A No Nonsense Guide To Figuring Out Feeding In the Newborn Phase

As we near the end of National Breastfeeding Month, we felt it appropriate to go out with a bang! We know, and love, the benefits of breastfeeding and agree that it’s most definitely the optimal choice. But, we also recognize that whether breastfeeding, pumping, or bottle feeding, every route comes with its own challenges, especially when establishing feedings with a newborn or newborns! By providing some reassurance, tips, and tricks, we want to end the month on a high note and let you know, you’re not in this alone!

The FIRST thing I want you to know…

Is that no one has it all figured out. Yes, NO one. Breastfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, and feeding your babies in general is such an emotional journey filled with high “highs” and low “lows”. As moms (AND dads) we’ve really got to get away from being too hard on ourselves. Easier said than done, I know. I’ve definitely fallen victim to “Mom Guilt” more times than not. Whether you’re able to breastfeed for a short or long period of time, pump, or formula feed, the very most important thing you can do for your littles ones is to be informed, make sounds decisions, and do what’s best for your family.

The NEXT thing I want you to know is….

Doing Skin-To-Skin with your babies immediately after their birth and then throughout the first 2 hours of their lives has shown to be immensely beneficial in many different ways. Doing so can have a profound effect on their ability to initiate breastfeeding and form a good latch, jumpstart your milk production, as helps them better adjust to their new surroundings.  Skin-To-Skin also helps to regulate their vitals and mood and is also the perfect opportunity for both you and your partner to bond with your babes. If your littles are or were in need of a higher level of care immediately following their birth and this wasn’t possible, don’t fret! The benefits of Skin-To-Skin as still seen throughout those early days and beyond.

ALSO….

Ask for support. Whether it be from a lactation consultant, doula, midwife or nurse support in those early hours and days is especially essential. One thing to be aware of, often times in a hospital setting opinions and guidance can vary from shift to shift, leaving you feeling like a deer in headlights. Listen to your intuitions and to your babies, advocate for how you’re feeling, what’s comfortable, and ask A LOT of questions. Most importantly, remember everyone’s new at this, so don’t be too hard on yourself!

The most common thing we hear from seasoned mamas, myself included, is that they didn’t advocate for themselves, and ultimately their littles as much as they wish they would have. So, speak up, no question is a bad question, and if anyone ever makes you feel that way, they are certainly not the right support person for you and they are not attune to your needs.

Follow their LEAD…

During the first few days, weeks, and months of your babies’ lives it’s going to feel a bit chaotic, and this is totally normal. Just think about it, you’re new at this, and so are your babies, so naturally it takes time for everyone to get in sync. We can’t stress enough how important it is to be attune to your babies cues and communication. If they’re acting like they’re hungry, chances are they probably are, even if the clock says they’re not. Catching these cues and meeting your babies’ needs is essential to establishing healthy habits and routines early on.

DON’T over complicate things…

As a rule of thumb, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Meaning don’t jump the gun to use devices like nipple shields, or creams. Give your baby and your body the opportunity to figure things out on their own with your guidance. For the first few days or so, especially when your babies are latching on, you may experience some discomfort; BUT, this should not be consistent. If you’re experiencing cracked or dry nipples as well as consistent pain during breastfeeding, there’s a good chance that your babies aren’t latched on correctly. In this case it’s a good idea to talk with your pediatrician to make sure there isn’t any other factors at play.

The GOLDEN ticket…

Lastly, we know how easy it is to become stressed out worrying about not being able to produce enough breastmilk for your little ones. Because, let’s face it, if you’re a mama of multiples or a singleton, this is a natural concern and it’s important for us to talk about it in a bit more depth. In fact it’s also one of the biggest reasons mamas report for discontinuing breastfeeding 2-6 months after the birth of their baby.  If you’re committed to breastfeeding, whether exclusively, or a mix of pumping and bottle feeding we absolutely want you to know that the biggest factor in keeping your supply up as well as increasing your supply is nipple stimulation. Yes, I said it, nipple stimulation. Nipple stimulation, whether bringing baby to breast, pumping, or manual stim causes your milk producing hormone (prolactin) to increase, as well as increasing your milk delivery hormone (oxytocin) resulting in more of that liquid gold goodness! There’s so much information out there about what to eat, what to drink, what not to drink, what supplements you can take, etc. And the truth is, if you’ve ruled out all medical or physical issues or concerns, it really is as simple as trusting in your body to produce what your babies need, and supporting it to do so through consistency.

Go with the FLOW…

Literally. You and your littles are going to learn something new from each other every day. Try not to be too rigid in your thinking, focus on the things that truly matter, and let the rest slide. After all, the newborn phase goes by OH so fast and if you blink, you may miss it!

For more information and support on breastfeeding, pumping, and bottle feeding make sure to check out our signature prenatal classes available on demand at https://babytalkco.com/education/online/

xoxo,

Maggie

Maggie Price MA, CLC | Founder of www.babytalkco.com

Twin Birth Story: Kristina Mundinger

If you'd like to contribute your own twin birth story, CLICK HERE to fill out the questionnaire!

Name: Kristina Mundinger

Where do you currently live?  Ottawa, Canada

How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? 7 weeks

Any issues during your pregnancy? At 24 weeks I went to the hospital for an ultrasound. The tech didn't say much, but asked me to stay in the room while she went to talk to someone. When she came back in she said my cervix was a little short and that I needed to go check in at the L&D desk to be seen by a doctor. I was very confused, I was alone, and I didn't understand what was going on. I googled 'short cervix' and let's just say it freaked me out even more. The nurse hooked me up to a monitor and we discovered I was having regular contractions. I had no clue that's what the tightening I was feeling for the last few days was. I was admitted and had to stay in the hospital for a few days while they stopped the contractions. I was put on bed rest after this and didn't go back to work. I had to get an ultrasound every week after this to measure my cervix and I scared the tech every time because it was so incredibly short (and kept getting shorter).

Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant: We got a 3D ultrasound done. With two babies in there they can be difficult to do as one often blocks the other one. We were having some difficulties so I ate some chocolate and took a walk around to try and get them to move. It worked and now we have an amazing photo of one babies butt right in the other ones face.

Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self? Take it a little more easy. Right before I went into the hospital I spent an entire day being a tour guide to my sister and her friend. We did a lot of walking around the city that day, and looking back I probably pushed myself too hard. It's okay to take it a little easy and not try to do everything.

How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 34 weeks and 6 days 

Baby A's Information:  Eli
July 27, 2013
12:00 pm
5 lbs 1 oz
They don't measure height here (they say it's not accurate post birth)

Baby B's Information:  Evan
July 27, 2013
12:31 pm
5 lbs 6 oz

Are your twins identical? No

Did you have a c-section or natural delivery?  My water broke at 5am when I went to the washroom (thankfully) so we headed to the hospital right away. After I was admitted I was told my cervix was pretty much non-existent (which wasn't a surprise) and that I was 4cm dilated. I asked for my epidural right away knowing things could take a while. I'm glad I did because the pain of the contractions was incredible! A few hours later I was fully dilated and ready to push! I was able to get Eli down until we could see the top of his head and then was told to stop and wait because they bring all twins into the OR for delivery. We got into the OR and I delivered Eli vaginally. At that point Evan was frank breech and too high up for the doctors to bring him down so they told me I was going to have an emergency caesarian. All chaos broke loose at this point. More nurses arrived, my epidural meds were increased, a sheet was thrown up, and I delivered Evan a half hour later.

Any NICU time?  If yes, for what reason and how long?  The boys were in the NICU overnight only because it was hospital policy that all babies born before 35 weeks are sent there.

Did you have any complications after delivery? Recovering from both a vaginal birth and a caesarian wasn't a lot of fun. I was exhausted and unable to do as much as I would have liked. That was nothing compared to the pain I felt when I got pancreatitis a few weeks after their birth. I spent a few days in the hospital on IV fluid, pain meds, and a strict diet of no food.

