One at home, one in the NICU

It really is a blessing to have twin A home.  We are all transitioning well.  His older brother is thrilled to have him here.  The difficulty, having twin B still in the NICU.  It is no longer the emotional toll, but it is also starting to take a physical toll on me.  Before when they were both together I could spend all afternoon at the NICU.  Because I do have a 3 year old at home, spending all day never worked.  Now I'm lucky if I get to be there for one feeding.  Don't get me wrong.  I am THRILLED to have A home, but maintaing the balance is not easy.  Hopefully we are in for only more week.  Twin B is on the finally week of medication treatment for his infection.  He will have a test midweek to ensure that everything looks good. Assuming that comes back good we will be able to take him home next weekend.  Keep those finger crossed for us.

Twin A is Home

YAY!

We are so excited to share that Twin A came home today.  I didn't know whether to cry out of joy to be taking him home or cry out of saddness to leave one in the hospital, but we are very happy to have one of them home.  It is definitely bittersweet.

1 Month Old

It's hard to believe the twins were born just one month ago.  I honestly thought they would be home by now.  The good news is that both are continuing to do well and should be home in the next 1 1/2 weeks.  I'm trying hard not to get my hopes up, but I am so looking forward to having both of them home.  It is looking more and more like Twin A will come home before B.  While it is not ideal, because they cannot cobed in the NICU I will take one home if he is ready before the other.  

It is amazing to think back to how much progress they have made over the month, while at the same time each and every day by itself is so hard to stomach being away from them.  

Today however, we celebrate that we have two beautiful and healthy baby boys.

Breastfeeding in the NICU

It is so amazing.  One of my major concerns about having preemies was their ability to breastfeed.  Amazingly, it is the one thing they had no problems with.  *knock on wood*

14 hours after birth I started pumping with a hospital grade breast pump.  I got very little at first, but I wanted to condition my body to be prepared to feed 2 newborns.  I pumped every 2 hours consistentantly  It was a pretty easy schedule to keep up in the hospital, but once I got home and was traveling back and forth it became more difficult. I occasionally pumped there, but also used the opportunity to stretch my pumping session when necessary to 3 hours.  

The day I was discharge, 5 days after birth, my milk came in.  I continued with the every 2 hours, with the occasional 3 hour stretch.  I was startled to pump 12 oz in one sitting, so I started measuring to figure out how much I pumped in a 24 hour period.  23 days after birth I pumped around 55 -60 oz a day.  That's ALOT!.  I was very concerned about the amount because I read that you needed to pump 24 - 32 ounces for a singleton.  I thought there is no way I can do that.  I was thrilled to learn I was doing that x2!  

So, since my babies have been able to feed they have received my breastmilk, whether in a bottle or by breast.  

Now, for the latching onto the breast.  I was actually very concerned about the boys receiving a bottle or pacifier.  Everything I read said those are big no-nos if you want to have a successful breastfeeding relationship.  The NICU was not willing to let them feed solely on the breast.  I was initially very upset and then I realized I would do what it takes to get them out of the NICU and would work on feeding at the breast once they got home.  

Little did I know how few problems we would encounter.  As for the actual "latch on" I wish I had suggestions.  I used what I learned as a previous breastfeeding momma and doula training to position and offer the breast properly.  That was really key for the boys.  

Then I wanted to make it as easy as possible.  I initially pumped through a let down and then offered the breast.  After the appeared to get the hang of that I would do a little hand expression because they would initially get frustrated that they were working so hard and not getting anything so the expression allowed a little instant gratification.  Now, occasionally they get frustrated when I don't but they latch on perfectly.

I did have one problem that could have been a major one.  I had a clogged duct that quickly turned into mastitis.  I had a fever, the chills, the whole nine yards.  It came on suddenly.  I took a hot shower and massaged the affected breast.  I continued to pump, drink water, rest, and put warm compresses on the breast.  After 10 hours my fever went down dramatically so I decided to not go to the doctor and continue to rest, by 20 hours I was back to normal.  The problem was I tried to stretch my pumping out to 4 hours.  Not such a good idea.  I immediately returned back to the 2-3 hour routine.  

There is lots of great info on the web about exclusively pumping.  Here is a link to the site I found most helpful  http://www.ameda.com/breastpumping/moms/.  I'll also post additional links on the side of the blog that I use regularly.

Finally, I am so proud of my freezer full of milk that I had to share.  Thank goodness we don't freeze a lot of food.

37 Week Update

It's nice to have the internet back up and running and my computer working.  I feel connected again!

The twins are both doing well in the NICU.  Today they are 37 weeks in gestational age, 23 days old.  One is completely off oxygen and breathing on his own and the other has limited assistance.  It is a long way from 3 weeks ago.  Of course it doesn't feel like that on a daily basis, but when I have a chance to step back the boys have really come along way.

Twin B developed an infection and is on day 6 of a 21 day medication regiment.  SIGH!  He is eating beautifully, gaining weight perfectly, but has to remain in the hospital because of the infection.  He is fine, but it just sucks that this is the reason why he remains in the NICU.

Twin A is eating really well as well.  He took a bit longer to get with the program, but will no be shown up by his brother.  Once he is weaned off his oxygen and can breathe well on his own for 24 hours he can come home.  It could be any day, but it is all up to him.

So we continue to wait...

I hate the NICU

We've had Internet difficulties over the past week or so, so I haven't been able to update as much as I would like.  The boys continue to do well.  One of the boys developed a yeast infection in his umbilical line and has been on antibiotics and anti-fungal medication.  He has been recovering fine, but this means that he will be in the hospital under treatment for at least 2.5 more weeks.  

Both boys are tolerating their feedings well and we introduced the breast to one yesterday.  It was an amazing experience.  It took him a bit to figure out what was expected, but once he did he latched on and sucked well.

I'm just tired of the NICU.  I really want my babies home with me.  I know it's completely irrational.  I know that they are in the best place for them right now, but nothing is harder than leaving them every day.  It hurts and my heart aches every time.  The staff is amazing and handles my occasional teary mutterings well.  I know they are both taken care of, but it just stinks.