New parents Divya and Amol Shenoy have high praise for Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center staff

Married for three years, the happy news of twins on the way was a joy to Divya and Amol Shenoy. Forewarned that twins put Divya’s pregnancy in a high-risk category, the couple took it in stride when she started showing signs of preterm labor at 22 weeks.

Divya underwent a procedure to stave off a preterm birth. Unfortunately, the surgery didn’t alleviate her preterm labor, and she was admitted to Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center for monitored bed rest. On January 14, after three weeks in the hospital, Divya went into labor, and her twin boys were delivered via C-section at 25 weeks.

Arvin and Ajay, weighing one lb., 11 oz and one lb., 13 oz, respectively, were whisked into the NICU. What followed were long days and nights at the hospital, which were complicated by strict COVID protocols allowing one parent at a time to visit. Despite the hardship, Divya and Amol have nothing but gratitude and praise for the hospital staff.

“All of the staff we interacted with, from security to environmental services to the nurses and physicians, were extraordinarily kind and went out of their way to make us comfortable,” says Divya. “The NICU staff was amazing; they became like family. They made Amol and me part of the boys’ care team. We were able to play a part in making their journey better. It was so helpful to be part of those conversations — it helped us feel like parents.”

Helping others with their story
On February 17, Ajay passed away. In their grief, Divya and Amol took a healing step by setting up a tribute fund in his name. “We decided to ask friends and family to donate to the NICU at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center to help us honor his life and to do something that would support future NICU families,” says Divya.

Divya didn’t stop there. She’s passionate about sharing her story in the hopes that it will help others going through similar experiences. “You don’t expect the worst to happen, and when it does, you feel so isolated,” she shares. “I want other people to know they’re not alone and that there are people and support groups who can help.”

Arvin, who came home in May, is thriving. “I like to share Arvin’s success story because, back at the beginning, I would have felt better if I’d have known how other ‘25 weekers’ were doing once they went home,” says Divya. “At first, bringing him home was scary, and a little overwhelming, but the NICU staff thoroughly prepared and encouraged us. And they let us know they were just a phone call away. Arvin is doing great. He’s almost up to 14 pounds!”