Multiple births
- Multiple births
- finally some good news ... and some bad
3/9/08 14:40
3/9/08 13:30
I know exactly how you feel. I love all the boys to bits but some days it can be total hell. I wouldnt mind so much if you could get your sleep at night. Oli is a little star and sleeps 4 hours most of the time. But Mitchell can vary really. The colic is a nightmare to deal with and happens at the worse possible time. Tea time until midnight. Getting Harvey to bed is hectic. You just look forward to them sleeping through so much. We dont have them in the same in room as us as I just cant sleep. They went over 5 hours last night, I couldnt believe it. We are trying to keep them awake more during the day by putting them in their bouncy chairs and on the play mat. You dont get anything done but I think it is helping them at night.
Not too personal a question, dont worry. Yeah had a section both times and suffered with piles both times. It is absolute agony. Got some germaloid suppositories and cream and it definately helps. Try that they should clear up. Mine are internal too. Not pleasant!!!
Just been into town today with the kids and my mum. It was really nice as everyone kept staring at them all!! I felt so proud. You do have to be a bit rude though sometimes and walk away as you just wouldnt get anywhere.
3 nights left at my mums then off home. How the hell am i gona cope!!! Its hard enough with her help!
God I wish it would stop raining, its making me feel miserable. Got Harvey some new shoes in town today. He so sweet. He is talking so much now its so much fun. It will be so wierd when there are 3 of them to talk to.
Did you work before you had the kids. Will you be going back? Im taking a few years off now until the kids start school. So expensive for child care and its a bit much for my mum to look after all 3. Looking forward to it though, watching them all grow up.
I know what you mean about the neighbours. Luckily my neighbour is a bit deaf, so she probably wont hear too much (i hope).
Speak soon
steph
2/9/08 22:06
Hi Steph, No probs its just so good having you to talk to - no one else who has just had a singleton realises how different it is to carry twins and then have to cope with dealing with not just one crying baby but two.
The other day my hubby came home and my neighbour greeted him by saying you'd better give your wife some tlc as all we could hear today from the conservatory was the babs crying - it was like a day from hell.
Dont know what it is but at the mo they seem to be feeding every 2-3 hours - not sure but thought at this stage it should be getting easier but feels like its getting harder. They still arent sleeping through and last night Luke was a little sod, He was waking up every 2 hours and taking 3-4 ozs.
My mum and dad have been round today which has been a big help - i feel a bit like ive had a day off as my mum has done all the feeds and nappy changes all ive had to do is make the feeds up.
Cant remeber if you had harvey by section but just wondered if and this maybe a bit of a personal question but are you in pain when having a bowel movement. I had the same after i had jack and have got the same pain since having twins be ceaseran. Dont know if its internal hemarroids but dread it every time i need to go to the loo, sorry if this is tmi.
Cant wait to see a pic of your two little men!
Speak soon
Joanne x
2/9/08 10:49
Hiya
Yeah we make our feeds up too and put them in the fridge. There is no way we could cope otherwise. We did it with Harvey and he was fine.
The boys are taking about 4 -5 oz every 3 -4 hours. Mitchell has been trying to have his milk a bit earlier, but I have found that he is snacking a bit so am trying to prolong him this morning. My sister is here too today to help. I have come on internet to order a wardrobe to arrive on Monday, for the boys huge pile of clothes that they have been given.
I cant wait for the boys to start smiling properly and be a bit more aware of there surroundings. It so much nicer when you start getting something back from them.
Im not coping too bad at the moment, but I do have a lot of help. I guess it will be alot harder when I go home and am on my own. I have ear ache at the moment and feel really tired but also feel so lucky. At least our boys are healthy and growing. Thats the main thing. I know it will be a lot of fun when they are a bit older. I cant wait to see them interact with each other.
I have to give them liquid folic acid every sunday as they were premature. Apparently they have to have it until they are weaned, but I am waiting for my doctor to ring me about it, as they really suffer on the Monday to Wednesday every week with diarrhoea and tummy pains. I really dont want to give them it again unless it is absolutely essential. Poor Oliver had to have his nappy changed 4 times within an hour last night as he kept exploding!!
The colic seems a bit better this week. The Dr Brown bottles are worth the money and the infacol seems to be taking effect.
