One Month Old!

Riley and MacKenzie are going to be a month old next week already. Where in world does the time go? Seriously. I feel like it's been just a week since they've been born. 

They are still in newborn clothing but are gaining great weight. 

I can see it in their faces already.

 They are eating constantly and I think are going through a growth spurt right now. 

Did I mention that they are waking once a night to eat?! Sometimes they'll wake and as soon as I lay them in bed with me to eat they pass out before I can even try.
They're staying awake for longer periods of time.

We have them on a good schedule that they are starting to get use to thankfully! 

The following are some photos of the girls recently:

Riley

MacKenzie

MacKenzie and Riley

Riley

MacKenzie and Riley

Riley

Breastfeeding X2

The thought of breastfeeding twins is extremely intimidating. Not only do you have to worry about two babies latching on correctly but you also have to make sure your milk supply is good for two babies. With those two thoughts in your mind you then think about what positions you will feed the twins in & tandem feeding vs. single feeding. I've been through two weeks of bfing twins and the following are tips & tricks I learned so far.

• Get Support:  While at the hospital use the available resources, your nurses & lactation consultant.  They will be able to assist you with getting the babies to latch & get an understanding at which position works best for you and babies.

• Positive Thinking: It will be hard and you will (most likely) feel like quitting. DON'T! Stick with it, you can do it! Just tell yourself that and remind yourself that the babies are getting the best food available, your breast milk!

• Start at your own pace:  Tandem feeding will be the most convenient way to breastfeed your twins but you don't need to start like that! I started feeding my girls individually. It gave me the opportunity to see if the girls had a good latch & to help fix any problems that may have occurred. Once I felt the girls were comfortable with feeding & I felt confident I attempted to tandem feed. I currently do it once a day & will slowly work it into the rest of our feedings.

• One Wakes? Wake the other too: At night if one of the babies wakes up to eat wake the other up to eat as well. It will save you some sleep between feedings. 

• Relax: The more relaxed you are the easier it will be. Being stressed and getting all worked up will cause a stall in milk production. Babies can also sense your emotions which is why it is harder to settle a crying baby when you're crying too. Deep breaths and positive thoughts help with the let down of milk and calm the baby. 

• Accessorize: The my breast friend twin breastfeeding pillow, breast cream such as Lansinoh, nipple shields, and mother's milk tea are all things that will help you successfully breastfeed twins. I have yet to use the breast feeding pillow because I have yet to buy it but I do use the regular boppy pillow like this. I plan to purchase the twin pillow soon. 

• Drink Lots of Water: If you feel thirsty then you are already becoming dehydrated. Keep a bottle of water near every feeding spot you have. When it runs empty refill and restock!  

Week One!

A week has already gone by since the girls were born and a lot of stuff has been happening! 

I ended up with a spinal head ache and went to the ER to get a blood patch done. It worked to calm the main head ache but I will still on occasion get a head ache during the day, caffeine usually helps. 

The girls have been to the hospital in town three times since we have been home. All three visits were to get blood taken from one of their feet to test their bilirubin levels. MacKenzie's was high the first two times but thankfully they are both out of the "no-no zone" now. 

MacKenzie getting her foot pricked (slept right through it!)

The girls also had a check up with Dr. Wood on Wednesday (the day after we got home). MacKenzie weighed 5lbs 10oz and Riley weighed 5lbs 11oz, nothing to worry about since they both were giving me problems with eating. They are pro's at it now though! MacKenzie took a little longer to understand the breastfeeding thing but she has it down pat now. Riley has been a great from the start but will give me problems at night.

Sleep has been great as well. I figured out a routine that will allow us 4-5hrs of sleep before the girls wake up to eat & then another 2-3hrs of sleep before they are up for the day. I give them a bath at least an hour before we plan to go to bed, pj's, cuddles, feedings right before we go up to bed, & then swaddle!

Some of Peter's family from down state came up to visit so all six of us went to say hello and have dinner! The kids got to hang out and play with their cousins for a bit which was so nice. 

Luke on the far left and Madison on the far right

MacKenzie and Riley with two of their cousins

Mother's Day I spent with family. The below was my present from the kids & I love it!

