GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - It's been almost a month since twins Sylis and Leo have returned home to Rheenendal after a challenging start to life. Born prematurely at 30 weeks on 21 March, weighing just 1.645kg each, the twins faced immediate hurdles.

Their mother, Lulani Speed (34), endured an emergency C-section at Mediclinic George after her waters unexpectedly broke. 

While Leo stabilised, Sylis was diagnosed with a life-threatening congenital diaphragmatic hernia, in which abdominal organs pushed into his chest, compressing his lungs and straining his heart. He was airlifted to Netcare N1 City Hospital in Cape Town, followed by Leo and Lulani.

"This was an extremely difficult time," Lulani said in an interview yesterday morning. "It was so stressful to send Sylis off on his own. We followed the next day, but it was a rough experience."

She has the utmost praise for the Mediclinic staff's help and support.

Proud parents Lulani and Jacques Speed with their twin boys, Leo and Sylis, and paediatric surgeon Dr Shamaman Harilal (right) at Netcare N1 City Hospital. Photo: Netcare

In Cape Town, neonatologist Dr Ricky Dippenaar and paediatric surgeon Dr Shamaman Harilal led Sylis' care. After stabilisation, Harilal performed a ground-breaking minimally invasive 'keyhole' surgery - the first of its kind in the Western Cape - repairing the hernia with small incisions to reduce pain and complications.

Sylis recovered in the neonatal ICU, transitioning off ventilation within 48 hours, though his underdeveloped lung required careful monitoring. Both twins, being premature, needed time to learn feeding before being discharged.

The collaborative expertise of the medical team, including Dippenaar, Harilal and colleagues at Netcare, ensured Sylis' remarkable recovery. Lulani and Jacques Speed expressed their deep gratitude for the team's compassion and skill.

Brotherly love

Asked about his name, Lulani said 'Sylis' means 'of the forest' - a perfect name for a little baby boy living in Rheenendal, an area covered with trees. In a figurative way, Sylis is also 'out of the woods' and now thriving with his twin brother, parents and dogs at home.

Lulani is a marketer who is able to work from home while spending as much time as possible with her babies. Jacques works offshore in Saudi Arabia, but had the opportunity to help his wife through this dramatic event. Lulani said her mother cannot wait to visit from the North West when Jacques has to head back to Saudi.

Jacques and Lulani Speed at home in Rheenedal with their twins.

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