intervention to get them here, but it was worth every bit of it. I’ve included some pictures of them. I hope we can bring them down there one day to meet you all!

Keep up the great work!

Sincerely,
Erin Newman

International Multiple Births Awareness Week

2010-11-03T10:18:00.001-05:00

It's the first International Multiple Births Awareness Week, and the International Council of Multiple Birth Organizations (ICOMBO) is doing everything they can to raise awareness for the unique needs of multiple-birth infants, children, and adults. If this isn't right up my alley, I don't know what is! We all know how much I love multiples, and how special I think they are. At the Program for Multiples, we always stress how your multiple pregnancy is very different from a singleton one -- especially when it comes to weight gain, risks and the questions you need to ask.

Check out this article from a local Houston examiner, putting the spotlight on Multiple Births Awareness Week: http://www.examiner.com/parenting-multiples-in-houston/international-multiple-births-awareness-week-is-november-1-7-2010

Rough week

2010-10-27T09:38:00.000-05:00

What a tough few days it's been....my first mom from Austin came in with a diagnosis of TTTS and she lost both babies before she got to our clinic. Then my 2nd mom...her babies have growth restriction, so right now surgery can not help them. We have 2 moms having surgery for TTTS today...and poor baby Benjamin is so sick in Haiti. They think it's safe to wait and have surgery on Thursday, and I hope they are right. Please keep all of these babies and families in your thought and prayers!

Prematurity Awareness

2010-10-20T21:12:00.001-05:00

November is Prematurity Awareness month, and in preparation, I've been working with The Bump on a special section to help get the facts out there. Since I work so closely with moms of multiples, I see way too many babies pop out of the womb early. These preemies need so much help in the beginning -- their struggle for life can literally be heartbreaking! I'll be sure to post my Q&A here in a few weeks, but for now, if you want to help raise awareness about prematurity, visit http://marchofdimes.com/prematurity/index.asp to learn more, or drop me an email with any questions you may have!

A TTTS tale from Oklahoma City

2010-10-14T12:53:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma City learned about TTTS this week, thanks to an article in the newspaper about Kevin and Kristen, a couple we treated here recently. After the laser surgery, they gave birth to two beautiful baby boys, Eli and Evan. I'm so happy for them -- and grateful that they're helping to spread the word! http://www.newsok.com/prenatal-laser-surgery-saves-oklahoma-city-twins-lives/article/3503549

Bonding with Baby

2010-10-05T13:42:00.006-05:00

Dr. Jen Arnold is going to be relaying an important message about bonding with your baby in the NICU on The Doctors tomorrow afternoon! Many moms who go through a high-risk pregnancy feel helpless when their babies are being cared for in the NICU. But her advice on kangaroo care gives parents a great way to get to know -- and help -- their babies! Check out the full episode tomorrow (3pm Houston time or check here www.thedoctorstv.com for local listings)! But for now, here's a quick sneak peek:

Q&A for The Bump

2010-10-01T10:34:00.000-05:00

As the multiples contributor for The Bump, I get a ton of questions from pregnant moms across the country, who are looking for clear answers on how to handle their pregnancy. This month, I answered questions about vanishing twin syndrome, whether twins can kick each other in-utero, preventing IUGR, and even a few questions about labor and delivery for multiples. You can check out my bio page at http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-experts/articles/karen-moise-rn.aspx for answers to these questions and more!

A note from Japan

2010-09-27T14:24:00.001-05:00

Ken and I are at the 29th Annual International Fetal Medicine and Surgery Society meeting in Japan, and our trip has been truly inspiring so far. Ken was the moderator at a seminar yesterday, and we're busy with numerous sessions, and trying to find some time to tour the city as well! But in the meantime, I wanted to share with you all a bit of good news from back home! Love when our Fetal Center success stories hit the news! Something to be happy about -- http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=13220106

Do you have a BUMP?

2010-09-22T13:09:00.001-05:00

Everyone knows I'm a fan of being educated and prepared for all aspects of your pregnancy. Which is why I'm such a big proponent of having a BUMP -- a Baby Urgent Medical Plan. My colleague, Dr. Arnold, talked to Fox News recently about having a BUMP, and I'm such a big advocate of this, I wanted to share it here. http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/health/100921-baby-urgent-medical-plan. You can never be too prepared -- especially when it comes to multiples, who are bound to be all about the unexpected! Do the moms-to-be you know have a BUMP?

Flu Shot

2010-09-17T10:44:00.001-05:00

Have you had your flu shot yet? Last year's swine flu outbreak brought much attention to this issue, but pregnant women shouldn't forget about it this year either. Check out this article, which serves as a good reminder to go out and get your flu shot: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39181573/ns/health-pregnancy/. After all, being pregnant gives you enough to think about -- you certainly don't want to be sick on top of it all!

New moms at TCH

2010-09-13T14:33:00.000-05:00

Moms from all over Texas are starting to pour in for our Program for Multiples. The word is starting to spread, and I'm thrilled that so many women who are pregnant with multiples are excited about it. We've always known what a valuable resource it is, and these moms are so grateful when they get here. It's really important to them to have as much information as possible, and this thorough, half-day appointment truly answers all their questions. I'm excited to meet the new moms who are coming in this week from all around the state!

Even TTTS took a holiday!

2010-09-07T09:51:00.000-05:00

This holiday weekend was the first in 4 years where we did not receive an emergent TTTS case come in to the hospital. Thank you TTTS for taking a break this past weekend, and thank you to all of YOU who have been helping to spread the word about early diagnosis. Lots of reasons to celebrate this weekend!

Examining: TTTS

2010-09-02T11:38:00.001-05:00

Thanks so much to all of you who have been helping to spread the word about TTTS this week. Our local parenting examiner here in Houston, Laurie Danas, even wrote about TTTS and our 200th surgery! http://www.examiner.com/parenting-multiples-in-houston/multiples-101-twin-to-twin-transfusion?sms_ss=facebook

Keep on spreading the word by sending everyone you know info on our Program for Multiples and TTTS: http://bit.ly/TTTSKaren

Getting out the TTTS word -- I need your help!

2010-08-31T13:38:00.003-05:00

My heart is heavy these days -- we've been getting so many late TTTS referrals, and I've seen so many moms who have come to us past the point where we can help save their babies. I dedicate so much of my time to educating about TTTS, and these cases are devastating to me.

I have a huge favor to ask of you. You as my friends and fellow advocates in the fight against TTTS, will you please help me spread the word, by posting the link to our TTTS press release on your own blogs, facebook pages, message boards, twitter etc? It includes a link to our new TTTS video. We also included questions women who are pregnant with multiples should be sure to ask their doctors, and it's really such an important educational tool.

Any way you can help get the word out to future moms, would truly be a blessing. It would mean the world to me! Here is the link:: http://bit.ly/TTTSKaren

My crusade

2010-08-26T09:50:00.002-05:00

I have been thinking (steaming) for a few days about a comment made to me by a healthcare professional. She asked, “Would your time be better served educating physicians about TTTS rather than mothers”? I thought about this for a few moments before I answered.

“I have tried to educate physicians….as well as nurses”. “However, those same physicians I have reached out to are still not following the clinical (evidence based) recommendations that are the industry standard”. (Unfortunately, only the UK and France has written these guidelines) It was these very physicians that lead me on this crusade! If I can’t persuade a doctor about, how, why and when to evaluate a mom with a twin pregnancy where else does this lead me?

The answer, the source…the mom of multiples! While on this crusade to educate mothers I have had the esteem pleasure of meeting amazing families and I have heard amazing stories of how their own doctors did not listen or seem to care.

Please don’t get me wrong, I am not in the doctor bashing business, I am married to one. He also happens to share my passion.

These talks lead to a discovery that we needed more support for moms who had been diagnosed with a multiples pregnancy. This discovery has lead to our new Program for Multiples, a complete comprehensive morning of evaluation leading up to a complete care plan not only for the mom but for her physician as well. Since starting this program in February we have identified around 30 % of the moms seen have complications that have lead to a higher level need of surveillance/screening.

Now, moms have the power of the clinical evidence based medical plan in their hands. Do you think this would have helped you with your pregnancy? Do you think this would have changed your outcome?

Can you share your story?

Here's what's in store

2010-08-25T10:34:00.001-05:00

I had 7 late-day referrals come in yesterday, and fittingly enough, this is my horoscope for the day:

You may feel strongly about doing what's right at work today and finishing what you start, yet you become even more serious as the day continues to unfold. The pressure of understanding what needs to be done reaches a threshold and you have no other option but to take care of unfinished business. Once you get going, it's not necessary to work fast; keeping up a steady pace is all that's required.

Let's hope I'm successful at accomplishing it all!

Nurses need nurturing, too!

2010-08-20T11:12:00.001-05:00

It's Friday and I wanted to give my nursing friends a little bit of love for this weekend. Don't forget to take some time out for yourselves! Check out this article and try to stay stress-free! http://www.nursezone.com/Nursing-News-Events/more-news/The-Keys-to-Stress-less-Nursing_34984.aspx

Talk about a handful!

2010-08-18T12:16:00.001-05:00

I caught this episode of Today and wanted to share this hilarious glimpse into having multiples! The 3-year old Masche Sextuplets visited the Today Show and gave Natalie Morales a taste of what living with lots of little ones is like! Check it out: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/3041445/ns/today-parenting#video

New Mom Interview -- Christy Brunton

2010-08-13T14:48:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited to present our newest mom interview from Christy Brunton. Christy is a friend and co-worker at Texas Children's. She was never a patient of mine, but she has twin girls and is a wonderful Mom of Multiples! Hope you enjoy her story!

KAREN: What is your pregnancy story i.e. how long did it take you to get pregnant and did it ever cross your mind that you may become pregnant with multiples?

CHRISTY: After being married for three years, my husband and I decided to start trying for kids. We started in September of 2004 and actually got pregnant on our first try. I was at a technology conference for work in San Jose when I found out and hopped the next flight so I could tell him. I honestly never thought about having twins. I always heard it is every other generation (which I know is a myth now) and I was not the right generation, so of course I wasn’t having twins!

KAREN: How did you find out you were having multiples? Were you surprised?

CHRISTY: When I went in for my six week appointment, I actually didn’t think I was pregnant anymore. I didn’t feel pregnant and was having no symptoms. Boy, was I wrong! When the OB started the ultrasound, he immediately said, “well, there they are.” Not fully comprehending what he was talking about, I thought he meant, “well, there they are, the two lungs or two feet.” He said, “here is one baby and here is the other…” OTHER BABY, what is he talking about. It took a few seconds to click but it finally did. I was definitely shocked and overwhelmed all in the same moment.