So overall the first week has been very eventful and has kept us occupied! The girls have been happy & healthy, Luke and Madison have been great with them, and I'm adjusting well(:

Riley & MacKenzie's Birth Story.

May 5th we became a family of SIX! Originally scheduled for an induction, which turned into a last minute scheduled c-section, we showed up to the hospital on May 5th at 6am.  I was brought to my room, given my gown to change into, they began setting up my IV & belly monitors. Planning on a c-section at 8:30am (babyB was breech) doctors and nurses came in introducing themselves explaining how they would be involved & what to expect. As the time got closer my main nurse Shelly brought in the ultrasound machine so Dr. Wood & Dr. Herbst could check the positions of the twins before the surgery.

Turns out babyB flipped! They still gave me the option of still keeping the c-section but I decided to opt out and attempt vaginal. They checked my cervix and my body was already progressing on it's own, another woo hoo moment! Dr. Wood broke babyA's water and then we just chilled out for a bit. I was feeling contractions but it was mostly pressure and the hardening of my belly more then pain. By 5cm I asked for the epidural in case babyB flipped after babyA was born and an emergency c-section would be needed, in which case I'd be put under if I didn't have the epidural. Talk about a nervous wreak! The thought of anything going into my back makes me cringe!! Overall it was better then I had thought it would be, just a tinge of pain when they numb the area and then pressure when they insert the spinal catheter. 

Well it turns out only half of my body got numb from the epidural, so I had a half natural delivery! When the contractions got closer together and I started getting the feeling to push Dr.Wood checked me (I was 9 1/2cm) and decided to start getting things ready for the OR where I would delivery the twins in case a c-section is needed. With the help of my husband Dr. Peter (because he had to put those scrubs on in the OR, he looked very professional hehe) they wheeled me into the room and began to prep. Adjust the bed, making sure all the tools were ready, and the nurses were prepped. We awaited Dr. Herbst and then I was able to start pushing!

Dr. Wood & Dr. Herbst were waiting for a contraction to start so I could start pushing. I told them I felt one, they told me to push. After 9 pushes Riley Lynn was born! I was able to take a break and wait for the next contraction. Once I felt the contraction I was able to push again and after 3 more pushes MacKenzie Rose was born 3 mins after her sister. Pushing out two was no difference then pushing out one in my opinion. The ring of fire is there with the first baby but you don't even notice it with the second (which is amazing ha!). Two happy and healthy baby girls! I had no tearing so no stitches were needed and the recovery has been amazing (kind of).  

I ended up with a spinal headache the day after we came home from the hospital. I had it during the hospital stay but it didn't fully hit me until we were already home. 

"Your brain and spinal cord are contained in a bag of fluid. The bag is called the dura and the fluid is called the cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF).When an epidural is given, a needle is used to inject local anesthetic just outside the dura.  If the needle passes through the dura accidentally, CSF can leak out.  When a spinal injection is given, a very fine needle is inserted through the dura deliberately. If too much fluid leaks out through the small hole in the dura, the pressure in the rest of the fluid is reduced. If you sit up, the pressure around your brain is reduced even more. This lowered pressure causes the typical headache."  

My headache got to the point where I was completely miserable and felt like I could barely function. Having two newborns and two toddlers you kind of need to function. Laying flat with a cold towel over my eyes was the only way to give me some comfort and even then my head still pounded terribly. We had an appointment for MacKenzie Wednesday morning to get checked for jaundice again so while there I went to the ER. The admitted me and gave me a gown. I signed the papers needed and about 2hrs later the anesthesiologist came in to perform the blood patch.

"In addition, if a person develops a spinal headache following a procedure, the anesthesiologist can create a blood patch with the person's blood to seal the leak. To administer a blood patch, the anesthesiologist inserts a needle into the same space as, or right next to, the area in which the anesthetic was injected. The doctor then takes a small amount of blood from the patient and injects it into the epidural space. The blood clots and seals the hole that caused the leak."

It hurt like hell, gave me worse pain in my lower back then the epidural did. I had to lay in the ER for an hour just to make sure the blood was distributed and the procedure worked. (Which is did thank gosh!) My lower back is still in pain but it's bearable and worth it since my head doesn't feel like it's going to explode.

