A pair of babies born recently at the Cayman Islands Hospital tipped the scales to become the heaviest twins on record to be born in the Cayman Islands. Daniel Matias James Diaz Banks and Daniella Valentina Diaz Banks weighed in at a combined 16 pounds and 15 ounces at birth last week.

The previous twin births in the Cayman Islands recorded with combined weights exceeding sixteen pounds was in 1992 with individual weights of 9 pounds 6 ounces and 7 pounds.

The recent twins were delivered on Wednesday, 12 December, only a minute apart by C-section at the Cayman Islands Hospital, a facility of the Health Services Authority (HSA). Both babies are in excellent condition after their birth to parents Katrina Banks and Daniel Diaz.

The twins were born full term at 38 weeks, a rare occurrence for multiple births, which usually takes place within 36 weeks. Daniel also surpassed the average weight for single babies – let alone twins – weighing 9 pounds, 5 ounces while his sister weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces.

“I am really proud they were born so big and healthy. I feel like their safe delivery has been my greatest achievement of the year and I was so pleased with the quality of care I received at the hospital,” Mrs. Banks said.

The twins were delivered by Dr. Howard Deosaran, gynecologist and obstetrician, and Midwife Nurse Karen Rowden. Dr. Deosaran noted that the average gestational age for twins is 36 weeks, with preterm labour occurring more often in these births than in single births.

“It’s very rare that you have a set of twins this size, born completely healthy with no need for neonatal intensive care. Mrs. Banks remains very healthy as well, without any complications from the delivery. This positive outcome is one of many wonderful examples of how private-public partnerships continue to help provide the best medical care for the people of these islands,” stated Dr. Deosaran who is the Medical Director of TrinCay Medical Services.

“It is always a pleasure to work with the professional staff of the Health Services Authority to deliver high quality care to mothers and their children in a safe and well-equipped environment,” he added.