When doctors presented Jenna Hutchison with the unthinkable choice of sacrificing one of her unborn twins to save the other, she felt her world shatter. Today, a year on, she is preparing for a Christmas she once feared impossible, hanging two tiny stockings for her miracle daughters who defied every odd.
The Devastating Diagnosis and Impossible Choice
Jenna, a 33-year-old graphic designer from Queensland, Australia, and her architect husband Chris were overjoyed to discover they were expecting twins, a feeling Jenna described as "winning the lottery." Their dream turned to dread at a 16-week scan. Specialists diagnosed Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS); one twin, Lily Belle, was receiving far more nutrients than her sister, Ivy Grace.
By 22 weeks, the situation was critical. Jenna underwent laser surgery on the placenta to rebalance the blood flow, alongside an amnioreduction to drain excess fluid. Waking from the procedure, she received devastating news: the surgery had failed. The medical team then presented the couple with a harrowing option—to save one baby by ending the life of the other.
"We refused," Jenna states firmly. "The girls came into the world together for a reason. We couldn't choose between them."
A Dramatic Birth and the Fight for Life
Just days later, at only 24 weeks pregnant, Jenna went into premature labour. In a frantic rush, she was taken for an emergency Caesarean section. On December 2, Lily and Ivy were born, each weighing a mere 458 grams (1lb)—roughly the size of a soft drink can. Against all expectations, both girls entered the world crying.
Their fight, however, had just begun. Classified as micro-preemies, the twins were rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Their skin was translucent, their bodies dependent on a web of oxygen tubes, feeding lines, and constant monitoring. Both suffered serious complications including brain bleeds, lung disease, and eye disease.
Lily stopped breathing and needed resuscitation, while Ivy's severe brain bleed placed her at risk of cerebral palsy. For 129 agonising days, Jenna and Chris kept vigil, celebrating every gram gained and every small victory.
From NICU to a First Christmas at Home
Last Christmas was spent in the high-anxiety environment of the NICU, with Lily having a particularly bad night. This year, the scene is transformed. The twins, now a healthy 15lbs (7kg) each, are home. Their big brother Hugo, who turns three on December 9, is excited for Santa's visit, and the family is finally whole under one roof.
"It's everything we dreamed of in the NICU," Jenna says, overwhelmed with gratitude. "Our Christmas miracles." She plans to start a new tradition: visiting the NICU each December with a gift from Lily and Ivy to honour the nurses and offer comfort to other families.
Jenna now shares her family's journey on social media, hoping to support other NICU parents. Reflecting on their ordeal, she has a message for those spending the holidays in hospital: "Your baby is in the best hands. NICU nurses are walking angels. I hope next Christmas you're home with your baby in your arms."
