Care time in the NICU
Having babies in the NICU can be emotionally difficult at times. Saying goodbye to them is sad, even though we know we're going to see them again the very next day. As new parents it also feels like cheating. Most parents simultaneously love their kids and love having a break from them, yet somehow we get to do both right at the start!
Although these first few weeks come with this difficulty, there are many benefits that I hope make the first few months at home with the twins much easier overall. The first major benefit is that being in the NICU puts both babies on a regular schedule. Their care times are every three hours around the clock, with Sam being cared for at 3:00, 6:00, 9:00 and 12:00 (AM and PM), and Max having the same at 2:30, 5:30, 8:30 and 11:30. At these care times their temperature is checked, their diaper is changed, and they're fed. Amanda and I took a "Parenting For Multiples" class, where the teacher said that babies in the NICU often grow accustomed to their schedules, which makes caring for them at home a more predictable ordeal. Hopefully this is true, and Sam and Max are happy if we maintain a similar schedule with them at home.
The second major benefit is that with Amanda and I participating in care times every day, we are building up our skills and confidence as parents with the supervision of nurses, before we have to do everything alone at home. I'm not yet an expert, but I've changed enough diapers and outfits, and wrapped enough swaddles to start feeling like I might know what I'm doing. I'm not completely lost anymore. Amanda gave Max a bath, and got him dressed.
The last benefit, is that both boys are comforted by the same things at the moment. They both enjoy a snug swaddle, and are consoled by sucking on their pacifier. Alexis (Amanda's Mom) says that as babies Amanda and her sister had opposite reactions to being swaddled; one of them hated it and the other demanded it. I'm glad that at least for now, Sam and Max prefer the same things, which should make groggily tending to their needs at 3am a bit easier. Amanda and I are both greatly looking forward to the day we can take Sam and Max home with us, but until then we'll continue visiting them daily and building our skills.
Also, here are some bonus pictures:
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| Max got all dressed up for the party, and wonders "Why aren't you taking me?" |
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| Just look at Sam's little face. How could anyone say goodbye to this cuteness? |
Although these first few weeks come with this difficulty, there are many benefits that I hope make the first few months at home with the twins much easier overall. The first major benefit is that being in the NICU puts both babies on a regular schedule. Their care times are every three hours around the clock, with Sam being cared for at 3:00, 6:00, 9:00 and 12:00 (AM and PM), and Max having the same at 2:30, 5:30, 8:30 and 11:30. At these care times their temperature is checked, their diaper is changed, and they're fed. Amanda and I took a "Parenting For Multiples" class, where the teacher said that babies in the NICU often grow accustomed to their schedules, which makes caring for them at home a more predictable ordeal. Hopefully this is true, and Sam and Max are happy if we maintain a similar schedule with them at home.
The second major benefit is that with Amanda and I participating in care times every day, we are building up our skills and confidence as parents with the supervision of nurses, before we have to do everything alone at home. I'm not yet an expert, but I've changed enough diapers and outfits, and wrapped enough swaddles to start feeling like I might know what I'm doing. I'm not completely lost anymore. Amanda gave Max a bath, and got him dressed.
The last benefit, is that both boys are comforted by the same things at the moment. They both enjoy a snug swaddle, and are consoled by sucking on their pacifier. Alexis (Amanda's Mom) says that as babies Amanda and her sister had opposite reactions to being swaddled; one of them hated it and the other demanded it. I'm glad that at least for now, Sam and Max prefer the same things, which should make groggily tending to their needs at 3am a bit easier. Amanda and I are both greatly looking forward to the day we can take Sam and Max home with us, but until then we'll continue visiting them daily and building our skills.
Also, here are some bonus pictures:
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| Max as cozy as can be |
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| Sam enjoying a good cuddle |
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| Sam sporting a trendy blue striped onesie. Thanks Travis and Suzanne for this outfit! |
They are really growing and it's good to have a parent's ed Class) Time to recover. Can't wait till you get to bring them home. Wish we could see them soon. Again... Thanks for having 2 baby boys join the family.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Diane