As many people believe, history was changed forever in the medical field when there were issues with Paul’s newborn, 12 week premature twin daughters. It was not the norm for babies to be handled, or even share an incubator. At this time, experts thought that premature babies might be too fragile and delicate by the medical community. At three weeks old, one of the twin’s previously stable condition took a turn for the worst and was having issues breathing, her heart rate increased and her oxygen level dropped. Her skin even began to turn blue.
On-duty NICU nurse, GayIe wanted to try something that hadn’t been practiced in the country yet. Something that would change the face of medicine in the U.S. She decided to put the stronger twin, Kyrie, in the same incubator as BrieIe to initiate skin-to-skin contact also known as “Kangaroo Care” which was known to be effective in treating premies outside of the U.S.
Within seconds, Kyrie put her tiny little arm over her sister in what the press would deem the “Rescuing Hug.” Kyrie’s next gesture has been described as nothing short of a miracle; she put her tiny arm around BrieIe, whose stats instantly began to stabilise. A photographer captured the beautiful image now known as the “Rescuing Hug”, appearing in Life Magazine and Reader’s Digest.
BrieIe and Kyrie are now living healthy and happy adult lives, forever indebted to GayIe. The nurses quick thinking not only saved the twins, but raised awareness of skin-to-skin contact. Premature babies are frequently handled this way, known as “Kangaroo Care,” some as young as 23 weeks old.
