So, $140 later... (I should become a lactation consultant in my later years...)
Okay this is what I know, or was confirmed for me.
Mary Catherine has a terrible suck. She now will use a nipple shield and the SNS until she improves. I will then have to wean her off of two things. We're hoping that her suck will improve. The LC was hopeful, but concerned.
Henry's suck is okay, but his frustration level makes it so he will not latch correctly without the SNS to give him constant milk. I will work on weaning him off the SNS by closing the valve off and on while he is nursing to encourage him to draw from me.
So, the plan is to continue to nurse one baby, with all contraptions necessary, while someone else feeds the other baby. For a few more weeks, it will take a circus to get this accomplished. Thank the Lord in Heaven for my girls and Jason, as well as good friends and family who have been recruited to help off and on.
I mourn for the ease of nursing my babies without all this pomp and circumstance.
The LC did recommend the Podee bottle because it is harder to suck the milk, which will strengthen their muscles. My sister is going to drive and get that for me at Babies R Us, which is 45 mins from us. This bottle should be better for everyone because the girls won't have to hold the babies completely upright when they feed them.
As far as my milk supply, I am now taking Fenugreek Seed three times a day and I will start Reglan. The LC said that each baby should be getting 2 oz of milk every three hours. She said they may drink more because it's in a bottle and flowing faster, but they don't 'need' more at this point. So, if I don't have more than 2 oz of breast milk and they are still starving, I will give them some formula.
Right now, I'm still ahead a little bit on milk. I know it's the Lord supplying my needs. He wants me right there, not too cocky, not too prideful...just right there leaning on Him for my every need.
6.30.2009
Another Lactation Consultant
I'm meeting with another lactation consultant today.
Pray that she can help the twins and I figure this out. I'm down to the wire. I only have two feedings of frozen milk left, so if I don't pump enough at the end of each feeding for the next feeding we'll have to use formula.
Pray that she can help the twins and I figure this out. I'm down to the wire. I only have two feedings of frozen milk left, so if I don't pump enough at the end of each feeding for the next feeding we'll have to use formula.
6.28.2009
Milk...
So, things here have been crazy. Jason and the kids left for Charlotte on Thursday, which left me alone with the babies. If the babies were tandem nursing that would not be such a big deal. However, it still takes two people to feed the babies every three hours.
Thankfully, my sister spent the night Thurs, worked from here on Friday, and came back at dinner time on Saturday to spend the night again. In between those times, my friend/neighbor Sharon came over and helped me feed them. I am very blessed by wonderful family and friends.
What I usually do is nurse one twin with the SNS and someone else bottle feeds the other twin. I have been trying to put the twins on to nurse at the same time initially and then have someone take one twin to bottle feed after a few minutes so they don't forget what it's like to nurse. The problem is that they still have fairly weak sucks so they get on, but my milk will not come down. I tried pumping today right before I put them on, but it still did not help.
I have started to feel like Henry is really enjoying the bottle too much and has very little patience for nursing, even with the SNS. So the last few feedings I have done only SNS with him and no bottle at all. The SNS is basically an upside down bottle with a very thin tube that goes into the baby's mouth. So, I can see that he gets 2 oz, but he gets it while 'nursing'. At first Henry protested quite a bit, but the last two feedings he has done better and finished his 2 oz bottle via SNS.
Mary Catherine is much more patience and will try to latch over and over, but even when she does it to no avail because her suck is so weak. It's like a tickle. Hopefully it will not backfire that I'm concentrating on Henry so much.
My pumping is not going to well. I'm barely producing enough to make it to the next feeding. I only have four feedings worth frozen. I feel like the woman in the Bible who only had enough oil for one more loaf of bread. The Lord kept providing b/c of her faith, but I'm sure she was a little nervous at first.
Please pray that my milk production will increase and that the twins will begin to nurse well. I know once they nurse it will help my milk, but it's such an arduous task to teach them.
I'm going to a La Leche meeting on Th. If I don't feel like I get any help there, then I will make an appointment with another lacation consultant. I want to make sure we are doing things correctly.
Thankfully, my sister spent the night Thurs, worked from here on Friday, and came back at dinner time on Saturday to spend the night again. In between those times, my friend/neighbor Sharon came over and helped me feed them. I am very blessed by wonderful family and friends.
What I usually do is nurse one twin with the SNS and someone else bottle feeds the other twin. I have been trying to put the twins on to nurse at the same time initially and then have someone take one twin to bottle feed after a few minutes so they don't forget what it's like to nurse. The problem is that they still have fairly weak sucks so they get on, but my milk will not come down. I tried pumping today right before I put them on, but it still did not help.
I have started to feel like Henry is really enjoying the bottle too much and has very little patience for nursing, even with the SNS. So the last few feedings I have done only SNS with him and no bottle at all. The SNS is basically an upside down bottle with a very thin tube that goes into the baby's mouth. So, I can see that he gets 2 oz, but he gets it while 'nursing'. At first Henry protested quite a bit, but the last two feedings he has done better and finished his 2 oz bottle via SNS.
