Doctors Advised Against Having Them: The Inspiring Story of the Bachinsky Conjoined Twins Growing Up as Adorable Sisters and Caring Big Sisters

Separated at just 9 months old, these girls have since brought endless joy to their family, with their mother expressing daily gratitude for their birth.

Conjoined twins are rare worldwide, and each pair's story is uniquely compelling. Many cases highlight the incredible precision and dedication of medical teams who successfully separate these children, granting them individual lives.

The Bachinsky family’s story is a testament to this. In spring 2019, Lilia discovered she was expecting. By then, she and her husband Artem already had three growing sons but dreamed of having a daughter. Their excitement turned to shock when an ultrasound revealed they were expecting conjoined twin girls, joined at the head.

Because the twins were connected at the head, doctors warned that separation would be extraordinarily challenging and perhaps impossible if critical areas of the brain were shared. The family endured countless tears and prayers but ultimately decided to welcome the girls into the world.

On December 30, 2019, in a California hospital (where the family had relocated from Ukraine), Abigail and Michaela—affectionately called Ebi and Mika—were born. Fortunately, although connected at the head, the twins shared minimal brain tissue, offering a high chance for successful separation. The critical surgery was scheduled for October 2020, with doctors spending nine months meticulously planning and assessing risks beforehand.

It took a dedicated team of thirty specialists nearly nine months to prepare for the complex procedure. On the day of surgery, the operation lasted 24 hours, during which the parents anxiously awaited results. Thankfully, the surgery was a success.

The doctors literally gave these girls a new lease on life. Lilia spent about six months in the hospital with her daughters following the surgery.

“I was told this happened because of strong medications taken early in pregnancy or because the embryo’s cells didn’t split completely,” Lilia shares. “I was shocked and couldn’t believe it at first; I thought it was a mistake.”

Nearly four years after their separation, the Bachinsky twins look and act like any other children their age. The precision of the surgery means there are no visible signs of their unique beginning, and their scars are hidden beneath their hair.

“I prayed a lot, sometimes pleading with God to either perform a miracle or take them away,” Lilia recalls. “Eventually, I found peace in silence.”

In late 2023, the girls celebrated their fourth birthday. By October 2024, it will mark four years since they have lived as independent individuals.

“It’s hard to believe they’re already 4 years old! They’re slightly behind in development but are quickly catching up,” Lilia says proudly.

Every day, Lilia thanks God for her daughters’ survival and shares their milestones on social media. Ebi and Mika have embraced their celebrity status and love to playfully pose for the camera. Their joyful laughter fills their home.

Though their speech is slightly delayed, they are making steady progress, and there is hope for full improvement soon.

“I’m so grateful for these two! They shower me with compliments and love every day,” their mother shares.

Interestingly, the sisters don’t look very alike and have distinct personalities, yet they share a deep bond and spend most of their time together.

The twins continue regular medical check-ups, and so far, doctors report no concerns. While a few cosmetic procedures are planned for the future, experts believe that in a few years, Ebi and Mika won’t even remember they were once conjoined.

At the end of last year, the twins welcomed a new sibling: a healthy baby brother named Adam. Now, Ebi and Mika are proud big sisters, helping their mother care for the newest family member.

Photos: Social media

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