Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation

The Antepartum Recreation Program at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women is designed to uplift and support moms navigating high-risk pregnancies while on bedrest. Through small acts of connection, creativity, and compassion, the program helps ease emotional strain and foster a sense of community. Adele was one of those moms, and chose to share her story of how the program impacted her life during her time at the Lois Hole Hospital:

Today, I want to share my journey through a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience, one that occurred during my pregnancy with identical twins.

I was admitted to the 3 West antepartum unit when I was just 24 weeks along due to a very unique situation: mono-mono twins whose umbilical cords were entangled. It was an emotional day for me, knowing I would be away from my husband and my 16-month-old son for quite a while. My twins were not due until the new year, so I had to prepare myself for the long journey ahead.

Every day, my focus was on doing what was best for my babies. I was monitored three times a day and put on a strict diet to help them grow, knowing they would arrive earlier than a typical pregnancy. Each morning, I met with Dr. Mayo, and we set a goal to keep the twins in until at least 28 weeks—ideally, 32 weeks.

Around week 27, I experienced Braxton Hicks contractions that lasted a couple of weeks, and by week 29, I was placed on bed rest due to preterm labor and dilation. I was started on medication to help delay their arrival, and finally, a few weeks later, I delivered my beautiful girls, Andi and Blair, at 32 weeks and 3 days. They received care in the NICU for a month, coming home on December 23. Truly a Christmas miracle!

During my stay, I had the pleasure of meeting some incredible staff who supported me. One of my favorites was a lunch lady named Tatjana, who always brought a smile to my day, asking how I was doing and sharing uplifting stories. I also had several visits with my psychologist Barbara, who helped me process my emotions without judgment. I often think, “I need to call Barbara!” because of the support she provided.

The nurses were phenomenal, too. They would often check in on me, offering comfort when I was feeling down. Some days were tough, and I struggled with the emotional ups and downs of being separated from my family. To keep myself busy during my 62-day stay, I engaged in little projects, brought my nail and eyelash kits from home, and turned my hospital room into a cozy space filled with my favorite things. I also binge-watched shows on Netflix and FaceTimed my son for hours to keep our bond strong.

Visitors brought me food, which made hospital food so much more enjoyable—especially since I was trying to gain weight! A couple of times, I was fortunate to be granted permission to leave the hospital for short outings with my husband, and those little breaks, like getting my hair done or just going shopping, lifted my spirits immensely.

My journey in the hospital was indeed a roller coaster, but I learned that it truly takes a village. I am so grateful for all the support I received from the Antepartum Rec Program, support which made this challenging time more bearable than one could hope for. Thank you for allowing me to share my story with all of you today.

Thank you, Adele, for sharing your incredible story and reminding us of the strength, resilience, and love that grows even in the most uncertain times. And thank you to everyone who supports the Antepartum Recreation Program and the Lois Hole Hospital for Women. If you would like to make a difference in the lives of moms facing high-risk pregnancies, please consider donating today.

Support the Antepartum Rec Program & Other Programs at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women