Mary Catherine is much more patience and will try to latch over and over, but even when she does it to no avail because her suck is so weak. It's like a tickle. Hopefully it will not backfire that I'm concentrating on Henry so much.
My pumping is not going to well. I'm barely producing enough to make it to the next feeding. I only have four feedings worth frozen. I feel like the woman in the Bible who only had enough oil for one more loaf of bread. The Lord kept providing b/c of her faith, but I'm sure she was a little nervous at first.
Please pray that my milk production will increase and that the twins will begin to nurse well. I know once they nurse it will help my milk, but it's such an arduous task to teach them.
I'm going to a La Leche meeting on Th. If I don't feel like I get any help there, then I will make an appointment with another lacation consultant. I want to make sure we are doing things correctly.
6.23.2009
Weight Check
We took the twins for their weight check.
Henry weighed 6 lbs 3 oz, which means he gained 9 oz in 4 days. They wanted him to gain 1/2 oz to 1 oz a day, so he blew that out of the water. He gained half of what he lost. Another 9 oz and he'll be back to birth weight.
Mary Catherine weighed 5 lbs 9.5 oz, which means she gained 5.5 oz. Her birth weight was 5 lbs 12 oz, so she is very close to that now.
Henry got 2 oz of formula on that Friday, but since then they both have had breast milk via bottles and SNS tubing. I'm so glad that I had the courage to follow my gut and ignore the pathetically rude pediatrician.
I'm not saying formula is bad, and who knows how all of this will end up, but at this point it is important to me to give them breast milk and try my hardest to get them to nurse well.
Thank you all for the prayers.
Please pray that they will learn to nurse so that I can feed them at the same time and I don't need so much help from everyone. Jason has lost quite a bit of sleep helping me every night with the bottle feedings. He does it so willingly, but I just don't see the need for both of us to be tired, if we can help it. He has to go to work to support this family. I get to be at home where it doesn't matter if I'm incoherent or smelly or sleep deprived.
Henry weighed 6 lbs 3 oz, which means he gained 9 oz in 4 days. They wanted him to gain 1/2 oz to 1 oz a day, so he blew that out of the water. He gained half of what he lost. Another 9 oz and he'll be back to birth weight.
Mary Catherine weighed 5 lbs 9.5 oz, which means she gained 5.5 oz. Her birth weight was 5 lbs 12 oz, so she is very close to that now.
Henry got 2 oz of formula on that Friday, but since then they both have had breast milk via bottles and SNS tubing. I'm so glad that I had the courage to follow my gut and ignore the pathetically rude pediatrician.
I'm not saying formula is bad, and who knows how all of this will end up, but at this point it is important to me to give them breast milk and try my hardest to get them to nurse well.
Thank you all for the prayers.
Please pray that they will learn to nurse so that I can feed them at the same time and I don't need so much help from everyone. Jason has lost quite a bit of sleep helping me every night with the bottle feedings. He does it so willingly, but I just don't see the need for both of us to be tired, if we can help it. He has to go to work to support this family. I get to be at home where it doesn't matter if I'm incoherent or smelly or sleep deprived.
6.22.2009
Sun Night/Mon Morning
I have just a few minutes before I have to start the feedings again.
They drank bottles around 2:45 am. I was back in bed at 4 am after feeding MC, pumping, cleaning the bottles, the pump, refilling the bottles with the newly pumped milk for the next feeding.
They woke up next at 6:30 am. I was going to try to nurse Henry and then wake MC, but she couldn't wait so I took her in to Jason. (He finished his night sleeping in the living room b/c he finished with Henry and had him back in bed before I was finished with all my stuff.)
Henry would not latch on, so after 10 mins of screaming, I fed him a bottle.
They were back in bed around 7:30-7:45 am.
At 9:30 am, I woke MC and nursed her for about 10-15 mins. She drank about 10-15 ml from the SNS tubing. She then drank her bottle. At 10:30 am, I was finished with her and woke Henry and did the same with him for the next hour. I was glad they both attached and drank, even if it's not coming out from me very well. They got some practice.
After that I pumped, cleaned the pump and bottles, and refilled bottles for the next feeding. Then I warmed my lunch and sat here to write this.
It's already time to wake MC again and start this all over again. I'm thinking that I will just give her a bottle of milk and then pump. Or maybe I'll see if she will sleep as long as Henry and try to attach both of them with SNS tubing. I just cannot bear another two hours right now.
I need a shower.
They drank bottles around 2:45 am. I was back in bed at 4 am after feeding MC, pumping, cleaning the bottles, the pump, refilling the bottles with the newly pumped milk for the next feeding.
They woke up next at 6:30 am. I was going to try to nurse Henry and then wake MC, but she couldn't wait so I took her in to Jason. (He finished his night sleeping in the living room b/c he finished with Henry and had him back in bed before I was finished with all my stuff.)
