Boys here at 30w 2d

Here’s the long and detailed version of my birth story:

On Tuesday (Sept 19) morning (10am), I went to my doctor’s appointment. I was 30 weeks and 2 days. DH went with me due to the fact that I ended up at L&D the prior week (Back story - I was 1 to 2 cms dialated so went in to be evaluated. Everything was found to be OK so I was sent home on modified bedrest.). My OB immediately examined me to see if anything had changed since last week’s appointment. Well, I was now 3 cm dialated and 75% effaced. She sent me and DH directly to the hospital.

I was evaluated for 2 hours. Me and the boys were hooked up to the monitors. During the 2 hours, the boys did fantastic. Good heart rates and lots of activity. And I only had 2 contractions in those 2 hours. However, they did say that I had an irritable uterus.

I was examined by the doctor on call and she thought I was now 3 to 4 cm dialated and 75% effaced. They weren’t sure if there had been a change since that morning when my OB examined me or not. Since 2 different doctors had examined me.

I was then told that I was to be admitted. I would go to L&D until the evening so they could monitor me and then I would be moved to ante natal. It was beginning to sound like they were going to keep me on hospital bedrest until I either delivered the babies or got to 35 weeks or so when they would be fine with me going in to labour.

At this point, I’m getting very upset. My bestfriend was flying in that day from Bermuda (we used to live there) and was supposed to spend that one night with us before going to Connecticut for a wedding on the weekend. I couldn’t believe that I was going to be admitted for hospital bedrest on that same day!

So it’s now about 2:30 pm when they decide that yes, that’s what they’re going to do. Admit to L&D for monitoring and then keep me on hospital bedrest. At this point, DH decides to run back home quickly to pack my bag as well as pick up my friend Beth.

They returned around 4pm and I’m still in evaluation as they wait for a bed in L&D for me. They find one around 4:30 and in I go.

So, they put the monitors back on and DH, Beth and I just hang out in the room getting caught up and opening baby gifts (she had brought gifts from our other friends back in Bermuda). The dr. that examined me in evaluation came back to do another one around 5:30. She now says I’m 4 cm dialated and 80% effaced. So not a lot of progress, but some. And I still wasn’t really having any active contractions. Although I was progressing (albeit at a very slow rate). They then started to discuss giving me Mag to stop labour.

The doctor then decides that she should do a consult with another doctor. She is concerned that the babies are both breech and she can feel their feet upon examination. After the consult, it is decided that I need to deliver these babies now by c-section due to the risk of an umbilical cord slipping down. She said she’d rather deliver 2 healthy babies now then 2 babies in distress in 2 weeks.

So off we go to the OR. I am given a spinal block around 7pm and then DH is allowed to join me. And then the big moment! My boys are born at 7:33pm and 7:35pm. Daniel Clarence (Baby A) weighs 3 lbs 4 oz (16 inches) and Benjamin Mark (Baby B) weighs 3 lbs 7 oz (16 inches). I couldn’t really see them but could definitely hear their cries.

I get to hold them both for about 5 seconds before they are wheeled off to the NICU. We were reassured by someone from the NICU (it’s all a bit confusing now) that they were both fine and right where they should be for 30 weekers. DH was told he could come down in an hour to see them.

The c-section wasn’t bad in the end but I have to say that I was quite terrified. I wasn’t really that nervous for myself…I was just so scared for my boys and what they now have to go through since they were born at just 30 weeks. Laying there not knowing what was going on was horrible. DH and I just held hands and looked at each other while we waited.

After they fixed me up (apparently I bled a lot and they removed a cyst from my ovary), I was sent to Recovery. I was there for about 3 hours as the spinal block wore off. DH went down to the NICU at 9 and 10 pm to see the boys and bring back photos for me. Both DH and Beth were able to join me in the Recovery Room.

The boys have been in the NICU now for almost 48 hours. Daniel is doing great. He is on CPAP for now. Per the doctor he is doing exactly what he should and progressing fine. I got to hold him last night and got to change him this morning (didn’t think I’d ever be so excited to change a baby’s diaper!). He had his first feed today (some collestrum from Mommy).

Benjamin is having a harder time. Last night, one of his lungs collapsed due to fluid buildup outside the lung. They inserted a tube to drain the fluid. He also had fluid buildup outside the other lung but it wasn’t as much and they inserted a tube on that side as well. Last night we were pretty terrified for him but he is doing much better tonight. He is now on a ventilator instead of just CPAP.

