Courtney & Justin Johnson

Six weeks into her pregnancy, Courtney had her first ultrasound. That’s earlier than the typical first ultrasound at 8 to 10 weeks: Because Courtney had miscarried before, her care team was being extra careful.

Turns out it was twins.

Ultrasound technologist Courtney Krautkremer was one of the first to celebrate. “Courtney did the ultrasound when I miscarried, so it was special to share this one with her,” Courtney Johnson says.

Courtney had a “picture-perfect twin pregnancy,” according to maternal-fetal medicine specialist Steven Calvin, MD who sees patients with higher-risk pregnancies at NH+C’s Women’s Health Center. Courtney also saw three NH+C OB/GYNs throughout her pregnancy: Dr. Nicole Dohm-Palmer, Dr. Shannon Lau, Dr. Deb Suppes. “It was nice to get all their different perspectives,” Courtney says. “They were all wonderful.”

Courtney and Justin thought hard about choosing which hospital to deliver their twins. Northfield Hospital has a Level 1 nursery (care for well newborns). Did they prefer a hospital with neonatal intensive care?

“The doctors assured me that everything was fine, and if they saw any problems they’d transfer me,” Courtney says. “I was honest with them that it scared me if the babies had to be transferred. Dr. Dohm-Palmer said that they’d do all they could to transfer me with them if needed, so we wouldn’t be separated.”

“They looked out for my best interests and had plans in place if any complications arose during labor and delivery, and after the babies were born.”

The Birth Center uses its dedicated surgical suite for twins. “When they wheeled me in, there were two doctors, a pediatrician, eight or 10 nurses – it was a big team, and they were all prepared,” Courtney says.  

Dr. Dohm-Palmer delivered the babies while Dr. Lau monitored their positions via ultrasound.

Olivia and Leighton were born 8 minutes apart. Pediatrician Todd Amunrud, DO gave both girls a clean bill of health.

As Courtney recovered, the nursing team “cared for our whole family. They were so nice to our daughter Lila, and called the babies by their names right away,” Courtney says.

“The nursing staff really stood out,” Justin adds. “They put it all in our hands, and did everything based on our wishes.”

That was a welcome change from their experience when Lila, now 2, was born at a different hospital.

“We were worried about pain management because at the other hospital, they made Courtney wait,” Justin says. “At Northfield Hospital, they got her the meds she needed quickly. Courtney didn’t want to make it hard for staff, but they said, ‘This is what we’re here for, to do what you need and want.’”

 “It was great feeling like I had control, rather than feeling like I was being controlled,” Courtney adds. “It was cool that I actually had a say in it.”

That includes feeding their babies, too. Courtney chose to pump breastmilk, concerned that stressful breastfeeding would cause post-partum anxiety. “They were super helpful with the equipment and the schedule,” she says. “I didn’t feel judged at all.”

“All the nurses were amazing,” Courtney says. “There were a lot of newer nurses, who were super confident caring for us. If there was something they didn’t know, they asked the supervisor nurses. It was great teamwork.”

“We asked a lot for their recommendations,” Justin adds. “They gave us viable options right away, and if Courtney felt more comfortable a different way, they figured it out and got what she needed.”

Courtney agrees: “Northfield Hospital really lets the moms have control. It was so nice.”

Her advice for twin moms? “Keep them on the same schedule. It breaks your heart to wake up a nice sleeping baby, but you gotta do it or you’ll never get any sleep,” she laughs.

Justin’s advice for new dads? “Expect to lose sleep. And be as supportive and helpful as you can.”