Henry would not latch on, so after 10 mins of screaming, I fed him a bottle.
They were back in bed around 7:30-7:45 am.
At 9:30 am, I woke MC and nursed her for about 10-15 mins. She drank about 10-15 ml from the SNS tubing. She then drank her bottle. At 10:30 am, I was finished with her and woke Henry and did the same with him for the next hour. I was glad they both attached and drank, even if it's not coming out from me very well. They got some practice.
After that I pumped, cleaned the pump and bottles, and refilled bottles for the next feeding. Then I warmed my lunch and sat here to write this.
It's already time to wake MC again and start this all over again. I'm thinking that I will just give her a bottle of milk and then pump. Or maybe I'll see if she will sleep as long as Henry and try to attach both of them with SNS tubing. I just cannot bear another two hours right now.
I need a shower.
6.21.2009
Last Night...
I have a small break in between the chaos, so I thought I would update.
Last night for both of the middle of the night feedings, we bottle fed the twins. The LC recommended that so that we are not up too long. It was a good recommendation because the twins are so terrible at their suck that it takes them at least 30 mins to drink 2 oz.
After they eat then I pump.
Jason fed and changed Henry and I had Mary Catherine. I am so thankful for his help. It's not easy to lose sleep and Jay loves sleep more than food. :) He happily and lovingly helped me both feedings. Let's hope that sweet demeanor stays for the next couple of weeks.
This morning (8:30 am) MC slept longer, so I had time for Henry to nurse with the SNS tube. He did well and drank 20 ml from the tube while staying attached. He still doesn't attach perfectly, but we're working on it. it took about a dozen attempts to get him to stay on. Afterwards, I had Kerrigan feed Henry a bottle while I had MC nurse with the SNS tubing. She also stayed attached and drank 20 ml via the SNS.
I still don't think that they are getting much from me b/c when I pump I get the same amount, but they are learning at least. So, they 'nurse' for 15 mins and might get close to an ounce, including what they get from the SNS. A lot of work for a little reward.
All of this is so new for me. I'm not used to needing help, but at this point it's absolutely necessary.
(As I sit and write this, my friend and neighbor, Sharon, just called and offered to come help feed a baby while my family is at church. God is so good to work through people.)
Last night for both of the middle of the night feedings, we bottle fed the twins. The LC recommended that so that we are not up too long. It was a good recommendation because the twins are so terrible at their suck that it takes them at least 30 mins to drink 2 oz.
After they eat then I pump.
Jason fed and changed Henry and I had Mary Catherine. I am so thankful for his help. It's not easy to lose sleep and Jay loves sleep more than food. :) He happily and lovingly helped me both feedings. Let's hope that sweet demeanor stays for the next couple of weeks.
This morning (8:30 am) MC slept longer, so I had time for Henry to nurse with the SNS tube. He did well and drank 20 ml from the tube while staying attached. He still doesn't attach perfectly, but we're working on it. it took about a dozen attempts to get him to stay on. Afterwards, I had Kerrigan feed Henry a bottle while I had MC nurse with the SNS tubing. She also stayed attached and drank 20 ml via the SNS.
I still don't think that they are getting much from me b/c when I pump I get the same amount, but they are learning at least. So, they 'nurse' for 15 mins and might get close to an ounce, including what they get from the SNS. A lot of work for a little reward.
All of this is so new for me. I'm not used to needing help, but at this point it's absolutely necessary.
(As I sit and write this, my friend and neighbor, Sharon, just called and offered to come help feed a baby while my family is at church. God is so good to work through people.)
6.20.2009
Wake Med Today...
So, the lactation consultant called me back from Wake Med. I decided to go over there since it was today versus Monday.
It took awhile and we learned a bit and now we have a 'plan'.
In short, basically the twins are not good nursers. Most likely due to being born early and being small with little mouths. So, because they are not good nursers, they do not nurse correctly, so my let down doesn't come down.
We weighed the babies and then I 'nursed' and then she weighed them again. MC is a better nurser, but even she was pitiful. After almost 15-20 mins of nursing, she only gained 5 ml. In case you don't know how much that is, 30 ml is an ounce. 5 ml is about the amount you put in a medicine dropper. So, obviously there is a nursing issue. It's honestly a wonder how they were not worse off than they are at this point.
Our plan is to continue to nurse and work with each twin on his/her technique, while having an S-n-S tube going down into his/her mouth near the nipple so that she/he is getting breastmilk via the tubing to encourage a continuous latch on. They are off and on so much that we don't have any rhythm and so no let down, which causes frustration, etc...
Now, while I'm doing that with one twin, the other twin will get expressed milk via a bottle. Hopefully being fed by one of my girls or Jason. Already the fun of bottle feeding the twins is wearing thin. We have to feed the baby sitting up so that he/she doesn't get lazy by having the milk pour down his/her throat. It's not easy for the kids to do that, but they try. If the twins don't wake at the same time, then I will probably do it all myself. However, I've spent the last two weeks waking them at the same time, so usually they are up at the same time.
