It's amazing how having babies makes you appreciate the little things: enjoying a glass of wine, taking a nice, long hot shower, sipping a hot cup of coffee, etc. Each of these "small" activities has become something that I savor each second of. I don't necessarily miss the way it was; I actually love how much more enjoyment I get out of it now.
Anyway, in a couple short weeks I'll be returning to work and that's a hard pill to swallow. I love working. I can't see myself staying at home to raise my babies, but I know I'm going to miss the hell out of them. Luckily, my husband is staying home with the babies for 10 weeks after I go back to work so that eases my transition slightly. After that, we're going to have to put the babies in day care which is heartbreaking but I'm kind of in denial about it.
I'm going to miss looking into my babies eyes all day, squeezing their thighs, kissing their cheeks. I love them more than anything. Time is flying by: today they are 14 weeks old.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Two of my favorite products
Before I forget, if you are pregnant or have a little one, you MUST buy these two products:
Boudreaux's Butt paste - at the first sign of a diaper rash, slather this on and poof, it's gone.
http://www.amazon.com/California-Baby-Calendula-Cream-4oz/dp/B0032YTT9E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361461423&sr=8-1&keywords=california+baby
California Baby Calendula Cream -our boy gets a little dry skin rash on his cheeks. We put this stuff on and it literally goes away within 12-24 hours.
http://www.amazon.com/California-Baby-Calendula-Cream-4oz/dp/B0032YTT9E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361461423&sr=8-1&keywords=california+baby
I'm pretty sure they are both miracle products.
Also, since I just mentioned diaper rash, I'd like to say that I think Pampers Swaddlers are truly a superior diaper. It seems that both times that we have tried alternative diapers (Huggies and CVS brand) a rash has developed so we have gone back to using the swaddlers. We also love our Pampers sensitive wipes. Amazon Prime and Amazon Mom has proved priceless. We get two day shipping and a 20% discount on the diapers/wipes so I highly recommend signing up!
Anyway, we are trying to get the babies used to sleeping in their cribs. I just put Hannah in there for her nap instead of the Rock n Play. Here she is, asking her mama why she's in there with no toys:
Boudreaux's Butt paste - at the first sign of a diaper rash, slather this on and poof, it's gone.
http://www.amazon.com/California-Baby-Calendula-Cream-4oz/dp/B0032YTT9E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361461423&sr=8-1&keywords=california+baby
California Baby Calendula Cream -our boy gets a little dry skin rash on his cheeks. We put this stuff on and it literally goes away within 12-24 hours.
http://www.amazon.com/California-Baby-Calendula-Cream-4oz/dp/B0032YTT9E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361461423&sr=8-1&keywords=california+baby
I'm pretty sure they are both miracle products.
Also, since I just mentioned diaper rash, I'd like to say that I think Pampers Swaddlers are truly a superior diaper. It seems that both times that we have tried alternative diapers (Huggies and CVS brand) a rash has developed so we have gone back to using the swaddlers. We also love our Pampers sensitive wipes. Amazon Prime and Amazon Mom has proved priceless. We get two day shipping and a 20% discount on the diapers/wipes so I highly recommend signing up!
Anyway, we are trying to get the babies used to sleeping in their cribs. I just put Hannah in there for her nap instead of the Rock n Play. Here she is, asking her mama why she's in there with no toys:
Monday, February 18, 2013
Raising twins
My friend M birthed twins one week before me. They also happen to be a boy/girl pair. She came over today for a visit and it was so great to see her and the babies and to hear what she is doing with them. It's so interesting how we all find our own way. I think M was shocked by our ways - feeding on demand, no onesies underneath sleep n plays, no swaddling at night etc etc. The key is to find what works for your babies and family unit. Check out all of our cuties:
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Jacob playing with my fingers
I absolutely love when Jacob plays with my fingers or when he reaches out to touch my face. It's one of the best feelings ever.
Exclusively pumping for twins
I've been exclusively pumping milk for my twins since their first week in this world. I don't think I could have ever done it without my amazing hospital grade breast pump: the Medela Symphony. Link here:
http://www.amazon.com/Medela-0240108-Symphony-Breast-Pump/dp/B001JA85K2/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361116081&sr=1-2&keywords=medela+symphony
Now, I was lucky enough to have a bunch of money left over in my flexible spending account so I could purchase it outright. However, I know you can also rent it from hospitals. If you are planning on exclusively pumping for your baby or babies, I highly recommend that you do that.
Some tips:
1) Don't wear any tight bras or tops to help your supply. A nurse at the hospital recommended that I not wear a bra while at home to help my supply and even though I had the occasional leak, I think it really helped.
2) Drink LOTS of fluids. With how much fluid you will be removing from your body, you need to make sure you are hydrated enough to produce the milk and replenish it. Also, I suck at this, but do take a prenatal vitamin.
3) We use Medela bottles and they work really well for the babies. This is great because you can pump in them and feed out of them. However, because I am pumping so much I pump into 8 oz bottles but we use 5 oz bottles for feedings.
http://www.amazon.com/Medela-87131-Breastmilk-Bottle-Set/dp/B000WPVCQE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361115953&sr=8-1&keywords=medela+bottles
You can also get the playtex drop ins which also allow you to pump straight in them. You can then store them and feed right out of them.
http://www.amazon.com/Playtex-Drop-Ins-Premium-Nurser-Newborn/dp/B001QC3CKG/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361115975&sr=1-4&keywords=playtex+drop+ins
4) Get an extra set of pump parts. That will minimize the constant part washing. Also, note that you can put your pump parts in the fridge after you use them for use all day long. I do this and then just run them through the dishwasher at night.
5) If you are freezing extra milk, I highly recommend the Lansinoh storage bags.
http://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-20435-Breastmilk-Storage-25-Count/dp/B001EPQ1QW/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361116160&sr=1-1&keywords=lansinoh+breastmilk+storage+bags
They aren't cheap but they are sturdy. We have only had one incident of spilled milk. I love the double closure and you can store at least up 8 oz in the bags (or at least I do).
6) The hands free bra - it's a must! I use this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Hands-Free-Breastpump-XS/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361116316&sr=1-1&keywords=medela+hands+free+pumping+bra
It allows you to tend to the babies while you pump which is key if you ever want to get some pumping sessions in while you are the sole caretaker.
And now the mental/physical tips:
1) Don't psych yourself out or question your ability to produce milk. When I start worrying about my supply, it somehow becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
2) Take your mind off of pumping. If I don't need to tend to the babies while pumping, I do something pleasant such as watching Downton Abbey (free w/ Amazon Prime), browsing Reddit, etc etc. It helps to keep my mind off of what is happening.
3) In addition to the above, when you sit to pump make sure you have a drink by your side (I get ridiculously thirsty). I also usually have a snack - cookies, chocolate, nuts.. It may not be the healthiest snack but it makes pumping more enjoyable.
4) If you notice that you aren't releasing all of your milk, make sure you massage your boobs and try to get the milk out. Otherwise, you could end up with some really unpleasant side effects. It is REALLY important to drain your boobs. When I have a hard time with this, I sometimes take a hot shower and then try to pump.
5) This one has helped me a lot. Make short term goals - to feed them breastmilk till they are 2 weeks old, then till they are one month, 3 months, etc. Reevaluate once your meet your goals to see if you want to continue.
And finally, don't stress if you have to buy some formula. We bought some backup formula in the very beginning. We haven't had to use it yet, but if we do, I'll be the first to grab it. Good luck!
One of my first pumping successes - a 2.5 oz bottle of milk that I fed to Jacob 5 days after his birth:
http://www.amazon.com/Medela-0240108-Symphony-Breast-Pump/dp/B001JA85K2/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361116081&sr=1-2&keywords=medela+symphony
Now, I was lucky enough to have a bunch of money left over in my flexible spending account so I could purchase it outright. However, I know you can also rent it from hospitals. If you are planning on exclusively pumping for your baby or babies, I highly recommend that you do that.
Some tips:
1) Don't wear any tight bras or tops to help your supply. A nurse at the hospital recommended that I not wear a bra while at home to help my supply and even though I had the occasional leak, I think it really helped.
2) Drink LOTS of fluids. With how much fluid you will be removing from your body, you need to make sure you are hydrated enough to produce the milk and replenish it. Also, I suck at this, but do take a prenatal vitamin.
3) We use Medela bottles and they work really well for the babies. This is great because you can pump in them and feed out of them. However, because I am pumping so much I pump into 8 oz bottles but we use 5 oz bottles for feedings.
http://www.amazon.com/Medela-87131-Breastmilk-Bottle-Set/dp/B000WPVCQE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361115953&sr=8-1&keywords=medela+bottles
You can also get the playtex drop ins which also allow you to pump straight in them. You can then store them and feed right out of them.
http://www.amazon.com/Playtex-Drop-Ins-Premium-Nurser-Newborn/dp/B001QC3CKG/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361115975&sr=1-4&keywords=playtex+drop+ins
4) Get an extra set of pump parts. That will minimize the constant part washing. Also, note that you can put your pump parts in the fridge after you use them for use all day long. I do this and then just run them through the dishwasher at night.
5) If you are freezing extra milk, I highly recommend the Lansinoh storage bags.
http://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-20435-Breastmilk-Storage-25-Count/dp/B001EPQ1QW/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361116160&sr=1-1&keywords=lansinoh+breastmilk+storage+bags
They aren't cheap but they are sturdy. We have only had one incident of spilled milk. I love the double closure and you can store at least up 8 oz in the bags (or at least I do).
6) The hands free bra - it's a must! I use this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Wishes-Hands-Free-Breastpump-XS/dp/B00295MQLU/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1361116316&sr=1-1&keywords=medela+hands+free+pumping+bra
It allows you to tend to the babies while you pump which is key if you ever want to get some pumping sessions in while you are the sole caretaker.
And now the mental/physical tips:
1) Don't psych yourself out or question your ability to produce milk. When I start worrying about my supply, it somehow becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
2) Take your mind off of pumping. If I don't need to tend to the babies while pumping, I do something pleasant such as watching Downton Abbey (free w/ Amazon Prime), browsing Reddit, etc etc. It helps to keep my mind off of what is happening.
3) In addition to the above, when you sit to pump make sure you have a drink by your side (I get ridiculously thirsty). I also usually have a snack - cookies, chocolate, nuts.. It may not be the healthiest snack but it makes pumping more enjoyable.
4) If you notice that you aren't releasing all of your milk, make sure you massage your boobs and try to get the milk out. Otherwise, you could end up with some really unpleasant side effects. It is REALLY important to drain your boobs. When I have a hard time with this, I sometimes take a hot shower and then try to pump.
5) This one has helped me a lot. Make short term goals - to feed them breastmilk till they are 2 weeks old, then till they are one month, 3 months, etc. Reevaluate once your meet your goals to see if you want to continue.
And finally, don't stress if you have to buy some formula. We bought some backup formula in the very beginning. We haven't had to use it yet, but if we do, I'll be the first to grab it. Good luck!
One of my first pumping successes - a 2.5 oz bottle of milk that I fed to Jacob 5 days after his birth:
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Just photos
Just two photos from tonight of my favorite subjects.
I apologize for the poor quality - cell phone camera + artificial light.
I apologize for the poor quality - cell phone camera + artificial light.
Friday, February 15, 2013
How I have surprised myself
When I posted on a board asking moms of multiples what has surprised them about themselves since the birth of their children, I noticed we all have a lot of the same answers. I know I have surprised myself in more ways than one since I had my munchkins. Here are mine:
1) That I've been able to take care of my twins by myself while my husband works full-time.
2) That I'm able to function on erratic sleep patterns - little to no sleep some nights or lots of broken sleep.
3) My ability to multi-task - I can feed the babies while I simultaneously pump their milk. Or, better yet, I can watch Downton Abbey while I feed and pump...
4) That I'm way LESS Type A with my babies than I ever imagined. For instance, I always thought I would keep their bottles and pacifiers separated at all times, but that went out the window quickly.
5) That I've been able to get my babies on a "schedule" during the day - we follow EASY - http://noobmommy.com/2012/02/e-a-s-y-schedules-cheat-sheet-4-sample-baby-schedules-from-4-weeks-1-yr.html
6) That I'll do absolutely anything, no matter how crazy, to make my babies smile. When I change their diapers I sing this made-up gem to elicit some baby smiles:
"Did you kaka like a guanaco?
Did you pee like a bee?
Did you poo like a kangaroo?
Did you tinkle like Rip Van Winkle?"
7) That I have no issue leaving my kids alone (with my parents that is). I was sure I wouldn't let anyone watch them for the first year, but I practically run out the door when they get here :)
And a photo from a couple days after their birth vs now. They don't look like this at all anymore:
Taken approx. 1.5 weeks ago (the babies were 11.5 weeks):
They're growing up so fast.
1) That I've been able to take care of my twins by myself while my husband works full-time.
2) That I'm able to function on erratic sleep patterns - little to no sleep some nights or lots of broken sleep.
3) My ability to multi-task - I can feed the babies while I simultaneously pump their milk. Or, better yet, I can watch Downton Abbey while I feed and pump...
4) That I'm way LESS Type A with my babies than I ever imagined. For instance, I always thought I would keep their bottles and pacifiers separated at all times, but that went out the window quickly.
5) That I've been able to get my babies on a "schedule" during the day - we follow EASY - http://noobmommy.com/2012/02/e-a-s-y-schedules-cheat-sheet-4-sample-baby-schedules-from-4-weeks-1-yr.html
6) That I'll do absolutely anything, no matter how crazy, to make my babies smile. When I change their diapers I sing this made-up gem to elicit some baby smiles:
"Did you kaka like a guanaco?
Did you pee like a bee?
Did you poo like a kangaroo?
Did you tinkle like Rip Van Winkle?"
7) That I have no issue leaving my kids alone (with my parents that is). I was sure I wouldn't let anyone watch them for the first year, but I practically run out the door when they get here :)
And a photo from a couple days after their birth vs now. They don't look like this at all anymore:
Taken approx. 1.5 weeks ago (the babies were 11.5 weeks):
They're growing up so fast.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
A product review for twins
My twins are 13 weeks tomorrow and I thought I'd write up a recap on the best products that we've encountered. I'll start with my favorite.
1) Rock n plays - register for 2 of these! Our babies absolutely love these and have slept in them since the first day. The Rock n Plays that we registered for and received are only $62 each right now on Amazon. They are so light you can easily lug them from room to room and they fold so you can bring them with you if you are going somewhere overnight. They are also inclined which I swear has helped the babies with their digestive systems/lack of tummy issues. It'll be the best money you ever spent, I promise.
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Deluxe-Newborn-Sleeper-Snugabunny/dp/B00A4B35I4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1360847923&sr=8-3&keywords=rock+n+play
2) Fisher Price Swing - We registered for two snugabunny swings and received them. You definitely only need one. We haven't gotten as much use out of these as I hoped, but there have definitely been times where the swing was the only way to go for a much needed nap. These are $100 each on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Cradle-Swing-Little-Snugabunny/dp/B0042D69WY/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1360848666&sr=1-1&keywords=lamb+swing
3) Boppy Newborn Lounger - get two of these! We love them and have been using them since we brought the babies home from the hospital. They are great for feeding the babies at the same time but the babies also love just lounging around in them. $25 each on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Newborn-Lounger-Seed-Row/dp/B002WDAW5Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1360848775&sr=1-1&keywords=boppy+newborn+lounger
4) Tiny Love Activity Gym - you only need one of these. If I feel that both babies want to do the activity mat, I just plop them both on it. Great for teaching them to grasp for objects as well as for tummy time. $50 on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Love-Deluxe-Lights-Activity/dp/B000067K0L/ref=sr_1_9?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1360848916&sr=1-9&keywords=playmat
5) Summer Infant 3 Stage Super Seat - get one! We bought a bumbo at a yard sale but I just ordered one of these and it is 10x better. I'd skip the bumbos completely in favor of the summer infant seat. A bumbo:
Not only can the baby use it to learn how to sit, he/she can also play with toys that are on a tray that surround it. And finally, it can be converted to a booster seat down the road. There is also a snack tray on it. $36 on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Stage-Super-Seat/dp/B001NJC5QY/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1360849146&sr=1-1&keywords=summer+infant+3+stage+super+seat
6) Noggin nest head support - get two of these!! I wish I knew about these from the start. Our baby boy has preferred looking to one side since birth. This keeps the head from getting flat. You can stick it in the rock n play, the swing.. anywhere. $14.99 each on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Noggin-Support-Brown-Wheels/dp/B001O9F6M8/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1360849440&sr=1-1&keywords=noggin+nest
I'll update this post as I have more time.
1) Rock n plays - register for 2 of these! Our babies absolutely love these and have slept in them since the first day. The Rock n Plays that we registered for and received are only $62 each right now on Amazon. They are so light you can easily lug them from room to room and they fold so you can bring them with you if you are going somewhere overnight. They are also inclined which I swear has helped the babies with their digestive systems/lack of tummy issues. It'll be the best money you ever spent, I promise.
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Deluxe-Newborn-Sleeper-Snugabunny/dp/B00A4B35I4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1360847923&sr=8-3&keywords=rock+n+play
2) Fisher Price Swing - We registered for two snugabunny swings and received them. You definitely only need one. We haven't gotten as much use out of these as I hoped, but there have definitely been times where the swing was the only way to go for a much needed nap. These are $100 each on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Cradle-Swing-Little-Snugabunny/dp/B0042D69WY/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1360848666&sr=1-1&keywords=lamb+swing
3) Boppy Newborn Lounger - get two of these! We love them and have been using them since we brought the babies home from the hospital. They are great for feeding the babies at the same time but the babies also love just lounging around in them. $25 each on amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Newborn-Lounger-Seed-Row/dp/B002WDAW5Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1360848775&sr=1-1&keywords=boppy+newborn+lounger
4) Tiny Love Activity Gym - you only need one of these. If I feel that both babies want to do the activity mat, I just plop them both on it. Great for teaching them to grasp for objects as well as for tummy time. $50 on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Love-Deluxe-Lights-Activity/dp/B000067K0L/ref=sr_1_9?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1360848916&sr=1-9&keywords=playmat
5) Summer Infant 3 Stage Super Seat - get one! We bought a bumbo at a yard sale but I just ordered one of these and it is 10x better. I'd skip the bumbos completely in favor of the summer infant seat. A bumbo:
Not only can the baby use it to learn how to sit, he/she can also play with toys that are on a tray that surround it. And finally, it can be converted to a booster seat down the road. There is also a snack tray on it. $36 on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Stage-Super-Seat/dp/B001NJC5QY/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1360849146&sr=1-1&keywords=summer+infant+3+stage+super+seat
6) Noggin nest head support - get two of these!! I wish I knew about these from the start. Our baby boy has preferred looking to one side since birth. This keeps the head from getting flat. You can stick it in the rock n play, the swing.. anywhere. $14.99 each on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Noggin-Support-Brown-Wheels/dp/B001O9F6M8/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1360849440&sr=1-1&keywords=noggin+nest
I'll update this post as I have more time.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Time - what's time
Where do people find the time to get anything done with twins? Every morning I wake up with these grand plans to clean the apartment, unpack some boxes, finish my taxes etc. and I end up.. changing diapers, pumping/feeding milk, and playing with my little ones. By the time Nate gets home from work, it's time for the babies to go to sleep and once they are asleep, I crash and go to bed as well.
Hannah in her rocker today, smiling away as mommy makes faces.
Anyway, the time has come to figure out what we are doing for child care. I am due back at work in one short month. Nate is going to take 10 weeks of leave after and stay home with the babies. Come mid-May, when the little ones are approximately 6 months, we need to have a child care arrangement in place. This is causing me a lot of angst as I am sure it does for all new mothers. Am I making the right decision for my children? And does day care really cost twice as much as our rent?
Hannah in her rocker today, smiling away as mommy makes faces.
Anyway, the time has come to figure out what we are doing for child care. I am due back at work in one short month. Nate is going to take 10 weeks of leave after and stay home with the babies. Come mid-May, when the little ones are approximately 6 months, we need to have a child care arrangement in place. This is causing me a lot of angst as I am sure it does for all new mothers. Am I making the right decision for my children? And does day care really cost twice as much as our rent?
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Birth story
I remember when my babies were so tiny that they easily fit together on the playmat. These days, it looks like they are fighting for space and a bat for a toy could be a bat in the face of the other baby.
Before I forget, I wanted to post my birth story. This is my belly on Wed, Nov. 14th.
You can't imagine how badly I wanted to deliver my wonderful babies.
On Thursday Nov. 15th at 9:30 AM we went in for our scheduled induction for a planned vaginal delivery. Blood work was drawn and I was given a dose of cytotec. After an hour of monitoring, we were told we could leave and come back in 3 hours, so we went home and relaxed. When we returned to the hospital, they told me my blood test results were not good. Apparently, my platelets were extremely low so they said that there was a chance I would not be able to get an epidural (I could bleed to death) and "we could discuss other options after the next set of blood work." They also said that it was good that I was going for a vaginal delivery because a c-section would be very risky. I started crying because I was so terrified. They gave me another dose of cytotec while we waited for the labs to come back from the 2nd round. Normally I would have been able to go home again at this point but this time, they told me I couldn't leave (aside from the platelets, I had protein in my urine, high blood pressure - preeclampsia which I didn't have the entire preg!). Anyway, after the 2nd dose of cytotec (4 hours later), they started me on pitocin. Around that time we discovered that my platelet count had just reached the threshold where I could get an epidural so they immediately put it in even though I wasn't in that much pain yet. The pitocin drip went through the night and into the next day.
