NICU Care Gives Twins Creative Futures

Inside the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), babies who can fit in the palm of your hand are thriving every day.

Corbin and Chayse are two prime examples. Born prematurely at 24 weeks, they both weighed a little over a pound when they were born. 

As new parents, Arteisha and Claude did not know what to expect with babies born so early and so small. There were quite a few ups and downs as the babies fought hard to grow.

Claude says even from the start, Chayse and Corbin’s personalities were obvious.

“Chayse did not like loud noises, and she would become obviously irritated when there were too many people or too much talking in the room. On the other hand, Corbin always wanted someone nearby,” he explains.

Interests in Game Design and Photography

When they left the NICU, they were part of the NICU Follow-Up Program, run by Brenda Hussey Gardner, PhD, of the division of neonatology.

“We follow the children until the age of 3 to be sure they are growing as expected and reaching milestones,” says Dr. Hussey-Gardner.   

Now, 11 years later, they are healthy and happy tweens. Corbin wants to pursue a career as a video game designer. In another creative vein, Chayse has her heart set on being a photographer.

Are you looking for a pediatric specialist? Call the UM Children’s Hospital at 410-328-5887.