Now we are in the comfort of our own home, relaxing and adjusting to life. Luke and Madison are absolutely in love with their sisters and are terrific little helpers. Maddie has declared herself the keeper of pacifiers until a baby cries, then she will put one in their mouth. The girls have been sleeping a lot during the day so I have started waking them every two hours for a diaper change and to eat. I'll tickle their little feet and play with them to keep them awake for as long as they can stand.  

  

36 Week Appointment.

Final appointment before my induction on Monday! Both girls weigh about 6lbs each and look so tiny. It was so tight in there that it was hard to get a good photo of them, the above was the best. BabyA is head down and BabyB is breech but the nurse said that shouldn't change anything come time for delivery.** Dr. Dolkart checked their hearts and they both look perfect and healthy. I have another appointment with my SIL & BIL tomorrow to get my pressure points worked on and my adjustment. Let's hope that get's things going and I can start labor myself without the help of the pitocin.

**The nurse was wrong. If BabyB is still breech when I get to the hospital then it's a definite c-section. BOTH babies HAVE to be head down in order to deliver vaginally. Let's hope babyB turns back to head down! She has been that way the entire pregnancy until now!

This Weeks Appointments in Review.

    

I officially have 5 days until my induction. That means the girls have 4 days to come out on their own! This week has been full of appointments but thankfully I will have the weekend free before the big day. Laundry, organizing, scrubbing, dusting, and relaxing is my plan! The following is the run down of my appointments from this week:

Monday I had an appointment with an OB that will be helping with the delivery of the twins. If a C-section is needed he would be the one to perform it. He was super nice and listened to what I had to say. He was also able to check my cervix for dilation and it turns out I am already 2cm dilated and 90% effaced. 

Tuesday I had my last appointment with Dr. Wood before the induction. They hooked me up to the monitors and did my final NST, turns out BabyB is stubborn already! She was giving us trouble in the beginning and a little through out the test. Over all the girls looked good and the machine caught some of the contractions I've been having. I asked my final questions regarding the induction and we discussed the day. No food after midnight on Sunday, instead of a L&D room I will be delivering in the OR in case a c-section is needed, if all three of us are healthy and good to go we will be able to leave 24hrs after giving birth, and so on. 

Wednesday (today) I had an appointment with my SIL & BIL. My SIL is a massage therapist and worked on my pressure points to try and kick start labor so I don't have to be induced. My BIL is a chiropractor and was able to get all the kinks out before having the girls! I was told that my body is extremely relaxed and ready for labor. More relaxed then the last pregnant patient he had that went into labor the day after she got adjusted and her pressure points worked on! Let's hope that means I won't be posting anything tomorrow unless it's photos of the Riley and Makenzie.

Thursday I see Dr. Dolkart for my final ultrasound of the girls. I will make a completely separate post regarding that appointment with ultrasound photos. Let's hope both girls are still head down or that they arrive before I need to go to the appointment!  

If you have any questions regarding my experience with twin pregnancy or what could happen during labor/delivery feel free to ask! 

36 Weeks!

How Far Along:  36 Weeks

Weight Gain/Loss:   14lbs from the beginning to now. I haven't gained or lost any weight since my last appointment. 

Sleep: Good actually!

Best Moment This Week: Learning that my body is working on it's own to have these girls.

Movement: Still active but have slowed down. 

Food Cravings/Aversions: Ice.

What I Miss: Being able to turn over in bed w/o the pain of my belly and walking normal w/o a waddle. 

Stretch Marks: Yes, oh well!

Belly Button: Out of course. haha.

Wedding Rings: Off. Too tight ):

Mood: READY!

Labor Signs:  Shortening cervix, slight contractions, 2cm dilated, 90% effaced. 

Milestones: I made it to the point that the girls won't need the NICU when they are born

Doctor Appointments: 
-Monday I met with Dr. Herbst in Sayre who will be assisting Dr. Wood with the twins.
-Tuesday I had my last appt with Dr. Wood before I get induced. 
-Tomorrow I meet with Dr. Dolkart for the last time.