KAREN: Did you have any concerns when you first learned that you had two buns in the oven? Did you experience any complications during pregnancy?

CHRISTY: The first thing I did after I got home that evening was jump on the Internet to start doing some research and connect with other moms/pregnant moms on message boards. There were a lot of things out there that scared me including vanishing twin and Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). I didn’t know if my twins were identical or fraternal but was told I had two sacs. I was always so anxious before each appointment because this was such new territory for me. I didn’t know what questions to ask my OB and just trusted that he had the experience to get me through this pregnancy. I did go on modified bedrest starting at 24 weeks due to shortened cervix and delivered at 36 weeks due to severe preeclampsia. My babies were in NICU for nine days.

KAREN: What were your best and worst pregnancy moments?

CHRISTY: Let’s see, best pregnancy moments…well, I loved being pregnant both times. I also have a third little girl and a singleton pregnancy is very different. I loved having free reign to eat…thank you Barbara Luke (author of Twins, Triplets and Quads). I also loved feeling the babies kick and move around. But, my favorite part was watching people’s expressions when I told them I was having twins. The worst pregnancy moments…trying to get out of bed during the last few months was no fun, never sleeping through the night because I woke up every two hours (literally, on the dot) to pee, and the constant worrying that everything was going to turn out ok. In the end, it is all worth it though!

KAREN: Tell us about your babies! What is your favorite thing about being a mom of multiples?

CHRISTY: Well, I can’t really call them babies anymore. They are five now and will be starting kindergarten in a week L. And, we are doing the same class for kindergarten and separating them for first grade (I know that was your next question). My girls, Taylor and Kennedy, are identical but we didn’t know that until they were 21 months old. My doctor told me they were fraternal the whole time and even after birth, but after I got them tested, I found out they were identical. They are the best of friends and so much fun. I really enjoy being a mom of twins and am here to tell you that after having twins, one baby is a piece of cake. My favorite thing about being a mom of twins is meeting other twin or supertwin moms and sharing war stories. I am currently the president of my local multiples club and really enjoy being involved and helping support other new and pregnant moms.

KAREN: Bonus Question -- What one piece of advice do you wish you had been told about being pregnant with or raising multiples

CHRISTY: I wish I would have known to be my own patient advocate. Don’t be afraid to do your own research and to question your doctor. For my first pregnancy, I just trusted that my doctor was right and never questioned anything. Completely putting all my trust in my doctor actually caused me significant problems and fertility issues post partum. With my second pregnancy, I was much more involved in my decisions and my care which was better for both me and my baby. The final piece of advice is to only read the pregnancy books for the first 5 months or so, then focus on reading the books that teach you what to do once the babies are here because when they get here you will be way too tired to read them! Honestly, just enjoy them…they really do grow up so fast!!!

Tough Week

2010-08-10T10:41:00.000-05:00

My heart is heavy today. Over the past 3 days, 3 moms have lost their identical twins to TTTS. Hugs, prayers and open hearts for all of the loss. Please God bless their souls. There is much more work for us to do here if we are going to get the word out to everyone....

Baby clothes!

2010-08-05T11:10:00.001-05:00

I have the opportunity this week to help different families in need than I normally work with! Rather than helping families fight TTTS, I'm going to be helping babies in Ethiopia who start their lives with so little. Rachael has a friend who is heading over there in a few weeks and she has space to take over a few bags. So I'm going to be collecting 50 pounds of baby clothes that Rachael can give to these newborns. If anyone has gently worn baby clothes that you would like to donate, please let me know! I'm so excited about this opportunity and I hope you all will participate!

Birthdays at the Fetal Center

2010-07-27T21:12:00.001-05:00

We celebrate the birthdays of babies who have "graduated" from the Fetal Center all the time, and we love when they return for a visit! But this week we're celebrating a different kind of birthday -- two of them in fact! The infamous TTTS team, my husband (Ken), and Tony (Dr. Johnson to many of you), are both Leos funny enough. And we're all getting to benefit from the celebrations over here at The Fetal Center. I even indulged in a little chocolate cake from Ramesh! So to the men of the Fetal Center -- we wish you a very Happy Birthday! I'm looking forward to celebrating with Ken tomorrow night!

Excited for our Maternity Center

2010-07-23T11:30:00.001-05:00

As I watch the Maternity Center building go up, I'm getting more and more excited! This is going to be such a great facility and the perfect addition to Texas Children's Hospital and the Fetal Center! And we're even getting offices over there. I think I see them putting the walls of mine up now :)

Check it out -- http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=188821&id=237367506369&ref=mf

Daddy-to-be Symptoms?

2010-07-20T11:25:00.001-05:00

I talk all the time about what moms of multiples can expect -- or what they should be prepared for -- during pregnancy. But what about the father? I came across this fun video that talks about how a father's brain (and body!) can change when his wife is pregnant: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/38307773#38307773. Anyone else notice their husbands acting moody?

Our 200th TTTS surgery!

2010-07-15T16:15:00.001-05:00

In just a bit over 3 years we have just completed our 200th Laser here at TCH! Our team is so happy and fulfilled to be able to treat so many moms who suffer from TTTS. While we were jubilate with this milestone we are still reminded everyday of the moms who are never diagnosed with TTTS or even know they have identical twins that may be in danger.

Our 200th case is even more special as she was turned away from other centers for treatment based on her spiritual beliefs. Our mission has always been family centered care to provide the entire family the best care possible!

My list of thank you’s is so long…but know all play an integral part of the success of this program!

Rachael's on her way!

2010-07-06T11:46:00.001-05:00

I talk about moms of multiples and the struggles they face all the time, but this weekend I had to face one of my own toughest moments as a mom of grown-up kids! My oldest daughter, Rachael, is following her dream and heading off on an assignment in Addis Abba, Ethiopia for the next 2 years. My nest is really empty, not only is it empty but there is also a big hole in it. No longer can I be a helicopter mom, the cord has been cut and the apron strings are untied. She is on her last leg in Germany and will be arriving in Ethiopia soon. Everything is out of my hands now, and it's up to God to protect, guide and love her!

Busy, busy

2010-06-29T15:04:00.001-05:00

It's been a crazy couple of days here. On Friday we got three emergency TTTS cases, and it's just been non-stop ever since. It still breaks my heart to see all of these moms coming to us so late in the game. I'm really hoping that we can increase awareness and promote early detection with our new Program for Multiples. The more moms of multiples who come to see us early-on, the better! I'm praying for all the babies we treated over the last few days!

How old is too old?

2010-06-24T10:03:00.001-05:00

I read a very interesting story last week about triplets born to a 66 year old woman in India. This new mom-of-multiples broke records by being India's oldest mom to give birth to triplets, after undergoing in-vetro. And apparently, the story has sparked some controversy and has people talking about how old is too old to be a first time mom. Personally, I don't believe that age has anything to do with it -- love is the key to being a good mother! What do you think?

Congrats to Ramesh!

2010-06-21T14:02:00.002-05:00

A dear fellow at The Fetal Center, Ramesh Papanna, and his wife Lovepreet, will be heading to Yale for the next three years and we will dearly miss them! For all of my TTTS moms and moms who have had fetal surgery -- his research will someday give babies more hope to staying inside the womb after surgery with his break-thru research for premature rupture of membranes! Check out the article about him from the Houston Chronicle -- http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/main/7059094.html. We wish him and Lovepreet all the best!

Real Mom Stories

2010-06-14T10:19:00.004-05:00

I'm so glad that Amanda was able to share her story on my blog. She is so strong and they are such a special family! Thanks for helping me get the word out about TTTS!

I'll be sharing another moms-of-multiples story next month. If you'd like to tell other moms about your pregnancy experience, send me a comment and I'll be in touch!

Amanda Harris Interview, part 2

2010-06-09T08:45:00.005-05:00

Here's the rest of Amanda's story. Thank you so much for sharing!

KAREN: Tell us about your babies! What is your favorite thing about being a mom of multiples?

AMANDA: I mentioned the rollercoaster previously. Our little Griffin suffered several complications due to his prematurity and passed away at 3:21 AM on April 17, 2009. I was holding him while he passed and was surrounded by my family. Those who welcomed him into the world also were there as he went Home. I found comfort in knowing the first and last sound he ever heard was my heartbeat. We would be connected forever. At 4 pounds, he taught us more about faith, life and love than I have ever experienced. He will always be a part of our family.

Though Grayson spent 101 days in the NICU at TCH, he sailed through without any real problems outside of having premature lungs. He is truly the light of our lives. He has a smile that can light up the night sky and a laugh that can turn your day around in an instant. My favorite part of the day is when I come home and he is waiting for me and literally jumps up and down, shrieking with laughter when he sees me.

He is 15 months but is really coming up on his 12 month “corrected” mark. We will of course have another celebration, as his due date was the day we brought him home from the hospital, and is also David’s Birthday. He has come such a long way and continues to grow and develop right before our eyes each and every day. I could not be more proud to be his mom.

We are so grateful to all that were part of our journey. It was a long road and we could not have done it without everyone’s support.

KAREN: What one piece of advice do you wish you had been told about being pregnant with or raising multiples?

AMANDA: I wish I had been advised to see a specialist along with my ob/gyn from the beginning. There is so little TTTS information in books for expectant mothers of twins and multiples. With a high risk pregnancy, I wish I would have had the expertise of the Fetal Center from the beginning. They are such a valuable resource.

2nd Moms of Multiples Interview -- Amanda Harris

2010-06-08T09:22:00.004-05:00

I'm very excited to introduce you all to our 2nd guest on the Miracles of Multiples blog, Amanda Harris. Amanda was told her babies had TTTS during her 22nd week. One beautiful boy, Grayson, survived, and she's offered to share her story with us here. Today I'll be posting part 1 of my interview with her. Look out for part 2 tomorrow!

KAREN: What is your pregnancy story i.e. how long did it take you to get pregnant and did it ever cross your mind that you may become pregnant multiples?

AMANDA: David and I are both planners. One a little more “type A” than the other. To say that we had a plan for when we would start our family would be quite an understatement. We were both very ready to be parents and were elated to find out the first month of trying that I was pregnant. At the time, I was traveling a good bit for work. I was extremely tired at the end of the day and was completely zapped of my energy, but even more so than my friends had described. I remember joking early on that I was so tired and had already gained 7 pounds because I was having twins, which I pictured in my head with a smile. I also remember David saying, “If you keep saying that, it will come true.” I anxiously awaited my first appointment to get the confirmation and the new title I longed for…mom.

KAREN: How did you find out you were having multiples? Were you surprised?

AMANDA: I was 8 weeks along when I had my first ultrasound, it was Halloween. David and I sat in the waiting room with all the anticipation of newly expecting parents beaming with joy. We sat and looked at the screen, and while I am no doctor, I knew right away what I was seeing. I remember the doctor saying, “There is a heartbeat…and there is another heartbeat.” After a second, I took a breath and all that came out was, “Oh no.” Everything runs through your head in a flash! Then David and I looked at each other, laughed, hugged each other and knew at that moment that our lives would forever be changed for the better.

KAREN: Did you have any concerns when you first learned that you had two buns in the oven? Did you experience any complications during pregnancy?

AMDANDA: The day of my first ultrasound I was told the boys shared one placenta, which put them at possible risk for complications down the road. I was assured that I would be followed closely throughout my pregnancy, especially when I reached the 20-week mark since this when twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome can arise. The doctor went on to describe TTTS. All I really remember hearing is that there was a 10% chance of TTTS developing. With the excitement of learning I was having twins, my focus was on the 90% chance not on TTTS.
The first 20 weeks or so sailed by without any problems. I remember that soon after my 21st week, I grew exponentially overnight and became really uncomfortable. The following week, it was a Tuesday, I had my 22 week ultrasound and my doctor mentioned noticing a slight difference in the fluid levels surrounding the boys and suggested I take it easy but that I should also go see a specialist.

That Friday, at the visit with the specialist, my fluid levels were drastically low. I was instantly reminded of our conversation many weeks ago and I immediately knew our boys were in the 10%. The specialist told me I would need to undergo laser ablation surgery for TTTS right away. Without the surgery, the boys only had a 10% chance of survival. I was immediately admitted at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in the Medical Center. It was then we met our personal heroes, a group of the most amazing, compassionate people—our team from the Fetal Center at TCH. Though the surgery to sever the 7 shared vessels between the boys was a success and bought us some extra time, a ruptured membrane caused me to go into early labor that could not be prolonged any longer. On March 1, I delivered Griffin and Grayson at 25 weeks and 5 days, each weighing less than 2 pounds.

KAREN: What were your best and worst pregnancy moments?

AMANDA: I really loved being pregnant. I remember the excitement of learning we were having identical twins, showing everyone the initial ultrasound picture and many to follow! I craved reading every book I could get my hands on, buying little matching outfits and preparing for them both to come home very early on. Every week I looked forward to reporting to everyone how big my little ones were that week and the excitement of them growing. I will never forget those first flutters. It’s a moment that truly changes you, it is absolutely beautiful.

I have always thought of myself as a strong person, but I do not recall ever being as scared as I was as we headed from the specialist to check in at St. Luke’s. The thought of losing my precious little boys shook me to the core. That night as I prepared for surgery, we met the first of the many wonderful neonatologists at TCH whom we would come to know as friends over the next 4 months. She shared the risks of delivery at 23 weeks and the complications that could and most likely would arise should I deliver that night. We learned that everyday would help…we immediately prayed…days would be good, weeks would be better but months would be best.

We were almost to week 26 when a tough decision arose; it was time to decide to try to wait another day to allow for the rescue steroids to take effect or to deliver via c-section to avoid the risk of infection or cord prolapse. With my family by my side and my whole surgical team in the room we decided the best option was to go ahead with the delivery. I remember my doctor whispering, “no matter what happens, I think you are making the right decision.” Through the rollercoaster of it all we learned more than anything that God makes the big decisions.

A schedule to stick to

2010-06-04T08:01:00.002-05:00

Many moms-to-be of multiples have expressed how overwhelming it can be when they find out they're having twins! They have so many questions, and don't really know where to begin. For those of you who can't get to our Program for Multiples at the Texas Children’s Fetal Center, I want to share a schedule that you can consult to make sure you're on track. I hope it helps!

o Obtain a hi-risk ultrasound appointment with a MFM* by week 12 (Get an appointment as soon as you find out you are pregnant with twins, later in pregnancy it becomes very difficult to establish how many placentas you have)

After your MFM ultrasound you should know if you have

o Fraternal twins – you should have Ultrasounds every 3-4 wks for growth, starting at 16 weeks

o Identical twins –you should have Ultrasounds every 2 wks for limited check for Doppler’s* & MVP* (fluid check), starting at 16 weeks, and then Ultrasounds every 4 wks for growth

Everyone should get

o A cervical check via ultrasound placement in the vagina for the most accurate measurement at 16 wks & 24 wks (if fluid increases or noted cervical shortening, or previous history of a preterm delivery then every 2 wks)

o Glucose check at 14 wks & 30 wks (moms with multiples have a increased incidence of Gestation Diabetes)

o Have H&H (hemoglobin and hematocrit) at 14 & 30 wks (moms with multiples have a increased incidence of anemia)

*MFM is a obstetrician who has received years of extra training and specializes in diagnostic ultrasound and high risk pregnancies

*Doppler’s are critical to measurements and usually the first sign of a problem, they are measured in 3 places on the baby, MCA (Middle Cerebral Artery-in the brain), UA (umbilical artery) and last but the most important, DV (Ductus Venosus)

* MVP is the Maximum vertical pocket of both amniotic sacs, variances in the sacs are early warning signs that a complication may occur

Celine Dion to be a Mom-of-Multiples!

2010-06-01T11:08:00.001-05:00

Last week I shared a great slideshow of famous multiples -- and this week I just learned of a famous mom who is about to be a mom-of-multiples! At 42, Celine Dion is pregnant with twins! After five failed in-vitro attempts, I'm sure she is beyond thrilled to be expecting these bundles of joy in November. And from this article it sounds like she's willing to do everything it takes to keep them healthy -- http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/06/01/2010-06-01_celine_dion_calls_preganancy_with_twins_physically_and_mentally_exhausting.html; She needs to come and visit us at TCH and The Program for Multiples!!

