Multiples and High Risk Pregnancy: The Hutchcrofts' Story

Two Babies, Two Toddlers and a Big Sis - Oh, My!

For Expertise with Multiples and High-Risk Pregnancies, Turn to Holy Cross Hospital

There is never a dull moment in the Hutchcroft household - and they wouldn't have it any other way.

"With five children, it can get pretty hectic, but we do our best to stick to a schedule," says stay-at-home dad Corey. "This job is mentally and physically challenging, but it also is the most rewarding one I've ever had."

All five of the Hutchcroft children - Kiely, 8, twins Haley and Josie, 2½, and twins Paige and Paul, 9 months - were born at Holy Cross Hospital. In fact, more babies are born at Holy Cross Hospital than at any other hospital in Maryland or the District of Columbia.

"Holy Cross Hospital is the place to be when things are running smoothly and when they get more complex," says mom Laura.

Holy Cross Hospital is a leader in caring for high-risk pregnancies. Our skilled perinatologists, obstetricians and nurses can treat whatever complications arise, either in our Perinatal Diagnostic Center or in our dedicated 20-bed inpatient High-Risk Perinatal Center.

When It's Complicated

"With both sets of twins, I had gestational diabetes," says Laura, who works full-time. "It was not fun, but my doctor closely monitored both pregnancies to help minimize any risks, and it obviously worked out fine."

Gestational diabetes is a disease induced by pregnancy. "It is caused by an intolerance to carbohydrates and is characterized by abnormally high blood glucose levels," explains Laura's obstetrician/gynecologist, Nancy Behram, MD, Holy Cross Hospital. "Left untreated, the mother and baby are at an increased risk for other complications."

Through Holy Cross Hospital's Gestational Diabetes Program, mothers-to-be learn self-management techniques in one-on-one sessions. They also meet with a certified nurse diabetes educator and a dietitian.

An Unexpected Turn 

Laura faced additional complications when she was in a car accident while pregnant with Paige and Paul. When Laura arrived at Holy Cross Hospital, she was dehydrated and having contractions.

"The twins were closely monitored for several hours, and I received a steroid shot to help develop the twins' lungs in case the babies came early," Laura says.

After she was carefully examined in the Emergency Center and sent home, Laura was put on bed rest for a month as a precaution to prevent her from going into labor early.

Special Care For Fragile Little Ones 
Three of the Hutchcroft's five children spent time in Holy Cross Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) .

"Haley, Josie and Paige received awesome care in the NICU," Corey says. "Some of the children's complications were more serious than others, but I always felt comfortable leaving the babies in the NICU because I knew they were in good hands."

Holy Cross Hospital's NICU cares for more critically ill newborns than any other hospital in Maryland.

"Our Level IIIB NICU features state-of-the-art technology to care for babies who are born early or have medical complications that require constant observation or care," says Cyndi Hawley, RN, NICU director, Holy Cross Hospital.

The highly specialized NICU team works together to provide comprehensive infant care. The team includes neonatologists (physicians who specialize in newborn care), registered nurses, 
neonatal nurse practitioners, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, social workers, case managers and lactation consultants.

With five healthy children running around, Laura and Corey couldn't be happier. And lest we forget the dog, Yukon, Corey says. "He's part of the family too!"

Experience Matters

Whether you're expecting one baby or several, you want experienced medical care on your side. Keep in mind these facts:

• More babies are born at Holy Cross Hospital than at any other hospital in Maryland or the District of Columbia.
• Holy Cross Hospital's neonatal intensive Care unit cares for more critically ill newborns than any other hospital in Maryland.

Bringing Babies Into The World 

The Holy Cross Hospital maternity Center combines a state-of-the-art facility with highly skilled staff and a nurturing approach to provide sophisticated and compassionate care.

Labor and Delivery

The labor and Delivery unit offers comprehensive care from a team of obstetricians, anesthesiologists, registered nurses and other health care professionals. The unit offers 24 private labor and delivery suites.

Recovery Done Right

After the birth, each mom is taken with her baby to a maternity suite to recover in a quiet setting. Each of our 68 spacious suites offers comfortable furniture, muted colors and subdued light, as well as a private bathroom, cable television and a sleeper sofa.