After 'nursing' that twin will also get a 2 oz-3 oz bottle of milk.
After that bottle, I will pump. I'm going to get a hospital grade pump on Monday.
Hopefully within the next couple of weeks, the twins will figure out how to nurse better and we can go back to tandem nursing. Until then, I will be spending A LOT of time doing all of the above and preparing for the next feeding. I have no idea how anything else will ever get done.
The other kids don't need to eat do they?
It took awhile and we learned a bit and now we have a 'plan'.
In short, basically the twins are not good nursers. Most likely due to being born early and being small with little mouths. So, because they are not good nursers, they do not nurse correctly, so my let down doesn't come down.
We weighed the babies and then I 'nursed' and then she weighed them again. MC is a better nurser, but even she was pitiful. After almost 15-20 mins of nursing, she only gained 5 ml. In case you don't know how much that is, 30 ml is an ounce. 5 ml is about the amount you put in a medicine dropper. So, obviously there is a nursing issue. It's honestly a wonder how they were not worse off than they are at this point.
Our plan is to continue to nurse and work with each twin on his/her technique, while having an S-n-S tube going down into his/her mouth near the nipple so that she/he is getting breastmilk via the tubing to encourage a continuous latch on. They are off and on so much that we don't have any rhythm and so no let down, which causes frustration, etc...
Now, while I'm doing that with one twin, the other twin will get expressed milk via a bottle. Hopefully being fed by one of my girls or Jason. Already the fun of bottle feeding the twins is wearing thin. We have to feed the baby sitting up so that he/she doesn't get lazy by having the milk pour down his/her throat. It's not easy for the kids to do that, but they try. If the twins don't wake at the same time, then I will probably do it all myself. However, I've spent the last two weeks waking them at the same time, so usually they are up at the same time.
After 'nursing' that twin will also get a 2 oz-3 oz bottle of milk.
After that bottle, I will pump. I'm going to get a hospital grade pump on Monday.
Hopefully within the next couple of weeks, the twins will figure out how to nurse better and we can go back to tandem nursing. Until then, I will be spending A LOT of time doing all of the above and preparing for the next feeding. I have no idea how anything else will ever get done.
The other kids don't need to eat do they?
Appt.
I have an appt. on Monday with a lactation consultant about 1 hr. from here. Apparently there are not very many of these people. Maybe I should look into this for my next career...
Continue to pray for us.
She told me to feed my saved milk instead of formula, which is what I wanted to do, but I just needed someone to back me up.
I have no solutions about this yet, but she made me feel better during our conversation. She gave me hope.
Continue to pray for us.
She told me to feed my saved milk instead of formula, which is what I wanted to do, but I just needed someone to back me up.
I have no solutions about this yet, but she made me feel better during our conversation. She gave me hope.
Worst Ever
Last night and this morning were horrible.
Henry will no longer attach at all. One day of supplementing with bottles and he's already done. So, he screams hysterically while I try to feed MC.
Then I supplement them with bottles.
Then I pump.
It took over 2 hours-twice. The girls helped me a little this morning but they don't really like feeding them b/c they spit up.
I am so spent.
If you know of a lactation consultant in my area, please email me with her name. painterse@hotmail.com or you can send it to me on FB or in the comments section here.
Henry will no longer attach at all. One day of supplementing with bottles and he's already done. So, he screams hysterically while I try to feed MC.
Then I supplement them with bottles.
Then I pump.
It took over 2 hours-twice. The girls helped me a little this morning but they don't really like feeding them b/c they spit up.
I am so spent.
If you know of a lactation consultant in my area, please email me with her name. painterse@hotmail.com or you can send it to me on FB or in the comments section here.
6.19.2009
No Good...
We went for our two week check up today.
It was not good news.
Henry weighed 5 lbs 10 oz. He was 6 lbs 12 oz at birth. He was supposed to be back at that for this appointment.
Mary Catherine weighed 5 lbs 4 oz. She was 5 lbs 12 oz at birth.
The dr. wants me to supplement with formula after I nurse them and go in for a weight check on Tues.
I have mixed emotions about the supplementing.
After paying attention to things more closely today after our appointment, I believe the issue lies in the fact that for whatever reason, the twins cannot induce my 'let down'. I'm thinking that it might because their mouths are so small right now.
They nurse for about 20-40 mins and then I pump because I want to keep up my milk supply. Once I start pumping, I can feel my let down and I can get about 1 oz-2 oz and sometimes 3 oz per side in about 2-3 mins.
So, I am 'thinking' that I am going to pump a little first and then attach the twins.
I am going to supplement after I nurse them. I just don't know if it will be with formula or pumped milk. The dr. is concerned that my milk is not high enough in calories. I can see the fat in my milk separate to the top, so I do not share that concern. However, I am not so closed minded as to think that I could be wrong.
To add to the issue, I am a little put off by my dr. b/c I honestly do not think he took the time to listen to me. I am not fresh off the turnip truck. I have done this before and I wanted to discuss options and he just wants results. After all, he's "been doing this for 26 years and he knows what he's talking about!"
