Today, my chronicle of our pregnancy mishaps has drawn to a close. From this day forward "A Twin Story" will be just that -- the story of Bryce and Chloe's lives. It may be a short story, and it will certainly be a turbulent one, but we're holding out hope for an epic adventure with a fairy-tale ending. :)
Bryce and Chloe are almost one day old. As you can see from the pictures, they're currently supported by a daunting array of tubes and wires. Each baby has a ventilator, which enters through the mouth, to help them breathe. They also have a feeding tube in their mouths which will be used to supply them with Mom's milk as early as tomorrow! Several lines are attached through what used to be the umbilical cord (i.e., the belly button), one of which is currently providing the twins with IV nutrition. Finally, they have little sensors attached in various places which measure the babies' temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.
The staff is constantly tweaking the amount of support the babies are provided with. The goal is to keep their vitals near healthy levels with the minimal amount of intervention necessary. Yesterday, both babies were receiving ventilator support, oxygen supplementation, and medication to maintain their blood pressure. They are also being kept under special lights to help with jaundice, which is common in premature babies due to their immature livers.
I'm happy to report that as of this morning, both babies are doing well. In fact, Bryce is doing exceptionally well. He is maintaining a healthy blood pressure without medication, is breathing room air, and they're going to try taking him off the ventilator later this morning! Instead, he'll just have the little nose tubes. Chloe is also doing well, but she has been struggling with low blood pressure and needs to remain on medication. This is very common in babies at this maturity level, and not a cause for immediate concern.
The doctors warned us, however, that the first 24 hours are commonly referred to as the "honeymoon period". The stress of delivery is actually beneficial for the babies, and when it wears off, they often exhibit more problems. The cliche "two steps forward, one step backward" is thrown around a lot in the NICU. We're encouraging Bryce and Chloe to really streeetch those little legs on the forward steps, and maybe slack off a bit on the others. :)
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Wednesday, May 27, 2009
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Hello Jason,
ReplyDeleteI shared your blog with my family. In addition to praying for your twins as a family, Naomi, my 6 year daughter is also praying them. Tonight in her prayer she said, "Please, Please, Please don't let the twins die." Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family.
Doug
Some things are beyond our control and we never have all the answers. All we can do is do, love, and live the best we can. I haven't been there myself but have seen many of these babies. I cease to be amazed by their resiliency and cheer them and families on, on a daily basis. These gifts were given you for a specific purpose and every day is a new miracle. They will have good days and bad days. Sometimes the honeymoon last 1-2 days to a week...on rare occasion, it never ends :) Love them early and often...the better you know them now, the more in tune you will be to changes or improvements in their condition. Initially, all the information you receive will be overload. Just step back and take a deep breath and know that you are not alone. My thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteDiane