GREATER EXPECTATIONS A prenatal session for parents expecting
twins, triplets or more
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Welcome to the club
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So lets get started.. -Please feel free to take a bathroom
break when needed, weve all been there -Help yourself to water and
snacks. -If you have any questions please feel free to ask, or
write it down so you wont forget. -All pictures are real life
people in natural settings.
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Who we are. Heather: Mom to Maggie, Katie and Twins Matt &
Cassie Valerie: Mom to Triplets Chloe, Carter and Cameron
Christine: Mom to Carter and Twins Jack and Addison Laura: Mom to
Twins Spencer and Celia and Triplets Regan, Taylor and Jocelyn And
you are..
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Tell us how you found out you were having twins/triplets???
Guess What?? Were having twins!! Guess What?? Were having
triplets!!! Ref: MBC Youre Having Multiples
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F.Y.I. We are not providing medical advice but just information
based on our experiences. Our goal is to provide you with
information pertaining to multiples.
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About POMBA OUR MISSION To improve and promote the health and
well-being of multiple birth families before, during and after
pregnancy
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Topics Welcome Statistics Risks Prenatal Pre-term Labour Bed
Rest Feeding Equipment Delivery NICU Going Home Mom and Dad MBC
POMBA
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Statistics 12,000+ multiple birth babies born each year in
Canada- approx: 6000 sets of twins, 100 higher order Between 1974
and 1990 birth of twins up 35%, triplets increased by 250% MZ 3.5
per 1000 births worldwide of same sex multiples are MZ and DZ
Without fertility treatment the Incidence of MB in Canada Twins 1
in 82 births (Japan 1 in 500, Nigeria 1 in 18) Triplets 1 in 6,400
births Quadruplets 1 in 512,000 births Quintuplets 1 in 41 million
births Ref: MBC Incidence of Multiples
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Increase in Multiples Fertility treatments Older moms Once you
have a baby, chance of multiples goes up--- More babies higher
chance Once you have multiples, chance doubles or triples of having
them again 15-17% of multiple births result from fertility
treatments. However 60% of triplets, 90% of quads, and 99% of
quints result from these treatments.
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Zygosity Used to describe different types of multiples This
affects pregnancy management and care Monozygotic Dizygotic
Trizygotic Used to describe one or more placentas present
Monochorionic- same placenta Dichorionic- own separate placenta
Chorionicity Ref: MBC MB TerminologyRef: MBC Biology of
Multiples
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Dizygotic or Fraternal Two separate eggs fertilized, just like
siblings who are born at the same time. They have their own
placenta which may or may not fuse together.
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Monozygotic or Identical One egg, one sperm which happens to
split. They will always be the same gender.
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Split between Day 1 and 4 Split between Day 3 and 9 Split
between Day 9 and 15
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Diamniotic monoamnioTic
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Complications Unique to MZ Monochorionic- Monoamnioic Multiples
Umbillical Cord Entanglement Conjoined Twins- 1 in 50,000
mulitiples Twin to Twin Transfusion Sydrome (TTTS) 15% of
monochorionic/diamniotic pregnancies Less often in
monochorionic/monoamniotic Both babies can end up in trouble
because one is lacking in nutrients while the other is receiving
too much. Ref: MBC Monochorionic Multiple Pregnancy and Twin to
Twin Transfusion Syndrome
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Prenatal
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The Roller coaster of emotion is absolutely normal. You may
feel happy, excited, scared, upset, nervous, guilty all in the same
day. This will continue to go up and down until well after they are
born. How you are feeling???
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You may be more forgetful and clumsy. This is normal and will
return to normal, some day. You may have increased nausea and
vomiting early in the pregnancy and this may last longer than with
a singleton. You are more likely to be tired. Rest whenever you
can.
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High Risk -A twin or a triplet pregnancy is nearly always
considered high risk. -Dont worry, this is a good thing its like a
security blanket. -Mom is followed more closely. -Mom can expect
more ultrasounds, more blood tests, fetal monitoring. -Mom has
different nutritional needs. -Can expect more appointments More of
EVERYTHING!!!!
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LISTEN TO YOUR BODY Slow down When you can take a break, take a
break If you need a nap, take a nap. Put your feet UP DRINK LOTS OF
WATER
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Body Changes and Discomfort lack of sleep backache/ back strain
shortness of breath indigestion, reflux hemorrhoids varicose veins
risk of dislocated hip pelvic pain urinary frequency swelling &
fluid retention abdominal separation leg cramps risk of falls
Carpal Tunnel
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Things to try to ease some of the discomfort. NAPS Snoogle
Pillow/Body PIllow Small meals Pregnancy Belt Prenatal Yoga Massage
Stretching Chiropractor Sleeping in recliner Lie around as much as
possible Stay off your feet Stay hydrated Eat lots of fiber TUMS
Elevate feet when possible Watermelon for swelling Watch where you
walk
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Prenatal exercise Above all, listen to your doctor and your
body. It is often not necessary to give up all exercise and
activity you do. Walking and working out can still be great. Dont
take up any new activity without consulting doctor. Water exercises
are a great low stress activity. Even if on bed rest, keep
stretching and moving muscles.
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Nutrition Its normal to snack and graze. As you get further
along in pregnancy, there is less room for larger meals. Always
keep healthy snacks on hand. Almonds are a great midday snack for
the protein, as well as apples. On the flip side, if the only thing
you can keep down is a cheeseburger, eat a cheeseburger. Some times
you can only eat certain things. If that is the case, eat what you
will keep down. Smoothies and shakes are a great thing, full of
nutrients and refreshing. Melons can be great to fight nausea and
reduce swelling. Ice cream is a great before bed snack. Keeps you
full longer, high in calcium. Prepare and freeze meals ahead. Ref:
MBC Nutritional Guide
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Why is weight gain so important? Your weight gain affects your
babies weights during pregnancy and at birth Better fetal growth
means healthier babies Weight of uterus, platcenta and 2 babies is
over 20 pounds Most women lose their pregnancy weight within the
first year of their babies lives
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Maternity clothes Alternatives to NEW Consignment places Our
All 4 Kids sale is great place too. Dont go overboard buying too
much as you will grow quite quickly and may only get a week or two
out of shirts. Beg borrow and steal. Use plus sizes and mens shirts
too
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Work concerns When to leave work?? Check out your work policy
about sick leave. Most doctors will have you off work by 28-32
weeks more for precaution, earlier with higher order multiples or
complications. Often will depend on you type of work, how demanding
etc. Also will depend on you and how you feel. Remember, two/three
babies means more hormones, possibly more morning sickness etc.
There is currently a couple taking on the government to have IE
benefits change to reflect multiple pregnancies, thus allowing both
parents to take leave.
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Finances Babies are expensive Consider adding diapers to your
grocery shopping now. Look for sales and stock up Dr. Office will
often give formula samples Get on mailing list for coupons Use
point programs- Shoppers etc Contact companies directly for
multiples Use POMBA and MBC discount lists Consider shopping in MI
for diapers Most expensive isnt always needed
http://www.babycenter.com/baby-cost-calculator
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RISKS Risk for the mother Pre-eclampsia-- 1in 10 single vs. 1
in 3 multiple Gestational Diabetes-2-3 times more likely
Hyperemesis Gravidarum- prolonged nausea Iron Deficiency
Anaemia-VERY common Preterm Labour- twins, nearly all triplets Ref:
MBC Possible Risks: Part 1 Risk to the Mother
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Risks to Children Restricted Growth and Early Delivery Average
length of multiple pregnancy 35-36 weeks twins 32-33 weeks triplets
29-30 weeks quads Average Weight Twins 5 lbs Triplets 4 lbs Quads
3lbs Ref: MBC Possible Risks: Part 2 Risk to the Children
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Reducing the Risks Good Prenatal Care Healthy Eating Weight
Gain Staying Healthy REST Know signs of Preterm Labour
Communication with Partner Prepare for Childbirth and Parenting
**BUT remember sometimes there is NOTHING you can do. Dont let
guilt eat you up. Ref: MBC Possible Risks: Part 3 Reducing the
Risks
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Worries & Concerns What we worry about Physical changes of
pregnancy Fears about births Complications, hospitalization
Prematurity Coping at home Loss of income, extra expenses
Adjustment for older children
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Managing Worries Set priorities Set expectations Set short-term
goals Call in favours Plan, plan, plan Organize your house Find
support Concentrate on the positive Communicate with loved ones Use
relaxation Simplify your lives
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A contraction every 10 minutes or more often within one hour
(five or more uterine contractions in an hour) Watery fluid leaking
from your vagina (could indicate that your water has broken)
Menstrual-like cramps Feeling generally lousy Ref: MBC Signs and
Symptoms of Premature Labour
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Low, dull backache Pelvic pressure that feels like the baby is
pushing down Abdominal cramps that may occur with or without
diarrhea Unusual or sudden increase of vaginal discharge Blood from
your vagina Call/visit OB triage anytime after 14 weeks at
519-254-5577 X 55528 located at Met Hospital for any further
information or concern.
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What might happen if you go into premature labour? Steroid
shots are given to mom to help develop the babies lungs Bed Rest
can be ordered- At home or in Hospital Medications can be given to
relax uterus and try and stop contractions IV Fluids can be
administered Antibiotics if infection is present
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Ref: MBC Bedrest
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Reasons for bed rest
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What are the reasons for bed rest? High blood pressure, such as
pre-eclampsia, and eclampsia Cervical changes incompetent cervix,
and cervical effacement Vaginal bleeding Premature labor Multiples
Gestational diabetes Placenta complications Infection For more
information about any of these medical conditions please talk to
your doctor. BED REST IS NOT FOR ALL PREGNANCIES, YOUR DOCTOR WILL
DECIDE WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR BABIES!
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How can bed rest help? Normalize body Lower blood pressure Stop
pre-mature labour Increase blood flow to placenta Decrease stress
Prevent cervix from shortening Prevent or delay delivery
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Except that this is best for you and your babies Establish a
routine Allow friends and family to help Get organized Watch entire
seasons of old shows Write thank you cards Read- Books about
multiples are available in our Library Pick baby names How can I
make the best of bed rest?
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Questions to ask the doctor: There are many different levels
and restrictions to bed rest: Be sure to get a clear idea of what
you can and cant do. HOME Can I get up to prepare food? Can I take
a bath or shower? What position should I be in while I'm resting?
Can I drive? How much walking is safe? Sexual activity? HOSPITAL
Can I get up to use the bathroom? Can I walk the halls? Do I have
shower privledges? BOTH What can I do to increase blood
circulation?
Breastfeeding Multiples Good for babies & mothers Personal
choice Support: MBC Breastfeeding Support Network POMBA
Breastfeeding support AskDrSears.com La Leche League Meetings
Lactation Consultants & Doulas TeleHealth Ontario
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BRAND NEW RESOURCE
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Why breastfeed? Babies who are breastfed are healthier less
likely to be overweight IQ allergies diseases of the bowel (Chrohns
& Colitis) risk of SIDS, ear infections, and more
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Breastfeeding is good for Moms too! Breastfeeding helps the
uterus return to its normal size quicker after delivery While
breastfeeding hormones are released which help mom feel calmer,
more relaxed Helps mom lose baby weight gained during pregnancy
much quicker Breastfeeding risk of breast & ovarian cancers and
developing osteoporosis (weak brittle bones) Helps promote bonding
with babies
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How the breast works Supply and demand. The more your babies
drink, the more your breasts will produce. Supply is highest in the
middle of the night (great for those 3am feedings!) After a
shower/bath Express in between feedings to prevent engorgement
Massage breasts to encourage flow of milk
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Breastfeeding Well Babies Start as soon as possible May wish to
feed each baby separately at first until comfortable Latch best
nurser first then other baby once able to tandem nurse. Nurse each
baby 8-12 times/24 hours Alternate breasts Look for: 6-8 wet
diapers per baby per day 4-6 stools per baby per day once milk has
come in Stools should be yellow, toothpaste consistency and may
look seedy once milk has come in
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Breastfeeding Well Babies Set up a nursing station with
comforts and conveniences Use a nursing pillow for twins Do not
expect to do anything other than feed, sleep, and eat in first few
months Nursing moms require more calories and fluids than in
pregnancy Drink something every time you nurse
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Parallel. In this position, the babies are pointing in the same
direction, such that one baby's head rests on the other's abdomen.
For example, Baby A lies in a cradle position at the right breast,
with head in the crook of your arm and feet pointing toward your
midline. Baby B is tucked under your left arm either in a football
hold, or else held such that his head is in your left hand and his
bottom is tucked under your left elbow.
