My boys arrived...

nino770

My 32 weekers were born thursday 9/6/12, H @ at 10:21am weighing 4 ilbs 2oz and A @10:23am weighing 3 ilbs 3oz. Baby A which is the smaller one is on oxygen and has jaundice, Baby H was on a cpap but required more support last night so he was switched to a ventillator, he also had some air around his lungs so there is a tube placed directly on the right side of his ribs to keep it clear and help him expand his lungs and breathe better. He also has IV lines placed through his belly button for medication and to draw blood to measure his gas levels.

I was so miserable yesterday watching him. I do not like him being on the ventillator or a tube on his side. He was using 100% of the gas level on ventilator now he is on 60%, as he responds better with his oxygen levels they are weaning him off slowly.

This is all so new and scary to me, I would appreciate some T&P's and any words of advice from moms with similar experiences or any experience with the ventilator and how long your little one had to be on it for.

pathfindermon

Congrats on your boys!  I'm so sorry that you are having a tough time.  The NICU is a scary place.  The best advice I can give is take it all one day at a time or even one hour at a time.  And know that while it is hard now things will get better with time!  My T&P are with you and your twins!

Missa_g

Huge hugs. My boys were born at 29w4d and spent two months in the NICU. I understand how hard it is to watch them struggle.

Sept30Madison

Congrats on your little ones! Prayers coming your way that they will have a short NICU stay and be home soon! Take it one day at a time.  I found that the first week was the hardest in terms of medical uncertainties.  After that, Julia was a feeder and grower so it was less stressful in that aspect.

Mrs. Alice

Congrats on your boys.  Sending some prayers that H's lungs continue to improve so that he can come off the vent - it sounds like he's heading it right direction.  It's really hard to see them hooked up to so many things but you will be amazed at how strong they are and in a matter a weeks they will be doing awesome.  My boys were on vents for 2 and 3 weeks followed by cpap for another 1 and 2 weeks.  They needed oxygen via nasal cannula for a while after that too, but came home oxygen free.

snoangel79

Congrats! My son was only on a respirator for 2 days an then CPAP for about 3 after. My daughter (the peanut, sizes in siggy) was on CPAP for 3 days total. My kids were in the NICU for 22 and 24 days. It is hard but your babies are a decent size and also age (same size as mine were and mine were two weeks older). It will get better!! Definitely get rest if you can and take people up on helping with the babies when they come home (like a mom or MIL) even if they just keep your house clean, cook a meal etc. Just take it day by day right now! It will go by and your babies will be home before you know it!

DrRx

I'm sorry that you are having to go through this.  My little girl came at 26w2d and spent about 3 weeks on the vent.  She ended up needing CPAP for another 4 weeks or so, and then the nasal cannula. She actually came home on oxygen at the end of April and we have been oxygen free since July 22nd.  I know it is scary but you will get through it.  Even when I thought I couldn't, I would repeat this quote I had read "You never how strong you are until being strong is the only choice." I took it one day at a time and we celebrated all the little advances and just had to be patient when there was a backslide.  

Im sure you've heard it, but the NiCU is a marathon and not a sprint.  Looking back, it all kind of felt like one really long bad day.   T&Ps that Baby H improves and that he is off the vent soon.  Keep us updated and feel free to ask us any questions.  The ladies here are all wonderful and have a wealth of knowledge.  GL!