Smaller Babies for a Bigger World

On Thursday, Emily thought she might be losing her plug, but said that after this it can still be weeks. However, yesterday evening, a little before 8, her water began to break. We greeted the news mostly with anxiety. Luckily, I’d just seen our designated Sam watcher, and she came over quickly. I also called two of the other professors, who started to arrange for things. We hurriedly packed and tried to get things in order (transferring laundry, getting things for Sam ready, putting together our bags). Emily at this point was around 35 weeks and 3-4 days. At first she was convinced it was still week 34, and we found ourselves trying to quickly review original plans and possibilities. A colleague came to drive us and the spouse of another went with us to the hospital. We were greeted by four or five nurses and a doctor, which was an encouraging sign. We began filling out paperwork, and we tried to figure out how we wanted to do things for the birth. Emily had assumed a c-section would be necessary, but the boy was head down. We were both, however, sort of terrified at doing full labor with preterm twins, and the doctor recommended a c-section. At the time of the delivery, the boy had already shifted again, so perhaps this way to go.

I don’t know quite how to discuss the pacing. I feel like the last twelve hours have gone very quickly, with a series of things to do. So, after the decision was made, Emily went in for the c-section while I stayed with the coworker’s wife. (Emily tells me that she was a little panicky with the anesthesia, just because it was such a strange procedure and she had an imperfect grasp of what was going on; however, she also says it went quickly, and when the babies came out they were crying, but calmed at the sound of her voice.) Emily was out very quickly, and we briefly saw the babies. We had to wrap up registration procedures, which included visiting several floors. Maybe forty minutes later I was able to see the two. The girl came a minute earlier and was a little heavier, and she is in good shape. She’s in the less intensive room, is clearly breathing well, and is moving around. I was able to touch her arms, chest, legs, and face. She seemed to like it. The boy looked very sleepy and was not moving much, but should be okay. Initially, he still has “wet lung,” and they give extra oxygen. They’ll probably be here at least a week, perhaps a tad longer. They’re both good weights, but I think that people here forget that while 5 lbs may be pretty normal for local kids, we’re used to bruisers. Compared to Sam, they both look small, and I still can’t quite believe they are out.

Initially, I’ll be able to visit twice a day and Emily will be able to nurse as able. She’s started expressing colostrum already and will hopefully begin feeding the babies tonight. It feels strange to not be sitting next to them a lot of the time, as with Sam, but they didn’t look anxious and I think the care here is good. We’re close to our church, which will be nice tomorrow, and we’re getting some rest. I’m going to try to take a nap with Sam this afternoon before we head back to the hospital. Basically, all is well, but it will take a while to get the hang of things. I know realistically that they are not that small, and that, indeed, we could have scheduled a c-section for the end of this coming week. But I still feel bad that they’re tubed and confined and small. May the coming days bring them better health.

Sam is well. He stayed with the coworker and she said he did pretty well. He woke up a few times, but then slept until 8 today. He's with our old friends we knew in NJ and seems to be doing fine. We probably won't bring him to the hospital for another day or two...