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An ordinary night shift turned into a nightmare when twin girls were born in an emergency. But when one of them was declared stillborn, a simple touch between the two sisters triggered a medical miracle that moved the entire hospital team.
In the neonatal unit, some nights remain forever etched in the memories of those who experience them. For Karine Durand, a seasoned nurse with over ten years of experience, these long, silent shifts were simply part of a well-established routine. The corridors bathed in white light, the steady rhythm of the monitors, and the timeless atmosphere were her everyday life. But that night, an event would profoundly mark her.
It all began around 2:30 a.m., when an emergency was announced in the neonatal unit. A 30-week twin pregnancy was arriving in the operating room, and the mother, Marianne Roussel, was in critical condition. The medical team mobilized immediately. Karine prepared the incubators and all the necessary equipment, knowing that every second counted. Shortly after, the two babies were born. The first, Lucie, let out a soft cry and began breathing with assistance, offering a small measure of relief to the team. But the second, Renée, arrived in a heavy silence, unresponsive.
The doctors tried everything to stimulate her breathing and restore her vital signs. The minutes ticked by, heavy with anguish, but the monitors remained stubbornly silent. Finally, the diagnosis came: Renée showed no signs of life. In the neighboring incubator, Lucie struggled to breathe, while Karine felt a lump forming in her throat. This situation resonated deeply with her: herself a twin, she had lost her sister shortly after their birth.
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