We managed to get out for a walk into town on Sunday but it ended up raining again so wasnt very exciting really. At least Harvey got out for a run to tire him out a bit.
Its so nice having someone to talk to who knows exactly what you are going through. Thanks for being there.
Speak soon
Steph
30/8/08 17:10
Yes thanks very much for your kind words sarah.
Joanne x
Hi Steph, glad to hear all well and your boys are putting on good weight.
How are you all coping?
Jack too was very colicky and was always bringing back his feeds so I am so glad that Ben and Luke are good feeders and keep it all down. I dont know what i would have done if they where as bad as jack.
Ben is soon going to be in 3-6 months clothing as he is getting a little chuffer where luke is in 0-3 but gaining weight fast and dont think it will be too long before he catches up to his bro
They both now seem to be taking rougly about 4-5 ozs every 3 hours. How much does Mitchell and Oliver take?
I dont know what i would do without Jack, when they both kick off for feed at same time and im on my own Jack will help with the feeds, at first he wasnt very good at it he seemed to be pushing the bottle to the back of there throats but now he is a natural and does it really well.
I cant believe where time has gone - my boys are now just over 10 weeks and are very alert - my heart just melts when they both are smiling at me and I think now they have both realised that they arent the only babs in the house - Ben seems to give Luke the evil eye when he sees him in my arms as if he is jelous that his brother is getting my attention and not him.
My sister Vanessa is round at the moment - she tends to come round on Saturdays to help out with feeds and nappy changes which is a big help, that is how I have had the chance to write to you. What would we do without help from relatives, I know that you have a great mum who has done so much for you - I was reading on a forum where a lady has got 2 children already and has recently found out she is expecting twins and her partner has left her and she is set to have a c secton - how she will cope i dont know as the other night i allowed hubby to sleep through and not get up for night feeds and they day after i was absolutely nackered.
Anyhow best go and make the next batch of feeds up even though they advised at hospital that you shouldnt do anymore - its okay if you only have 1 baby to deal with but when you have 2 screaming the house down you need supplies at the ready.
Speak soon
Joanne x
27/8/08 15:39
Thanks Sarah that was really nice of you.
Steph
Joanne
Hi, finally I get 5 mins to get on the computer. Everything you have described sounds just like me. You never get any time spare. Mitchell is also getting more hungry now and never seems to get to the 4 hours any more. Oliver is pretty lazy though and will often go over 4 hours if I dont wake him up. (He takes after me, as was like that apparently). I think they (especially Mitchell) may be starting with colic, which is hell. Harvey had it too so I know whats coming. They starting crying usually around tea time and it takes until midnight to settle Mitchell. We have today invested in some Dr Brown's bottles, Infacol and gripe water and hoping that amongst these something will help. I am beginning to dread night time coming!!
We had them weighed yesterday and Mitchell is 6lb 3 1/2oz and Oli is 6lb 3oz (although he had just fed). They are piling the weight on and never seem to bring any milk back, so really pleased with them.
We were managing to get out for a few walks as they seemed to be feeding at the same time and it was easier to get them in the pram and get out, but now they are an hour or so apart so we never get chance to go any where. Mind you the weather has been crap anyway so, probably wouldnt have gone far anyway.
Harvey is great kissing and cuddling the boys and loves to hold them(kind of) but I wouldnt dare leave him for a minute. He tried to poke Mitchells eye today!!!. He being very good though. He just tries it on now and again to get attention and has to be told off.
Oliver had to have a repeat heel test today as there wasnt enough blood on the last one, so fingers crossed that is ok.
I cant believe someone said that about the birthmark. Like you say, good job it was put in his notes.
We are still at my mums at the moment, which has been a great help. We take it in turns to get up at night and to have night off. I guess reality will hit when we go home. We go back on the 5th September. I am looking forward to it, to have my own things around me again and to try and get into my own routine, but am making the most of it at the moment.
We had a viewer for our house last week and they are very interested, so fingers crossed it will sell soon and we can move back to our home town to be nearer our family. At least my mum can just pop round then when she wants.
Well I seem to have waffled a bit today, so best go and wait for Harvey coming back from his walk with his Grandma. Lovely to hear your news and what your boys are doing.
Speak soon
Steph
24/8/08 22:51
Sorry to gatecrash, I hope u don't mind, but I have just been reading your posts and I am so happy for u both!! U both seem to have gone through so much...but to do it together must have been lovely for u!!
Congratulations on the safe arrivals of your twins......and good luck for the future...I hope they all continue to progress as well as they have been doing x
23/8/08 14:49
Hi Steph, So sorry its been late getting back to you but so glad to hear that your boys are home.
I would of replied sooner but dont seem to get 2 mins to myself as they are so demanding - if its not Ben and Luke wanting my attention its Jack.
Ben and Luke both had there first injections at there 8th week assessment which wasnt pleasent at all - Luke just screams which I can cope with but my mum was holding Ben and he just seems to sob which is quite upseting to hear.
Ben was 11lb when they weighed him over a week ago and is roughly putting on 2oz a day so he is gaining weight fast and Luke was around 8 and a half pounds which is gooed - Luke is following the bottom centile on the chart but every time Ben gets weighed he keeps jumping up centiles which hv says she wants to keep an eye on, they had me paranoid when i had jack as he didnt gain much weight and seemed to drop down the chart but with Ben they say he is gaining weight to quickly.
I wasnt happy when i went as the hv there hadnt seen Ben before and was thinking on how he got his bruise like mark on his brow - I told them it wasnt a bruise and that it was a birth mark but not sure if they believed me or not that is why i am glad that i got the paed to put it in the hospital notes before i left.
My boys too fed every 3-4 hours when i first came home but are now still demand feeding every 2-3 hours which is very tiring and always have to make sure i have a good supply of milk stored in fridge at the ready coz when they kick off they kick off big style. Jack will come in to kitchen and say "mummy Ben and Luke kicking off" which i think is really funny when he says it.
Havent been out much with babs coz the whole procedure of getting both babs and jack ready and into the car ready to go is a good hour to do - how are you managing with 3 little men and do you get out much?
Keep me informed on your progress and of any helpful tips you pick up along the way!
Will speak soon
Joanne x
16/8/08 09:28
Hi Joanne. So sorry I havent been on for a while, things have been so hectic. We are all at my mums now. The twins came out of hospital on Wednesday and are doing really well. They are feeding between 3 - 4 hours, although Oliver went 5 1/2 hours through the night, which was brilliant. Mitchell is a bit of a piggy tho and drinks loads!!! We are quickly remembering what the sleepless nights are like and was so tired yesterday. I think my body must be adjusting a little now tho, as I dont feel quite as bad today. Im going to try get a little nap in this afternoon as my parents are going to keep an eye on the boys.
Scott (fiance) is picking the pram up at the moment so if the weather stays ok,we might get out for a short walk. Its lovely having them home and not having to leave Harvey all the time to visit the hospital.
Harvey is coping well and seems to like the new arrivals, unless they cry!! He has been such a good boy. I dont know how he can sleep through the crying at night tho as Mitchell is so loud.
The Christening sounds good. You are very organised. Im not sure when we are going to get our boys done. How are all your little ones doing??
We are having the boys weighed on Tuesday, i think they are over 5lb now. They are piling the weight on fast.
Hope you are all well. How often are your boys feeding now? When do we get some sleep???? Ha ha
Speak soon
Steph
7/8/08 14:46
Hi Steph, its great to hear that all is well and your boys are now gaining good weight and are no longer in there incubators and being fed by tube. I too tried to have them both in same cot but Luke wasnt having any of it and wanted Ben out.
I cant believe my boys are 7 weeks old today, time seems to have flown by so quickly. Ben is a little tubby now but Luke isnt so far behind him - its odd to think of how small they where when born to what they look like now. They have there 8 week check up next thursday and will have there first set of injections which im not really looking forward to as i can remember with jack he screamed the place down but this time i will have it in stereo with two of them, i think i will have to ask my mum to come along to help me.
I have been busy lately trying to get there christening sorted out - thinking of sometime in september - have just received an order from party delights ltd. I have had a personalised banner made for them with there picture on it that I got from Bounty - it looks really good and am very happy with it.
I am going to arrange for outside caterers to do the buffet for me as will have enough on my plate getting them ready for church into there little gowns which i still have to buy.
Its great to hear that Mitchell and Oliver are doing really well and hopefully wont be that long before they are home and thats when the fun really starts.
Will speak soon
Joanne x
5/8/08 10:39
Hi Joanne. Just a quick update as off to the hospital in half an hour. Harvey at mums today and coming back tomorrow. Just gives her and my dad a break from driving to mine every day. We live an hour away from them.
Twins doing well. Mitchell 4lb 7oz and Oli 4lb 6 1/2oz so not much between them now. They have both come out of their incubators and are in a cot together which is lovely to see. We occasionally have to take Oli out though and put him in his own as Michell is a bit bossy and lets us know when he wants him out!! They have both had their milk tubes taken out of their noses now as they are doing so well with their bottles.
There was talk yesterday of them getting nearer to coming out, but wouldnt say whether we were talking about days or weeks. I would like them to be nearer 5lb really before they come out, as they still seem so small. Small but perfect!!
I have just tried to upload some photos for you to see them but once again my computer is being useless. I cant wait to get to my mums when the boys are out. At least her computer works (although god knows how much time I will have to go on).
It still hasnt hit me yet that they will be coming home with us one day. Think I am living in a dream at the moment. They are wonderful in Special Care, what an amazing job they do, but I cant wait to get some normality back and not have to leave Harvey quite so much.
I dont think Harvey has any idea really what is going to hit him but he is a good boy and im sure he will be a help bringing me things. Not so sure about the holding the bottle thing tho, he will probably drink it himself!!!
Anyway hope you all ok. What are your 3 boys up to?? Bet they growing so fast now.
Will let you know when photos are on.
Take Care
Steph
1/8/08 17:03
Hi Steph, great to hear all is well with you and the boys.
HV came on weds to weigh Ben and Luke - they are both putting on good weight - luke is now 7lb 9ozs and Ben is 9lb 6ozs, she cant believe that last time she weighed Ben which was 2 weeks ago Ben was 7lb 9 ozs so he has put on nearly 2lb in 2 weeks which she says is good but may need to put him on a diet if he carries on (i think she was joking).
I think that if Ben hadnt got his birthmark on his head i too would find it very difficult to tell them apart plus the fact that Ben is a little fatty compared to Luke
Take this time to get as much rest as you can especially through the night as they seem to be non stop feeding all the time - it is getting easier though now as before they where both feeding every 2 hours but now they are managing to go 4 hours at night before they wake for a feed. I try to get as much feed in them during the day as i can as this puts them in good stead for the night time.
How is Harvey and does he understand he now has 2 new brothers - Jack is such a great help for me during the day when I am on my own, I dont know what i would do without him - when they both cry for a feed at the same time he will grab a bottle off me and start feeding one of them, he also helps when changing there nappies. I am sure Harvey will just be the same.
Will speak soon
Joanne x
31/7/08 15:28
Hi Joanne. It sounds like you are coping really well and having fun too. I cant wait to bring my boys home too. They are 2 weeks on Friday, its flying by. Every day is spent dividing my time between the hospital and home with Harvey. It is hard work but just keep thinking its only for a short time. Been to physio today to get my support belt for my tummy. My muscles just split due to carrying twins. My frame was too small and they just split. Probably a good job they came when they did. Its not painful but will take time to heal and I guess will probably never be quite the same again. But hey, I cant complain as we have 3 wonderful boys to show for it.
The twins are doing really well. Putting on weight now. Mitchell is 4lb 2oz and Oliver is 3 14lb 1/2oz. The staff keep changing their minds depending who is on i think. Today they say Oliver is going to be the boss. He may be small but he is very rude to them if they dont feed him when he wants!! Bless them. They seem to look more and more alike every time I see them. I hope I can tell them apart!!
It sounds like they will be for another 4 weeks approx??? see how they get on. When they come out of their incubators I will need to be there more and have a few nights stay before they can come out. Its a hard time in our lives but it wont be long til we all together.
Keep me informed what your boys are up to, love hearing what they are doing.
take care
steph
28/7/08 10:47
Hi Steph, its great to hear that all is well and that you are home recovering before your boys come home. Your mum tells me that you have torn your stomach muscles and that you have to wear a belt for 6 weeks - how did that happen and is it painful? ceaserans are hard to recover from as it is without anything else adding to it!
It must be very tiring going to and fro from the hospital - when the babs are out of the incubators will you have to be readmitted to care for them yourself before they are allowed home?
I have just fed my boys, Luke is zonked and asleep but greedy Ben has just downed a 5oz bottle and is sat on my knee whilst I type this wide awake wanting more.
I cant believe my boys are 6 weeks on weds - HV is due to weigh and think she will be shocked at the size of Ben as he seems to be feeding all the time - Luke is great he feeds and then sleeps.
Jack is getting so involved with them - when i am at home alone and they both need feeding at the same time Jack will grab hold of one of the bottles and start to feed one which is a great help and he also helps with changing, I dont know what i would do without him, i'm sure Harvey will also enjoy helping out.
Take care and will speak soon
Joanne x
28/7/08 09:13
Hi Joanne. Its Steph. Finally I have managed to log on!! Hope your boys are all doing well. What are they up to now?
My mum has been filling you in on everything. She has been fantastic, I really dont know what I would have done without her. Feeling a bit better today. Managing to get my sleep now and its giving me time to get on my feet before the boys come out of hospital and all hell breaks loose!! No I cant wait really. Its really tiring travelling to the hospital every day and trying to divide my time between home and there.
I got to hold the twins together for the first time the other day and it finally hit me that I have 3 sons!!! Scary. Lovely too tho.
Waiting for scotts mum to come today and look after Harvey so I can nip off to the hosp. I usually go when Harvey is asleep for a couple of hours so he isnt missing me too much. When they come out of their incubators it sounds like I will be needed at Special Care full time which is going to be hard on him, but its only for a short time hopefully.
Well best log off before my computer crashes yet again. Have been thinking about you and hope you getting on ok.
Will speak as soon as can. Take care
Steph
26/7/08 18:29
Hi Joanne, Its Cath again. Steph came out of hospital on Tuesday, & wanted to send you a message but unfortunately their computer seems to have gone on the blink! She's feeling a lot better & her scar seems to be healing nicely, but she's having to go for physio as her stomach muscles have split. I think she has exercises to do, & she is having to wear a belt for 6 weeks until they knit together again.The boys are doing well, breathing on their own, still being fed by tube, but starting to take a small amount from a bottle as well.I think she's decided as they are still small to bottle feed, & have taken to the formula ok.As you say, you know how much they are getting. Steph goes in to Special Care & spends as much time with the twins as possible, washing & changing them & giving them a feed but its quite hard when she has Harvey to look after too. He stayed with us for three days & nights last week but really he's best at home, as you dont want him to feel pushed out. Luckily for Steph, Scott is a hands on Dad and goes to hospital after work for a few hours on his own.Today, Saturday, Scott spent the morning with the twins & Steph the afternoon there.Im looking forward to seeing the boys again tomorrow & Steph says they really are alike although Mitchell has slightly more colour due to getting more haemoglobin.Oliver seems to have settled down now & is a bit more laid back whereas Mitchell has started to get more vocal.They still have a long way to go yet & Steph will have to spend more time at hospital so I will go through to her house & be there to look after Harvey.He is starting to talk a lot more now, & makes me laugh so much.I hope you are enjoying all your boys too.I know it must be hard work but nothing is more important than your family. Stephs hoping to get the computer fixed soon but its probably way down on the list of things to do!.Take care. Love Cath x
22/7/08 14:21
Hi Cath, its great to hear that both Steph and the boys are well.
Ben too keeps spitting his dummy out and I wondered too why this was but as the paed said it could be down to being twins.
I tried to breastfeed Jack but unfortunately had to put him on the bottle 4 days later as he was just suckling instead of feeding when i put him on my breast and so he lost more than the 10% that the hospital specify and so wouldnt let us home until he gained so had to put him on the bottle. Some of the midwifes at the time frowned upon my decision so decided this time round especially having 2 babs to feed to go straight for the bottle coz its good to know how much your babs are taking especially with them being born a little prem and being a bit low birth weight, the paeds wanted to know that Luke was taking at least 40ml every 3 hours - they where not so much bothered about Ben as he was 6lb 4oz but Luke just missed being admitted to scbu as he was under the 5lb target they set so decided as long as he was putting on weight and taking his feeds he could stay with his brother.
