MADRID – Rare St. Lawrence County twins born premature recently turned six months old.

Cohen and Kamden Fiacco were born nine weeks early via emergency C-section at University of Vermont Medical Center to Noel Iannacone and Doug Fiacco.

The twins are monoamniotic-monochorionic twins, also known as mono mono twins or momo twins, according to their aunt, Nina Ward Benore. Mono mono twins share the same amniotic sac and placenta. These types of twins are rare, with an occurrence of 1 in 35,000 to 1 in 60,000 pregnancies. Only 1% of twins are mono mono twins.

In early pregnancy and up to 24 weeks, mono mono twins have a low survival rate, about 50%.

Noel (mom) was admitted to UVM March 5 to be monitored for the rest of her pregnancy.

“A scheduled C-section for April 3 quickly changed as complications occurred with Kamden,” Benore said. “The boys made their big debut on March 16, weighing in at 3 pounds 13 ounces and 3 pounds 5 ounces.”

However, the boys were born with entanglement and a true knot in their umbilical cords.

“Cohen was born overall healthy and with a rare four vessel umbilical cord,” Benore said. “Kamden was born smaller with an abnormality to his spine, born with an extra rib and diagnosed with SVT while in the NICU.”

Both boys were intubated after birth but extubated later that night. Days after their arrival, precautions for COVID - 19 went into effect.

“Noel was not allowed visitors, and the NICU went down to only one parent,” Benore said.

During their time in the NICU the boys faced difficulties with anemia, breathing problems, SVT’s and jaundice. After nearly 10 weeks, the twins were finally strong enough to come home.

Cohen came home May 20 and Kamden followed quickly after coming home May 21. Both boys came home on iron and vitamin D. Kamden is also on cardiac medication.

“Cohen and Kamden get routine check ups at UVM and see their pediatrician at home. They are now six months old with an adjusted age of four months and hitting all milestones. Mom, dad and all of their family are so in love with them and are enjoying watching them grow,” Benore said.