So, please pray for my babies. I want to be able to nurse them and I want them to fatten up.
It was not good news.
Henry weighed 5 lbs 10 oz. He was 6 lbs 12 oz at birth. He was supposed to be back at that for this appointment.
Mary Catherine weighed 5 lbs 4 oz. She was 5 lbs 12 oz at birth.
The dr. wants me to supplement with formula after I nurse them and go in for a weight check on Tues.
I have mixed emotions about the supplementing.
After paying attention to things more closely today after our appointment, I believe the issue lies in the fact that for whatever reason, the twins cannot induce my 'let down'. I'm thinking that it might because their mouths are so small right now.
They nurse for about 20-40 mins and then I pump because I want to keep up my milk supply. Once I start pumping, I can feel my let down and I can get about 1 oz-2 oz and sometimes 3 oz per side in about 2-3 mins.
So, I am 'thinking' that I am going to pump a little first and then attach the twins.
I am going to supplement after I nurse them. I just don't know if it will be with formula or pumped milk. The dr. is concerned that my milk is not high enough in calories. I can see the fat in my milk separate to the top, so I do not share that concern. However, I am not so closed minded as to think that I could be wrong.
To add to the issue, I am a little put off by my dr. b/c I honestly do not think he took the time to listen to me. I am not fresh off the turnip truck. I have done this before and I wanted to discuss options and he just wants results. After all, he's "been doing this for 26 years and he knows what he's talking about!"
So, please pray for my babies. I want to be able to nurse them and I want them to fatten up.
6.16.2009
More Sleep...
I fed the babies around 10:30 pm last night. They were back in their bed by 11:30 pm.
I ended up putting Henry in the bed with me around midnight, maybe a little later.
We all slept until after 4 am, almost 4:30 am. I woke up before they did b/c of the pain from not nursing.
We were all back in bed by 5:30 am. Henry in the crib and MC in the bed with me, I think. It's already a vague memory.
We got up and nursed again at 7:30 am. They had a horrible morning nap, which is why I'm writing this so late and I've already forgotten some things. I nursed them at 11 am b/c I was trying to get them some sleep, but MC just wasn't having anything to do with that at all. Henry was fussy too, but finally got about 30 mins of sleep.
The problem with no nap is that as soon as you have them nursing they fall asleep and it's a vicious cycle of bad feeding, no nap, bad feeding, etc... So, I try my hardest to get them to sleep for 2 hrs in between feedings.
Hopefully they will nap better this time.
I ended up putting Henry in the bed with me around midnight, maybe a little later.
We all slept until after 4 am, almost 4:30 am. I woke up before they did b/c of the pain from not nursing.
We were all back in bed by 5:30 am. Henry in the crib and MC in the bed with me, I think. It's already a vague memory.
We got up and nursed again at 7:30 am. They had a horrible morning nap, which is why I'm writing this so late and I've already forgotten some things. I nursed them at 11 am b/c I was trying to get them some sleep, but MC just wasn't having anything to do with that at all. Henry was fussy too, but finally got about 30 mins of sleep.
The problem with no nap is that as soon as you have them nursing they fall asleep and it's a vicious cycle of bad feeding, no nap, bad feeding, etc... So, I try my hardest to get them to sleep for 2 hrs in between feedings.
Hopefully they will nap better this time.
6.15.2009
Another Night...
So, last night went well but only because I shared my bed again...
I feed the babies at 11:00 pm. They were back in bed by midnight. Henry would not settle down at all, and had been difficult most of the night already before the 11 pm feeding. So after about 30 mins of trying to intervene, I put Henry in my bed.
Around 2 am, Mary Catherine woke up. I should've fed them both, but since I only had been sleeping a little over an hour, I pulled her in bed with us.
At 4:30 am I woke up. I was in pain from not nursing. So, I got set up to nurse, which takes some effort-pillows, waterproof pads for changing, pacis for after, diaper stuff, remote control, water bottle, use the bathroom, etc...
The babies nursed for over 45 mins. We were finished by 6 am. I slept until 7:30 am and then got up to get the big kids dressed for their day at the museums with my mom.
I fed the babies at 8 am and MC is waking up right now as I finish this sentence. Henry had a bad nap again this morning, so I was waiting as long as possible before waking him, but oh well. It's time to rise and shine!
I feed the babies at 11:00 pm. They were back in bed by midnight. Henry would not settle down at all, and had been difficult most of the night already before the 11 pm feeding. So after about 30 mins of trying to intervene, I put Henry in my bed.
Around 2 am, Mary Catherine woke up. I should've fed them both, but since I only had been sleeping a little over an hour, I pulled her in bed with us.
At 4:30 am I woke up. I was in pain from not nursing. So, I got set up to nurse, which takes some effort-pillows, waterproof pads for changing, pacis for after, diaper stuff, remote control, water bottle, use the bathroom, etc...
