In a story of immense courage and perseverance, Chloe Connolly, a 25-year-old mother, successfully gave birth to her twin daughters, Esmae and Averly, at home, with her partner Darren McGuinness by her side. This remarkable birth took place in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, where Chloe, a mother of four, experienced sudden labor symptoms, prompting her to dial 911. However, the twins arrived prematurely before the paramedics could reach their residence.
The birth of the twins, born five weeks prematurely, brought both joy and concern to Chloe and Darren. Tragically, Averly, one of the twins, was born with chronic pulmonary disease and subsequently contracted COVID-19 while still in the hospital. Averly’s condition was critical, leading to her being transported to the Royal Hospital in Glasgow, where she was fitted with an artificial airway and connected to a ventilator.
Chloe was devastated and feared the worst for her daughter, even making funeral arrangements, unable to hold back her tears. She recalled, “I felt dreadful, and after one night, I began to experience excruciating pains; it all occurred so rapidly.”
The twins’ birth, just 28 minutes after Chloe’s call to the paramedics, required her to collect them from the bedroom herself due to her inability to reach the restroom. Averly was the first to be born, followed by Esmae six minutes later. Chloe, who had never taken an aspirin before, found herself in an unimaginable situation.
Averly’s battle with COVID-19 was fraught with uncertainty, and the medical team monitored her condition closely. She was transported to the Royal Children’s Hospital with a neonatal surgeon on board in case of any emergencies. Chloe vividly remembered her thoughts during this harrowing journey, contemplating the arrangements for her daughter’s burial.
However, Averly’s condition took a turn for the better as she was placed on a ventilator and induced into a coma. She gradually improved, much to the relief of her family. Chloe expressed her gratitude to the medical professionals and the National Health Service (NHS) for their exceptional care and support during this trying time.
Both infants were eventually discharged from the Royal Children’s Hospital on November 12, having received care for 14 days. They returned to Wishaw Neonatology, where they continued their journey towards recovery.
Chloe’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of mothers and their unwavering love for their children, even in the face of the most challenging circumstances. The Connolly-McGuinness family’s journey serves as a source of inspiration and a reminder of the incredible work done by healthcare professionals in times of crisis.
