Queensland twins celebrate first birthdays after beating the odds

Sharnee Beck feared she might never celebrate Mother’s Day after her premature twins were born weighing a combined total of just 2.3 kilograms. Now they are celebrating their first birthdays.

A set of “tiny” Queensland twins, born three months premature, are celebrating their first birthdays after overcoming huge odds of survival.

Sharnee Beck feared she might never celebrate Mother’s Day, but was able to spend it cuddling miracle babies Chase and Aaliyah.

Sharnee Beck with twins Chase and Aaliyah Beck, who were born at 28 weeks and spent 113 days in hospital. They turn 1 on Wednesday. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Thanks to the expert care of the medical team at the Mater Hospital’s Neonatal Critical Care Unit (NCCU), the pair turn one on Wednesday.

They were born via emergency C-section at 28 weeks where Chase weighed 1.24 kilograms and Aaliyah 1.1 kilograms.

The twins spent almost four months in hospital, including 80 days in the NCCU, before Sharnee was finally able to take them home.

Chase and Aaliyah Beck. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“My babies were so tiny when they were born,” Ms Beck said.

“From where they started to where they’ve come is amazing.

“Both of them came home on oxygen and now Chase only needs it when he sleeps.”

Mater Mothers’ Hospital Director of Clinical Services Maree Reynolds said more than 2000 seriously ill and premature babies are cared for at the hospital’s NCUU each year.

“Celebrating their first birthdays will be very memorable,” Ms Reynolds said.