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Double Football. This position is especially suited to the
nursing pillows. Each baby lies tucked under an arm, with heads to
the front and such that they can reach the nipple without turning.
With a nursing pillow, you may be able to do this one "hands-free"
once they latch on.
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Double Cross Cradle. In this position, each baby is held in a
classic nursing position, with head in the crook of your elbow and
feet in your lap. One baby's feet will lie on the other's feet or
abdomen.
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Successful Breastfeeding Supply & Demand system Nurse your
babies more often Use breast pump after feedings Sleep when able
Drink lots of fluids and eat well Talk to a lactation consultant
*Before* you deliver babies as well as after if ANY problems.
Babies have growth spurts and will increase amount and number of
feeds
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When babies cant breastfeed Use breast pump as soon as possible
provided by hospital during your stay Pump at least 8 times every
24 hours Learn to store breast milk safely Preterm breast milk is
different and specially formulated Kangaroo Care Ensure your babies
get your colostrum (premilk) also known as liquid gold provides
perfect nutrients for newborns large amounts of living cells that
provide your child with immunity against many harmful agents It is
full of antibodies for your babies
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Tips on Pumping: Pump immediately after a feed increases supply
gets hind milk which has the most fat Pump on lowest setting that
extracts milk, not highest setting you can tolerate. Pump for at
least 15 minutes each side if trying to increase/maintain milk
supply at least 8x/24 hrs Pumping, like breastfeeding, should not
hurt Buy a pump from a knowledgeable person who can ensure you have
the right pump and fittings for your breasts and for your
individual needs. Consider purchasing a hands-free pumping
accessory kit to makes it easier!
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Bottle feeding multiples Hold and cuddle your babies for all
feedings Try different nipples for fussy babies One advantage is
that anyone can feed babies Prep water and bottles in advance
Rotate bottles in the fridge First in, First out Never microwave
formula or breast milk Warm in hot water or even crock pot Due not
reuse left overs
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How much does Formula cost? Formula cost for 1 Year for a
single baby is low average $2/day to high average of $7/day. So
Twins=3,000.00-6,000.00/Year! Additional costs for a premium
formulas like Enfamil A+ can add 20-30% to that amount Plus the
added costs of bottles and other equipment. Be Prepared
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Equipment Ref: MBC Clothing and Equipment
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Car Seats Rear facing weight appropriate seats needed. No head
inserts Practice using and tightening your seat ahead of time DO
NOT buy car seats in the U.S. Car seats must be replaced after even
the smallest car accident. Even if there was not a child in them at
the time. Do not use infant carrier car seats beyond the weight
restriction All children may not be ready to move up a seat at the
same time. Do what is safest, not easiest. Bulky snowsuits should
not be used in carseats Check Ministry of Transportation for up to
date car seat information.
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Ref: MBC Strollers Strollers
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-Both parents need to try it out. - Is it tall enough, short
enough for you both -Can you steer, fold up, pick up on your own.
-Does it fit in your car? Ask at the store if you can take it to
try it in your trunk. -The most expensive is not always the best.
-There are pros/cons to each option. -You will need to decide for
yourself which option works for you. -Consider one or more single
strollers
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Car seats Infant 0-20lb Car Seats convertible Bouncy chairs**
Infant Bath tub Monitors*- 1/room High chairs or booster chairs
Circuit of FUN Bottles Cribs / Cradles / Bassinets Crib Sheets**
Receiving blankets** Wash cloths** Diaper bag(s) Change Table What
do we NEED?? What do we WANT?? Ask around to see what other people
are using.
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Baby shower. Consider having your baby shower between 24wks and
32wks You dont need 2 or 3 of everything Register for things that
you will need in the first year. Convertible car seats Ask your
guests to add a pack of diapers to their gift or a home cooked
frozen meal
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Delivery
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What to pack Bring for Mom health card, robe & nightgown,
nursing bras, underwear**, toiletries, hairbrush, hair dryer,
sanitary pads*, outfit to wear home **Put a note of the last minute
items for someone to grab and pack for you if you arent able to do
it yourself. Bring for Dad snacks, camera, pajamas, sleeping bag,
pillow, some cash, phone list, hospital parking passes Bring for
multiples Enough sleepers, onesies, extra hats, socks & mitts
to last a few days in preemie or newborn size. Going home outfit.
Lots of receiving blankets for car seats. Bring for older
child(ren) Welcome gift from babies
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Labour & Delivery How will I deliver??
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Whos in the delivery room? (More like whos not???) Doctor or
Doctors Nurses (1 per baby + 2 for mom) Respiratory Therapist NICU
Nurses (1 per baby) Anesthesiologist (if C-section or epidural)
Maybe medical students Husband/Partner +1
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Heart and contraction monitors
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After a vaginal birth - Use the peri care bottle provided by
the hospital -An ice pack inside a newborn diaper makes for a good
perineal relief Take pain meds at needed -Do your kegels -Take the
stool softeners offered by the doctor -Wait 6 weeks before sexual
intercourse -Rest when you can
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After a C-section -Take the stool softeners offered by the
doctor -Put a small pillow on your tummy when youre getting up,
have to sneeze or cough -Have someone check the incision for
infection -Dont lift anything heavier than your babies -Driving
recommendation per your doctor -Youve just had major abdominal
surgery take it slow -Wait 6 weeks before sexual intercourse -Rest
when you can
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How long in the hospital? Vaginal birth: No complications 1-2
days C-Section: No complications 2-3 days FYI: IF YOU ARE NOT
FEELING READY TO GO HOME TELL YOUR NURSE AND DOCTOR
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Full Term Healthy Babies Hospital Tips Room in Go home with you
Ask for warm blankets Can share basinet Visitors Partner can sleep
over Supplies are kept under the bassinet ASK for what you need
Breastfeeding help
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Welcome to the NICU Having a baby that is premature or ill can
be very stressful and frightening for parents and their families.
The NICU at Windsor Regional Hospital is designed to care for your
babies special needs. As a modified level 3 NICU, most moms and
babies will stay together. Only babies delivered under 26 weeks or
with complications will be transferred to higher level nurseries
while you stay might here and recover.
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Multiple infantsprepare yourself Consider taking a tour of the
hospital. For some people this is calming, for others it causes
more stress. Ask to see a delivery room and the NICU. If they get
an IV, needles etc. Remember that babies dont have anxiety, they
cant anticipate getting an IV or blood work Babies that are under
33wks gestation usually receive a PICC line, this PICC line will
last up to 3 wks Babies born under 30 weeks will receive doses of
surfactant-making it easier for babies to breath on their own and
reduce damage to lungs.
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Spending time with your babies: Even if you are prepared, when
you first come to the NICU, the first sight of your babies lying in
warmers and attached to many wires and tubes may be very
concerning. Its very common for premature babies and ill babies to
be fragile looking. With time, your babies will gain weight, grow
and you will become more comfortable handling them.
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Here's some equipment that you "might" see in the NICU: A
warmer will help the babies maintain their temperature for the
first few hours/days
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The isolette is an enclosed bed which helps controls the baby's
temperature and keeps them warm
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The cardio respiratory monitor allows staff the closely the
baby's heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate and blood
pressure.
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Infant ventilators breath for the baby when the baby is too
sick or too weak to breath for itself.
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The nasal CPAP Continuous positive airway pressure-- is another
method of delivering oxygen under pressure to the baby through
short prongs that fit in the baby's nose secured with a hat that
fits on the baby's head
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Nasal prongs or cannula is the least invasive form of
respiratory support. The baby is breathing on their own but needs
additional airflow to keep the lungs open or additional oxygen to
maintain good oxygen saturations.
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To ensure the babys nutrition they might be fed through a tube
that goes into his/her nose and down into the stomach. This can be
fed with formula or breast milk.
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Kangaroo care Infants are held skin to skin against the bare
chest of a parent. This is best practice for premature infants. The
benefits include: Stabilization of heart rate and breathing.
Improved oxygen saturation. More rapid weight gain Maintaining body
temperature Increases alert time Promotes bonding with parents
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Soothers Sucking is good for preemies to have soothers. It
builds their cheek muscles which will then further help them in
their feeding.
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There is a Breast Pumping Room where mothers who wish to pump
may do so in a private area inside the NICU unit. Pumps are
available to borrow from the hospital. You are given you own set of
equipment for the pump. It is your job to clean and sterilize it. A
fridge is provided to store your breast milk which will then be fed
to the babies when they are ready. The staff will supply you with a
breast pumping kit, labels and sterile bottles along with lids to
store the breast milk safely.