The babies nursed for over 45 mins. We were finished by 6 am. I slept until 7:30 am and then got up to get the big kids dressed for their day at the museums with my mom.
I fed the babies at 8 am and MC is waking up right now as I finish this sentence. Henry had a bad nap again this morning, so I was waiting as long as possible before waking him, but oh well. It's time to rise and shine!
6.14.2009
Bedmates...
Well, the good news is that I got more sleep last night.
The bad news is that I slept with the twins in my bed. I know some of you co-sleep and that's fine for you, but this is not something I want to continue to do. I want to sleep with J, not two little bundles of baby.
Of course, J won't sleep with me yet b/c apparently I still snore. I'm not sure if it's the extra weight or the exhaustion, or maybe both.
So, this is what their schedule was like last night.
I fed them at 10ish. They woke me at 2:30ish. I had them back in the crib by 3:30ish, but Henry would not settle down. At 4 am, I pulled him into my bed. Around 5:15 am, Mary Catherine started to cry. I noticed I had only been sleeping for a little over an hour, so I decided to try to hold her off as well, so I pulled her in the bed between Henry and me.
I knew it had been 3 hrs and they should've eaten, but once again the need to sleep overcame.
I woke up around 6:30 am from the pain of not nursing, but dozed until 7 am and then woke them up. They were so hungry that they ate for 45 mins!
So, I got about 5.5 hrs of sleep! (and the babies missed a feeding...oops.)
The bad news is that I slept with the twins in my bed. I know some of you co-sleep and that's fine for you, but this is not something I want to continue to do. I want to sleep with J, not two little bundles of baby.
Of course, J won't sleep with me yet b/c apparently I still snore. I'm not sure if it's the extra weight or the exhaustion, or maybe both.
So, this is what their schedule was like last night.
I fed them at 10ish. They woke me at 2:30ish. I had them back in the crib by 3:30ish, but Henry would not settle down. At 4 am, I pulled him into my bed. Around 5:15 am, Mary Catherine started to cry. I noticed I had only been sleeping for a little over an hour, so I decided to try to hold her off as well, so I pulled her in the bed between Henry and me.
I knew it had been 3 hrs and they should've eaten, but once again the need to sleep overcame.
I woke up around 6:30 am from the pain of not nursing, but dozed until 7 am and then woke them up. They were so hungry that they ate for 45 mins!
So, I got about 5.5 hrs of sleep! (and the babies missed a feeding...oops.)
6.13.2009
Little Stinker
Last night went almost as well as the night before last. The babies ate at pretty much the same times and I was able to sleep in between for 1.5-2 hrs. It wasn't as much sleep because MC would not settle in the crib.
I got up one time each 'nap' and try to settle her and give her a paci, but when she fussed again I put her in the bed with me. Of course, she slept like a champ next to me. Sleep is more important to me at this point. I will do whatever it takes to get sleep.
I hate to be stereotypical, but MC seems more high maintenance to us already. :)
The latching on issues are mostly better, but MC had a hard time at the 5:30 am feeding today. I don't understand it. She fusses and fusses and then all of a sudden she decides she'll latch on ten minutes later.
During the day they do well. They are up about an hour or less before I put them back down for naps, this includes their feeding. Their feedings were taking about 40 mins, but now they are more like 20-30 since they are getting better at nursing.
I follow the rule that as soon as they fuss after feeding and a diaper change, they are down for a nap. It has worked very well with my other three children and it is working for the twins already.
I appreciate all the people praying for me. This is hard work, no doubt, but it is going as well as it can be going.
~thank you~
I got up one time each 'nap' and try to settle her and give her a paci, but when she fussed again I put her in the bed with me. Of course, she slept like a champ next to me. Sleep is more important to me at this point. I will do whatever it takes to get sleep.
I hate to be stereotypical, but MC seems more high maintenance to us already. :)
The latching on issues are mostly better, but MC had a hard time at the 5:30 am feeding today. I don't understand it. She fusses and fusses and then all of a sudden she decides she'll latch on ten minutes later.
During the day they do well. They are up about an hour or less before I put them back down for naps, this includes their feeding. Their feedings were taking about 40 mins, but now they are more like 20-30 since they are getting better at nursing.
I follow the rule that as soon as they fuss after feeding and a diaper change, they are down for a nap. It has worked very well with my other three children and it is working for the twins already.
I appreciate all the people praying for me. This is hard work, no doubt, but it is going as well as it can be going.
~thank you~
6.12.2009
Better and Better
Last night was the best night yet.
The twins ate around 10ish without latching issues! It makes the feeding go so much smoother. It still hurt like the dickens, but there's nothing I can do about that aspect. Just imagine putting that sensitive part of your body in a little tiny vice and opening and closing on it.
They slept well until 2ish. One twin (H?) woke up first and I put the paci in trying to wait for the second twin. It lasted about 15-20 mins and then I felt bad, so I got them both up.
They latched well again, and slept well until they woke up around 5ish. Once again, I tried the paci for a 15-20 min delay.
