Baby Boom
When a baby is born at University Health, a lullaby chimes throughout the hospital to celebrate each new arrival. Last week, the soothing melody seemed to play on repeat as doctors delivered three sets of twins and one set of triplets within just 24 hours.
Today, Danielle and Erick Nieto are the proud parents of newborn triplets Ella, Lily and Liam, joining 10-year-old son, Ethan. The triplets were delivered by maternal-fetal medicine specialist Traci Johnson, MD, via cesarean section (C-section) at 34 weeks' gestation.
“I was hoping to make it to 36 weeks,” Danielle said. “But Dr. Johnson prepared me for what to expect. It has made this process a lot easier for me.”
Nieto’s journey started with an ultrasound. After spotting baby number one, Danielle says the sonographer kept counting. “I told her she could stop at two,” she joked. “Then she identified three babies. I left the office in shock,” she said. That’s when doctors referred her to the University Health Center for High-Risk Pregnancy and OB/GYN Specialty Care, Kansas City’s only Level IV Maternal Care Clinic.
Danielle’s pregnancy was considered high risk for several reasons. In addition to carrying triplets, at 38 years old, she was considered to be of advanced maternal age. She also had an incompetent cervix, a condition that put her at risk for an early delivery. Throughout her pregnancy, Danielle met with Dr. Johnson and the high-risk sonography team twice a week for close monitoring. She is grateful for the care she received at the Center.
Danielle’s scheduled C-section went smoothly, much to the relief of her husband, Erick. The Army veteran, who bravely served five overseas deployments, was terrified about the health of his wife and unborn triplets. “I wasn’t crying, but tears were coming out of my eyes,” Erick said. “When our first son was born, I didn’t cry at all. But when the triplets came out, it was a good feeling.”
After delivery, nurses brought Ella, Lily and Liam to University Health’s Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), where it was quickly determined they needed very little medical intervention. And thanks to the unit’s 2022 renovation, the triplets were able to stay close in adjoining rooms. “It’s important for both siblings and parents,” said Alison McIntyre, the NICU interim director. “Parents with newborns in the NICU have enough stress, and having to divide their time between multiple babies would make it harder.”
Lily was the first to go home with her parents 12 days after delivery. Liam and Ella followed their sister home a few days later.
“I couldn’t love this place more or be more grateful for the people here,” Danielle said.
For now, Danielle isn’t thinking too far ahead about the joys – and challenges – of raising triplets. Instead, she’s focused on their health and is grateful for the compassionate care her family received at University Health.
University Health wishes the Nietos – and all of the families of our tiniest patients – good health, happiness and a lifetime of cherished memories together.
KMBC 9 News stopped by to meet the triplets.
Click here to watch.
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