Neonatal Consult

[CamaLamaMama]

Today was the neonatal consult to discuss what we will do with the delivery and treatment of the boys. We had decided to try for a vaginal delivery and that is still the plan. We will deliver vaginally in a c-section ready room so if needed we can be ready to go for a c-section right away. We discussed our options for care of the boys after delivery. Parker will likely be taken to the nicu right away for his care but we declined any care for Nathaniel since life saving measures will not need to be taken. We have opted to give him comfort care for his life span, but no other measures. They gave us the option to leave Nathaniel in the care of nurses or with me and I want to have him stay with me for as he hangs on. When he is no longer living they will leave him in a special part of the nicu until I am discharged so that I can see him as much as I would like to. Once I am discharged he can be released to the funeral home. He will not be able to donate his organs since he will never have technically been alive, but he may donate tissue if he weighs 7 pounds. In Illinois bodies cannot be donated to science unless they are 18 years of age, so we cannot do that like we had hoped.

We talked about the issues that Parker could face depending on what week they are born at. We now have ideas for treatment that he could need for those issues. The neonatologist said that he looks perfectly healthy, that the steroids are going to be a benefit for him and that she thinks he is going to be okay. I felt about a million times better after talking to her today. The only thing that was kind of a downer was that she thinks I will deliver in the next 2 - 4 weeks based on Nathaniel's high fluid levels and the rate they are increasing at, the fact they they are twins and that I have already had some preterm labor. But, she seemed very optimistic about his prognosis even if we deliver in 2 weeks.

We got some information on how to address the death with Cameron at this appt as well. This is something I have been dreading talking to her about but the material had some helpful tips.

Also, my checkup went well. I'm still 50% effaced and a fingertip dilated, no changes this week. Both boys weigh over 3.5 pounds! My belly is measuring 42cm!!! No wonder I feel huge! I'm still about 10 pounds under my pre preg weight, I'm up a little over a pound in three weeks. Neither boy was laying still enough for the dr to get a HB today, every time she found the beat they rolled away! Stinkers.

I'm sure I'm leaving stuff out I wanted to share but I'm kinda drained.

[newmom84]

I have been silently stalking your threads. Sounds like you have a great plan and I pray that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Hope you can bake those boys as long as possible.

[Babidol]

How far along are you now?

It sounds like an overall really good appointment!

[CamaLamaMama]

Thanks too all you ladies who read my posts and think about us! I really appreciate knowing that so many people are reading about the boys.

Babidol, I'm 30w1d today. One of the things I meant to mention but forgot!

[Babidol]

So do you know which side Nathaniel is on? I was wondering if some of the lopsidedness in your belly is his fluid? Are they in 2 sacs?

I'll be praying for 34 weeks or longer! I know it's hard to get there with high fluid though and it's gonna be super uncomfortable.

It's awesome that they will keep him there for you to visit and see until you are ready. Have you decided if you are going ahead with a full funeral?

[CamaLamaMama]

Both boys are currently transverse, Nathaniel is on the bottom and is always between my hipbones. Today during my cervix check the dr could feel his foot pushing on her fingers. Parker is on top and is between my ribs. I'm not lopsided all the time, thank god! It seems that they just prefer the right side at night, during the day I'm more even. They are in the same sac, but there is a membrane between them so they have their own fluid levels.

We are not doing a full funeral. My pastor will be coming to baptise the boys at the hospital and we are going to have a private service for James and I as part of that. I think that a year from his death I will do something to remember him instead of a funeral right away.

[Paulett]

Hope everthing keeps on track. Sounds like you have some great care givers.

[babybluesash]

I have to be careful about reading your post because I cry everytime! Doesn't mean we dont keep you in our thoughts and prayers, just sometimes I can't comment, because I hurt for you!