What I look forward to: Meeting my girls.

Mom 101

Whether you are a soon to be mom, first time mom, or mom to more then one child this post will help you and provide you with some tips! Most of these are links to my posts but a few are from other great websites I have come across.

Moms-To-Be

Postpartum Recovery Kit

Fighting Morning Sickness

Things to do Before You're Due

Packing Your Hospital Bag

Packing Your Spouse's Bag & Baby's Bag

My Sample Birth Plan

27 Pre-Baby Freezer Meals

For Moms

Recovering From a C-Section

Eating/Drinking While Breastfeeding

Introducing Baby & Dog

Postpartum Recovery Kit

Getting Kids To Sleep...Through The Night.

Introducing Solid Foods

Going From One Child to Two

Tips to Produce More Breast Milk

33 Week Appointment: Big News, Small News, and Some in Between!

Today I had my bi-weekly appointment to see Dr. Dolkart. It was definitely an informative and exciting one to say the least! See below!

*= see the bottom of the post

The Girls

The girls are measuring about 4.8 pounds each, give or take an ounce or two, which is fantastic! There are no issues or worries about them at all! Their belly's are measuring perfect and I got to see them practice breathing and swallow fluid during the ultrasound. 

Myself

The amniotic fluid is still great, no leaking at all. My cervix on the other hand is not behaving. While a normal cervix measures at 39 mine is now at 18. So due to my cervix being so short I had to receive a steroid shot* in my right butt cheek. NO. FUN. The needle wasn't bad but the medicine was like a rush of pain through my butt cheek which soon after went numb.

The Outcome

Tomorrow I will go to my OB's office to receive the second dose of steroids. Dr. Dolkart didn't put me on bed rest but did tell me to take it easy and to relax. At 36-37 weeks (if they don't come on their own) I will be induced. Identical twin pregnancies tend to have more complications after the 36 week mark which is why they plan to induce. 

So overall....the twins can arrive anytime within the next 3-4 weeks!
We are both excited but very nervous! 

*The steroid shot is to help the twins lungs develop in case of early delivery. The steroids cut the risk of lung disease and reduces a premature babies risk of dying by up to 40%. 

30 Weeks!

Development: Their heads are more proportionate to their bodies. They can open their eyes and move their heads. 

How Far Along:  30 Weeks

Weight Gain/Loss:  Gained 3 more pounds, making it a total of 7lbs this entire pregnancy.

Sleep: Not good. Going to the bathroom 3x a night, tossing and turning, pain in my lower abdomen.

Best Moment This Week:  Hearing the girls heartbeats.

Movement: The girls move a lot but have recently slowed down a bit.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Still Rita's & anything spicy!

What I Miss: Sleep & not being pregnant. I'm ready to have these babies.

Stretch Marks:  Not lately.

Belly Button:  Outtie!

Wedding Rings:  Adjustable.

Mood: Exhausted but ready for the babies to come!

Labor Signs:  Light contractions, slower fetal movement. 

Milestones:  Only 6-8 weeks left!

Upcoming Appointments/Events: I had an appointment with Dr. Wood yesterday. I'll see Dr. Dolkart again next Tuesday. May be starting my NST soon. 

What I look forward to: Having these babies out & holding them!

Things That Nobody Tells You Before Having A Baby

After having two children (and expecting two more) there are still things that surprise me about labor. Not only that but since every labor and delivery is different I have learned more each time I have a child. Some things I was told about (the horrible contractions) but there were also things nobody told me that I found out myself (breastfeeding hurts in the beginning and the breathing techniques are crap).

 So I decided to make a post of some things I learned after having two children. Some of these are from Facebook followers who "like" this blogs Facebook page, you can do so here. 

1. Like I said above, breastfeeding hurts in the beginning.
You may even want to stop because it hurts so bad (I really wanted to, but glad I stuck with it...both times)!  Using nipple cream, a thin bra in the shower, and helping baby latch correctly will help immensely.

2. When your water breaks, you may not know it!
Both times I just thought I had pee'd myself *sigh*, it happens. Turns out when your water breaks it doesn't always "gush" out like everyone says. The amniotic sac may just tear a bit (which is what happened to me) and you will leak fluid slowly...constantly. 

3. Breathing Techniques? Yeah...no.
That was the last thing on my mind while trying not to die through contractions. I was doing jumping jacks (just as my doctor haha!) and breathing "normal". 

4. You won't sleep in the hospital like sleeping beauty. 
The nurses usually come in every half hour to an hour to check on you and baby. Although you can ask (don't be afraid to ask) for them to skip a session so you can try to get some quick Z's. They did for us after we had our daughter.

5. Not all hospital food is horrid.
I actually LOVED the hospital food in both places we had our children. I still have yet found someone to make a better strawberry shortcake then the hospital our daughter was born at.

6. Sleep while baby sleeps?  Yeah, no to that too. 
Whenever either of my children slept I always felt the urge to do something! I needed to pick up this here or put away that there. I'm horrible at taking naps, always have been. Hopefully you're different!

7. Your hormones after having baby are still a bit crazy...making you a bit crazy.
I wasn't expecting that. Cry, cry all you want over that onesie that doesn't fit your baby or the dirty dishes. It's okay. 

8. Tucks Pads will be a savior. Trust me, just get some. 

9. Going to the bathroom after having baby is the absolute scariest thing ever.
Scarier then a spider..and I hate spiders. Using the water bottle they give you to spray WHILE going and after will most definitely help. I also found that taking a can of Dermoplast and spraying your self "down there" after using the toilet will create such a soothing feeling, it's like paradise. 

10. Being induced makes the contractions worse...a lot worse in my opinion.
I had pitocin with my son because I was not dilating at all. My body thankfully worked with me when I had my daughter and did the job itself. The pain award between the two labors goes to my first! 

11. It could be 1..2..push..baby! Or it could be 29 hours later and 2 hours of pushing, with no baby. 
Everybody is different, we all labor differently. Just because Becky had a quick 2 hour labor and pushed 2 times does not mean it will be that easy for you. Also, just because Susan had a horrible 36 hour labor and pushed for a half hour does not mean you will labor for that long. Stop comparing and relax! 

12. The "Ring of Fire"?
There may not be actual fire, but there should be. This phrase is spot on for that moment of child birth. It only lasts about 30 seconds (when the baby's head passes through your down stairs) but it will be the worst/best 30 seconds of your life.

13. Your life will suck until you figure out a schedule.
Don't try to google one either. You will just get even more frustrated and angry. Creating your own schedule that both works for you and baby is easiest.


Last but not least, you will love this little person more then anybody else in the world. From the first time they get a boo-boo to the first time you hear them call you "mommy", you will have no doubt that you and your little family are perfect.

**The following are from my facebook followers and friends off of the CafeMom website**

14. You will still look pregnant after having your baby.
After giving birth you will still look about 6 months pregnant. Your skin isn't elastic enough to just bounce back, of course there are those lucky few who look better after birth then they did before.

15. You have the control!
You will have more control in the hospital then you think. Do not let the doctors or nurses push you around and make you think that they run the place. YOU hired them, this is YOUR child and YOUR body, they are just their for assistance. Be strong and stand your ground.

16. You will still be wearing maternity clothing when you leave. (see number 14)
So don't try to squeeze you cute little butt into your pre-pregnancy skinny jeans. Sweat pants or yoga pants are the way to go especially if you have c-section.

17. The first month isn't all that fun.
Between the poopy diapers, spitting up, and crying in the middle of the night (and day) it will be stressful, especially if this is your first child. Figuring out why the heck baby is crying even though he has a fresh diaper (check it again, newborns are infamous for going to the bathroom soon after being changed) is difficult. It will get better, you will learn your baby's ques and get a schedule down. It will get easier, say it again if you need to.

**If you have anything to add to this post please feel free to post it in the comments. I will update when I can.**

27 Weeks.

How Far Along:  27 Weeks! 

Weight Gain/Loss:  Still have not gained anything.

Sleep:  Uncomfortable again!

Best Moment This Week:  Seeing my girls again.

Movement: All the time & they are getting stronger.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Pizza & Gummy Worms.

What I Miss: Being more active with Luke & Maddie. 