How long did you stay in the hospital? 3 days

Did your twins stay with you or the hospital nursery at night? With us in the room

What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital? 
I'm glad I had my phone. I was able to take tons of pictures, occupy myself when I had any free time and the babies were sleeping, and keep up with what was going on in the world. I wish I had my nursing pillow. My boys are over a year now and I still use that thing everywhere I go! It would have been much easier nursing them in the hospital bed. I wish I had a special nursing nightgown. I find the hospital gowns incredibly uncomfortable, but definitely easy to take off for nursing. I've since found an awesome nursing nightgown that opens with snaps like a nursing bra and I live in it!

Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital:  When I got to visit my boys in the NICU the day after they were born. After my surgery I got to see then briefly while in recovery, but then I was alone for the night as my husband went home to sleep. The next morning he came back and brought me to the NICU. It was the first time I really got to be with them. I had imagined being able to hold them immediately after birth and when that didn't happen I felt empty. Being able to be with them there and then take them back to our room with us was the best feeling ever.

If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be? Do what works best for you. Everyone is full of advice (I admit, I am too), but in the end the only thing that will keep you sane is doing what you need to survive. I did a lot of on-demand for everything (sleeping, nursing, changing) and while it may have meant less sleeping hours for me, it felt right and it helped me get through every day. You will survive and it will get easier. Enjoy it because it goes quickly.

Twin Birth Story: Jessica Rosetti

If you'd like to contribute your own twin birth story, CLICK HERE to fill out the questionnaire!

Name: Jessica Rosetti

Where do you currently live?  Atco, NJ

How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? A week after my first blood test came back positive

Any issues during your pregnancy? My twins were a result of my fifth round of IVF. At around 10 weeks, I was admitted to the hospital for severe morning sickness. Also, around 13 weeks, I had some bleeding. The doctor said it might be a partial placenta previa since baby A was so low. Thankfully it went away.

Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant: Our twins gender reveal. My husband came up with the idea to get cream filled doughnuts filled with either blue or pink cream to show the genders. I bit into the pink and he bit into the blue, and we both freaked out!!

Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self? I honestly can't think of anything. I enjoyed every minute of being pregnant, even the tough times. I gained a healthy amount of weight and felt great. I guess maybe sleep more, but that's easier said than done.

How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 38 weeks

Baby A's Information:  Alexa Anne
August 16, 2013

10:06 PM
4 lbs 14 oz
18 in

Baby B's Information:  Rocco Samuel
August 16, 2013

10:54 PM (he came out feet first and his head was stuck for a long time, luckily they were able to get him out. Scariest moment of my life.)
5 lbs 11 oz
19.5 in

Did you have a c-section or natural delivery?  I was induced at 38 weeks. It took from 8 am to 9 pm to go from 4 cm to 10. Alexa came out first with a full head of dark hair. My son, Rocco, was head down, but when they broke his water, the surge of fluids caused him to flip and pulled his legs out. Before I knew it, he was stuck. It took 3 doctors to get him out. They had administered anesthesia and were prepping an OR for an emergency c-section.

Any NICU time?  If yes, for what reason and how long?  Yes, 11 days in the NICU for Rocco. He had failed his apgar tests and was taken straight to the NICU. He was put into medical induced hypothermia for 72 hours to protect his brain and organs. Once he was warmed up we could finally tough him 4 days later. After many tests, oxygen, and countless other support, he was cleared to go home with a clean bill of health.

Did you have any complications after delivery? Since they had to do an episiotomy, I was just very sore from the stitches and I had a lot of bleeding.

How long did you stay in the hospital? Only permitted to stay two nights.

Did your twins stay with you or the hospital nursery at night? Nursery and NICU

What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital? 
My husband, my mom, and cold apple juice.

Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital:  Seeing my husband hold our daughter for the first time was so special.

If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be? Be ready for anything. Don't panic, that doesn't help anyone out.

Twin Birth Story: Erica

If you'd like to contribute your own twin birth story, CLICK HERE to fill out the questionnaire!

Name: Erica

Where do you currently live?  Gilbert, AZ

How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? 6 weeks

Any issues during your pregnancy? I was anemic and had contractions early on. Because of the contractions, I was given steroid shots to strengthen the boys' lungs and help stop my contractions.

Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant: I would wet my pants ALL the time! I soon discovered that I needed to frequent the bathroom even if I felt like I didn't have to go. Also, one of the babies was sitting on my sciatic nerve so my leg would go numb while I was walking.

How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 36w 4d

Baby A's Information:  Oliver Lyle
October 19

10 AM
5 lbs 15 oz

18 in

Baby B's Information:  Wyatt Daniel
October 19

10:21 AM
4 lbs 11 oz

18.3in

Are your twins identical? No

Did you have a c-section or natural delivery?  Natural. After 27 hours of labor and being sent home for not "progressing" three times, I was finally admitted to the hospital and given an epidural. The boys were under a lot of stress and I was dehydrated since I couldn't keep anything including water in my stomach. The boys' heart rates were dropping pretty quickly. Baby B kept getting stuck on my tailbone and was face up. Because there was not time to prep me for a c-section they used the vacuum to get him out as quickly as possible. I pushed for two hours for Baby A so we were running low on time with Baby B.

Any NICU time?  If yes, for what reason and how long?  Baby B spent 8 days in the Neo-NICU. Because of the trauma from his birth, he had a seizure at about an hour old and was a code blue. He was life flighted to another hospital where they had more equipment to care for him.

Did you have any complications after delivery? Nope.

How long did you stay in the hospital? 3 days

Did your twins stay with you or the hospital nursery at night? Baby A stayed with me, but Baby B was in another hospital.

What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital? 
My own pillow and slippers from home.

Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital:  Getting to hold both of my boys before Baby B was taken to the other hospital.

If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be? Be prepared to be flexible with your birth plan!

Twin Birth Story: Savannah Calhoun

If you'd like to contribute your own twin birth story, CLICK HERE to fill out the questionnaire!

Name: Savannah Calhoun

Where do you currently live?  Texas

How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? 9 weeks

Any issues during your pregnancy? Preeclampsia and home bedrest

Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant: In one of my last ultrasounds and while she was measuring Fletcher's bladder he had to tinkle. Craziest thing to see on screen! Ultrasounds must be just as hard on their bladders as ours!

Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self?  Enjoy every minute. :) It was such and amazing experience.

How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 35 weeks on the dot

Baby A's Information:  Remington Cade
June 27, 2015
12:46 pm
5 lb 3 oz
19 in

Baby B's Information:  Fletcher Reed
June 27, 2015
12:48pm
5 lb 13 oz
18 3/4 in

Are your twins identical? No

Did you have a c-section or natural delivery?  At 32 weeks I went into preterm labor. They were able to get it stopped but they went ahead and delivered steroid shots. We did a 24hr urine and it came back right on the edge of preeclampsia at 300 mg. I stayed in and out of the hospital the next few weeks for monitoring of my blood pressure and contractions. At 34 weeks we ran another 24 hr urine and I was up to 2,000 mg. This was on a Tuesday I saw the doctor and he said we would have babies by the weekend!! My mom went ahead and drove down from Kentucky to Texas to make sure she was here and we started getting ready. Friday at 9 am I checked in at the hospital and surgery was scheduled at 11 but an emergency c-section ended up pushing it off until 12. Everything went great and by 1 I had both boys!!

Any NICU time?  If yes, for what reason and how long?  Yes both boys went to nicu to monitor breathing. Remington stayed for one week (he got out on the 4th of July!) and Fletcher was there until the 4th. Fletcher had a few apnea spells but Remington was just there for routine monitoring.

Did you have any complications after delivery? No recovery went surprisingly well. I was up and walking within 12 hours so I could go see the boys in nicu.

How long did you stay in the hospital? 2 days

What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital? 
I brought my own cute pjs, which was so nice to be able to look decent to visit the boys in nicu. And a belly bandit, it made waking so much easier!

Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital:  When my dad got to come see the boys. He didn't get to come down for almost a week after they were born. He came to the hospital the day before Remington was discharged. Seeing him hold them was the best feeling.

If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be? Hang in there! Everything does get back in place!

Twin Birth Story: Danielle Moore

If you'd like to contribute your own twin birth story, CLICK HERE to fill out the questionnaire!

Name: Danielle Moore

Where do you currently live?  Grafton, WV

How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? 6 weeks

Any issues during your pregnancy? I did really well actually! I worked 12 hour days up until I delivered. However, I did have Gestational Diabetes. I failed my 1 hr test, and tried twice to complete my 3 hour- one but ended in vomiting everywhere. So they ended up hair diagnosing me and checking my sugars four times a day. Eventually I did need mediation. I also had the PUPPs rash- which was NOT fun, but I convinced myself it was more mind over matter. Besides puking 6-8 times a day for 25+ weeks, I thought I did excellent!

Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant: It has taken us almost 2 years to get pregnant. A few months before this pregnancy, we were pregnant- which ended up as a missed miscarriage. However, for a few weeks progressed normally. 1st HCG- 75, 2nd HCG- 247. So when we found out we were pregnant again- we knew the importance of these numbers. We had hem drawn 2 days after Christmas (found out of Christmas Day!!!) , and we got the call our numbers were 898! 898.. What?! Instantly I thought of my really close friend who just did IVF- her numbers around the same time were on the 600s and she was expecting twins. When it came time for our first appointment, we sat in the waiting room, and on the Today Show was twins that married twins and one couple had twins! Less than 20 minutes later we were in that exclusive group!!

Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self?  Relax!
I am a Type a personality so in hindsight- that's not an easy task. I was so concerned with getting everything ready. My friend who was on hospital bedrest, who didn't get to complete everything she wanted- or attend her shower- was always in the back of my mind. I wanted to rush to get things done.
Also, I worried. A LOT. A twin pregnancy is stressful. From our 1st ultrasound where Baby B was much smaller, to the ultrasounds in between where they convinced me Baby A had club foot, to the last ultrasound where I was sent for induction due to Baby As low fluid- I worried.

How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 37 weeks

Baby A's Information:  Ella Faith
August 13, 2013
6:28 PM
4 lbs 13 oz
17.5 in

Baby B's Information:  Bria Cole
August 13, 2013
7:26 PM
6 lbs 13 oz
19.5 in

Are your twins identical? Fraternal!

Did you have a c-section or natural delivery?  Vaginal! Praise The Lord!

After being told I needed to go to the hospital, my doctor informed me that she wasn't on call that night. The next night she was but not then. I was devastated. I picked her because of her twin experience and her confidence at natural twin births. After we ran home, packed, did dishes (yes- dishes.. We legit thought we would make it one more week) and switched cars, we returned and were started on Pitocin at 1:45pm.

Obviously I progressed slowly. 1-2-3cm for close to 24 hours.
24 long hours with no food. Finally around 2pm the next day- I was at 3cm, almost 4. They decided to break my water. Up until then I had no pain. Immediately after that- it was intense. My Inlaws just got there and I instantly wanted them to leave. I realized it probably wasn't going to get any better so I went for the epidural then. 30 minutes later, they arrived. After 4 different tries, they finally got it in. I knew something wasn't completely right when I still fully felt my left side. They instructed me to lay on my left side. Well of course that made it go numb, but not exactly for the right reasons. Each hour they would check me and each time they would say 3cm, 3.5cm, back down to 3cm. Finally the doctor at 430pm said she wanted to get the last doctor in who checked me for
Comparison. After an hour and no one returned I was getting tired and hungry. Finally at 6pm, the best site walked in-- MY OB! I was never so happy.

She reached down to check me and popped up with a strange look on her face. She had my favorite nurse- Nicole- look. She looked again and said "We are ready!" I started crying! I was fully expecting to be a 4cm again and be disappointed!