I was able to get about 2 hrs of sleep in between feedings, plus an additional hour after that last feeding.
I would be thrilled if this happened every night until they start dropping feedings. This is the best it can be really at this point.
6.11.2009
Alone...
The twins slept in their crib last night! I was all alone in my bed for the few short hours that I actually got to sleep.
A few changes that I made that might have been the difference.
~I swaddled them in a kiddopotamus fleece wrap under their usual blanket wrap. I suspected that they were chilly because our house has been colder than usual with company here helping. I also am having trouble keeping their arms in their wrap, and those swaddleme kiddopotamus wraps are tighter.
~I turned on their sound machine to a setting that sounds like 'in the womb' to me.
So last night this was their schedule:
8 pm eat
11: 15 pm eat, but someone had trouble latching so really it was awhile before we all got started. I think we were finished around 12:30 am and back in the crib. It's already a hazy memory for me. Of course, after they are in bed, I pump, take the milk to the fridge, wash the accessories, use the bathroom and get in bed, so that's another 30 minutes.
3:00 am H woke up and I gave him a pacifier. It was really time for them to eat, but I was so tired. He lasted until 4 ish and then we started it all again. We finished it all by 5:30 am. I was back in bed by 6 am.
7:30 am eating again and starting our day...
I know for most this isn't interesting, but for a first time mom, this is gold. I know because I have been first time mom and you want to know EVERYTHING. Also, I want to attempt to keep journaling for the twins. It is their only chance at a baby book.
I will post pix of the babies in their wraps when I get a chance. I'm going to go squeeze in a nap. I'm all alone with all 5 kids for the first time. Everyone is lying down for rest.
6.10.2009
First Week...
Okay, so I am really going to try to record as much as I can about our life with twins, but man oh man, am I tired!
I will have to recap you in short form because I honestly do not have the energy or time to be witty at this point. I am already late for the twins next feeding.
Sleeping...
During the day, sleeping is going very well for the twins because I can allow them to settle themselves more, but at night I am in the room with them and I cannot waste any sleep time listening to the grunts and groans and cries so the babies have been sleeping in the bed with me. This is way different than any other babies we've had, so it just goes to show that sleep deprivation will cause all sorts of changes. Swaddling is absolutely key for a solid nap. I think it might be the most important thing to know how to do if you have a newborn.
I am getting anywhere from 2-4 hours of sleep per night. Yep, that's it... I am tired. Very tired. I try to nap during the day when I can, but with older children and having two babies it doesn't always work. By the time we nurse, change diapers, pump extra milk, clean pump, use the bathroom (which still involves way too many steps) and get a drink, and maybe something to eat, it's practically time to wake them again.
Eating...
Overall nursing is going well, with exception that it hurts. It hurts a lot. Whomever said that it doesn't hurt if you do it right is full of caca.
Usually one of the twins will have a hard time latching and will scream and cry for the first ten minutes. It was H up until today and now it's MC. This is a big pain in the tail because then they finish at different times, but I am kind of trapped there. The girls help me out if they around and will take the finished twin and hold him/her.
I have breastmilk in a bottle and when he/she is having trouble latching I will squeeze some in his/her mouth so he/she thinks it's coming from me and will try to latch. I think the latch problem is b/c my let down comes after both are attached and the stubborn one of the day doesn't want to wait for it. So they are off and on, which hurts even worse.
I really believe in nursing, but at this point I dread each feeding. It's not sweet or special. It's painful, and sometimes frustrating. In two weeks it will all be good.
Schedule...
At this point, we follow a loose schedule of waking to eat every 3 hours. MC usually wakes to eat by that time and then I wake H. so they can eat together. After 10/11 each night I don't wake them, but allow them to wake me. It is still about every 3 hours.
I will have to recap you in short form because I honestly do not have the energy or time to be witty at this point. I am already late for the twins next feeding.
Sleeping...
During the day, sleeping is going very well for the twins because I can allow them to settle themselves more, but at night I am in the room with them and I cannot waste any sleep time listening to the grunts and groans and cries so the babies have been sleeping in the bed with me. This is way different than any other babies we've had, so it just goes to show that sleep deprivation will cause all sorts of changes. Swaddling is absolutely key for a solid nap. I think it might be the most important thing to know how to do if you have a newborn.
I am getting anywhere from 2-4 hours of sleep per night. Yep, that's it... I am tired. Very tired. I try to nap during the day when I can, but with older children and having two babies it doesn't always work. By the time we nurse, change diapers, pump extra milk, clean pump, use the bathroom (which still involves way too many steps) and get a drink, and maybe something to eat, it's practically time to wake them again.
Eating...
Overall nursing is going well, with exception that it hurts. It hurts a lot. Whomever said that it doesn't hurt if you do it right is full of caca.
Usually one of the twins will have a hard time latching and will scream and cry for the first ten minutes. It was H up until today and now it's MC. This is a big pain in the tail because then they finish at different times, but I am kind of trapped there. The girls help me out if they around and will take the finished twin and hold him/her.
