THE parents of Co Antrim conjoined twins, who were separated during lengthy surgery in London last week, have told of how they have enjoyed their "first cuddles" with the infants since the operation.
Annabelle and Isabelle Bateson from Toomebridge were successfully separated during surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children last Monday.
The sisters were born at University College Hospital in London in March to parents Hannah and Dan.
The babies, who were joined from the chest to the pelvis, had separate hearts though they shared a liver, bladder and bowel.
Their parents, who had found out at their 12-week scan that there was something different about their pregnancy, had fallen pregnant on their first cycle of fertility treatment.
Last week, family revealed on Facebook that Annie and Issie had been separated, adding they "did so well".
This week, the girls' parents have asked people to continue to pray for them.
"I can’t believe it’s been a whole week since the girls had their surgery," she wrote.
"This week has been a complete blur, some ups and some downs, emotions all over the place but everyday is a step in the right direction.
"The staff were able to bring the girls together into the same bed for the first time today and we had our first cuddles.
"It hasn’t been easy but we hope that each day that passes the girls get more comfortable and feel less pain.
"Please continue to pray for healing and for their pain to ease".