A couple from Washington is overjoyed as they bring home their five precious quintuplets after an incredible journey. Graham and Stephanie Freels can’t wait to begin making memories with their four daughters and one son, who were born prematurely in June.
Shortly after getting married in 2017, Stephanie faced health challenges due to a pituitary cyst. Despite undergoing surgery, she struggled to get pregnant.
After five years of hoping and praying, Stephanie discovered she was expecting. The news was beyond their wildest dreams. With pregnancy hormone levels off the charts, doctors in Washington told the couple this meant they were expecting more than one baby.
During a routine ultrasound appointment, the couple received the astonishing confirmation that they were going to be parents to quintuplets.
“It was one of the craziest moments of our lives,” said Stephanie. “We were so excited and confident that God had purposefully entrusted us with these five precious babies. However, we also knew there were serious risks to carrying quintuplets.”
Knowing the risks involved in carrying quintuplets, the Freels knew they needed the best medical care. They found a renowned perinatologist, Dr. John Elliott, who specializes in high-order multiple pregnancies. Stephanie and Graham decided to relocate from Washington to Arizona for Stephanie’s remaining pregnancy and the birth of their babies at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center.
The couple enjoyed the Spring in Phoenix during Stephanie’s second trimester, closely monitored by their care team. Their goal was to reach 34 weeks, but the babies had a different plan.
On June 3, Stephanie was rushed to the hospital due to severe pain. To their surprise, she was already six centimeters dilated, and an emergency C-section was performed. Adelyn, Eliana, Linnea, Fisher and Harper Freels were born in the early morning of June 4 at just 27 weeks, weighing less than two pounds each.
For 11 weeks, the couple has been watching their babies grow and get strong enough to come home. Thankfully, none of the babies have experienced any major complications.
“One of the best moments of our NyICU journey was being able to hold all five of my babies for the first time,” said Stephanie. “I was so emotional leading up to the moment I could finally hold all of them in my arms after carrying them in my belly. It was a moment I will forever cherish. I am so thankful to the NyICU nursing team for giving me this experience.”
Last week, the final quintuplet was finally ready to go home. The “Freels Five” have now united with their loving parents under one roof in Phoenix. It’s a true miracle and a testament to the incredible care they received.
“We are so grateful to have all of our children home with us,” said Stephanie. “So many people have prayed for us and our family throughout our journey and NyICU experience. We are so grateful that so many prayers have been answered and we are looking forward to creating new memories as a family of seven.”
Related Articles:
- Surprise Twin Homebirth! Miracle Babies Born Prematurely After Mother Mistakes Illness for Stomach Bug
- Alaska Teen Discovers She’s in Labor While Dog-Sitting Alone, Performs Life-Saving Measures for Newborn Daughter
- British Couple and their Newborn Stuck in Legal Limbo After Baby Was Born At Sea in Grenada
- Rare “Simultaneous Twins” Born at the Same Time Amaze Doctors