On Friday afternoon, I discovered I still hadn't made that much progress which was so extremely frustrating. However, in a matter of hours things picked up (I dilated from 4 to 10 in literally 2 hours) and they told me I was ready to deliver. I was wheeled to the operating room for delivery and Jacob was born after approx. 1.5 hours of pain free pushing at 9:10 PM (perfect - 6 lb 8 oz). They then said I could deliver Hannah in L&D and told me I would need to start the labor process all over again. When we got back to L&D, I started laboring with Hannah and the pain was excruciating. I told them I could feel everything and they pointed to the epidural and said everything was still going. After more time passed, they said Hannah's heart rate was going up and that they would need to use the vacuum to assist her delivery. I started crying and asked for one more push. I kid you not but I got her out in that one push. It was at that point that they discovered the epidural hadn't been hooked up! Hannah was again perfect - 6 lb 8 oz and born 2 hours after Jacob at 11:10 PM. Anyway, I was wheeled to recovery and the next morning they discovered I lost a lot of blood even though it was a vaginal delivery. I had to have a blood transfusion. The following day, they checked my levels again and they had dropped so they transfused another unit. My blood tests returned to "normal" after 3 bags of blood and we were released. I was so happy to finally leave the hospital to return home with my angels.
This photo was taken of Hannah and Jacob by the hospital photographer a couple days after birth while we were still in the hospital:
Before I forget, I wanted to post my birth story. This is my belly on Wed, Nov. 14th.
You can't imagine how badly I wanted to deliver my wonderful babies.
On Thursday Nov. 15th at 9:30 AM we went in for our scheduled induction for a planned vaginal delivery. Blood work was drawn and I was given a dose of cytotec. After an hour of monitoring, we were told we could leave and come back in 3 hours, so we went home and relaxed. When we returned to the hospital, they told me my blood test results were not good. Apparently, my platelets were extremely low so they said that there was a chance I would not be able to get an epidural (I could bleed to death) and "we could discuss other options after the next set of blood work." They also said that it was good that I was going for a vaginal delivery because a c-section would be very risky. I started crying because I was so terrified. They gave me another dose of cytotec while we waited for the labs to come back from the 2nd round. Normally I would have been able to go home again at this point but this time, they told me I couldn't leave (aside from the platelets, I had protein in my urine, high blood pressure - preeclampsia which I didn't have the entire preg!). Anyway, after the 2nd dose of cytotec (4 hours later), they started me on pitocin. Around that time we discovered that my platelet count had just reached the threshold where I could get an epidural so they immediately put it in even though I wasn't in that much pain yet. The pitocin drip went through the night and into the next day.
On Friday afternoon, I discovered I still hadn't made that much progress which was so extremely frustrating. However, in a matter of hours things picked up (I dilated from 4 to 10 in literally 2 hours) and they told me I was ready to deliver. I was wheeled to the operating room for delivery and Jacob was born after approx. 1.5 hours of pain free pushing at 9:10 PM (perfect - 6 lb 8 oz). They then said I could deliver Hannah in L&D and told me I would need to start the labor process all over again. When we got back to L&D, I started laboring with Hannah and the pain was excruciating. I told them I could feel everything and they pointed to the epidural and said everything was still going. After more time passed, they said Hannah's heart rate was going up and that they would need to use the vacuum to assist her delivery. I started crying and asked for one more push. I kid you not but I got her out in that one push. It was at that point that they discovered the epidural hadn't been hooked up! Hannah was again perfect - 6 lb 8 oz and born 2 hours after Jacob at 11:10 PM. Anyway, I was wheeled to recovery and the next morning they discovered I lost a lot of blood even though it was a vaginal delivery. I had to have a blood transfusion. The following day, they checked my levels again and they had dropped so they transfused another unit. My blood tests returned to "normal" after 3 bags of blood and we were released. I was so happy to finally leave the hospital to return home with my angels.
This photo was taken of Hannah and Jacob by the hospital photographer a couple days after birth while we were still in the hospital:
Monday, February 11, 2013
It's been a long time since I posted. That's because the best thing in the world happened to me; a true wish realized. We were blessed with the birth of our twins, Hannah and Jacob. My babies are just over 12 weeks old. The happiness they have brought into my life is immeasurable. Before I start crying, here they are:
Strangely enough, it feels like they have always been here in a way. It's as if they have always been part of our lives. Or perhaps it's as if they were always missing from my life and they are finally here. I'm so in love with my babies.
Strangely enough, it feels like they have always been here in a way. It's as if they have always been part of our lives. Or perhaps it's as if they were always missing from my life and they are finally here. I'm so in love with my babies.
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