Twins Doctors Update

I realized in posting all the pictures I haven't really given you an update on their status. As of this morning 3.20.09 the neonatal doctors are still amazed and thrilled by their progress.

- There are no respiratory problems.
- They each have an IV that gave them fluids, however as of this morning they are no longer getting any fluids by IV. They have left them in just in case, but they aren't getting anything through them any longer.
- They are eating at 8am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm, 8pm, 11pm, 2am and 5am...and repeat cycle...
- They are up to eating 16 ml at each feeding. (they started at 5ml, then 10 ml)
- I am currently pumping every 2-3 hours during the day and every 3-4 hours at night so the girls eat my colostrum/milk which is then supplemented as needed with prenatal formula to get up to the 16 ml. Sometimes I am able to pump the full amount sometimes they mix a little as my milk continues to build up and come in.
- We have started to try to breastfeed and Taylor is interested but still getting used to it. Madeline is a champ and has already latched and sucks, but only for a little while. Neither of them can do a real feeding so we then give them the pumped milk by bottle which helps with sucking as well. The lactation specialist and nurses say that it is amazing they are even latching this early as some older babies don't even do so well. So they are really showing off in the nursery!
- They each do have a feeding tube through their nose as well into their stomach, but it is just a precaution, since they are both taking their feedings by bottle. They only use the tube if they fall asleep or get exhausted and can't finish.

Overall they are doing FABULOUS and continue to show off for the doctors!