In March 2024, Hawa Mohamed’s long-held dream of motherhood was realized in an extraordinary way when she gave birth to quintuplets at The Mother Baby Center in Minnesota. Born prematurely at just over 23 weeks gestation, the infants faced daunting odds, with medical professionals estimating only a 10% chance of all five surviving. Among them, baby Bilal’s situation was particularly critical after he arrived weighing a mere 8 ounces (228 grams), approximately the weight of a small cup of coffee, making him the smallest reported surviving infant in the United States and the second smallest globally. ?
Image via: Children’s Minnesota
Bilal’s journey was marked by significant medical challenges. Due to his extremely low birth weight and underdeveloped organs, he required constant, specialized care to support his breathing and improve weight gain. The dedicated neonatal team at Children’s Minnesota, one of the largest neonatology programs in the country, provided around-the-clock care. Dr. Thomas George, the Medical Director for Neonatology, highlighted the rarity and complexity of this case, noting that it had been over a decade since the hospital had cared for quintuplets. ?
Image via: Children’s Minnesota
Throughout her journey, Hawa remained steadfast and hopeful. Reflecting on the early days of Bilal’s life, she admitted, “I didn’t think he was going to make it. We were living by the hour.” Her resilience and the unwavering support from the medical team played a crucial role in navigating the uncertainties of Bilal’s condition. ?
After a year-long stay in the hospital, Bilal was discharged in March 2025, just in time to celebrate his first birthday at home with his family. This milestone was celebrated by both the family and the medical staff who had become deeply invested in his care. Hawa expressed her profound gratitude, stating, “All praise to God. I’m very happy today because my children and I are healthy and going home.” ?
Image via: Children’s Minnesota
The successful discharge of Bilal and the overall health of the quintuplets underscore the advancements in neonatal care and the remarkable resilience of these infants. The quintuplets—Abdi, Amina, Amir, Bilal, and Saada—will continue to be monitored closely through the Children’s Minnesota Intensive Care Follow-up Clinic to ensure their ongoing development and well-being. ?
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