Octuplets' Mom Reaches Out

05/17/1999 at 12:00 AM EDT

The mother of the Houston octuplets got to hold one of her babies for the first time Monday. Nkem Chukwu cradled Jioke Louis. At 2 pounds, he is the most robust of the seven surviving babies, all of whom remain in critical condition. One of the girls, Chima, was put on antibiotics Monday for an infection. Another sister, Chidi, also was being treated for infection. Both babies on antibiotics are being fed intravenously. The others are receiving both IV nourishment and breast milk.