Septuplets improve; mother visits babies frequently

November 29, 1997
Web posted at: 8:36 p.m. EST (0136 GMT)

DES MOINES (CNN) -- Bobbi McCaughey is making the rounds.

McCaughey is visiting her seven newborns as much as possible, a spokeswoman for the family said. All of the babies are now breathing without the help of a ventilator.

Nathan Roy McCaughey became the last of the septuplets taken off his ventilator. That occurred late Thursday or early Friday.

The next milestone for the babies will be sucking and swallowing so they can take food through their mouths, an ability that develops at 34 to 36 weeks gestation, medical experts say. The McCaugheys were born at 31 weeks.

Message Board:

• Birth of septuplets

Related stories:

• McCaughey septuplets all breathing on their own - November 28, 1997
• Sixth McCaughey baby comes off ventilator - November 27, 1997
• Three more septuplets upgraded to fair condition - November 26, 1997
• Second septuplet upgraded as mother gives interview - November 25, 1997
• Septuplet Joel back on ventilator - November 24, 1997
• Septuplets' mom goes home - November 23, 1997

Related sites:

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• Iowa Health System
  • Fact Sheet: McCaughey Family
• Twins & Multiple Births Association
• American Society for Reproductive Medicine

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