I was wheeled into the OR where they performed all twin births, to be met by at least 15-20 people. Andrew changed his clothes and we were ready! I felt the urge to push and within a few minutes and several pushes, Ella Faith was born! She cried and was immediately taken into the warming room and they yelled out her weight and I was shocked. 4.13?? Yesterday she measured 5.10! Andrew got to go back and hold her (he was apprehensive because he felt like I should hold her first --Awww). He came back quickly and as they were cleaning me up I said- I feel like I need to push. My OB said go ahead. I pushed once and my water broke EVERYWHERE! I was so embarrassed! Your are up High on the operating table and it obviously make a big splash. I was mortified! They ultrasounded baby B quickly and she did not flip! So I could push! I felt like I didn't push for that long- but in reality it was almost an hour. It was much more difficult this time as my epidural completely worse off on the left side and I was exhausted. Andrew was giving me oxygen on and off and after a little more effort- Bria Cole was born! 58 minutes later!

Any NICU time?  If yes, for what reason and how long?  None! We felt so blessed. We did have to stay a week. Their weights were an issue a well as jaundice!

Did you have any complications after delivery? After delivery- I felt weird. Mainly dizzy, but I assumed it was the fact I have birth to two humans on no sleep. Everyday. A nurse or doctor would comment on how pale I was. I'm Irish anyways so I assumed it was just because I wasn't tan. They ended up checking my hemoglobin and it was 6.7, which warranted two bags of blood for a blood transfusion. Other than that- I felt great! I was moving furniture around the room that night!

How long did you stay in the hospital? 7 days

Did your twins stay with you or the hospital nursery at night? They stayed with us. I didn't even realize it was an option. We had such an awful time breastfeeding and latching I didn't even think twice about it. I mean I tried for years for these babes- I wanted to be with them every minute.

What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital? 
1) I wish I had packed more clothes.
No joke- the last day I called my sister to bring me more clothes because she worked at the same hospital I was in. She had already left for work so she called her friend and her friend brought me extra clothes. Not as glamourous as imagined leaving the hospital.

2) I'm glad I had my regular DSLR camera not just my iPhone.

3) I wish I would have brought all my hair styling items. If probably would have made me feel more human. But I was too concerned with leaving my husband out in the room with two babies!

Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital:  Besides the moment we had Baby A and I felt a sigh of relief...

The next day, both girls were fed, changed and asleep In their own bassinets. We were sitting on the couch in the room just staring at them. Andrew asked me if it was everything I thought it was going to be. I said. It's even better.

If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be? The first few days in the hospital are crazy. Labor is crazy. It's all a cluster and that's okay. Limit your guests! We never had a moment to relax between family, friends, doctors, nurses! Even before they were born, my Inlaws walked in right after they broke my water- it was intense pain. I don't want my husband to see me like that let alone anyone else. My parents couldn't sleep and showed up at 4am! We appreciated the concern and the food! (Yes food!) and willing hands to hold them, but we were overwhelmed. In hindsight I would say no visitors before they were born and limit them afterwards. My only regret.

Danielle's Blog: Moore Party of Four

Danielle is due with Baby #3: Jan 15th, 2016 and it's a girl!

Twin Birth Story: Sarah Plum

If you'd like to contribute your own twin birth story, CLICK HERE to fill out the questionnaire!

Name: Sarah Plum

Where do you currently live?  Ventura, CA

A Letter From Mom

(The following letter was written by Kelli Gruen, mama of Monochorionic Monoamniotic twins Ashlyn & Brielle.  The girls were born at 31 weeks, 4 days.  Ashlyn spent 80 days in the NICU while Brielle spent 55 days there.  This letter was written a month before they were born...)

To my sweet miracle girls, Ashlyn & Brielle:

I wanted to write to you in hopes that some day we can look back at this crazy journey and you girls can have a better understanding of who you are and how much you are loved. 

By the time you read this you will already know how special you two are, but it goes far beyond you two being a rare set of identical twins.. 

I’ll start with saying you two are everything your daddy and I have ever wanted. You haven’t even made your entrance into this world yet and our lives already revolve around you. You are our everythings. 

At this exact moment I am sitting in my hospital room (your daddy’s at work). I’ve been here for 22 days already and have another 36 to go till your scheduled appearance on September 10th. 

