For many expectant moms, the most exciting part (or only exciting part, really) about giving birth is getting to see your baby for the first time. Holding your newborn for the very first time is a life-changing experience. Plus, it’s so fun to see who the baby looks more like — did they inherit your nose? Did they get your partner’s lips? Parents-to-be dream about this moment, but sometimes they get a bit of a surprise.
Judith Nwokocha had to go through two rounds of IVF to get pregnant, so she was thrilled when she found out she was expecting twins. Throughout her pregnancy, Judith talked to her twins and prayed that they would be healthy. At 37 weeks, one of her twins stopped growing, and Judith was immediately induced. Her twins were delivered via cesarean section — her baby boy, Kamsi, was born at 6.1 lbs., but her daughter, Kachi, was just 3.5 lbs.
And that wasn’t the only thing that was different about Kachi. Judith explained in a Love What Matters essay, “The first time I saw her, I wondered if the nurse was handing me my baby, or someone else’s. I waited a few seconds for someone to tell me there was a mix up, but all I heard from the nurse was how beautiful she was.”
As a Black woman, Judith had never considered that she could possibly have a white baby, but her daughter was undoubtedly white when she was born. Judith wrote, “I was quite surprised by how white she was.” A few days after the twins were born, doctors told Judith that Kachi had albinism.
While Judith was initially concerned about the health challenges that often accompany albinism, she quickly realized just how incredible her little girl is. Judith explained:
“I always tell her how beautiful she is, because she really is. I wouldn’t trade her condition for a million dollars because she’s perfect to me in every way. Albinism may have its challenges but I’m teaching her to be strong and conquer whatever may come her way. I’m showcasing the beauty in albinism by constantly taking pictures of her and twin brother. I’m not sure she’s aware of her uniqueness at the moment, but eventually she’ll know, and it’s my responsibility to educate her and teach her to love herself no matter what.”
Watch the video to see these adorable “black and white twins” in action!