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WROCLAW, Poland, March 13, 2012 (LifeSiteNews.com) – A Polish woman endured 75 days of labor lying in a nearly upside down position to save the lives of her two premature babies after the first of three triplets was born prematurely and died.

Joanna Krzysztonek was pregnant with triplets when she went into labour at 21 weeks. Her first baby was born prematurely and did not survive.

Dr. Mariusz Zimmer, head of the Wroclaw obstetrics and neo-natal clinic where Krzysztonek gave birth, intervened with medication to stop contractions and told the expectant mother that the babies might be saved if she stayed in bed with her legs tilted up at 30 degrees to give the two remaining children a chance to grow.

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Krzysztonek said she was happy to follow the doctors’ instructions, and the idea of lying in the awkward position for so long didn’t trouble her.

“I sighed with relief that there was a chance to keep the pregnancy and to give the babies a chance to be born successfully,” Joanna said according to Reuters.

Joanna gave birth to a girl, Iga, and a boy, Ignacy, 2-1/2 months later on February 15. Each weighed just under 4 lb after 32 weeks gestation.

Dr. Zimmer said that he considered the labor to have begun from the birth of the first child, so Joanna’s labor lasted for 75 days – possibly the longest labor on record.

“This procedure – I mean giving birth – has a beginning and an ending. If the first baby was born that means the birth had started,” Zimmer said.

Joanna reported she had some problems maintaining her balance when walking after so much time in bed. “But my children are healthy – I am strong and so are they, and they are so beautiful,” she said.

“We are pleased with this success,” said Dr. Zimmer in a Super Express Daily report. “Joanna took a risk, and following great dedication gave birth to two wonderful children.”

“It was only three months,” the happy mother quipped.