finally some good news ... and some bad
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- finally some good news ... and some bad
22/7/08 14:21
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
20/7/08 13:39
Hi Cath, thanks ever so much for letting me know the great news.
What beautiful names she has chosen and what good weights they both are.
Please let Steph know that I am thinking of her and hope it wont be too long before she is home with her boys.
What does harvey think of his little brothers?
Please let Steph know will catch up soon and hopefully give her a few tips that I have picked up.
Bye for now.
Joanne x
19/7/08 19:21
Hi Joanne. This is Cath here, Stephs Mum. Just to let you know that after a very uncomfortable week Steph had a c section last night. Mitchell Peter was born at 9.20 weighing 3lbs 10ozs & Oliver Thomas a minute later weighing 3lbs 9ozs. They are both fine in SCBU with Oliver having a little oxygen.Stephs relieved its all over & cant wait to get on her feet again.Thanks Joanne for being here for her. Only another mum whos had twins or having them knows what it all about! Not sure how long she or the boys will be in hospital for but I am sure she will be in touch with you again xxx
14/7/08 21:57
Hi Steph, so glad to hear all went well with your scan today - its good they have given you steroid injections just in case anything happens early. Glad also to hear that your consultant has given you your section date for 37 weeks and not 38, if only they knew what discomfort is like when carrying twins and also when carrying id twins there comes a point where it is safer for babs to be born than to be left in and that is 37 weeks, cant understand why they would want you to carry on until 38 weeks - my consultant was the same.
We have been very soft with Jack being our first we have allowed him to sleep with us most nights but when babs kick off in middle of night he sleeps right through.
Hv has been today to weigh my boys and they have both put on good weight - Ben is now 7lb 9ozs and Luke is 6lb 2ozs.
I was advised by mw last week to get Ben referred back to Hospital to be seen by Paed Consultant to find out if what is on his head is a bruise or a birthmark so have an appt with gp tomorrow evening to get this done.
Oh by the way them steroid injections sting like hell when they go in your butt dont they!
Speak soon
Joanne x
14/7/08 15:57
HI Joanne. Back from scan. All is well. Both babies and fluid doing well. Both head down and twin 1 is really far down apparently. Can definately feel it!!!. Had a steroid injection today and got to go back for second one tomorrow, just in case. Went for monitoring on Saturday as I couldnt really feel twin 2. They were both fine tho. Think they just running out of room and couldnt feel them quite the same. Tried to have a moan to the consultant about how crap I was feeling, but I guess he hears it all the time and wasnt really concerned. He did bring my section date a week earlier tho, which I was glad about. Its on the 12 August now and cant wait. I will be a day off being 37 weeks. Hope I make it that long for their sake, even tho I am ready to get them out now!!
Hope all your boys are ok. I just wondered if your twins wake jack up at night or does he sleep through their crying. Harvey has slept through since he was about 9 weeks and cant say as he has been up since. Just hoping he will carry on doing as well.
Speak soon
Steph 32 + 5
10/7/08 11:11
Hi Steph, sorry to hear your not feeling too good but is great to know your mum is coming round often to help you with harvey as i know how tiring it can be to have an active toddler and carrying twins.
Time does seem to be going really fast. I cant believe that its 3 weeks since i gave birth to my boys and it wont be long before you will be meeting yours.
The longer you keep them in you the better - just try and rest as much as possible - i know its hard especially having a tot to cope with as well.
I will await your post on Monday after your scan but sure all will be well but will be good if your mum could let me know if anything happens before.
I always felt very heavy down below and was always worried about my waters breaking before my section date but luckily managed to get to 37 weeks which i am sure you will do also,
Keep your chin up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joanne x
9/7/08 09:53
Hi Joanne. Cant believe your boys are 3 weeks old. Thats gone so fast. Bet you were so proud pushing your boys out. I cant wait for that. Really looking forward to it. Started being sick again now, as so squashed and the weight is pretty awful. Managed to get some sleep last night tho. Spoke to midwife yesterday, my next scan is monday but have to go in before if feel any worse. They are hoping to get me to at least 34 weeks without going into labour. Just feel like im not too far off now tho!!!
My mum came yesterday and did some housework and looked after Harvey so I could go back to bed. It was lovely. She is coming again tomorrow. I didnt realise how much it would take out of me.
I will email monday after scan to let you know how getting on (otherwise my mum will probably post you to let you know if I go in).
Enjoy your boys.
A very fed up Steph 32 weeks.
8/7/08 16:23
Hi steph, glad to hear all was well with your scan last friday - and your back to scans at your local hospital.
Not long to go now.
Had the health visitor round today and my boys are both putting on good weight - they should be though they seem to be non stop feeding. Ben is now 7lb and Luke is 5lb 11ozs.
They will be 3 weeks old tomorrow and already have there own personalities. Luke the smallest of the twins seems to be the most alert and the noisiest. I do think he will be the domineering one.
I took them out for the first time in the pram the other day to take Jack to the park. Its amazing how proud you feel pushing a twin buggy it feels quite strange knowing that you have created not just 1 life but 2.
Bens bruise still hasnt gone - took him to docs the other day on mws say so and he advised that nothing at this stage could be done and to bring him back when he is 6 weeks old - hv advised on second opinion so might take him to see another doc just to put my mind at ease.
Hope your managing to get plenty of sleep at night coz soon you wont be getting very much.
Will speak soon
Joannex
7/7/08 09:42
Hiya Joanne. Had a good scan on Friday. All well with the babies and fluid etc. Had to wait over 2 hours for the scan as there was an emergency. Tiring sitting there waiting, but was very grateful that it wasnt me. Babies measuring at about 3lb and 3lb 1oz. Have been discharged back to my local hospital now for weekly scans.
Really feeling pretty crappy. Am sure you remember very well. Cant walk and sleep, heartburn. Moan!!!! Have been having regular Braxton Hicks for the last week, so have been told to keep an eye on them. Only had a couple yesterday and none so far today so hoping they settling down a bit. Its wierd cos am so desperate to get them out now but know they are better of where they are. Struggling to look after my little boy now, bless him. My mum is coming tomorrow for the day and my partners mum wednesday.
So did you get out for a little walk with the boys? Cant say as the weather has been up to much to go for a nice walk. Hope all is well.
Steph 31 +5
2/7/08 10:15
Hi Steph, thanks for that - all my mates that have been round have said also how cute they are - they expected them to look rinkled due to being early but are just gorgeous.
Id like to be able to tell you that it gets easier when walking and sleeping but unfortunately it dosent - when I went at 36 weeks to get my c sec date i could have punched my registrar when he wanted me to carry on until 38 weeks - luckily i stook to my guns and got them out at 37 weeks. Until you have carried twins to term you cannot even begin to think what the mother is going through.
I have the combi we2 lightweight twin stroller for my boys - it is so easy to fold up and is compact and easy to set up. It is also lightweight so handy for pushing around especially after having a section. I asked my mw the other day due to my boys being 3 weeks early technically today they would have been 39 weeks is it ok to take them out for a walk in the pram. she said should be fine as long as I dont go far and dont overdo it.
Hope all is going well and wont be too long now before you have your 2 little men in your arms.
Will speak soon
Joanne x
30/6/08 09:45
Hi Joanne. The photo is lovely, what two gorgeous boys you have got. I hope it is just a bruise on the little mans face but if it is a birthmark, they often fade or disappear as time goes on. You are so lucky they are just lovely.
Harvey used to feed every 2 - 3hours as well as he was only 5lb 12oz when he was born, so cant imagine how tiring it must be doing that with two babies! I guess I will find out soon enough.
Feeling so tired and heavy now. Struggling to walk round the house some days, but have managed to get two good nights sleep in a row so could be worse. Feel like i am on count down now and although I want them to stay where they are and cook a bit longer, I cant wait until they are out. I will let you know how Newcastle scan goes. Will be interested what weights they give me this time. I guess no one really knows until they come out.
What pram have you got for your boys? I have got the Nipper Out N About 360 on order for August for me. It looks really nice and easy to push.
Hope your section scar sorts itself out soon, I know how painful it can be, but like you said its definately all worth it.
