John Godwin, the 62-year-old star of the reality TV series Duck Dynasty, has shared the emotional news that his daughter welcomed twin girls who required immediate care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The babies, named Cassandra and Isabella, arrived earlier than expected, leading to a challenging start for the new parents, Johanna and Cecilio Mata.
A Rush to Hospital and an Early Arrival
Godwin revealed the details on his podcast, Duck Call Room, explaining that his daughter Johanna faced serious health complications in the lead-up to the birth. She was diagnosed with preeclampsia, a pregnancy condition characterised by high blood pressure that can risk both mother and baby. She was subsequently placed under a 24-hour watch before undergoing surgery to deliver the twins prematurely.
"They're here too early," Godwin stated in the episode released on Thursday, January 1. He recounted receiving an urgent early morning call from his daughter, prompting a frantic drive to the hospital. "Paula looked at me, and she's done, pointing down the road. She hit the flasher button, and I mashed on it," he recalled, noting they made the journey in just 40 minutes. Despite their haste, Johanna had already been taken into the operating room upon their arrival.
The Challenging First Days for Mother and Babies
Johanna Mata gave birth to Cassandra at 9:24 a.m. on December 19, with Isabella following just minutes later. The newborns weighed five pounds, six ounces and four pounds, 11 ounces respectively. Due to the circumstances of the premature delivery, Johanna required magnesium treatment and, according to her father, was "pale for a couple of days."
Heartbreakingly, the new mother did not get to hold her daughters for a day and a half after their birth. The twins were immediately taken into the NICU for specialised care. Godwin described his daughter and her partner as being "awful anxious" during this period, desperately wanting to bring their babies home.
A Joyful Homecoming and Grandfatherly Pride
After a tense and emotional few weeks, the family's prayers were answered. On Monday, January 5, Johanna shared a joyful update on Instagram, announcing that the twins were finally home. "What. A. Day!!!!" she wrote. "Laying in bed at 1 AM, our girls asleep next to us, and never being happier. It has been an emotional roller-coaster."
Prior to their discharge, Johanna had posted on December 28 that the twins were progressing well, having been taken off CPAP machines, light blankets, and feeding tubes. They were focusing on feeding and weight gain before being cleared to leave the hospital.
Reflecting on his new role, Godwin mused about his grandfather name, leaning towards "Duck," what his niece and nephew already call him. This happy news follows shortly after another Duck Dynasty star, Jessica Robertson, also became a grandparent.
