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1st appeared
03
January 2001
Four Times the Joy
The Dusauzay quadruplets turned two last month, but they’re far from terrible. They’re occasionally rambunctious, absolutely adorable, and most importantly, healthy. Before the quadruplets were born at UCSF on December 10, 1998, Charlotte and Rupert Dusauzay worried about their health. After several years of trying to have a baby, the San Francisco couple turned to in vitro fertilization. A procedure at an infertility center (not UCSF) implanted four embryos, and unexpectedly, all four were successful. After viewing an ultrasound showing quadruplets, Charlotte and Rupert fell in love with all four. But carrying quadruplets would be risky, so the couple came to the UCSF Medical Center. Charlotte was placed under the care of obstetrician Patricia Robertson, a well-known expert in high-risk pregnancies. Charlotte spent much of the pregnancy on bedrest -- the last 10 weeks at the UCSF Birth Center, where medications prevented preterm labor.
Charlotte and the UCSF team succeeded in maintaining the pregnancy for 32 weeks, and Gabriel, Alexandria, Solomon and Danielle were born in good condition, the smallest weighing 1 pound, 13 ounces and the biggest, 3 pounds, 10 ounces. They were the first quadruplets born at UCSF in at least 25 years. "Dr. Robertson didn't leave anything to chance," said Charlotte. "She made sure the pregnancy would last long enough so the babies could thrive." And after more than two years, the Dusauzay boys and girls are thriving nicely. On December 16, they were back at UCSF for their two-year-old checkup by Dr. Carol Miller, who has been their pediatrician since they each weighed a mere few pounds. Gabriel and Alexandria, who were the bigger of the quadruplets at birth are nearly 25 pounds, which is about average for a two-year-old. Although they may have the same birth date and look alike, each of the quadruplets certainly has a unique personality, says Charlotte. Gabriel is quiet, but very observant. "He loves tinkering with the toys and taking them apart," she says. Alexandria, who had a bit of breathing and feeding problem after birth, is now the biggest. "She eats twice as much as any of the others," says Charlotte. "She is mostly laid-back but can act like a bully every once in while." Danielle, who was the tiniest at birth, is now 19 pounds. "But she is light on her feet, moves fast -- a bundle of energy," says her mom. "Even though she's still the smallest, the others can't take toys from her. She's aggressive." Solomon is a hugger. "He's nice and loving. He likes to give tight hugs," says Charlotte. "But one minute he's hugging his brother and sisters, the next he's fighting with them." Rupert and Charlotte are often asked how they manage quadruplets. A strict schedule and a lot of help are keys. Both work full-time, so a relative babysits the children during the day. "They do everything at the same time," says Charlotte. "We feed them together, bathe them at the same time, they go to bed at 8 every night." They knew having four would be a handful, "but it's not as bad as people might think," she says. "For many years, we had no children, so we knew our lives would change tremendously. We just made the adjustment." They also appreciate the help from family and friends. "Neighbors come by and offer to watch the kids or pick up groceries," she says. "So many people have been so supportive." She considers the team from UCSF, including nurses and specialist physicians, as part of their support group -- and family. "They not only took such wonderful care of us, they taught us a lot of little things about caring for children," says Charlotte. "After we came home, some of the nurses volunteered to come by and help out. "Even today, they always ask how we're doing. They've been with us every step of the way." Links: First Quadruplets Born at UCSF in Over 25 Years Source: Andy Evangelista, Daybreak Editor |
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