NEW YORK - The mother of once-conjoined twins was able to hold just one of the boys for the first time on Friday.
Nicole and Christian McDonald’s twin sons endured a 27-hour surgery last week at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Medical Center, to separate the 13 month olds who were joined at the head.
Son Jadon was finally well enough for the mom to cradle him, but his brother Anias is expected to take more time to recover.
McDonald held onto to her son for two hours and described the moment as one of the most profound in her life.
Doctors say the boys shared about an inch-and-a-half of brain tissue.
They were able to use 3D imaging and digital mapping to help plan the procedure.
Experts say twins joined at the head are incredibly rare, occurring in one out of every 2.5 million births.