Week 26

"It throws me right back to a lot of the trauma of my NICU stays, but I think this memoir is incredibly valuable precisely because of that." - Mia, NICU Mom When Jenny and Joe Bernardo found out that they were expecting twins, they thought they had been gifted the surprise of a lifetime-that is, until Jenny was rushed to the hospital at only twenty-six weeks pregnant and unexpectedly gave birth almost four months early. Baby A and Baby B were barely 2 pounds, born by cesarean, and immediately connected to life-saving tubes, wires, and masks before being rushed off to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Inova Hospital. In the months that followed, the twins fought for their lives in the NICU, having episodes where they "forgot to breathe", as preemies tend to do, being examined ceaselessly for any threat to their underdeveloped immune systems or vital organs. Every hour was a milestone. After being discharged just a few days later, Jenny and Joe spent hours every day for nearly five months sitting between the incubators where their babies' oxygen machines whirred. It became routine. Somehow, they balanced work, their hospital visits, and time at home with their five-year old daughter, who patiently waited for her siblings to make their arrival. In a terrifying situation that would have fractured the most resilient parents, their family bonds grew stronger. The Bernardos had no choice but to believe that they would one day bring home two healthy babies to their older sister. This is an incredibly moving story of perseverance and faith, the strength of the human spirit and one family's tenacity in the face of nearly impossible odds. Week 26 is an invaluable resource. It is a must-read for other NICU parents and caregivers or for anyone who is simply looking to read a powerful story.