South suburban hospital sees baby boom of twins

OAK LAWN, Ill. (WLS) -- What was happening in the south suburbs last July that has led to a baby boom of twins at the region's largest hospital?

The answer may never be known, but the consequences are upon Advocate Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn. Doctors there are caring for more twins at one time than most observers can remember: 13 sets, with eight since April 1. Normally, they have two to three sets of twins on hand.

"We hit the jackpot! We're nervous, but super, super excited," said Erin O'Neill, new mother of Emma and Reece.

Most of the twins will remain in the neonatal intensive care unit for some time gaining weight and resolving breathing and feeding issues. Overseeing much of their care is a twin himself.

"There's a couple that are born extremely premature, but for the most part, most of them are born just about three to six weeks early, and most of them do generally pretty well," said Dr. Richard Kampanatkosol.

Delan and Deylan Jackson were born last Sunday.

"I'm feeling great, man. I'm just so excited, I've got my twins and I can't wait to take them home," said Devonte Jackson, their father.

"The doctors are good here, they know what they're doing," said Brittany Davenport, a new mother.

Tuesday brought us Estelle and Molly Bertoletti.

"I'm very happy and I'm very excited. I'm a little nervous, I'm not going to lie. It's a big undertaking," said Amy Bertoletti, a new mother.

"This one is a pound and a half bigger than this one. She's kinda a little more red, and this one's a little more pale, so they do look different," said Jon Bertoletti, a new father.

That determination not to be overwhelmed is everywhere - including with the Randle-McIntyre clan who had Madilyn and Madison on Monday - especially as staff bear down to deliver the right care to the right kid every time.