St. Vincent’s Medical Center

Children’s Names: Twins- Shepard & Griffin

Gestation: 27 weeks

Weight: Shep – 2 lbs 3 oz Griff – 1lb 15 oz

Hospital: Bridgeport

Days in Hospital: 85 & 100 days 

Date of Birth: 2015

Heather and her husband Liam welcomed twin boys in 2015 at 27 weeks after Heather spent 7 weeks on bed rest.  It was an uneventful pregnancy until her 20th week when at a routine check up, it was discovered that Heather’s cervix had dramatically shortened thus prompting the bed rest.  After interventions to stop labor were unsuccessful the boys came rushing in on June 16th.  Once born, both boys faced many serious health issues during their nearly 3 month NICU stay.  Both mom and dad were so grateful for the emotional support they received from TTMF during those difficult months.  Thankfully their boys, Shep and Griff, are healthy and thriving second graders that are full of (lots!) energy.   Heather is happy to share her experience now as a mentor at St. Vincent’s because the support they received was so invaluable to her family during their NICU journey.  Liam is also a mentor to preemie fathers and serves on the Tiny Miracles Board.