Lovelaceville couple chooses Western Baptist for its NICU

Jennifer and Linn Harper of Lovelaceville knew they wanted to have their twins at Baptist Health Paducah.

“One of the reasons we chose Baptist was because of the NICU,” said Jennifer Harper, 38. “Because they were twins and my age, I was a high-risk pregnancy the whole time.”

The babies were born on June 27. Lillian Carol was 5 pounds, 10 ounces, while her brother, Mason Linn, weighed 3 pounds, 15 ounces. Mason had to stay in the NICU for a week because of his small size. “I couldn’t imagine having one here and one in Louisville,” Jennifer said. “It was such a blessing to have this here.”

Linn, 41, agreed. “We didn’t expect that to happen, but things happen that are out of your control. We live 30 minutes away, so we are so proud to have the NICU in Paducah. We are so grateful.”

Since the area’s first Neonatal Intensive Care Unit opened in January 2011, more than 250 babies and families have been able to stay close to home for special care.

Neonatologist Edward O’Neill, M.D., said most babies are admitted to the NICU because of respiratory problems or problems related to prematurity.

“The clearest benefit for these families and their babies, who once had to be transferred out of this region, is they can now stay close to home,” Dr. O’Neill said.

The Harpers said Dr. O’Neill helped ease their nerves.

“Dr. O’Neill was great,” Linn Harper said. “He was so nice and caring. He was very personable and put things in laymen’s terms.”