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-You can anticipate them staying in NICU until around their
gestational due date, NORMALLY. This is if there are no other
complications. 37 weeks/5lbs is a average -It can be hard to leave
them there when you go home. -Find comfort that they are safe and
it is good for them. -No need to feel guilty going home -Feel free
to call
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The car seat challenge is done on all NICU babies under 35wks
gestation. You will need an appropriate car seat to take the baby
home in and most likely 3-4 receiving blankets to prop the baby up
in. Make sure that your car seat is 0- 20lbs and is an infant
carrier. This is a test where the baby must sit in the car seat
attached to monitors. It is ensure that the baby is positioned
properly in the car seat and can tolerate the ride home safely.
Babies can NOT fail this test. Adjustments are made until they can
safely ride in the car seat.
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Getting ready to go home: Once the babies are strong and are
getting ready for discharge, parents can choose to take advantage
of the Care by Parent program with the babies. This will help ease
any fears that you might have on bringing home more than one baby
at once. It's a great opportunity for new parents to
experience
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Home Sweet Home
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Things that no one tells you. -So long living room, they are
taking over -Bye Bye sports car, hello mini-van -Kegels really do
help -Hair may fall out, even in clumps, this is just a change in
hormones -People will ask if boy-girl twins are identical -Youll
gain friends and lose some too -Youll look at them often and wonder
how there can be 2 or 3 of them -Watermelon can help reduce
swelling
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Multi-tasking
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Tips from Parents of Multiples Prepare for birth and parenting
Consider using parental leave benefits Build support network
Discuss and plan family matters Organize help BEFORE the babies
arrive, in a way that will work for you Connect with other parents
of multiples Ref: MBC Expectant Mother Tips
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Who is who??? Use wrist bands Nail polish Different colour
clothing Assign colours for equipment
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Its all in a name -Watch out for rhyming names, this indicates
they come as a package and a chance they will lose their own
identity. -Try to not refer to them as the Twins / the Triplets /
the Babies -Remember that you are naming 2 or 3 individual people,
what sounds cute now might not always be cute.
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Routines Routines work, if they work for you. NICU feeding
schedules will be established Waking both to feed in the night Feed
by clock, or feed on demand
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Sleeping Many times the babies can sleep together until around
3-4 months when they start to move around in their sleep.
Historically hospitals have not allowed this practice but now some
viewpoints are changing. Ref: MBC Co-Bedding and Multiples
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HELP -When people come over to visit give them a job. -LET
PEOPLE KNOW THEY CAN HELP. Make food, fold laundry, do dishes,
vacuum, feed babies, etc. -No one coming over will be offended that
you are asking to help. -If you dont have access to HELP thats OK,
you can do it!!! - Extra help- consider hiring a mothers helper,
housekeeper, lawn service, etc.
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Bath Time
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Ref: MBC First Few Weeks First Few Weeks Set your priorities
Rest and Eat ASK for help Keep in contact with family and friends
Get out Dont try to be perfect Let things go Find time for mom and
dad
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Siblings -Start early preparing them -Buy them a set of twin
baby dolls -Moms helper role- but not too much -Spend time with
them when the babies are napping -Introduce them first when
introducing the multiples- or have them introduce the babies
-Arrange special outings or events with friends and family Ref: MBC
Singleton Siblings of Multiples
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Practice swaddling
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Mom and Dad
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Dads Role HELP with whatever you can. Watch for signs of
post-partum depression. Understand that if mom is moody, says
something out of the norm, dont take it personally, shes sleep
deprived Call from work to check in, come home with dinner. You
will get the drive home, lunches, etc as down time. Mom rarely gets
any. Try and give her time away from babies. Ask your employer
about parental leave over and above what mom gets if possible. Try
to book vacation time for when the babies come home. Ref: MBC Dads
Role
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Marital relationships -Being parents of multiples is more
stressful. -Any big event can put stress on even the best of
marriages. -Be sure to find the time to protect the relationship.
-Take time to communicate, be open. -EVERYONE WILL BE TIRED. -Ask
for help rather than assume that someone knows what you need or are
thinking. Ref: MBC Parental Relationships and Multiple Births
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After babies come Home Find time to be alone together Treat
each other with respect and kindness Support each other Go with the
flow Communicate clearly and directly Find time alone to discuss
parenting challenges Get help to complete some tasks Monitor each
others moods Share your joys Remember to laugh Nurture self
Consider professional counselling if really suffering
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Post Partum Depression The medical dictionary defines
Postpartum Depression as: A form of severe depression after
delivery that requires treatment.. A woman with PPD may have
feelings similar to the Baby Bluessadness, despair, anxiety,
irritabilitybut she feels them much more strongly than she would
with the Baby Blues. PPD often keeps her from doing the things she
needs to do every day. When a woman's ability to function is
affected, this is a sure sign that she needs treatment. Ref: MBC
Postpartum Depression and Mothers of Multiples
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one in ten new mothers suffers from PPD (a new mother being one
with a newborn infant, not necessarily a first time mother) PPD is
five times more common in mothers of multiples than mothers of
singleton newborns. based on these two statistics, we can estimate
that there is a greater chance that PPD will affect new mothers of
multiples. Study in 1983 revealed a mother of 6mth old triplets
needs an average of 197.5 hrs per week, of a possible 168 to take
care of her children and home. 76% of all mothers of newborn twins
felt constantly exhausted as compared to only 8% of mothers of
singletons.
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Blues feelings can include: feeling tired and exhausted bouts
of crying for inexplicable reasons insomnia feeling easily
irritated Signs of PPD can include: crying for no apparent reason
chronic fatigue or hypersomnia loss of appetite feeling overwhelmed
and hopeless doubt or guilt compulsive over the babies care
ignoring the babies care feeling worthless, unable to cope anxiety
attacks inability to concentrate, indecisiveness in the extreme,
thoughts of suicide
Slide 123
REMEMBER Awareness of the signs and symptoms is the best
defense against PPD BOTH parents need to know the signs and
symptoms o PPD, and if necessary, the partner nees to take the
initiative and make a doctors appointment for mom PPD is an illness
and can be treated PPD affects everyone in the whole family By
looking after yourself, you are also looking after your family
Although rare, fathers can experience PPD too.
Slide 124
Multiple Births Canada www.multiplebirthscanada.org MBC
benefits include the only national multiple birth magazine.
Available free online with your membership. National
Discounts-Including Summer Access to Fact sheets on many multiple
birth related topics An advocate to the government on multiple
birth issues. User Name: MBC member Password: multiplekids2014
Slide 125
Support Networks Adult Multiples Network *Breastfeeding Support
Network Father Support Network *Francophone Support Network *Higher
Order Multiples Support Network LGBTQ+ Support Network *Lone Parent
Support Network Loss Support Network *Preterm Birth Support Network
*Special Needs Support Network * These networks also have Facebook
groups.
Slide 126
P.O.M.B.A. 10 ways we can help: Advice and support Guest
speakers and presentations Social events and children parties
Special parent events Research Discounts ALL4KIDS clothing and
equipment sale Community services support Newsletter Lending
library
Slide 127
Monthly Meetings/Facebook We meet the second Tuesday of each
month (not July and August) 3 rd Tuesday in MARCH Support Questions
and Guest Speakers NEW- Questions and Answer on Facebook POMBA
Windsor/Essex County & Twins Triplets and Quads Usually each
meeting continues out for drinks and appetizers Lending library
available at meetings Monthly newsletter Discounts
Slide 128
Family Parties Halloween Christmas Easter Swimming Summer
Picnic
Slide 129
Adult Activities Parents Night Out Moms Night Out Moms Cottage
Weekend Chick Flick Movie Night
Slide 130
All4KIDS Sale- April 2014 Buy and Sell gently used clothing and
equipment Members shop early 6pm on Friday and 8am on Saturday.
Members sell first www.all4kids.ca
Slide 131
Support of Parents Been there done that Advice that is given
from experience Moms and Dads that have multiples We get things
friends and family with singles dont understand. Open environment
for asking questions
Slide 132
Thanks for coming Remember this class comes with a membership
to POMBA that is good until your babies turn 1. Upcoming meetings
and events.. -Sunday, July 20 th PICNIC -Tuesday, September 9th:
General Meeting -Tuesday, October 14 th : General Meeting -ALL4KIDS
Sale October 17 and 18 th.