Communicating in this way helps misunderstandings too and prevents one partner from waking the other unnecessarily. There’s a reason why overnight feedings are called a ‘dream’ feed, don’t expect to remember anything by morning. We kept feeding journals/baby-trackers (for each baby) in order to note feedings, changes, etc. Tag-team partners need an efficient way to communicate baby care details. I’m sure this all sounds intimidating but I promise it’ll go quickly. If the original schedule doesn’t work for you, talk to the pediatrician, and make adjustments slowly. Of course the hospital has round-the-clock staff for round-the-clock feedings, but it’ll make life easier if you stick to it once you get home. But, what newborn has a schedule?” I have news for you. Most babies, especially twins, who were born in a hospital and spent time in a NICU have one. Now you’re saying, “OK, I get it! I’ll get help. Call on one or two people no matter what the situation.įYI: round-the-clock feedings should only last 3-4 months your pediatrician will confirm the next milestone – sleeping through the night. There’s no question you can handle this, but even Superheroes need back-up. – Teamwork: If your partner can’t help, choose someone who’s dependable, consistent and doesn’t mind following schedules/instructions: a family member, friend or hire someone. ![]() While this seems unbalanced, it worked for us. In our case, I took the daytime shift, 6 am-12 am, while my husband took the overnights 2 am-5 am (adjust to your needs/schedules). These strategies will work for formula-fed and breastfed babies, all you need to do is have bottles ready. We were up for the challenge, now you will be too! Ready! Set! Go! The Makings of a Tag-Team:Ĭaring for multiples is like basic-training combined with a relay race. The nurse saw the look on our faces, and said, “Don’t worry, we’ll show you how to work together to get at least six hours sleep each.” I’m happy to pass along these strategies to help you and your partner (the new tag team) to get more sleep while caring for newborn twins during the early months and beyond. I was worried, wondering, how I could do this by myself, x’s 2? Did I mention I was also recovering from a C-section? For the first time, I felt overwhelmed. I shook my head as if to wake up and said ‘Wait! What?’ I knew about round-the-clock feedings, but the reality of it all didn’t hit me until that moment. I’m sure the room spun 3x’s during her drill. We were welcomed by a team of attentive nurses and one asked “Are you ready to do changes and feedings?” My husband and I happily said, “Yes!” She then rattled off instructions like a drill instructor, “Feedings for each baby are every three hours, Twin B first, then Twin A one hour later, changes are before and after each feeding…” The rest was a blur. I clearly remember the surreal yet wonderful moment when we entered the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for the 1st time to see our boys after they were born.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |