2017 started off on a high note for Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital when Robert and Lindsay McClellan welcomed triplets into their family on Jan. 6, 2017.
“We already have one son, Rory, but we knew we always wanted one more child. When Dr. Corovessis said I was pregnant with triplets, we were shocked! We’re so excited for our new, big family,” says Lindsay McClellan.
Baby boys Conor and Kelly and baby girl Remi are the first triplets born in the new expansion of Memorial Hermann Katy, which includes a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). As designated by the American Academy of Pediatrics, a Level III NICU is capable of caring for babies born as young as 28 weeks or those who are critically ill. According to the March of Dimes, more than 90 percent of triplets are born prematurely, or before 37 weeks.
“Any pregnancy with multiples increases the risk for complications. Before Memorial Hermann Katy had the Level III NICU, we would have recommended mothers like Lindsay deliver their babies in the Texas Medical Center in order to have access to that level of care,” says Catherine Corovessis, M.D., an OB/GYN affiliated with Memorial Hermann Katy. “While the McClellan triplets were very healthy overall, they were born a few weeks premature and did need to spend a little time in the NICU. It’s important that expecting parents ask about the levels of care that are offered at a facility, should complications arise.”
The McClellans say all three babies are now at home in Katy and doing well.
“It was such a comfort to be able to deliver my babies close to home, knowing Memorial Hermann Katy was able to provide a higher level of care, had we needed it. Now our biggest concern is keeping up with our growing diaper needs!” jokes McClellan.
Memorial Hermann Katy also has a dedicated pediatric unit and a special children’s transport team with specially-trained nurses and neonatal and pediatric intensive care physicians should a child need to be taken to Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Memorial Hermann Katy also recently received the Texas Ten Step designation for the fifth year in a row. The designation is awarded to facilities that encourage breastfeeding as the preferred method of feeding for newborns and infants.