Twins Chloe and Macie: Their mum thought she would lose them both

“Born six weeks early, Chloe and Macie were healthy newborns, and we were happy parents. Five weeks later, our world turned upside down.  

Chloe was the first to get sick. She was floppy, lethargic and working hard to breathe – her skin was sucking in around the ribs and collarbone. 

We took her to hospital where they confirmed RSV.   

Two days later, Macie got sick.   

We were back at the hospital when Macie became very distressed and panicked. Suddenly, my little girl stopped breathing in my arms.  

She didn’t take a breath for at least a minute, but it felt like a lifetime.  

The medical team couldn’t help straight away. Due to infectious disease protocols, they needed to gown-up with PPE before rushing into the room.  

We were on our own. Time stood still.   

After Macie was resuscitated, I insisted my babies be sent to Perth. As soon as the Newborn Emergency Transport Service team saw the twins, they put them on high-level oxygen support.  

The girls were kept in the neonatal intensive care unit at Perth Children’s Hospital for two weeks, during which time Macie developed pneumonia.  

RSV was beyond traumatising. I honestly thought the twins were both going to die.  

Seeing my babies so sick, being poked and prodded, I don’t think it’s something that will ever leave me. I don’t think I’ll ever un-see or un-feel that experience.”  

Dione Nesbitt, Albany, WA