(apologies to the Barenaked Ladies)
The twins are 10 days old today, and we’ve all been at home for 7 of them. Here’s what I know:
- Twins generate a lot of dirty diapers
- Twins generate a lot of dirty bottles and related accessories
I know a little more than that, but that’ covers a lot.
I’m sure some of you are wondering how things are going. Well, They could be better. The twins have both lost some weight. Losing some for a few days after they’re born is normal, but they should be putting on weight by now, and they’re not. Neither of them seems to be terribly interested in eating. They’ll have a third to a half of what they should eat in a particular feeding, and lose interest in eating, and gain interest in sleeping. Or maybe gain interest in spitting up some of what they’ve eaten before sleeping. So it takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to coax them to eat at least a bit more (rarely all of what they should) before changing a diaper, and putting them in their crib.
It’s frustrating. Multiple nurses and lactation consultants have been in to check up on them, but it feels like they don’t really listen to what we say, and that they don’t really have a plan. I’m something of an engineer. A problem solver. When I see a problem, I diagnose the cause, and apply the optimal solution. It feels like the nurses are just “winging it”. There seems to be no consideration of what may be causing the problem, just a lot of, “Let’s try this, it may work”. Yes, I know babies aren’t exactly typical systems, but it’s beginning to feel more like guesswork than medicine. However, I accept that I am a concerned father, and am not seeing this clearly. However, the next nurse to say something that feels like guesswork is going to get asked, “Why” very directly, and I will continue to ask it until I get an answer that I am happy with. And, “This worked for my fried once” is not really an answer. I want what’s best for my babies, and while I understand that they are trying to help, it feels far from best.
I know some of you may feel like I’m overreacting and I may be, but this is my blog, and this is how I feel.
On lighter news, we’re starting to find our rhythm. We’re all sleeping a bit more, feedings are going smoother, and life in general is pretty darn good. Everything isn’t doom and gloom. Kim’s feeling healthier, we’re eating better (here’s a tip, eating is nearly as important as sleeping), and Grandma is helping out a lot.
Posted by Emerald on May 3, 2010 at 21:03
I think that given that they are losing weight instead of gaining, that you are not over reacting. When it comes to their health, I can’t blame you for that one bit!
Hope you find a solution soon or that they decide to solve it themselves and get interested in eating!
Posted by Krisi on May 4, 2010 at 08:14
You have every right to be concerned, Robb…. and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Obviously they weren’t good parents if they didn’t worry about something like that. >=(
I think the weight gaining will come in time. Maybe the babies don’t get it yet about being fed orally, haha. It’s a new adjustment for all! But don’t feel bad in pressing those nurses– that’s their job, is to help.
Anyway… thank you for the updates! Love from John and I to all of you, kitties included. (PS: How is that working with the babies?)
Posted by Erin on May 5, 2010 at 06:47
I’m pretty sure you’re 100% allowed to be concerned, in fact, it’s your right as a parent (especially a new parent!)
that being said, I think that the reason that so much of it seems like “guesswork” is that babies don’t eat or don’t latch or don’t whatever for a million and a half different reasons, and it does involve a fair bit of trial and error to figure out what reasons one, or both of your new little lovelies aren’t.
My godson never figured out breast-feeding. They tried and tried and tried. They had meeting after meeting with the lactation consultant, and Sarah was producing properly, and Austin was managing to latch, but as soon as he latched, he’d do a weird clicking tongue thing and lose the “connection”. So she pumped, which meant that feeding time was an arduous 1-1.5 hour experience every time, and she was in pain from the pumping and trying to continue to get Austin to breastfeed until finally at about month 4 she gave up, and he went entirely on to formula. She was upset about it, but it was best for mum and baby. Um…what was the point of that story…oh, right, Austin lost weight like crazy, as well, it took him a fair while to put it back on again, and they were all worried, but eventually he put on a pound or two, and then a pound or two more. So it will happen, sometimes babies are just confusing. He still loses weight like crazy, and will always be a skinny little so-and-so, but he’s doing well, as I’m sure Spark and Silas will be, as well! Best of luck!
Posted by Emmy on May 13, 2010 at 11:51
Happy Birthday!