I wanted to explain a couple things to you girls, and I want you to carry this with you your entire lives:

You are loved:
From the moment we found out about you two (February 25th 2014) we loved you. Everyone in your family loves you beyond words. Your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and entire extended family is deeply in love with you, and will be forever.
When you love someone you often make sacrifices for them. Daddy and I are happy to sacrifice for you, but we aren’t alone.
The entire family has made adjustments just for you. Your Grammy and Grampy have taken in daddy, Philbert and Norman (the pugs). This helps daddy have the ability to spend more time with me at the hospital. As well as help with everything while you girls are in the nicu. Auntie Lisa and the entire Jones family comes to visit us often and is always there for me and daddy. Everyone in the family has been so understanding and kind and going out of their way to help us prepare for you two. I know Papa, Mimi, auntie Heather& uncle Steve, uncle Aaron and all your cousins wish they were closer but they love you girls so much. Never forget that. 

I’m sorry:
For the last 11 weeks I’ve tried to come to terms with the reality of this pregnancy (we found out you were Momos at 16 weeks, I’m now 27). It’s high risk, bottom line, and in all honesty I spent the majority of this pregnancy being scared. 

I’m sorry that I robbed your daddy and myself of having a happy, enjoyable pregnancy because I was so afraid that something bad was going to happen. We didn’t set up your nursery and I didn’t have a shower because I was too afraid of the unknown (I will say that I’m okay with this. You will be brought home to a beautiful nursery and mommy is having a baby shower, these things are just happening after you both arrive). Pregnancy isn’t the most pleasant experience but with the risk that you girls faced, made it all the more harder on me and daddy.
One day someone said something that really resonated in me, and started to give me a different outlook on things. The truth is with this pregnancy that things are out of my control. There was nothing I could do to prevent something from happening, but there was also nothing I could do to make something happen. I didn’t have to choose to have a certain procedure, or take a certain medicine to make sure the outcome was good. This pregnancy was completely up to fate. So it’s by no accident that you girls have made it this far, and at 27 weeks there is no doubt that our story will have a happy ending. Your daddy and I couldn’t be more grateful. 

I’m also sorry that the first couple months of your lives are going to be spent in the hospital. Filled with tubes, shots and medical intervention. I’m sorry that after 8 months of being so close to one another, you two will suddenly be forced to be apart. I’m sorry that you two will face struggles that other babies won’t endure and that you might walk and talk months after babies your age. I’m sorry that your lives will begin with the greatest struggle you might ever face. We are intentionally delivering you two 2 months before your due date. I know that this needs to be done, but it still breaks my heart. You will be super preemies, and I am so sorry for that. 

With all that being said…

You are fighters:
You will begin your lives as fighters. The second you both take your first breath is the moment our next chapter begins. Please carry this with you. When you grow up and face a battle or personal struggle just remember where you started. You will be fighting for your lives the very moment you get here. There is nothing else in life you won’t be able to overcome.
When you feel defeated or like you just want to give up, remember that you can accomplish the world.. You will have already accomplished it before. As a family we will also fight and overcome all obstacles, and I have no doubt that in a few years our lives will be as normal as can be. I won’t rush this though. I will embrace and and be grateful for every moment we have together. 

My hopes for you:
My hope for you both is that you go through life knowing how special you are, and how incredibly loved you are. I’ve wanted to be a mommy for longer than I can remember and I am honored and proud that I was chosen to be your mom, a mother of multiples. Twice the blessings, twice the love. I have many hopes for you, it’s impossible for me to list them all here. One hope I do want to mention is that I hope you find a love like that of your daddy and me. Your father is an incredible man. I’ve always known that, but throughout this pregnancy I have fallen even more in love with him. Seeing how excited and in love he is with you two already, makes my heart melt. We are so lucky to have such an incredible man in our lives, and my hope is that you both experience the same love yourselves. 

Even after this stressful, scary, high risk pregnancy I would do it all again. We will do anything for you two. I know we won’t be able to protect you from all the hurt and pain life might throw your way, but daddy and I will always be here for you and do whatever we can. We will help you go through life gracefully and purposefully. 

You are our lives, you always will be, and we love you with every piece of our hearts. 

Love forever and always,
Mommy

To follow along with Kelli's family, visit her blog: Our MoMo Journey