NICU Update + 1 Week Postpartum

Good evening everyone. I cannot believe it has been just over a week since I gave birth to our little girls. It feels like forever ago they were in my belly. I still look at them and wonder how two babies were inside of me. It is a strange feeling, but an amazing feeling. It is crazy to think I will never be pregnant again. Bittersweet to say the least.

Today, good things have happened.

McKenzie has been moved to an open crib; she is out of the incubator. YAY! She also took 7 out of 8 of her feedings in the last 24 hours from breast or bottle. These are all wonderful signs of coming home sooner than later.

McKayla’s heat is almost as low as it can go; hopefully she will follow her sister into an open crib soon. She has taken 5 out 8 of her feedings from breast or bottle.

Wow, our girls are really progressing. I feel like they have made the most improvement in the last 24 hours.

How I Have Been Feeling Physically

I have been feeling pretty good for just over a week after giving birth to twins, except for today. I woke up this morning knowing I was getting mastitis (clogged milk ducts). I feel awful. For those of you that have never had mastitis it gives you flu like symptoms, such as; the chills, fever, dizziness, heavy head, pure misery. I called my doctor first thing and she called me in a prescription; hopefully it kicks in quickly. I don’t have time to feel awful.

As for recovering from childbirth, there hasn’t been any time. All-in-all I feel pretty good. I have had minor cramping here and there, but nothing major. For delivering twins I feel great. I couldn’t have asked for an easier labor, delivery and recovery.

My Emotions

I have seriously been all over the place as far as feelings go. I am so happy that our girls are healthy and here. We didn’t know what was going to happen back in March when we were diagnosed with Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS). We were so blessed to make it to 33 weeks and 6 days (almost 34; my goal). We have also been blessed with the fact that our girls have only needed to learn to eat and regulate body temperature. Our prayers have been answered.

However, I have been crying all the time. It is so difficult to leave our girls (big girls and babies) every day. Since I have been a mom I have never been gone from my girls for this much time day in and day out. I also wish I could be with our babies each and every moment. I am so excited for them to come home. Hopefully, sooner than later.

When I got pregnant I knew I wanted to keep track of how I heal after my twin pregnancy. Not necessarily the number on the scale, but how I feel after giving birth to babies 3 and 4. When I first found out I was pregnant with twins I started doing a ton of research (and let me tell you there was not enough information on twin pregnancies) on correct amount of weight to gain, physical activity, stretch marks, “twin skin”, etc. Even though this was pregnancy number 3 for me I had no idea what to expect with twins and I wanted to do it right.

Here are some pregnancy stats:

Total weight gain: 28-30 pounds (depending on the scale)

I gained most of my weight in the first two trimesters because one of my twin pregnancy books said that is the best thing for the babies. I don’t think I gained anything in the third trimester.

On May 20th – 27 weeks 4 days – Total weight gain: 29.5 pounds

I actually lost weight right after this because McKenzie’s fluid drop drastically.

Measurements at 33 weeks:

Hips: 39 inches

Bellybutton: 39 inches

Thighs: 22 inches

Weight Loss 1 Week Postpartum: -16 pounds

Measurements at 1 Week Postpartum:

Hips: 38 inches (-1) (loving my Shrinkx Hips)

Bellybutton: 33 (-6) inches

Thighs: 20.5 (-1.5) (I think I have lost some muscle)

Measurements Pre-Pregnancy:

Hips: 36 inches (one week postpartum I am 3 inches bigger)

Bellybutton: 28 inches (one week postpartum I am 5 inches bigger)

Thighs: 21 inches (one week postpartum I am .5 inches smaller)