Sunday, December 20, 2009

Thinking ahead ...

On Friday night we picked up the 2nd crib and mattress in addition to the two extra car seat bases, so we officially have all the big stuff now. Although we probably won't use both cribs right away, we're going to put it up sometime this week. Once the 2nd crib is up I'll hang the names above the cribs along with the custom paintings that match the bedding. At that point the nursery will be completely done and I'll take some photos.

Tonight I made a list of things I still need to get to be ready for the arrival of these boys. I just need a few small things like cloth diapers to use as burp rags, two extra mattress pads, a couple of extra crib sheets, butt paste, baby laundry detergent, a big can of formula, and a stockpile of diapers (NB and Size 1) and unscented wipes. I also made an Ex.cel spreadsheet to use as a daily log for each baby's feeding and diapering. This chart includes columns for the following: date, time, nursing (right), nursing (left), breast milk (oz), formula (oz), pee, poop, and comments. Is there anything else I should add to it?

I haven't talked much about it here, but I am inducing lactation. I have been on the meds (birth control pills and Dom.peridone) since around 10-12wks gestation and I'll begin pumping next week. The meds have been quite easy to take and the only thing I've noticed is an increase in my breast size and occasional tenderness. According the protocol I should start pumping 6 weeks prior to the EDD, but they advise expectant twin moms to begin pumping at 30wks instead of 34wks in case the babies come early, so technically Friday is my pump start date. However, I decided not to begin this process while I'm at the in-laws for the holidays (that would be uncomfortable not to mention stressful) and will actually start on 12/28. Although I pumped with Myles, I'm a little nervous to start the pumping phase of the protocol. I guess it's because I don't know what to expect with inducing and I'm a little worried about how it will go while I'm working. I'm supposed to pump every 3 hours, but won't be able to do that in the morning at work. I teach 1st through 4th periods, so I'll pump at 7am and then at 11:30am (lunch). It's not ideal, but there's not much I can do about it. Carrying the rented hospital grade pump (Med.ella Symphony) back and forth to work isn't going to be much fun either. I have to keep reminding myself that this is the one thing that my body can do for my babies and the bonding while breast feeding will be wonderful, so all the hard work will be worth it!

Last week I made two appointments with local pediatricians to "interview" them. We have to choose a doctor for the boys and wanted to find the perfect fit, so we are doing 20 minute "meet and greet" appointments with each one. Both of these doctors come highly recommended by friends and family, so I'm sure one will be the person to oversee our babies' care.

On the legal front we're moving forward as well. Our attorney will be going to court soon to obtain our pre-birth order (legal document to get our names on the birth certificate as soon as the boys arrive). We were fortunate enough to get the judge who's familar with surrogacy and open-minded. Next week our attorney is meeting with the judge to make sure she has everything she needs in order before the appearance in court. We're excited to have this important issue squared away!

**K are you happy now? ;) K was tired of logging onto the blog and seeing her beautiful pregnant self, so she wanted me to post something. Of course I'll happily do anything for K, so I posted something!

16 comments:

Deanna said...

cool, cool cool... both of you just keep plunking along... K with her belly in tow... and now you with all your equipment!

Keep it up ladies!

Mrs. Spit said...

Good for you. I think it's so wonderful that you are going to nurse. And as much as K. complains, she looks absolutely lovely!

MyLifeMyWorld said...

Good job trying to induce lacation. Are you following Dr. Newman's protcol?

Good luck with that, and have fun getting ready :)

Kelly said...

So glad you are getting everything finalized! I wanted to ask how the induced lactation was going but felt odd asking. So glad you posted on it! Hope it goes well for you!!!

GibsonTwins said...

I cant believe how close you're getting! The excel sheet sounds like a great idea.

One tip I could give you though- the cloth diapers as burp cloths are not too absorbent and we ended up having to refold several times through a feed. What we found worked WONDERFULLY are those cheapie washcloths (you know, the kind that come in 18-packs at Walmart for $4). Those things were absolutely perfect for spitup/burping etc.

Anonymous said...

Wow. Wow. Wow. We are getting so close, it is blowing my mind. I am so happy for you - and I am so excited to hear how the pumping goes.

FYI - our insurance is covering our breast pump - Med.ela Advanced - since we are having twins - maybe you could check into your coverage for that down the road?

Nadine said...

Looking forward to the pics of the nursery! And reading about the pumping and bfing, ye know I am sorta really looking to you as a hands on experience of inducing lactation with twins! So I can not wait to read all about it!

Unknown said...

I was unaware you could induce lactation and I think that's wonderful! I'm so happy for you.

Saffy said...

Oh Niki, it's getting so close :) K - you really are a rock star. Merry Christmas to you all :)

James, Dawn and Family said...

You are way more prepared than I ever was. Have a blessed Christmas!

Crystal said...

Hey Niki I might add a spit up column to your spreadsheet. When I was documenting for Jack he wanted to know spit ups and also diapers wet or dirty. HTH

Anonymous said...

seconding the spitcolumn. and if you have space an extra column for anything you want to remember. You´l suffer of mommy brain..

Anonymous said...

Niki, don't waste your money on baby detergent. It is expensive and you an use All Free & Clear and get the same thing. HTH!

Unknown said...

You are awesome for inducing lactation! I hope that breastfeeding goes well for you guys - I know it is a challenge at times, but you have been through so much already that its going to be such a rewarding experience for you.

Sheri-ct said...

I can't believe you're 30 weeks! Wow! You are getting so close. I can't wait to see the pictures of the completed nursery. Please let mw know if you have any pumping questions. I'm an exclusive pumper (both times!) and I've gotten pretty good at it.....LOL!

Sheri

Sheri-ct said...

Oh, and I agree with Jenn, don't waste your money on baby detergent. The NICU told me to wash their stuff with mine using the "extra rinse" cycle. They said I would know right away if there was an issue, but that most babies are completely fine. All 3 of mine were fine with it. Don't make more work for yourself.