My water broke early which was totally unexpected. My doctor had even thought I'd for sure carry to term based on how things were looking. Both babies had to spend days, even weeks, in the NICU. Instead of being able to hold them right after birth and breastfeed right away, they were taken to the NICU where they were given donor breast milk with a bottle, and even eventually some formula. I was told I should not breastfeed more than once or twice a day because the babies needed to reserve their strength, so I ended up hooked to a pump for hours a day. I didn't even own a pump because I thought I'd be able to exclusively breastfeed, so we ended up renting one from the hospital.
Breastfeeding was very challenging because of the NICU environment: no privacy, babies hooked up to multiple tubes/wires, my inexperience causing awkward clumsiness, and various nurses/lactation consultants giving me conflicting information. And last but not least, both babies coming home on oxygen which has really limited what we are able to do. They are both attached to a 25 foot tube which gives me about 50 feet of mobility with them during the day. It has caused much frustration and even some tears on my part because I don't want to miss out on summer fun with the older girls because of these darn oxygen tubes!
But, even with all of those unexpected difficulties, we are doing well. I am so thrilled to report that we have gotten to the place where both babies are exclusively tandem breastfeeding. No more pumping/bottles unless necessary because we are going out somewhere! Can I get an AMEN! After the past few weeks I have so much respect for women who choose to pump because for whatever reason they are unable to breastfeed. I can't imagine doing that for months or even a year like some women do. It is a sacrifice and commitment that is really remarkable.
Both babies are also gaining weight really well. Last week Elaina was 5 lb 15 oz and Joel was 5 lb 5 oz. They are both growing out of their preemie clothes and moving onto newborn one outfit at a time. We are so thankful to have good little eaters because with Katie and Addie it was always a struggle to get them to drink their bottles. We don't have that problem with these two. I have a feeling they will be little chunkers before we know it.
So, things may not have gone my way, but God is still good. He has been with us each tiring day and night, and we are so thankful for these two sweet souls who have been added to our family.
Here are a few fun pictures to leave you with....
Addie and Elaina getting to know eachother on her first day home
So tiny and sweet
Showing off their blankets made by Oma
