Jack Andrew, Emmett Axel, Blakelee Kay, and Beau Ryan – these are the names of four young men. The births represent the first quadruplets born in Omaha this year and the first at the Nebraska Medical Center in a decade. State public health officials were unable to confirm whether they were the first babies born in the state this year. The infants are expanding and flourishing. After nearly a month in the neonatal intensive care unit, all four infants are now living at home with their parents and 10-year-old sister Elle.
Shalee and Andy McCarter utilized fertility treatments to conceive. Initially, physicians believed it to be triplets. At her 18-week visit, Shalee’s ultrasound revealed that she was actually harboring quadruplets. Shalee remarked, “I was astonished and exclaimed, “Wow, four!'” At 26 weeks and five days gestation, Shalee began to dilate and experience contractions on January 3. She was transported by helicopter to Nebraska Medicine – Nebraska Medical Center for 24-hour care. They stated that the aim was for the infants to reach 34 weeks of gestation. Shalee stated, “I had contractions the entire time I was in the hospital, but they never became more severe, which was a positive sign. My personal objective was to reach 32 weeks, so reaching 34 weeks was fantastic.” Shalee was admitted to the hospital at 34 weeks, 52 days prior to the birth of her quadruplets. The physicians executed a C-section to ensure the mother’s and children’s health.
Four infants were delivered within a two-minute window. Shalee remarked, “Time sped by. I had no idea that she had cut me open or that they were approaching. And there were tears, which was fairly amazing. The weight of Jack Andrew is 4 pounds and 9 ounces. Jack is easygoing, rarely agitated, and enjoys hanging out and eating. Emmett Axel weighs four pounds and four ounces. Emmett is the smallest, but he has the most personality and will alert you when he is famished! The weight of Blakelee Kay is 4 pounds, 7.6 ounces. Blakelee is the darling of our family. She is extremely pleasant and laid-back. The weight of Beau Ryan is 4 pounds, 14.3 ounces. Beau is the laziest of the bunch; he even falls asleep during his ablution! Everyone agrees that cooperation, from the family to the uss and ts, assisted Shalee in delivering four healthy children. The new mother says, “We are so fortunate. Indeed, it’s incredible that they’re doing so well. It is truly remarkable.”
The premature quadruplets were delivered by a comprehensive medical team consisting of at least 18 personnel. Dr. Ann Anderson-Berry of the Nebraska Medical Center led this group of physicians, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, phlebotomists, clerks, residents, and neonatologists. Dr. Anderson-Berry stated that it is gratifying to observe four robust infants. It demonstrates Nebraska Medicine’s preparation and dedication. We take pride in providing quality care for the entire family. It requires an entire community to care for all of these infants.” Shalee added, “We are ecstatic to have everyone at home and simply be a family.” Elle is ecstatic to have a baby sibling; she has already declared Blakelee to be her closest companion. The entire experience passed by so quickly, and the infants are already growing so rapidly. We are fortunate that everyone is content and thriving.