Small Beginnings, Strong Bonds: Frankie and Noah's NICU Journey

Late one Friday night during her 32nd week of pregnancy, Hannah noticed some spotting and decided to call her doctor. She had been experiencing mild contractions throughout the week but assumed it was simply the babies shifting positions. At Hartford Hospital, tests revealed her water had ruptured — though not in the dramatic way many people expect.

Doctors initially planned to keep Hannah in the hospital to slow labor and help the babies develop for as long as possible. But within an hour, the situation changed quickly. Hannah was rushed in for an unexpected C-section.

Their twins — Noah and Francesca, affectionately called Frankie — were born at 32 weeks on December 20.

Frankie, Baby A, was breech. Noah, Baby B, followed close behind. Both babies were strong for their gestational age, weighing 4 pounds 3 ounces and 4 pounds 6 ounces, respectively.
 

While Hannah recovered from her C-section, Noah and Frankie were cared for in Connecticut Children’s Level 4 NICU at Hartford Hospital, where they were placed in isolettes surrounded by monitors and specialized equipment — a moment that can feel overwhelming for many parents.

But Hannah and Daryl quickly found comfort in the care team around them.

“The staff was always incredibly kind,” Hannah said. “Every nurse took the time to explain what was happening and teach us things.”

In those early days, Hannah and Daryl formed strong connections with several nurses who helped guide them through the NICU experience.

Through a secure app, nurses sent photos and updates when the parents were home. Sometimes they even wrote little notes from “the babies,” which gave the Birons something comforting to read at night.

“It made it easier to leave at the end of the day,” Hannah said.
 

The twins made steady progress. Noah needed CPAP breathing support for his first five days but was able to come off it by Christmas morning — a milestone the family still remembers clearly.

By New Year’s Day, both babies were out of their isolettes and ready for open beds.

“They were what the NICU calls ‘growers and feeders,’” Daryl said — meaning their main challenge was learning to eat well and gain weight.

Frankie sometimes struggled to finish her bottles, which delayed her discharge more than once. Nurses worked closely with the family to experiment with different bottle nipples and feeding techniques until they found what worked best.

“Everyone really took the time to figure out what she needed,” Hannah said.

The Birons also received support from occupational therapy and the lactation team, who helped Hannah provide mother’s own human milk for both babies.

“It gave me a way to still feel involved in their care,” she said.
 

During the twins’ stay, something else monumental was going on behind the scenes: the new, eight-story clinical Tower had opened. As part of this major milestone in Connecticut Children’s history, a new level 4 NICU, lovingly called “NICU 6” by staff, had been built to accommodate 50, all-private rooms.

Around this time, families helped us make history by being part of “the big NICU move,” a transition that quickly became an exciting step forward for the Birons on January 9, 2026. 

At first, the Birons were nervous about leaving an environment they’d grown comfortable in. But the nursing and support staff had their backs, and answered every single question.  “Don’t worry about a thing — we’ll move everything,” they reassured Hannah and Daryl.

The twins were moved into adjoining private rooms, giving the family more space and privacy to bond.  

“Our team is so thrilled to be able to provide care to our babies and families in this beautiful new space,” said Annmarie Golioto, MD, Medical Director of Connecticut Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. “ Our families enjoy private time at the bedside in a quiet and comfortable room while learning to care for their baby so they feel confident going home.”

The new space allowed Daryl to stay overnight with Frankie the night before she was discharged.

“It was actually the best bed he slept on the entire time,” Hannah laughed.
 

After several weeks of progress, Noah went home first on January 27. Frankie followed shortly after, on February 2, once feeding was fully established.  

The moment they placed the twins in their car seats for the first time felt surreal.

“We had been in the NICU so long,” Hannah said. “It was funny suddenly putting them in the car and heading home.”

Now three months old, Noah and Frankie are thriving at home with their parents. Hannah and Daryl express are grateful for the continued support resources that the NICU staff referred to them, such as Birth to Three and a traveling nurse that comes to weigh the twins once a week.  

While the NICU days were emotionally exhausting, Hannah says the experience also brought unexpected moments of connection.

“We built relationships with the nurses and the staff that meant so much,” said Hannah. “They made sure we were there for a lot of ‘firsts’, like their first bottle and bath. This was really special and gave us a sense of normalcy.”
 

Looking back, Hannah and Daryl encourage other parents to stay involved and ask questions.

“The NICU can feel like a rollercoaster,” Hannah said. “Call and check in if you’re worried. The nurses are always happy to talk.”

“Don’t be afraid to advocate for your baby,” Daryl said. “Ask questions. Be part of the care.”

They also suggest involving trusted family members when possible.

“Having family listen during rounds or help advocate can make a huge difference,” Hannah said.
 

A New Routine

Today, the Birons are settling into life as a family of four — plus two dogs. Between feedings, diaper changes and quiet moments together at home, they’re enjoying the routine they waited weeks to begin.

“It’s just really nice to finally be home together,” Hannah said.