Photos of famous multiples

2010-05-28T15:57:00.001-05:00

Love this slideshow on famous multiples! Check out all of these healthy, happy kids now! http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/36801061/ns/today-parenting/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=1

Congrats to Rachael!

2010-05-25T19:04:00.000-05:00

My first-born daughter, Rachael, graduated from UT's School of Social Work this past weekend and I'm so very proud of her. With her masters in International Social Work, she's headed off to Ethiopia where I know she'll do a world of good! One of my favorite remarks from the graduation was "When we are unable to offer resources we can always offer kindness." Rachael is one of the kindest people I've ever met, and I know that she will live by these words and offer kindness no matter where she is!

Houston Health Care Heroes Awards

2010-05-20T08:12:00.001-05:00

Last night I attended the 2nd annual 2010 Houston Health Care Heroes Awards. The ceremony honored the unsung heroes in healthcare -- those who serve, innovate, and save lives. And I was privileged to be amongst those nominated! I was a finalist for the Community Outreach Award, and Dr. Gene Alford was the winner of the Doctor Health Care Heroes Award -- which he very much deserves! The ceremony was very special, and I feel grateful just to be recognized. But in truth, the only reward I ever need is to help moms...be moms!

Babies -- The Movie

2010-05-17T13:16:00.002-05:00

A new film just launched -- and it's all about the little ones I work to save every day! Babies follows four (healthy) children through their first year of life. The crazy thing is that these adorable stars were cast when they were still in the womb! The director interviewed families and chose the babies without even knowing what the sex would be or how the delivery would go. And the result is a fascinating look into the way children are raised in four very different parts of the world. Check out the trailer -- how cute are these kids? http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810127231/video/16827360/20091125/145/16827360-300-flash-s.97692551-,16827360-1000-flash-s.97692561-,16827360-1000-wmv-s.105020816-,16827360-700-wmv-s.105020784-,16827360-700-flash-s.97692555-,16827360-100-flash-s.97692549-,16827361-2700-qtv-s.97692566-,16827361-6800-qtv-s.97692570-,16827361-10300-qtv-s.97692573-

A Mother's Day spent helping a mom-to-be

2010-05-11T16:01:00.002-05:00

The Texas Children's Fetal Center team spent Mother's Day with a mom-to-be who was in desperate need of help and I thought I would share the story. A mom with a triplet pregnancy (a singleton girl and identical twin boys) went to her doctor last week and it had been over a month since her last ultrasound. She did not know she was high risk or the dangers of identical twins. She was diagnosed with having Stage 4 TTTS traveled to Houston ASAP with her mom -- her rock and shoulder. When she got to our L&D on Sunday morning, it was evident that one of the identical twin boys was in critical heart failure and if we were to save one or both we had proceed to surgery STAT. And so it was that our dedicated doctors and staff ended up in the OR on Mother's Day.
The laser was successful -- our prayers for a Mother’s Day miracle were answered and all babies survived the surgery. But more prayers would be needed for them to survive the night. Unfortunately the recipient baby passed away during the night…but his passing did not affect he twin brother, who was showing signs of healing from the laser yesterday morning. While we are so sad to lose one of the identical twin boys, both mom and grandma are ever so grateful of the emergent and compassionate care we gave the entire family, and we are all relieved that the other two babies are doing well. They are heading back home today…and we are all praying for them.
Thanks TCH fetal center team for lovingly and kindly sharing your Mother’s Day with our new mom to be!

Nurse appreciation!

2010-05-10T16:46:00.000-05:00

It's nurses appreciation week, and I'm thrilled to be hearing from so many of my past patients. As nurses, we all work tirelessly to provide care and comfort to our patients, and our work becomes a part of our lives. I think this excerpt from a poem by Melody Chenevert sums it up perfectly:
Being a NURSE means you carry immense responsibility & very little authority. You step into people's lives & make a difference. Some bless you, others curse you. You see people at their worst & best. You see life begin & end. You see people's capacity for love, courage, & endurance.
I feel blessed to be appreciated every single day, and to be able to do what I do! I love being a nurse!

Baby Logan is blessed!

2010-05-04T20:40:00.001-05:00

Baby Logan appeared on The Today Show this morning, and I really find this story to be such an uplifting tale about good, kind people. For those of you who haven't heard about it, Logan was born seven months ago as a result of a fertility clinic mix-up where his parent's embryos were placed in another woman. This woman, Carolyn Savage, carried Logan to term, gave him back to his family, and has stayed in close contact with his family, despite knowing that she will know not able to carry a baby of her own due to health complications. The sacrifice she made for the health of this baby -- and for a family she didn't know -- is so touching, and truly shows us what good, caring people there are out there. This is one of the reasons I love what I do -- I do it for moms like Carolyn who deserve healthy, strong babies!

My advice on The Bump

2010-04-30T09:57:00.003-05:00

I've never met a mom-to-be who didn't have a ton of questions to ask about her pregnancy. I love trying to make this time less confusing for families by answering as many of them as possible. This week, I answered questions from 4 readers of The Bump online. These women wanted to know about the risks involved with premature birth, how likely it is that they'll have multiples when conceiving through IVF, whether multiple births are riskier than non-multiple births, and what bed rest really means. You can find my answers to these questions (and more) at http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-experts/articles/karen-moise-rn.aspx. I hope they help!

