1791 I did it for the nummies.

Saucy Scale: 10

The boys are asleep.

The twins are asleep.

You’ve got me until the laptop battery wears out.

The babies are 2 weeks old today.  I can’t believe it.

Because they were born at 37 weeks, they are considered "early" or borderline premature.  While they were a GREAT size at birth (6 lbs 13 oz each), they have been having a couple problems. 

Both Rex and Clementine have minor learning curve issues with breastfeeding.  They did lose quite a bit of weight after their birth.  (They had some really mild jaundice issues.)

Their individual breastfeeding issues meant they weren’t eating enough.  Not eating enough meant they were both losing weight.  Losing weight made them really lethargic and sleepy, which meant they couldn’t stay awake to breastfeed.

One big annoying cycle.

I had numerous conversations with the lactation consultant before I even left the hospital.  I had no idea that the babies would specifically have nursing problems…I just wanted to make sure that I was ahead of the ball in case there were twin-related issues that might arise.

I’ve been to visit the lactation consultant twice and the pediatrician twice for nursing assistance & weight checks for the babies.  The lactation consultant suggested that pumping in addition to nursing the twins would ensure that my milk supply would increase.   I put my own breast pump away and rented a hospital-grade pump.

Helping these little twins learn how to nurse has been a big project for the 3 of us.  I would be lying if I said that successfully nursing my children wasn’t a HUGE issue to me.  

I’m not saying anything about you and your decision to nurse or give your babies formula.  I’m not being judgmental of your decision(s).  Just know that for me and my babies…we nurse.  It is a GINORMOUS thing to me that I’ve nursed my children.

Every decision that I’ve made regarding my nummies and the twins has been with the best of intentions.  I DID NOT want them given any formula.  I DID NOT want them given pacifiers.  They need to learn how to effectively latch & nurse.  I sincerely believe that bottles and pacifiers will NOT help them learn how to nurse effectively.  

The issues that Rex has with nursing are NOT the same as the issues that Clementine has with nursing.

When I learned that the twins were lethargic & sleepy b/c they weren’t eating enough, I had to make decisions.  I decided that it was more important for Clementine to receive a supplement of breastmilk via a bottle than to continue to lose weight and become even more lethargic etc. etc.  Even after she’s nursed, I’m supposed to give her 2 oz. in a bottle…to "top off her tank".

So, I nurse and nurse and pump all day (and all night) long. 

Yesterday I revisited the pediatrician for their latest weight checks.  Turns out that all our hard work is paying off!  As of yesterday, Rex is 7 lbs and Clementine has now regained her lost weight and is now 6 lbs. 14 oz.

In addition to our weight gain victories, I can see how much more energy & enthusiasm the babies have toward the nummies and nursing.  I keep pumping…in case she’ll keep needing an emergency "top-off", but I think we’ve rounded a significant corner regarding theit ability to stay awake and nurse.  Which is huge.

And with that…my laptop battery is about drained.  Which is also my cue to head upstairs for an appointment with my pump.

5 Things That Make Me Happy:

1. Rex and Clementine are doing so much better!  Happy 2 week Birthday, little ones!
2. Our church family has been taking such great care of us.  We’ve got so much food being delivered to the house, it’s crazy!
3. Our actual family…specifically, TBU’s parents for spending so much time here taking care of us.
4. Sue – our Lactation Consultant.  She is patient and caring.  I realize she’s doing her job, but she makes me feel like she cares about our success.
5. My staples are out.  My incision looks good.  I still have some pains, but overall, I feel pretty good considering.

.