Melanie
02-26-2006, 05:58 PM
Our Birth Story
Sunday, Feb 12 ~
Together with our doctors, we decided to induce early at 35 weeks because of my high blood pressure and the risk of Twin to Twin Transfusion syndrome. After a few hours of delays, we checked into the hospital. Around 10pm, the Cervidal was inserted and we got some sleep.
Monday, Feb 13 ~
8-10am ~ The Cervidal was removed and Pitocin was started. My Doctor broke Samantha’s water and inserted 2 probes (1 for Sam and 1 for contractions. Sydney was monitored externally). My contractions started to intensify in frequency and strength. These events were uncomfortable and painful, but not as horrific as I’d imagined. The anesthesiologist administered the epidural. Later on, the contractions intensified again and the Dr gave me a boost of pain meds. Epidurals are fantastic! I could still feel the contractions and move my legs, but the pain was less severe.
2pm ~ My cervix was complete and I was ready to push. They moved us into the Operating Room (standard procedure for twins). Because first time moms often push for awhile, they had me begin pushing at each contraction. The only problem was they underestimated me! I was determined to push these babies out quickly and safely. I pushed so hard and so fast they actually had to stop me so the pediatricians could arrive in time.
Samantha Kate was born at 2:52pm at 5lbs. 3 oz and 18 inches. Sydney Grace was born at 3:03pm at 4lbs. 10 oz and 17.5 inches!
I briefly held Syd and Mike held Sam. Then Mike followed the girls to the Special Care Nursery. Samantha was dark red and Sydney was very pale. We had a case of acute Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. During delivery, much of Syd’s blood was transferred across the shared placenta into Sam.
Monday night, it was decided (after some debate and frustration) that the babies had to be transferred to Stanford’s Level 3 NICU for intensive care. I briefly got to see Syd and hold Sam. Mike followed the ambulance and spent the night with the girls.
Both girls had IV lines into their belly buttons. Samantha had blood taken away and saline added. Sydney had blood added. Mike did a fantastic job being Dad and advocate for our precious girls.
Meanwhile, I was extremely weak, dizzy and confined to bed. I lost a tremendous amount of blood during delivery. My hematocrit was only 17, which I’ve learned is dangerously low.
Tuesday, Feb 14 ~ I needed blood transfusions. I am still slowly recovering from this and taking massive doses of iron. I’m trying to regain my strength for when the babies come home. Fortunately, my Interstitial Cystitis has been okay. Many of my pregnancy symptoms are quickly disappearing (high blood pressure, acid reflux, restless leg syndrome, swelling, etc).
Mike spent his day going between the hospitals to care for all of us. On Tuesday night, I was given an early release. We drove to Stanford and I was finally able hold my babies. Sadly, we couldn’t stay long since I was on strict bedrest.
Wednesday, Feb 15 ~ The girls were transferred back to our local hospital’s Special Care Nursery. This is great news because it's closer to home and a much calmer environment for all 4 of us.
Sam had jaundice and received light therapy to help her liver process the over abundance of blood. Syd needed more fluids and glucose before she could start formula. Both babies were monitored very closely (blood, fluids, temps, etc).
The special care nursery has advantages. The nurses are fantastic! The girls are on a schedule – feeding every 3 hours. We are learning many tips and techniques for feeding, burping, diapering, bathing, etc.
Friday, Feb 17 ~ The girls were reunited! It’s called co-bedding (sharing a crib). Twins love this closeness and studies prove it helps them to thrive.
Both girls are having some feeding and gaining weight issues - which is very common for preemies of their age. We are hopeful that we’ll bring them home in a few days.
IC advice in next post......
Sunday, Feb 12 ~
Together with our doctors, we decided to induce early at 35 weeks because of my high blood pressure and the risk of Twin to Twin Transfusion syndrome. After a few hours of delays, we checked into the hospital. Around 10pm, the Cervidal was inserted and we got some sleep.
Monday, Feb 13 ~
8-10am ~ The Cervidal was removed and Pitocin was started. My Doctor broke Samantha’s water and inserted 2 probes (1 for Sam and 1 for contractions. Sydney was monitored externally). My contractions started to intensify in frequency and strength. These events were uncomfortable and painful, but not as horrific as I’d imagined. The anesthesiologist administered the epidural. Later on, the contractions intensified again and the Dr gave me a boost of pain meds. Epidurals are fantastic! I could still feel the contractions and move my legs, but the pain was less severe.
2pm ~ My cervix was complete and I was ready to push. They moved us into the Operating Room (standard procedure for twins). Because first time moms often push for awhile, they had me begin pushing at each contraction. The only problem was they underestimated me! I was determined to push these babies out quickly and safely. I pushed so hard and so fast they actually had to stop me so the pediatricians could arrive in time.
Samantha Kate was born at 2:52pm at 5lbs. 3 oz and 18 inches. Sydney Grace was born at 3:03pm at 4lbs. 10 oz and 17.5 inches!
I briefly held Syd and Mike held Sam. Then Mike followed the girls to the Special Care Nursery. Samantha was dark red and Sydney was very pale. We had a case of acute Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome. During delivery, much of Syd’s blood was transferred across the shared placenta into Sam.
Monday night, it was decided (after some debate and frustration) that the babies had to be transferred to Stanford’s Level 3 NICU for intensive care. I briefly got to see Syd and hold Sam. Mike followed the ambulance and spent the night with the girls.
Both girls had IV lines into their belly buttons. Samantha had blood taken away and saline added. Sydney had blood added. Mike did a fantastic job being Dad and advocate for our precious girls.
Meanwhile, I was extremely weak, dizzy and confined to bed. I lost a tremendous amount of blood during delivery. My hematocrit was only 17, which I’ve learned is dangerously low.
Tuesday, Feb 14 ~ I needed blood transfusions. I am still slowly recovering from this and taking massive doses of iron. I’m trying to regain my strength for when the babies come home. Fortunately, my Interstitial Cystitis has been okay. Many of my pregnancy symptoms are quickly disappearing (high blood pressure, acid reflux, restless leg syndrome, swelling, etc).
Mike spent his day going between the hospitals to care for all of us. On Tuesday night, I was given an early release. We drove to Stanford and I was finally able hold my babies. Sadly, we couldn’t stay long since I was on strict bedrest.
Wednesday, Feb 15 ~ The girls were transferred back to our local hospital’s Special Care Nursery. This is great news because it's closer to home and a much calmer environment for all 4 of us.
Sam had jaundice and received light therapy to help her liver process the over abundance of blood. Syd needed more fluids and glucose before she could start formula. Both babies were monitored very closely (blood, fluids, temps, etc).
The special care nursery has advantages. The nurses are fantastic! The girls are on a schedule – feeding every 3 hours. We are learning many tips and techniques for feeding, burping, diapering, bathing, etc.
Friday, Feb 17 ~ The girls were reunited! It’s called co-bedding (sharing a crib). Twins love this closeness and studies prove it helps them to thrive.
Both girls are having some feeding and gaining weight issues - which is very common for preemies of their age. We are hopeful that we’ll bring them home in a few days.
IC advice in next post......