Donors making a difference

2010-04-27T08:18:00.001-05:00

April is National Donate Life month, and Texas Children's is celebrating today by giving its employees the chance to learn more about organ donation and the chance to sign up to be an organ or tissue donor. This is an issue that I've been especially involved in lately, since two of my patients suffer from Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (or NAIT for short). These babies were both born recently, and are still alive today and doing well thanks to one very dedicated platelet donor. These two NAIT babies -- and the donor who saved their lives -- served as a great reminder to me why signing up to donate tissues, organs, and blood can be so important. You can literally give life to someone else!

Our 1st Mom Interview -- meet Kim Stroh

2010-04-21T10:36:00.004-05:00

I'm so excited to post the very first Mom of Multiples interview today! It was exactly 2 years ago that Kim Stroh had TTTS surgery at Texas Children's, and she has been kind enough to share her pregnancy experience with us now. Without further ado, here it is in her own words:

1.What is your pregnancy story i.e. how long did it take you to get pregnant and did it ever cross your mind that you may become pregnant multiples?

We decided not long after our second anniversary that we were ready to not necessarily start trying, more like stop preventing. We got pregnant with in 2 months. It NEVER crossed our minds that we would have multiples!

2.How did you find out you were having multiples? Were you surprised?

I found out we were having twins alone! We found out on New Years Day that I was pregnant so the next morning I called my OBGYN and they scheduled me to come in two days later. I did not know they would do an ultrasound, I just thought they would take blood or urine sample to confirm my pregnancy. So Nate chose not to come with me. Thankfully they did an ultrasound, I was only 5 weeks pregnant. The doctor began looking and said “Oh! There is your baby!”…she kept pushing around and another little bubble popped on the screen. She then said, “Huh, I think there is another one.” I then asked what exactly that meant. She went on to tell me twins and the nurse then looked at me and said, “I am not very good at this, but even I can tell!” I was shocked! I then tried to wait until I got home to tell Nate, who thankfully was home for lunch. I walked in and said, “Hi, Daddy!” He was glad to hear that I was really pregnant. I then told him there was something else. He jokingly said, “what, twins?” After I said yes he responded. “Shut up!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

3.Did you have any concerns when you first learned that you had two buns in the oven? Did you experience any complications during pregnancy?

After the initial shock wore off, we were really excited about twins. Everything was very routine, I felt great and every appointment was so positive. I found out around 14 weeks that we were having FRATERNAL twin boys. At around 21 weeks I suddenly got huge! I went from barely showing to looking about 7 months pregnant. I also became incredibly uncomfortable.

A few weeks prior my OBGYN suggested I make an appointment with a perinatologist, high-risk specialist. He thought every thing was looking perfect with my pregnancy, but he thought since we had one accessible that I might has well take advantage of a more in depth ultrasound. Thankfully that appointment was scheduled half way through that 21st week.

At that appointment, on a Monday, we were told that our twins were not fraternal, but identical. And that they had a life threatening condition called Twin-to-Twin Transfusion syndrome. He told us they were at a level 2 out of 5. He told us he was sorry, but if we do nothing we would lose our babies, we needed to go see Dr. Moise and Dr. Johnson. And then he was paged out of the room.

We left totally confused and devastated. We had never even heard of TTTS. But we chose to not give up. We refused to accept this as a death sentence for our babies. We knew God was in control and we trusted in that fact. We did what the doctor told us and made an appointment with them for Wednesday. We found out that day that they had moved to a level 3 and that we would be having surgery the next morning. I was exactly 22 weeks along.

The surgery was successful. I was on and off of bed rest for the next 10 weeks including the last 4 weeks on bed rest at the hospital. The boys were delivered at exactly 32 weeks both little, but healthy. Owen, the recipient twin, weight 4 lbs 6oz and was 18 inches long. He stayed in the NICU for 4 weeks. Blake, the donor twin, was 2 lbs 6oz, 13 ½ inches long. My husband likes to say he was the size of a squirrel! He stayed in the NICU for 6 weeks.

4.What were your best and worst pregnancy moments?

Best: well, the obvious, for sure. Feeling them kick for the first time, rubbing my belly! But honestly staying in the hospital wasn’t so bad. It was a challenging time, but we have sweet memories of being there. It was a great strengthening for our marriage in learning to depend on each other. We had a ton of support, but nothing like a relationship with the Lord and a loving husband. He just understood and it was amazing to have that time with him.

WORST: obvious, finding out about TTTS. But another one was not getting to do normal pregnancy stuff. This happened so early on in the pregnancy that I didn’t get to really enjoy it. I was worried! I also didn’t get to set up their nursery and that was really sad for me. Just little things you look forward to…for the most part I didn’t get to do!

5.Tell us about your babies! What is your favorite thing about being a mom of multiples?

My boys are awesome! They will be 2 years old on July 3. I tell people they are all boy and all toddler! So we are busy. But they are so happy, they love to play, they smile all the time. Owen is a lover, he’s detail oriented, the more dominant twin, and he loves to laugh! He also has the best belly laugh! Blake is my joyful boy. He is always happy, loves to be silly and to move, move, move – he never sits still! He has also become our snuggler!

My favorite thing about being a mother of multiples is that I get twice the hugs, kisses, and grins! I also love that my boys will always have a buddy. I really, really, really love being a mother of multiples. The good by far outweighs the hard.

Bonus Question: What one piece of advice do you wish you had been told about being pregnant with or raising multiples?

Well, when I was pregnant, I was told nothing about being pregnant with twins. I had no idea what to expect. I wish I had more information about how many calories to eat, what needed to be monitored in regards to carrying more than one baby. Until the point that I had my TTTS surgery, my pregnancy was treated like I was having one baby. I wish I had received more advice on being pregnant with twins.

As far as raising them, I wish someone had told me to relax with premies! I was so worried about them hitting milestones and making up for their prematurity, that I think I missed a lot of that first year. I was so ready for them to turn 1…and then when they did, I was sad I didn’t remember that year.

I just want to personally thank Kim for sharing her story today! If you want to hear more, or get in touch with Kim, you can connect with her through her blog, kimstroh.blogspot.com!

Mom Interviews -- starting next week!

2010-04-16T13:18:00.002-05:00

I have the pleasure of hearing (and sharing in) so many family's pregnancies, and I've realized recently that all the moms-to-be and moms-of-multiples that I speak with might really enjoy hearing these stories too! So I've decided that once a month, I'm going to interview a different mom of multiples and post it on my blog for everyone to read. Look out next week for our very first interview. And if you'd like to be interviewed in the future, definitely send me a message so that I can get in touch soon! There's nothing better than hearing something in a mom's own words!

Multiple Birth Awareness Month

2010-04-13T06:28:00.003-05:00

Multiple births are on the rise, which is why it's so important to recognize the unique issues these families face. This month, we'll be doing just that by celebrating National Multiple Birth Awareness Month. There are tons of local events in every community, or you can even plan your own event! The National Organization of Mothers of Twins Cub has lots of info on ways that you can get involved at http://www.nomotc.org/mba. And here in Houston, we're already celebrating with the launch of Texas Children's Multiples Program!

Sharing your TTTS stories makes a difference!

2010-04-07T14:31:00.002-05:00

One of our recent TTTS families, The Caskeys, just shared their successful outcome with their local newspaper. I'm so appreciative every time a family tells about their experience, since you never know when it can save the lives of other babies! To read their story, go to http://www.goupstate.com/article/20100406/ARTICLES/100409806/1101?Title=Twins-born-healthy-after-treatment-for-life-threatening-condition. Check out their Easter picture below -- so cute!

16 and Pregnant

2010-04-02T11:57:00.000-05:00

MTV has a reality series that many of you may heard of, called 16 and Pregnant. Each week a different pregnant high school teen is featured, and thanks to a realistic documentary format, it shows all the hardships that come along with that pregnancy. I'm constantly talking about high-risk pregnancies, and the struggles that many pregnant women go through due to complications that can occur. These stories shed light on a whole different kind of complication though -- one where the mom-to-be still needs her own mom to help guide her and help her grow up! We all know that babies are blessing. But pregnancy isn't always easy, and this series sure shows how tough it can be for young mothers -- even without medical complications! I spoke about it with one TTTS mom who feels even more grateful to have a strong support system behind her and to have been really ready to face the challenges that came along with her pregnancy after watching 16 and Pregnant. I'd love to know what the rest of you think of this show too!

Heal Sick Children

2010-03-30T16:43:00.002-05:00

I know a lot of you have been asking about our new Program for Multiples, which I am so excited about. I posted a comprehensive overview on the Heal Sick Children blog, http://healsickchildren.wordpress.com/. This program is specifically catered towards moms of multiples -- my favorite people to talk to! Love this program!

AIUM conference

2010-03-26T16:12:00.000-05:00

I'm in San Diego for the annual American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine conference and our booth is a big hit. It's great to have some time to spend with the doctors and to get the word out about our program! Our days have been packed, and I'm heading off to a lunch now...will have more time to share when I get back to Texas!

Golf for a good cause

2010-03-22T13:47:00.001-05:00

The weather gods were not on our side Saturday for the TTTS Benefit Golf Tournament (rain, hail & crazy wind), but Ben Lapp did a great job honoring his nephews (Maddon & Grayson) and his sister, Amanda and brother-in-law Duy and sending a message about TTTS and the dangers when it is not detected. Friends and family coming together and supporting one another through both scary and happy times is what it's all about! I also just found out that the winners of the tournament donated their winnings as well to the Fetal Center for TTTS awareness. This was a great event!

NYC

2010-03-19T13:29:00.000-05:00

My daughter and I have had a very exciting week in NYC, where she's been interviewing for summer internships. We lucked out on great weather, and had fabulous mother-daughter bonding time, but I'm also looking forward to getting back to the hospital, and focusing on the other families who need me. I just heard from a woman who lost her twins to TTTS, and it's a solemn reminder that there is still lots of work to be done. After this weekend, it's back to work for me!

I love our Multiples Program

2010-03-16T15:14:00.002-05:00

Now that our Multiples Program is up and running, I'm getting the chance to meet with so many moms who are expecting more than one bundle of joy over the next year! We've been getting such great feedback from parents who are happy to have a resource that is especially created for their situation. This program is really unique to Texas Children's Hospital, but I wish that all the families who were expecting multiples could have the benefit of a center that is so educated about their specific needs. I know that every family who walks through our doors will carefully be screened for TTTS -- and more importantly, directed towards proper treatment if it's diagnosed. One day hopefully I can say the same thing about programs throughout the country -- and even around the world!