From the Blog
After 179 days in the NICU, the micropreemie twins are thriving following a remarkable journey at CHRISTUS Children's Hospital.
Reina and Ryann Brown were born at just 22 weeks on May 17, 2025, weighing 15 ounces and one pound, one ounce, respectively. Under the care of the Pediatrix® Neonatology of San Antonio team at CHRISTUS Children's Hospital, the micropreemie twins spent 179 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). After overcoming severe health challenges, they are now thriving after recently celebrating a significant milestone: their first birthday.
An Unexpected Arrival at 22 Weeks
Alexis arrived at the hospital the day before delivery and received steroids to accelerate the babies' organ development, particularly their lungs, and improve their chances of survival. Just 24 hours later, however, she went to use the bathroom and baby A, Reina, was born over the toilet. Weighing only 15 ounces, Reina was breathing on her own before she was intubated and taken to the NICU.
"It was understandably traumatic to have a baby born under those circumstances," said Maria Pierce, M.D., the neonatologist who cared for the twins.
After Reina was born, Alexis' cervix contracted. Baby B, Ryann, had a stable heart rate, and her amniotic sac had not ruptured. The care team, therefore, decided to suture off Reina's umbilical cord and delay delivery of the placenta. Alexis remained pregnant for another 17 hours before delivering Ryann – happily, on the same day as her sister. Ryann weighed one pound, one ounce.
Ryann had a more traditional delivery, after which Alexis delivered both placentas. Like her sister, Ryann was breathing on her own.
"As much relief as we could get, we got it in that moment," said Alexis.
179 Days of Strength and Perseverance
Over the next 179 days in the NICU, Reina and Ryann faced and overcame severe health challenges.
"The first day I met mom, I told her there would be good days and bad days. It wasn't a race; it was about reaching the finish line with both girls," said Dr. Pierce. "When babies are born at 22 weeks, we know the right steps to take, but so much remains beyond our control. We treated every day as a blessing and were grateful for each one we made it through. Still, the girls faced a difficult journey."
Reina experienced the more difficult course, in part because of the circumstances surrounding her birth. She developed bilateral grade 4 intraventricular hemorrhages (IVH) – bleeding into the brain's fluid-filled cavities, or ventricles – that required a ventricular access device and, ultimately, a shunt.
"That was, by far, the most difficult challenge Reina faced," said Dr. Pierce.
Ryann had a smoother course. She experienced a less severe right-sided grade 2 IVH and did very well neurologically. She also developed enterocolitis related to cytomegalovirus (CMV), causing inflammation of the small intestine and colon, and underwent a lengthy course of anti-CMV medication.
"Both girls kept us on our toes and gave their parents many sleepless nights," said Dr. Pierce. "But because of Reina's bilateral grade 4 IVH, her condition gave us even more to pray about and consider."
Together Through Every Step
Alexis and her husband stayed at the hospital's Ronald McDonald House, allowing them to remain as close to their daughters as possible.
The twins were also kept together throughout their stay – an arrangement that was meaningful for their parents and offered physiological and developmental benefits for the babies.
"Having the girls together brought us as much relief as we could feel," said Alexis. "We could visit both babies in the same place. We could sit, relax, talk, read or cry—whatever we needed—with both girls right there. Being able to move between them in just a few steps meant so much to us. We were incredibly grateful they could stay together."
After nearly six months in the NICU, Reina and Ryann were discharged on the same day, each with a gastrostomy tube.
"We're so thankful they were able to come home together, because I know many families with multiples – especially after such an extended NICU stay – don't have that experience," said Alexis.
Thriving After Turning One
Today, the girls are thriving. Reina weighs 24 pounds, and Ryann weighs 19 pounds. They are talkative and beginning to interact with one another more and more.
Both girls needed surgery for retinopathy of prematurity, an eye disease that can affect babies born prematurely. They also participate in various therapies to support their continued development and help them reach important milestones.
"Even on the emotionally difficult days, seeing them grow, thrive and simply be happy makes it all worthwhile," said Alexis.
Looking back, Alexis said knowledge was a source of strength throughout the family's NICU journey.
"Dr. Pierce and the entire NICU staff prepared us for how difficult the hospital stay would be," said Alexis. "We're grateful for their transparency throughout the process because it helped us understand what to expect and feel better informed at every step."
The NICU staff's compassion also made a meaningful difference during the twins' hospitalization.
"The staff truly cared about our girls and wanted to see them improve," shared Alexis. "Every day, they gave their very best to care for our daughters, and that was such a blessing."
For another layer of support, Alexis participated in parent support groups while the girls were in the NICU.
"We were all there for the same reason: to help our children get well. But every family's journey was so different," she said.
Her advice to other parents navigating a NICU stay is to keep the lines of communication open with the care team and remember that simply being present can make a difference in a child's recovery.
"Talk to the doctors and nurses, and ask as many questions as you need," she said. "You're not interrupting anyone. Part of their role is to help you stay informed. Be an active participant in your child's care alongside the medical team. Dr. Pierce and the entire care team reminded us that a parent's presence makes a difference. Talk, read and sing to your child – they're taking it all in. Even babies who weigh less than a pound know their parents are there, loving and supporting them."
Dr. Pierce echoed Alexis' sentiments.
"Mrs. Thomas and her husband were exceptional partners in caring for their critically ill babies. They were always present, thoughtful and engaged. They asked questions and remained calm – the kind of parents every neonatologist hopes to work with."
Learn more about our neonatologyservices or find care in your area.
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