Mum who gave birth to conjoined twin girls says emotional goodbye to one daughter

For Amber McCullough, the decision to carry her babies to term was an easy one - but she says losing one has broken her heart

gofundmeHannah and Olivia McCullough
Before the birth: Hannah and Olivia McCullough in the womb together
A woman who knowingly chose to give birth to conjoined twins and elected for surgery to save them has revealed her heartache at having to say goodbye to one.
Amber McCullough was looking forward to welcoming Hannah and Olivia, but she knew that their road was likely to be rough.
Before they were born, Amber explained that the prognosis for Olivia's survival was not good because she had a single ventricle heart and was missing valves.
Amber said: "Hannah on the other hand has a normal heart and no other malformations other than being conjoined to Olivia with the exception of her bladder and colon.
"The doctors may be able to save Hannah by performing an immediate separation upon birth.
"I have not and refuse to give up on my girls.
"I have been in a position where I have had much pressure to abort at times and I refuse.
"Instead, I choose to embrace their life while they are here and fight like crazy to do all I can for my daughters."
This week on Facebook, Amber has revealed that Hannah has made it, although there are ongoing issues, but her twin Olivia, sadly, was not so lucky when the pair were born on August 26.
Amber explains: "As expected, the medical team confirmed that upon birth Olivia’s heart was not performing any of the cardio workload, requiring Hannah’s heart to pump entirely for both of them which is unsustainable for Hannah.
"Even if Olivia didn’t have a diaphramic hernia, her heart was unsalvageable because it was a single ventricle and because it only had one valve which was very leaky."
Having launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for the expense involved with giving birth to conjoined twins, Amber, who has a six-year-old son called Tristan, said that she was aware people wanted news, but it has been a tough time.
"I could not update everyone earlier because I was very over whelmed and preoccupied with Hannah and Olivia.
"In my room, I was with Olivia much of the time. I held her, kissed her forehead, and slept next to her basinette.
"The medical staff were all very kind and took the time to wrap her in a presentable way for me to hold her.
"I cherished every moment i spent with her.
"On Sunday morning I was discharged and the funeral home came and took her away for the last time.
"I don’t have the words nor do I think they exist to adequately describe the heart ache.
"I will always love her, always protect her memory, and never forget what a beautiful [girl] I have in heaven."
But while Olivia's loss was felt keenly, Amber says her joy for Hannah's survival was unabated.
"All the while my heart is flooded with love for both of my girls.
"There are no words for what that part of this experience has been like.
"Since having to say good bye to Olivia for the last time, I have been able to move 100% of my focus to Hannah.
"She is so strong and is doing well.

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