I became a first-time mom (of triplets!) at Utah’s first hospital
Melissa Hedin took her first breath at St. Mark’s Hospital, and she became a first-time mom there – to triplets!
Melissa Hedin and her husband Mike struggled with infertility for more than 3 years before they learned they were pregnant. When the big news finally came, it arrived with an even bigger surprise: Triplets.
“We were completely taken off guard and overwhelmed, to say the least. The fertility doctors didn’t even expect triplets as a possibility, so they were shocked as well,” Melissa said. “Going from one to three definitely was unexpected.”
Melissa says she faced triple the decisions and preparations to make, but one important choice in her planning came naturally: where to deliver her baby boys.
“I’ve always had a special connection to St. Mark’s Hospital …” Melissa said. “I was born there, and as a teen I started going there for OB/GYN visits with Dr. Susan Horvath. I’ve developed a great trust and confidence in my doctor and the hospital, so I knew I wanted to deliver there.”
To ensure the health and safety of mother and babies, St. Mark’s Hospitals Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists, Labor and Delivery team members, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) staff, and Dr. Horvath closely collaborated in preparation for their arrival.
Despite bedrest that started at 19 weeks pregnant, by 31 weeks, Melissa’s body couldn’t hold back labor any longer. She spent her final days of pregnancy under close observation at St. Mark’s Hospital before a scheduled C-section.
“I remember the night before the delivery, laying in my hospital bed with my hands on my belly watching it move in waves and thinking to myself, ‘This is never going to happen to me again. I have to remember this moment.’ I mean, how often are you pregnant with triplets? I had this peace come over me that let me know everything would be ok … I knew that was a special moment, and would be in great hands at St. Marks,” Melissa said.
Triple the joy: First breaths and first-time Mom
The next day Colby, Colin and Carson took their first breaths and Melissa became a first-time mother. With just 32 weeks gestation and weighing in the 4 lb. range, each baby needed extra support and further development before going home. In the NICU, they received 5 weeks of round-the-clock care from specialized nurses and physicians.
“It was hard to see them on ventilators, with IVs in their head and all the tubes and wires. It was a lot to take in, but I knew it’s what they needed to get bigger and better … and I knew they were in good hands due to the amazing NICU staff. I had all the confidence in the world of that. You learn to love these people who care for your kids like they are their own,” Melissa said.
Sharing stories and empathy: Becoming a NICU volunteer
In the following years, Melissa delivered two more children at St. Mark’s Hospital. The positive experiences at the hospital forever changed her family and life for good, so even as a busy young mom, Melissa felt a strong desire to give back.
“The triplets were 5 years old, and I had a newborn when I learned the NICU at St. Mark’s had a volunteer opening. I thought maybe I could help new parents or parents who weren’t expecting to be in the NICU and were dealing with fear and anxiety about the unknown,” Melissa said.
Melissa volunteered her time once a week for about 18 months. Though her role focused on clerical duties, it also came with occasional opportunities to interact with NICU parents.
“I remember a young couple who had their first baby in the NICU, and they were terrified. You could see it in their faces. … I shared my story about my time in the NICU with them and hoped that it would bring them some comfort and reassurance. They were very appreciative and comforted knowing that they weren’t alone.” Melissa said.
St. Mark’s Hospital: Where family comes first
Today, the triplets are 11-year-olds; each distinct and thriving. As a mother of five rambunctious and physical youth, Melissa anticipates St. Mark’s Hospital visits will continue over the years – and she finds assurance in that.
“They have been a huge part of my life! So many of my firsts were there — my first breath, my first pregnancy, my first C-section and becoming a mom for the first time,” Melissa said. “They’re the place where family comes first, and where they treat you as family. I will always be grateful for the amazing and supportive staff of St. Mark’s Hospital.”