I am doing fine. Very sore but somewhat mobile…although DH has to take to me down to the NICU in a wheelchair. I almost fainted a couple of times yesterday. I lost a lot of blood during the section and the doctors are considering a blood transfusion although that is now seeming quite unlikely. I have not had any “fainting†spells today. The pain is quite bad but not any worse than I expected. I just keep asking for the pain meds to try to keep it at bay.

I think that’s all. Sorry it’s so long but I wanted to make sure I had it all down for future reference!

I’ll be joining the NICU forum now.

ETA: Forgot a few things - The boys have different blood types so we know for sure that they are fraternal. That and the fact that they also have different hair colour. Daniel is blonde (like DH) and Benjamin has brown hair (like me).

Cary

Here's a few pics:

 

You all look great! Congrats again on the boys. I hope their NICU stay is a short one!

 

Hope your little boys can go home soon. Take care of yourself. Congrats on your new additions

 

praying for you and your boys, mama!

 

The boys are adorable...I will keep you all in my thoughts and hope that they have a speedy stay in the NICU! Don't forget to take care of yourself during this time as well! Good luck with everything!

 

Seing your beautiful boys is making me cry. I am so happy to see them doign so well. I'm almost at 29 weeks and terrified everyday that I will have them early. But your boys look so wonderful and healthy. I feel a little better now in my journey. They are just two sweet little miracles congratulations!!!!!

 

Congrats on the birth of your beautiful boys!! Hang in there and take care of yourself :hug99:

 

thanks so much for sharing and glad boys are doin good!!!! i love all the pics !

 

so sorry you had to go through all of that...but it sounds like your docs took a good conservative approach, and hopefully your little boys will rally strongly and get home quickly!!

 

They are gorgeous! Congratulations!

 

So glad to hear that you and the boys seem to be doing well! God bless you and the boys for a speedy recovery and a short stay in the NICU!

 

They are beautiful boys, praying they grow bigger and stronger every day, and come home really soon.

 

glad to hear that your boys are doing well...hope the nicu stay is really short! Make sure momma gets hers rest as well...wishing you a speedy recovery!

 

congratulations again on your beautiful baby boys! i'll be saying a prayer for them, and hope they come home soon!

 

Hi Cary,

Hope the NICU stay is short. Glad to hear it sounds like they're doing well. They're beautiful .

 

Cary, wow that was such a shock to read! Your boys are adorable and it brings back memories of my little ones. Please visit us in the NICU forum for anything you need, we have all been there and know exactly what you are going through right now. Sounds like they are doing well. :hug99:

 

Your boys are precious. Congratulations, and I hope you can all go home soon.

 

Congratulations.....your boys are beautiful!!! Keeping my fingers crossed for a quick NICU stay!

 

congrats on your boys!!! They are precious....hopefully they will be home soon..

 

Congratulations on your little boys. I hope that their NICU stay is short and you are all home together soon.

 

:hug99: :drinks: :hug99:

 

I am so happy for you!! Your boys were boy at GREAT weights! My boys were 33wks (just celebrated first week bday) and were 3lb 3ozs and 3lb 11ozs. My little guy was on cpap for two days and was given caffine which has worked great! He actually latched on to the breast yesterday! I've explained to all my friends and family that life in the NICU is two steps forward and one step back. You are so lucky you were able to hold them so quickly. It sounds like they are doing marvelous! Oh, I just want to give you a huge hug! I'll see you in the NICU forum!

Megan

 

Congrats on your precious little babies. Sending many wishes for them to spend a short time in NICU so they can come home soon! Glad overall the delivery went well and you weren't having painful contractions. Keep us posted!

 

they are beautiful!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!

 

Congratulations on the boys! I hope that you are feeling well and that they have a speedy stay in the NICU. Many blessings to you and your family!

 

Congrats Cary...I am keeping you and your beautiful baby boys in my prayers. Keep us updated.


Brandy

 

Congratulations!! I hope their NICU stay is a short one x

 

Cary - I am so glad for you that you got the care that you all three needed for such a good outcome. I hope that you continue to heal up well and the boys get stronger and stronger everyday. Take care mom and CONGRATS to all of you!!

 

Congratulations!!! I am so happy that everything turned out well!

 

Congratulations! Hope the boys have a short and uneventful NICU stay!

 

Oh my goodness! I haven't checked in for a few days and look what I missed!!! Congratulations on your babies! I am sorry that things seemed so hectic for you! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you move into a new phase of mommyhood!

 

Congratulations! They are such beautiful little guys, you and your boys are in my prayers!