Friday, February 6, 2009

Another day, another NST

Hi All,
I'm just getting to the NST update from Thursday, as it was a busy day. We had what felt like a long morning in the hospital. But mostly, it was due to delays. I started out by getting there 10 minutes late (which is a first) and then ran into heavy traffic in the registration area (which is also a first). So, I probably ended up hooked up to the monitors 45 minutes later than usual.
I've been pretty interested in intently watching the NST heartbeat and contraction monitors up until now. But this was my fifth week of monitoring, and I think I'm becoming bored with it. Today, I was mostly frustrated that I was on the monitors over an hour, when I knew my dad was stopping by my place soon. Of course, I jinxed myself by telling him there was no way the NST would go past 11 am. Our girl passed her test in no time. I think our boy's activity was fine all along, however, he kept jumping on and off the monitor reading, either because he was moving too much or we just didn't have the monitor in a good spot to start with. I was certain he passed not long after the monitor was adjusted 20 minutes in, but it was a long time before the nurse came back to tell me I could leave. Apparently, she was in the middle of giving an epidural to another patient. I guess I will live and learn to not schedule anything after my NSTs.
There were some positives to the hospital visit yesterday. It is a small hospital, and I am considered a regular there. I know all the women in registration, or should I say they know me. They've all taken an interest in my pregnancy and always ask how I am and how much longer. I also know several of the OB nurses, which is nice because there is a good chance I'll see them again when I deliver. I have had many hesitations about my hospital, solely for the fact that it does not have a NICU. (If I go into labor too soon, I will be directed to another hospital in the area with NICU.) But I believe as long as I can make it to 35 or 36 weeks, my doctor will let me deliver at this hospital. In the outside chance we would still need NICU attention, the babies would be transferred. I don't at all like the thought of being separated from the babies in the event this happens. But I am keeping the faith that all will be well, and we will cross the "complications" bridge if and when we come to it.
My dad and uncle spent the afternoon with me, troubleshooting the recent round of "issues" around the house. We bought a new home in September and had to replace all the appliances, as the previous owners took theirs. We have had so many problems with new household items not working ever since, all we can do is laugh about it.
In other news, Jim and I attended Breastfeeding Class on Wednesday evening. I have heard loud and clear how challenging breastfeeding can be, especially with twins, and I do not doubt it one bit. However, I'm still perplexed as to how you prepare for this. I have a book that my friend Tracy loaned to me on breastfeeding. That is one of my February projects. I apparently "don't know what I don't know", because I'm surprised they could write a whole book on this topic. Soon enough, I will probably be eating these words.
Other than that, I feel the babies are continuing to grow well. They feel so big now, that when they move around it causes a major commotion in my belly! Funny bumps protruding from my belly are pretty much a constant at this point. Although billions of women have had this experience, it's still awe-inspiring to me. Thank you babies!

4 comments:

Nicole O'Dell said...

That's great news about your NST's but I know what you mean about getting bored with them. I used to get irritated in the hospital when they would leave the room and leave me hooked up and not come back for an hour.

You'll probably do great with bf'ing because you aren't over- analyzing it like I did. I had expectations and when things didn't go as I expected, I freaked out. It's good to do a little preparing but I think you're wise not too worry too much about things that you don't even know for sure right now. A HUGE factor in how bf'ing goes will be when the babies are born. And, you can't know that until you do. :)

Keep up the good work--you're doing a GREAT job!

Mneme said...

I can't imagine nursing twins - but I do know someone who does it and her girls are 18 months old now. It can be done.

I think being aware of the difficulties and being prepared is the best thing you can do. I would highly recommend the La Leche League. They have lactation specialists who voluntarily devote their own time to helping new mothers. They are such lifesavers! I would find the local chapter and attend a meeting before the babies are born, if you are able.

-McKenzie

Tracy said...

I agree re: the La Leche League. When I started BFing the twins I was having trouble getting them latched and I called my local LLL leader (they have a website) and she came over and helped me. Free of charge. May be a good idea to make contact now, just so when the time comes you'll "know" each other? They are very supportive...

Anyway, I agree with Nicole. Just go with the flow (which it sounds like you're doing anyway.)

xo

Burrill4Michigan said...

Hi Tricia,

I hope you are feeling well. We've been thinking of you often. I just found your blog today..(isn't that awful)..I see Jim managed to put the cribs together..he's pretty good at that stuff (he helped Dan put together a hockey table Christmas presents for the boys) As for the names..you will know what is right..you as their mother will look at them or feel them and just know.

Nursing a child takes a lot of work..you will get frustrated but keep up with it. not is it only good for them, but you burn calories too:) It takes about 3 to 5 weeks to get a good schedule down (maybe a little longer with twins).

You look great in the pictures:) Say hi to Jim and Riley for us. If you need anything..I'm usually home.

Leesa and Dan