The night feeds seem to be getting a bit easier - instead of feeding every 2 hours as they were they are now lasting for 3-4 hours, i look after one at my side of the bed and nigel my hubby has the other at his side, i dont know what i would do if he didnt get up to help me especially since recovering from section.
Please let Steph know I am thinking of her and her little men and wont be long before we are chatting again.
Love and best wishes
Joanne x
21/7/08 16:28
Hi again Joanne. Spoke to Steph just after lunch & she managed to walk all the way from maternity to SCBU this morning, which is quite a way, so she is quite pleased with herself.Dr said Oliver can breathe on his own but was going to keep some oxygen blowing on him, just to help his growth? Its quite quiet in there only 1 other prem baby at the moment so I think they getting a bit of attention.Dr said it could be between 2-4 weeks before they are ready to go home, but it depends on their progress. He said he was happy with them at the moment. Fingers crossed.Dont know when Steph will be discharged. Mitchell was fast asleep again this morning & Oliver was wriggling about, spitting his dummy out & setting his alarm off.Paediatrician(had to look that up in the dictionary) said its often the case in twins.Are you breast or bottle feeding? Stephs expressing milk for the boys but I think she is still undecided.Its hard seeing the boys in SCBU( Im afraid I filled up a bit) but Im glad that Steph is getting the time to recover from the section & get stronger before they come home.Thanks for your best wishes for her Joanne. I will let her know. Look after yourself & your boys Love Cath x
21/7/08 13:33
Hi Cath, I'm so glad to hear that all is well. I too managed to get an infection which isnt good but whey you look at your babs you just know its all well worth it.
Yeh its right as with mine i have found that luke the smallest of the twins is the most liveliest and most demanding where as ben just feeds and then sleeps. i am actually trying to write this whilst i have luke on my knee just wanting some attention.
have the medics given any indication as to how long babs will have to stay in scbu?
hope its not too long and then steph and her boys can be home as i was only in hospital a week and now how tiring it can be for both mum and relatives visiting,
please pass on my love and best wishes
joanne x
20/7/08 19:45
Hi Joanne, Been to visit Steph & boys again this afternoon.She's picked up a bit of an infection so on anti-bs & blood shows shes anaemic, but it will get sorted out soon.Harveys been in to see his brothers but he's such a live wire that 10mins at the hospital is enough for him.He's a bit little to understand whats going on, so Scott(Stephs fiance) took him to the zoo this afternoon.Steph got to hold Mitchell for the first time this aft & Oliver came off his oxygen.Small events but so important.Mitchell looks so content sleeping all the time while Oliver was pulling at his hat , waving his arms & making quite a bit of noise for someone so small.I think Steph said your smaller twin was a bit like that? Yes, I think when she gets discharged she'll be bombarding you with questions about feeding. sleeping .(When do you sleep, eat, manage to go for a shower)!Anyway I'll pass on your messageJoanne. Take care. Love Cath.PS Your boys look gorgeous x
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Hi Steph, thanks for the advice will certainly try the suppositories and cream and hopefully it will clear it up.
I did work at BT prior to having them for just 5 hours a day whilst my mum looked after jack but as you say to land all 3 of them on your mum isnt good so I too will be taking the next few years off until they are all in full time education. They arent babies for ever and think that i would miss this special time too much, I can remember when my mum used to have Jack she had him from around 4 months of age and you do miss those special moments like starting to crawl and taking first steps.
It is a great feeling though isnt it when pushing a double buggy, total strangers feel the need to pop there head into pram to look and when you tell them there identical as well they all think its great, i never really got this kind of attention when i just had jack as a singleton.
Have you had much help from friends, most of mine have been great but one i think is very jelous as every time i bring the twins up in conversation she quickly changes the topic to her kids, which im not all that bothered about but i just think its petty, my mum says not to bother which i dont, what we both have had is a miracle and most of my friends say they would have loved to have had twins especially identical.
Do your boys still spit out there dummies even though they want it? Isnt it so annoying I just cant understand why they do it.
I'd bettter go as Ben has just woke up and has his fist in his mouth wanting to be fed.
Will speak soon
Joanne x