Hit TLC Reality Show RATTLED Follows the Struggles of Christian Couple as Their Preemie Triplets Fight for Their Lives in the NICU

Episode 4 of the hit TLC reality show, "Rattled," which aired July 31, continues the story of Christian couple Julia and Ryan Sadler, who work together ministering to youth at First Baptist Church of Dallas where Julia's father, Dr. Robert Jeffress is the senior pastor. After three miscarriages in one year, the Sadlers become pregnant with triplets, which are delivered by emergency C-section at 30 weeks and immediately placed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

As Episode 4 begins, the triplets are under constant care in the NICU, and the Sadlers learn how to navigate the heartbreak of NICU life. As Ryan painfully notes, "there's nothing quite as scary as watching your babies fight for their lives." Nor can anything prepare a parent for it. The triplets, surrounded by wires and tubes, are confined to their incubators. It is too dangerous for Julia and Ryan to hold them. The sound of bradycardia alarms (to warn of a dangerous slowing of the heart), and doctors rushing to the aid of the triplets are all part of the new normal. The doctors don't know how long the triplets will be in the NICU, but it could be as long as three months. Each day is a rollercoaster of emotions.

Julia is released from the hospital, but she and Ryan spend as much time as possible with the triplets each day. For Julia, it is heartbreaking to leave the triplets at the hospital, overwhelming her with sadness. She thinks of all she's gone through-four pregnancies, three miscarriages, 53 days in the hospital, and the triplets still aren't home.

Each time she returns to the hospital, she is overwhelmed by the memories of 50 days on confined bedrest there before the delivery, continually "begging God to let the triplets live and let us make it." As we see Julia and Ryan pray for the triplets, we're reminded of the central place of faith in their lives.

Four million babies are born in America every year, and SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 10 to 15 percent will be placed in the NICU. In other words, hundreds of thousands of parents must face the uncertainty, fear and heartbreak of the NICU.

As Episode 4 ends, the Sadlers are finally able to hold the triplets, but its clear that many challenges remain before the Sadlers can finally take their children home.

Episode 5 of "Rattled" debuts on Aug. 7 at 10 p.m. Eastern on TLC.

• To learn more about Julia, Ryan and "Rattled," visit https://www.tlc.com/tv-shows/rattled/.
• To view a teaser of episode 4 posted on Facebook by Drew Barrymore, click here.
• To view an outtake of the show that focuses on the faith of Sadler's through the heartbreak of miscarriage, click here.

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About Julia and Ryan Sadler:

Julia Sadler is a licensed professional counselor, girls minister, author, speaker, and new mom to triplets Blair, Barrett and Blake. She trained at the world-renowned Meier Clinics where she specialized in treating teenagers and women struggling with self-harm, depression, eating disorders, anxiety and suicide. After struggling personally with these issues as a teen, Julia has devoted her life to encouraging teenagers and women not to give up. Her newest journey of infertility, miscarriages, and triplet motherhood has opened a new ministry for Julia of encouraging woman and couples to TRUST God with their prayers, plans, & dreams.

Julia has her BA in Psychology and an MA in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University. Julia developed a love for teaching people God's Word and explaining the Bible's practical application for today's culture through listening and learning from her Father, Dr. Robert Jeffress, pastor of First Baptist Dallas.

Ryan Sadler is the student pastor at First Baptist Dallas where he serves a growing ministry. He is in the process of finishing his masters at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

About Rattled:
Raising children is a magical experience, but it does not come easy to most. With so much to keep track of and consider, unexpected COMPLICATIONS make building a family even harder than most new parents expect. Season three of TLC's RATTLED will provide an in-depth look at the trials and tribulations of five couples as they learn to deal with parenting, relationships, finances and so much more.