Weight Check

The first morning we were home from the hospital we had to go to the pediatrician for weight checks.  With preemies they monitor their weight really closely cause it doesn't take much for them to get really sick if they lose weight.

Both girls had lost a little weight from the last time they were weighed in the hospital.  They weren't too concerned cause it was still considered part of the normal weight loss after birth.  But every future check should show weight gain.

The doctor was great with answering my questions.  She said that the preemies get too tired to completely drain the breast milk during a feeding.  So the plan for the next few days is to nurse for 10-15 min then top off with formula while I pump - each feeding.  She also said that she was really impressed at how well they eat for their age.  Most 35.5 week olds can't really suck well enough to breastfeed at all.

Since they don't have brown fat we have to make sure they don't get too cold.  We keep them wrapped up and always keep their hats on.  She said if they have to work to keep their temps up that they won't be able to gain weight.


Jaide

• Height: 18.5 inches - 9%
• Weight: 5 lbs 1 oz - 1%
• Head: 12.25 inches - 0%

Siena

• Height: 18.25 inches - 5%
• Weight: 5 lbs 4.5 oz - 1%
• Head: 12.25 inches - 0%

The hospital sent a home nurse to our home to double check that the babies are doing well.  I had another weight check at the end of the week and it showed they are gaining about 1oz/day - which is our goal!  Yay!!!  My milk supply is increasing and I have enough pumped milk that they haven't had formula in the past few days.  They spit up the formula a lot more than the breast milk.  They are looking more and more identical.  Especially as the puffy swelling from being in the womb decreases and their weights get closer together.

We estimate we are going through around 20 diapers a day!  The newborn diapers are still too big - so we have to buy preemie size.  SO SMALL!!!

My mom has been taking care of my wound.  She was really excited to do it and Jake was glad to pass the torch.  It's hurting less and less and isn't nearly as deep as it was.  My tummy swelling has been going down so now I can see my wound.  I even took out the gauze myself yesterday - that was a weird sensation.  The OB looked at it on Friday and said things are looking good.  We have another appointment with her in a week.  Hopefully by then it will be closed enough to use steristrips.