Just a short post tonight as we're both very, very tired and in desperate need of some sleep.
Both Lily and Charlie seem to be toying with us when it comes to feeding time. They've both taken entire bottles on multiple occassions but they've both also acted like bottle-feeding is the last thing they want to do. We know it will take some time and we're going to do some research on it as soon as we have some time, but for now we're just going to trust them to let us know what they're ready for.
Charlie's had a bit of a rough night tonight for some reason. His heartrate and oxygen levels both dropped dramatically when he was taking his bottle, and then both dropped again even after his feeding stopped. They're running a few tests just to make sure there's nothing of concern happening (we're especially paranoid about belly issues after everything with Annaleigh). Everyone is pretty confident that it's nothing more than normal adjustments.
Sorry for the lack of pictures... I'm actually posting from the NICU Parent Waiting Room so I don't have the ability to upload photos at the moment. I promise I'll post double tomorrow!
17 comments:
Thinking good thoughts for Charlie!
Charlie is a little stinker. He won't let ya'll down! :) Your beautiful little family is still in my prayers. Look forward to pictures of your precious little ones!
feeding was really hard for me to understand. I kind of thought that she'd take 1 bottle, then 2, then 4, then 6, then all of them. Nope... what the nurses tell you is actually right. One day it just "clicks" and they'll start taking them all by mouth. I never thought it would happen, but the nurses know something :)
I remember this part! Amaya would "forget" to breathe quite frequently during her feedings ... even after she came home - very nerve-wrecking. She outgrew it rather quickly, though. And her sister would eat like there is no tomorrow one day, and then not at all the other. It takes so much patience ... but you guys are getting there! Once they are starting to take bottles, you can definitely start counting the weeks!!
Hang in there guys. As everyone more experienced is saying - just have patience. Charlie and Lily - no more worries for Mommy and Daddy - okay... Be good pumpkins.
All My Love, Auntie :) xoxoxo
It is very common, most babies don't get their sucking reflex until 34 wks if were still pregnant. My twins got theirs about 33 wks, they were born at 32. Sometimes it works sometimes is doesn't. It will click. Also if you are using the red nipples, try the tan newborn ones, unsure why, but they improved when used those. Since our babies were just waiting to get back to birth weight of 4 lbs and take 24 hours of bottle feedings to leave, they left as soon as they took all their bottles and at 4lbs1.5oz. They had gotten over the breathing issues. They still would have trouble. It's very frustrating. Also when they come home, be sure to request a big bag of those nipples, we had to go back that night b/c the reg ones you get at store aren't as soft as the newborn hospital ones. I remember one twins turning blue around the lips a few times during bottles. It's scary but will get better, sorry again for your lose of the other baby. Our twins ended up leaving together b/c one was bigger and he missed one bottle and had to start the twenty four hours old, giving our other boy enough time to gain those few ounces to leave together. We did room in and they still were little for the bottles, heck a bit over 33 wks gestation, they only stayed 19 days in the hospital thank god.
Hang in there, you've come so far, and this is the last step and they WILL pick it up, promise, just let time tell. Try giving the pacifers during tube feedings too, that helps. Hope this was helpful.
Just a random question for you...I noticed that a lot of times you are snuggling with the babies and haven't mentioned kangarooing in a while. Is that something they are going to let you do more of down the road? We discovered research that indicated how awesome it is for their development and I am on a NICU Parent Advisory Board in my hometown that is working on a project to encourage parents to do it more.
They look so awesome, guys!
Learning to take the bottle seemed like such a long road. Like others said, it seemed like they did well and then all of a sudden would be far too tired to work at it. It really can happen in an instant where it clicks and there are no more tube feeds. Hang in there! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Hang in there you two. Get some sleep and try to relax. You have little fighters over there. One day soon they'll be gulping those bottles down so fast you'll wonder how it's possible. This time will be a thing of the past. You're all in my thoughts and prayers!!!
Cheryl
Best of luck with Charlie's tests!
you both deserve some rest! I am sure Mr. Chunk is just in need of some "extra attention" via testing, you know that girls always tend to still the show and Charlie doesn't want Lily to always have top billing!
*hugs*
Sarah/copzy
I know first hand how frustrating it is when your child doesn't want to eat their bottles, but you want them to do it so bad, because that is the sign that they are ready to come home. Try not to worry about it too much. Easier said than done, I know! As for Charlie's heartrate and oxygen levels dropping, Dylan done that before he was diagnosed with reflux. After they switched him from breastmilk to Similac Sensitive RS formula and put him on Zantac, he was much better! Hope you got a great nights sleep!! ((HUGS))
Andrea
edasmommy0709 from Multiple Mamas
Don't worry, nothing too worry about. They will be home before you know it. Can't wait to see more pictures of those little angels. (Travis's mom)
Ah, I remember those days, and the fact that there is a spits worth in the bottle, but they'll get there. Laura was still only taking about 1/2 her 22 cc bottle when she came home from the hospital (w/a feeding tube). After a week at home we ditched the tube and now she's been home a month and she's up to eating about 55 - 60 cc's each bottle (around 2 oz.)
Hope all the tests come back fine & that both of your sweet children are back to bottles soon enough. My ds (also a preemie) was had a love-hate relationship with bottles - but eventually figured out how they work. Hang in there & get some rest!
Hoping Charlie is just being lazy! My preemie had a very difficult time taking bottles, and we later learned that it was due to reflux...he was in pain when it'd come back up, so he wouldn't take much/any of his bottles. You 4 are in my thoughts!!!
I am a long time reader, first time commenter. To see the changes that have taken place in the last month is truly amazing. I am sad for your losses and so happy for each milestone reached. Thank you for sharing your story and I wish your family ALL the best! Honi in Vermont.
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