Hi all,
My twin boys were born in May at 27 weeks 6 days both weighing 2lbs 10oz. My pregnancy had been uncomplicated and it was a total surprise and I did not get the steroid shot. They had to be on high frequency vents for the first week of life. They went through the NICU in 70 days for boy A and 84 days for boy B (feeding issues- desats when feeding). Boy B had 3 major infections, one was pseudomonas in his lungs and he had to be reintubated and put on isolation. Boy A had a bit harder time weaning down to no breathing support than this brother (odd, since he never had any infections) but otherwise no complications. They came home a month ago and now weigh 8.5lbs (A) and 7.5lbs (B) and life now revolves around their feeding and care and we are so happy to be out of the NICU.
For you preemie mamas out there who's babies have come home, how are things going now? What are your lasting issues/delays? When (if ever) did you put your baby in day care? (I'm staying home this first year). I know every baby is different, unique, and develops at their own pace. I would love to read your stories!
A & K, married 7/1/13.
After 10 months of ttc via medicated IUIs and two early losses, we finally got our boys- Perfect premie twins born 5/27/14.
Re: Tell me your story
Both babies were exactly 1 lb 13 oz and 13.5" long. Baby B (DS) had a collapsed lung at birth. Baby A (DD) came out crying, which was so sad, but reassuring at the same time. Baby B had NEC (infection in his gut) at 2.5 weeks old, he had two blood transfusions and recovered well. Both had PDA's, but didn't require medication or surgery to fix them. Neither baby had a brain bleed which the Neo said is a miracle they didn't have slight bleeds. At 74 days in the NICU DS came home ad DD was at 88 days (she had reflux and a milk allergy that caused desats when eating). DS did come home on o2 and was on it until he reached his due date (about 3 weeks). DD did not come home on o2 which is rare because we live at high altitude.
Since then they've done exceptionally well. They are still small and less than 3% on the growth charts (except DSs giant head) but literally have no health problems due to prematurity. They are both walking (DS started at 15.5 months and DD at 17 months) and are both saying a few words. We only have PT every other week now and it's focused on stepping up stairs. Once that's complete, we're done! She doesn't think they'll need speech therapy because they are starting to talk a bit.
I have a nanny that comes to my house and she's so great with the kids. I don't imagine sending them to a daycare anytime soon. I have an older DD and she brings plenty of germs home from kindergarten.
DD (Baby A)
DS (Baby
DS2 weighed 1lb 12oz and was 12.5 in long. He was on several different types of ventilators for 12 weeks. We were told little white boys were the weakest in the NICU and to expect severe ups and downs. He finally moved to CPAP and jumped to high flow O2 after that. He had a double inguinal hernia that showed up around 28 weeks gestation. There were days when he would desat so low that he turned blue and would have to be bagged for long periods of time. He had over a dozen blood transfusions. His biggest hurdle was feedings. I am a strong believer in breast feeding even though they told me we would be able to leave the NICU faster if I bottle fed him. He would forget to breath while BF and again turn blue. Finally, after 116 days in the NICU he came home. He came home on a heart monitor 24/7 and a pulse ox monitor at night. We also had O2 for feedings. He has had several surgeries since being home and an appt of some sort almost everyday but he is terrific. At 19 months he is walking and eating solids but nonverbal (he does sign). And, my DH works his butt off so that I am able to stay home with our boys!
My sons also have reflux issues and take Prilosec. I've eliminated dairy from my diet since a milk protein allergy was suspected and @jbranden12 it sounds like I may be off dairy for some time to come.
I'm breast feeding and pumping and their bottles are fortified to 22 cal with elecare, they also take polyvisol and ferrous sulfate. How long did you fortify and give these vitamins? They predictably tend to spit up close to their entire bottles when I give them the iron and vitamins. Seems counter productive. @gault530 did you breast feed/pump? If so were you able to keep up with demand as they grew? In the NICU I had no problem pumping an over abundance so I filled our freezer but now that they are home I don't have as much time and we are tapping down that freezer supply.
Thank you for telling me your stories!!
A & K, married 7/1/13.
After 10 months of ttc via medicated IUIs and two early losses, we finally got our boys- Perfect premie twins born 5/27/14.
A & K, married 7/1/13.
After 10 months of ttc via medicated IUIs and two early losses, we finally got our boys- Perfect premie twins born 5/27/14.
www.virginiakkent.blogspot.com