I have breastmilk in a bottle and when he/she is having trouble latching I will squeeze some in his/her mouth so he/she thinks it's coming from me and will try to latch. I think the latch problem is b/c my let down comes after both are attached and the stubborn one of the day doesn't want to wait for it. So they are off and on, which hurts even worse.
I really believe in nursing, but at this point I dread each feeding. It's not sweet or special. It's painful, and sometimes frustrating. In two weeks it will all be good.
Schedule...
At this point, we follow a loose schedule of waking to eat every 3 hours. MC usually wakes to eat by that time and then I wake H. so they can eat together. After 10/11 each night I don't wake them, but allow them to wake me. It is still about every 3 hours.
6.06.2009
Three Day Check-Up
We went to the pediatrician this morning.
Henry weighed in at 6 lbs and Mary Catherine weighed 5 lbs 2 oz.
Henry has lost more weight than MC. I'm not surprised because she eats more at each feeding, or at least nurses more consistently and longer.
Their jaundice still is at okay levels. At the hospital their levels were 7-9, and they aren't concerned until the levels are 19-20. The doctor said we're good to go until the two week check up, unless I am concerned about anything beforehand.
Trusting, aren't they?
Henry weighed in at 6 lbs and Mary Catherine weighed 5 lbs 2 oz.
Henry has lost more weight than MC. I'm not surprised because she eats more at each feeding, or at least nurses more consistently and longer.
Their jaundice still is at okay levels. At the hospital their levels were 7-9, and they aren't concerned until the levels are 19-20. The doctor said we're good to go until the two week check up, unless I am concerned about anything beforehand.
Trusting, aren't they?
6.05.2009
We're Home!
We're home. We got home around 1 pm today.
The twins are doing well. They have been tandem nursing the last three times, so that is helpful. Thank goodness for the twin nursing pillow my friend Sharon let me borrow.
I'm still recovering slowly, but surely. Kinsey said I looked sleepy and have looked sleepy since I had them. Hmm...I guess the whole six hours of sleep I've had since Tuesday night isn't working for my appearance.
I will post more pics tomorrow on here and fb.
The twins are doing well. They have been tandem nursing the last three times, so that is helpful. Thank goodness for the twin nursing pillow my friend Sharon let me borrow.
I'm still recovering slowly, but surely. Kinsey said I looked sleepy and have looked sleepy since I had them. Hmm...I guess the whole six hours of sleep I've had since Tuesday night isn't working for my appearance.
I will post more pics tomorrow on here and fb.
6.04.2009
Recovering...
The twins are doing well. Praise the Lord.
Mary Catherine is more alert and nursing better than Henry. However, considering all Henry went through during his birth, I would be out of it too.
I am so thankful that I did not have a c-section. When I have more energy I will provide the details of the experience for those who care to know.
I would like to ask for you to pray for me. My recovery is extremely slow and considerably more painful than with the other three. I am not sleeping well, and as to be expected, nursing twins is proving to take quite a bit of time.
I am not really into small talk right now, so forgive the neglect of the phone. Once I get some energy I will return phone calls.
I know things will improve every day, especially with prayers.
Hopefully, Jason will figure out how to feed this to my facebook page. We cannot access facebook at Wake Med.
Mary Catherine is more alert and nursing better than Henry. However, considering all Henry went through during his birth, I would be out of it too.
I am so thankful that I did not have a c-section. When I have more energy I will provide the details of the experience for those who care to know.
I would like to ask for you to pray for me. My recovery is extremely slow and considerably more painful than with the other three. I am not sleeping well, and as to be expected, nursing twins is proving to take quite a bit of time.
I am not really into small talk right now, so forgive the neglect of the phone. Once I get some energy I will return phone calls.
I know things will improve every day, especially with prayers.
Hopefully, Jason will figure out how to feed this to my facebook page. We cannot access facebook at Wake Med.
6.02.2009
Tomorrow is the Day!
I'll skip the details, but I went to the doctor today and he thought that we should move up the induction to tomorrow.
We will go in at 7 am.
We're trying for a 'normal' induction. It could end up in a c-section, but let's pray that doesn't happen.
We're excited, but knowing that I'm going to go in and experience labor is like being excited about getting hit by a truck in order to win a million dollars. It's going to end well, but the path is painful.
By the end of the day we will have two healthy babies, Lord willing.
Look forward to receiving an email or check facebook. Jason will update you as soon as he can.
Thank you for your prayers.
We will go in at 7 am.
We're trying for a 'normal' induction. It could end up in a c-section, but let's pray that doesn't happen.
We're excited, but knowing that I'm going to go in and experience labor is like being excited about getting hit by a truck in order to win a million dollars. It's going to end well, but the path is painful.
By the end of the day we will have two healthy babies, Lord willing.
Look forward to receiving an email or check facebook. Jason will update you as soon as he can.
Thank you for your prayers.
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