Family Honors Care Received at Magee with Newborn Daughter’s Name
By: Courtney Caprara
When Heather Pfleegor and her husband David found out they were expanding their family with twins, they were shocked and excited. Already parents to three-year-old daughter Danika, Heather’s second pregnancy was considered “high risk” for several reasons. In addition to being a woman over the age of 35 carrying twins, Heather gave birth to Danika prematurely at just 33 weeks.
The Pfleegors began searching for second opinions and more advanced care to handle any potential complications, and a Google search led them to Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC. Despite living four hours away in Williamsport, PA, the Pfleegors made a trip to Magee for their initial consultation.
After their first appointment, the Pfleegors decided to continue receiving care from the Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) team at Magee. Heather and David made monthly trips to Pittsburgh for appointments, and by the end of her pregnancy, they were making the drive from Williamsport every two weeks. At the end of April, the Pfleegors temporarily relocated to Pittsburgh, moving in with a family friend in Fox Chapel to assure that Heather would be able to deliver the twins at Magee on May 19, the date of her scheduled C-section.
Stephen Emery, M.D., performed Heather’s C-section as scheduled, meaning she carried her twins, a boy and a girl, until 38 weeks. “We believe in this team so much that we drove eight hours a day through winter weather for our appointments. After delivering Danika so early, I truly believe I was able to carry the twins to term because of the care I received at Magee and the precautions the MFM team took throughout my pregnancy,” Heather said.
When it came to naming all three of their children, the Pfleegors chose names with significance. Big sister Danika was named for Heather’s family, and their newborn son, Lincoln Charles, was named for David’s family. Newborn daughter Ashlyn received a special middle name as well: Magee, after the hospital where she and her brother were born and where her mother received such specialized care throughout her pregnancy.
“We wanted a name that was meaningful, and we were so happy with our care at Magee. Knowing that I was in the hands of Magee doctors helped to ease my mind throughout my pregnancy. Magee is now such a special place for us, so it is the perfect name for our daughter,” Heather said.
After what could have been a very challenging pregnancy, the Pfleegors have made their way home to Williamsport. While it has been an adjustment going from one child to three, they are now settling into their new life with three happy, healthy children.