Stretch Marks:  A few have popped up.

Belly Button:  Flat! haha

Wedding Rings:  Adjustable.

Mood: Good. Slightly tired but still motivated.

Labor Signs:  Light contractions.

Milestones:  So close to the third trimester!

Upcoming Appointments/Events: I will see Doctor Wood & hear the girls heart beats next Tuesday.

What I look forward to: Baby items arriving!

26 Weeks.

"Hi Little Sisters!"

The girls weigh about 2 pounds and measure 9 1/4 inches long. Their eyelashes are forming and the hair on their head is still coming in.

How Far Along:  26 Weeks exactly and only 98 days to go!

Weight Gain/Loss:  Still have not gained anything.

Sleep:  I'm able to turn to the other side easier then before.

Best Moment This Week:  Receiving more of my maternity clothing from Old Navy!

Movement: All the time.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Sugar. Cookies, Chocolate, anything!

What I Miss: Painting my toenails. I think I painted them for the last time myself a day ago. 

Stretch Marks:  Not yet.

Belly Button:  Flat! haha

Wedding Rings:  Adjustable.

Mood: Becoming tired again. Not wanting to go to work and not interested in leaving the house if I don't have to. 

Labor Signs:  Light cramping.

Milestones:  So close to the third trimester!

Upcoming Appointments/Events: I will see Doctor Dolkart & the twins next Tuesday.

What I look forward to: Continuing to order the rest of the items we need and want for the girls. Putting together the crib that Luke, Peter, his siblings, and his father used as a baby(:

23 Weeks

How Far Along:  23 Weeks 1 Day.

Weight Gain/Loss:  Haven't been checked since my last appointment.

Sleep:  Still perfect. Tossing and turning a little bit but nothing that ruins my sleep. 

Best Moment This Week:  Peter feeling the girls move.

Movement: All the time. After I eat or when I lay down to sleep.

Food Cravings/Aversions: Anything salty and sweet. Chocolate covered pretzels anyone?

What I Miss: Walking normal! I'm beginning to waddle already.

Stretch Marks:  Not yet.

Belly Button:  Hasn't popped yet!

Wedding Rings:  Tight. Lotion helps slip them on and off.

Mood: Nesting!

Labor Signs:  Braxton hicks.

Milestones:  None.

Upcoming Appointments/Events: I will see Doctor Wood next Tuesday.

What I look forward to: Ordering the rest of the baby items that we need(:

The First Ultrasound!

It's always the most exciting ultrasound (to me anyways) to see the first picture of your little baby, hear the heart beat, and find out your due date. Today was that day for me. I went alone because my husband was working and I decided to leave the kids with my mother. I should have had someone go with me.

During the beginning of the ultrasound everything went well, for the most part. It was hard to see anything on the monitor so she asked if she could do a vaginal one. (I wanted to see my baby so have at it lady!) So I went and got changed as she set up the ultrasound. We begin the process and BAM the nurse says to me, "You're having twins!" *silence* "Oh Shit" I said. (Maybe I should have kept that comment to myself?) I was shocked...literally shocked. She showed me the monitor and she was correct, two babies were there...in my belly...looking at me. 

I was happy, they were healthy.

I was surprised, "it" was a "they". 

I was/am scared, can I handle TWO at once?!

I was/am nervous, that I will be so overwhelmed. 

I was sad, that there wasn't one. (but two is twice the blessing)

I will, cry a little.

I will, be able to handle it. (after some practice)

I will/do, love them with my entire heart. 

I will, protect them.

I will, make sure their siblings take care of them(:

So as of right now my due date is May 29th, 2014. 

I am/will be at high risk (because there are two babies).

 The doctors will do ultrasounds to keep an eye on them to make sure they are growing the best they can(:

We are excited and scared at the same time! Big brother Luke and now Big sister Madison are excited as well. Luke keeps saying he wants to sing "Veggie Tales" to the babies and Madison kisses my belly. I know that they will keep their siblings safe and love them a bunch. 

I have a regular doctors appointment next week and will be speaking to my doctor more about twin pregnancy and birth. An update will be posted after that as well, so keep an eye out!