These Sisters Who Live in Different States Gave Birth a Minute Apart: Yep, We're Serious!

Published on 5/15/2019 at 3:18 PM

Shanea Hickman

Although 27-year-old Shanea Hickman and her 25-year-old sister, Janea, pretty much did everything together growing up, the two had no idea that they would even end up entering motherhood within a minute of each other. It all started when Shanea, who lives in West Palm Beach, FL, found out that her younger sister was pregnant back in Pittsburgh.

"I already suspected she was pregnant before she told me. When she did finally tell me, I screamed, 'I knew it!'"

"I actually was the first one to know that we were pregnant at the same time," Shanea told POPSUGAR. "Unlike myself, my sister's excitement took over and she told everyone as soon as she could. I wanted to keep things between my partner and I until after the first trimester. I took my pregnancy test first thing in the morning and around dinner time, I get a call and text from Janea with the news that she took a pregnancy test and it was positive. I just remember thinking to myself 'No Way!' As excited as I was for my sister and the big news, I was determined to wait to spill my little secret until after my first doctor appointment."

After going to the doctor, Shanea confirmed that her due date was May 13. As for Janea? She was expected to deliver on May 9.

"I was so excited," said Janea. "I already suspected she was pregnant before she told me. When she did finally tell me, I screamed, 'I knew it!' I also jokingly asked, 'Why do you always have to steal my shine?' These were the first births in our family for a long time and I was looking forward to being spoiled by our family. I couldn't be happier we both got to experience motherhood together."

Unfortunately, due to swelling, carpal tunnel, and vomiting, Janea had to be induced on May 6. At the same time hundreds of miles away, Shanea was being told she'd have to undergo a C-section due to preeclampsia. Shanea's daughter Emerie Barlow was born at 1:09 p.m. As for Janea's new bundle of joy? Ryanne made her grand enterance into the world at 1:10 p.m. on the dot!

For both women, the first few days of motherhood are flying by. "I would say that this first week of motherhood has been the most exciting and frustrating week in my life," said Shanea. "I love to just sit there and stare at my daughter in amazement! I can't believe that I have created this tiny person whom is just perfect to me!"

Although Ryanne was born with jaundice, she's recovering well. "It's been a rough first week for me and Ryanne," said Janea. "She was admitted into the hospital for a few days. She's great now. I couldn't have remained strong for my baby without my sister encouraging me to stay positive and that everything would be OK."

Now, the sisters are looking forward to raising their girls together despite the long distance between them.

"I couldn't have asked for a better person for my daughter to grow up with! Now that Janea and I are older, we have learned the true meaning of what it is to be sisters," said Shanea. "Although we may not agree on things or have different views, we will always stand beside one another and support each other! I am happy that we can both install this into our daughters right away and to teach them that no matter how many misunderstandings that may take place, when all is said and done they are family and family protects each other."

Janea agreed: "We're ecstatic that our girls get to grow up together. We're excited that they both already have a best friend in each other. Also there will definitely be joined birthday parties."

Congrats to both new mamas!