Speak soon
Steph 30 + 5!!!!!
29/6/08 11:45
Hi steph, finally got the pic downloaded that i got taken from Bounty in the hospital - Luke is on the left and Ben is on the right with the Bruise on his head that is the only way at the moment that i can tell them apart but i do wish it would go.
speak soon
joanne x
29/6/08 11:36
HI STEPH - SORRY THE MESSAGE I SENT REPEATED 3 X - THINK I MAY HAVE PROB WITH MY PC - THE PIC I HAVE FINALLY MANAGED TO GET LOADED IS OF BEN - AS SOON AS I HAVE A PIC DOWNLOADED OF BOTH OF THEM I WILL GET IT CHANGED - BEN WAS BORN WITH A BRUISE ON HIS HEAD AS YOU CAN SEE ON PIC BUT IT DOSENT SEEM TO BE GOING - I AM A BIT WORRIED ABOUT IT - ONE OF THE MWS ON THE WARD THOUGHT IT MAY BE A BIRTH MARK - I DO HOPE IT ISNT - I HAVE THE HEALTH VISITOR COMING ON WEDS SO WILL ASK HER OPINION ON IT,
BYE FOR NOW
JOANNE X
29/6/08 11:27
Hi Steph, glad to hear all is going well with. Wont be long before you have them in your arms. My 2 little men are constantly feeding - with my first little boy I was feeding 4 hourly but because the twins where classed as low birth weights the mws advised that they will feed more regular to gain weight fast. We are up every 2-3 hours in the night which is very tiring but well worth it.
I have finished my course of antibiotics but still have the infection - mw is visiting tomorrow to check it so have been advised will need to take another course of biotics to shift the infection. I do have quite a bit of pain in the scar but when i look at my 2 little men i know its all worth it.
Hope all goes well with your scan at Newcastle.
Keep me informed
Joanne x
29/6/08 11:27
Hi Steph, glad to hear all is going well with. Wont be long before you have them in your arms. My 2 little men are constantly feeding - with my first little boy I was feeding 4 hourly but because the twins where classed as low birth weights the mws advised that they will feed more regular to gain weight fast. We are up every 2-3 hours in the night which is very tiring but well worth it.
I have finished my course of antibiotics but still have the infection - mw is visiting tomorrow to check it so have been advised will need to take another course of biotics to shift the infection. I do have quite a bit of pain in the scar but when i look at my 2 little men i know its all worth it.
Hope all goes well with your scan at Newcastle.
Keep me informed
Joanne x
29/6/08 11:26
Hi Steph, glad to hear all is going well with. Wont be long before you have them in your arms. My 2 little men are constantly feeding - with my first little boy I was feeding 4 hourly but because the twins where classed as low birth weights the mws advised that they will feed more regular to gain weight fast. We are up every 2-3 hours in the night which is very tiring but well worth it.
I have finished my course of antibiotics but still have the infection - mw is visiting tomorrow to check it so have been advised will need to take another course of biotics to shift the infection. I do have quite a bit of pain in the scar but when i look at my 2 little men i know its all worth it.
Hope all goes well with your scan at Newcastle.
Keep me informed
Joanne x
27/6/08 10:55
Hiya. It all sounds exciting. I cant wait. Hope I do get to 36 weeks, will be really pleased.
Just got back from my local hosp scan. It actually went very well considering I havent been there for a while. They are happy with the fluid and both babies, even thought there is still a difference. They have twin 1 measuring at 2lb 12oz and twin 2 at 3lb 3oz.. It just seems to depend on who does the measuring really. Back to Newcastle a week today so see what weights they give me too. My consultant was in theatre today so didnt get to see him, they took him my scan results and he is happy. We will be discussing a c/section date after my next Newcastle scan. Bloods, urine and bp all good. Both babies are head down, not that that really matters I guess when having a section. I find it quite uncomfortable when they lie like that as the weight seems heavier. Would prefer them to top and tail.
Harvey is at my mums today, so I have a whole day free. Cant believe it. Miss him but think I might just have a day resting on sofa.
Keep me updated on what your boys are doing. Will be getting tips off you for when they come.
Speak soon Steph
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