…of being L and N’s NICU mom.
We had a lot of early activity. Busy days with doctors and meetings. Busy weekends with family and friends. But I’m flying solo most of the time now, and have planned out a routine. And this is sort of what it is supposed to look like.
N’s “care” times are 8, 11, 2, 5
L’s are 9, 12, 3, 6
My schedule:
- 3:00 Wake up and pump. Stumble in to something. Fall back in bed.
- 6:30 Wake up, pump, shower, eat breakfast, gather daily supplies and head over to the NICU.
- 8:30-9:00 Arrive at NICU. Unpack for the day, drop off milk, note the over night weights of the boys.
- 9:00 L’s care/feeding.
- 9:30 Pump
- 10:00 Kangaroo Care with L until 12:00
- Somewhere in here…listen in on the morning rounds. Ask questions, make daily notes, etc.
- 12:00 Pump
- 12:30 Grab Lunch
- 1:00 Back to NICU. Check emails, phone, facebook, etc
- 2:00 N’s care/feeding
- 2:30 Pump
- 3:00 Kangaroo care with N until around 5:00
- 5:00 N’s care/feeding
- 5:30 Pump / Snack
- 6:00 L’s Care/feeding
- 6:30 Final cuddles, lay out clothes for night shift, gather labels and containers for milk, hit the road!
- 7:00 Dinner at the RMH.
- 8:30 Pump
- 11:30 Pump
- 12:00 SLEEP!
Essentially, I try to get in skin to skin (“kangaroo care”) with each boy for two hours. I also try to pump 8 times a day, and eat like a cow (see what I did there?) In between, I try to help with a “care” any time I can. Every 3 hours, each boy gets eye care, mouth care, and a fresh diaper (and the nurses check vitals, tubes, etc). And of course I make sure to take a few photos every day.
Guess what? That day has not happened even once.
For starters I generally sleep through the middle of the night alarm. (If you hit snooze enough times…it gives up?)
People always drop in. (Today the chaplain, a supportive care team, lactation, a safety auditor, occupational therapy, dietician, and the normal morning rounding physicians stopped by).
I have other “to do’s”. I meet with lactation at least once a week. I’m taking infant massage classes once a week. And I have a few other classes to take before we can be discharged. (CPR, General info, and feeding tube training.)
The nerd in me is smiling and rubbing her hands together at the thought of working out a detailed schedule to make our new world at home move like clockwork.
The realistic/lazier person in me realizes if I can’t stick to a routine NOW…it might be impossible.
And the mom in me thinks if the day ends with moments like this…I don’t care about a few missed plans, late arrivals, or interruptions. Because THIS moment…was perfect!
❤
It took a month to get this photo!
L is peeking!
N is trying to escape?
Mama Laughs 
Ty for updates! Awesome to hear that your pumping 🙂 are they allowing the boys to consume your milk? Keep info coming, & continuing prayers for you all♡
Great photos and update! Awesome to hear you’re pumping 🙂 are they allowing the boys to consume your milk? Kangaroo time sounds like the best♡ continued prayers!
You are doing a remarkable job of having a very normal reaction to such stressful and abnormal situation. Any rest you are able to get will be so important to coping. Crying in the shower was sort a routine for me and helped release the tension a bit. You are doing an amazing job.
Laura – Yes! They are hugely supportive of it. They give moms pumping supplies, containers and patient labels. They have an entire team that freezes, stores, then later thaws, adds nutrients or calories depending on the baby(ies) weight gain goals, and they get it to the nurse in time for each feeding.
Melody you make me smile. I know this is not easy but your determination is amazing. I can see God’s arms around you and your boys. AND what is a schedule/routine? ❤
You amaze and inspire me. Period. Happy one month birthday to L & N!
I agree with Mel! While a schedule is a worthwhile goal – with one baby (much less two) it usually flies out the window – but it’s a nice thought. You are so right – snuggle time and loving L and N are what is most important – to you and to them. I certainly can tell in these pictures that they are growing. Continued prayers for you and your family.
HOW SWEET! you look like a “natural” with twins!!! They are growing like crazy!!! Your schedule sounds wild an crazy but I have no doubts whatever you do will be just perfect. Praying your days ahead get less hectic for you and the babies so you can enjoy being a Momma again! (But I do think you would have made a wonderful nurse!) love ya, Missy
The boys are just so adorable. Don’t worry about sticking to a schedule Melody. Most people with children can’t. Things always usually come up and with you with twins and K, well you have your hands very full. You can see ALL the love you give your boys just by looking at your pictures. I always look forward to your updates and pictures.