Hi from Mumbai. Hard to believe we were here just 8 months ago - in some ways it feels like ages, and at times it feels like we never left! We have a lot to tell, so here goes:
First an update on our twins: Jenna and Sam were born 5 weeks early, so we knew we ran the risk of a few issues. Both came out fine early Monday morning at healthy weights, but were put in the NICU as a precaution. Over the course of Monday it became evident that they both needed some breathing support, Sam more so than Jenna, so they began doing that for them.
When we were in transit yesterday in Amsterdam, the NICU doctor emailed saying Sam was having some more breathing issues. He said they were going to run some more tests but it was likely they'd need to put him on a ventilator to help him breathe for a while, which they landed up doing yesterday. You're all probably having the same reaction we had when we heard but the good news is he is doing much better today. Apparently his right lung hadn't fully developed so his breathing was a bit labored. The ventilator helps expand the lung and get air moving, which is exactly what it appears to be doing. From last night to today he is doing better and they went from providing 100% oxygen to 85%, and now down to 65%. While we were at the hospital today they got the latest test results and all five indicators had gone in the right direction since last night, so that is a very good sign. They will keep checking and wean him off the machine until he can breathe on his own at which point they will take it out and go from there. Not ideal, but again, we have a lot to be thankful for.
Jenna is doing well - as the Ob/Gyn told us, girls are fighters! She is on just a small amount of oxygen but that should stop later tonight, at which point she'll start feeding (they are both on IV fluids now) and hopefully she'll be good to go.
Speaking of which, we have no idea on length of stay in the NICU. It's pretty much a given that Jenna will come home first, maybe within 3-7 days, and Sam's discharge will depend on his breathing but please G-d not much more than that.
The toughest part is that, because of them being in the NICU and the extra precautions they take here, we couldn't go inside. We have come to terms with that and got to see them from outside the window. They look adorable - good color, a nice head of hair, and deep down I'm sure they know we're here now so they better behave :) So unfortunately no photos for now. Once we can start with photos we'll make up for the delay, we promise!
The doctors have been great and keep us constantly updated. We will get to see the babies every day from the observation area so our trips to the NICU will be short but good enough for now.
On the plus side, we swung by the other clinic to see Dr. Tandon (our Ob/Gyn), and got to meet Zarina! She is absolutely beautiful in person and smiled from beginning to end. Through the doctor we told her how thankful we are to her and she said she was happy to do it for us. We gave her a few gifts, said our goodbyes, and she is being discharged home tomorrow.
Our trip over here was uneventful. About 27 hours door to door, but all things considered not too bad. We were very happy to get here late last night though. We are slowly getting used to life in Mumbai again. Doesn't take long - the sights and sounds are very unique! Because the original hotel was sold out we're staying in one place for two nights, leaving tomorrow for a new hotel, and potentially moving again once our original room comes open. All part of the fun.
And with that said, we both seem to be taking this all in our stride. Not much we can do besides say lots of prayers and be grateful we are here, safe and sound. One day at a time. Thanks again for all the sweet messages and thoughts.
First an update on our twins: Jenna and Sam were born 5 weeks early, so we knew we ran the risk of a few issues. Both came out fine early Monday morning at healthy weights, but were put in the NICU as a precaution. Over the course of Monday it became evident that they both needed some breathing support, Sam more so than Jenna, so they began doing that for them.
When we were in transit yesterday in Amsterdam, the NICU doctor emailed saying Sam was having some more breathing issues. He said they were going to run some more tests but it was likely they'd need to put him on a ventilator to help him breathe for a while, which they landed up doing yesterday. You're all probably having the same reaction we had when we heard but the good news is he is doing much better today. Apparently his right lung hadn't fully developed so his breathing was a bit labored. The ventilator helps expand the lung and get air moving, which is exactly what it appears to be doing. From last night to today he is doing better and they went from providing 100% oxygen to 85%, and now down to 65%. While we were at the hospital today they got the latest test results and all five indicators had gone in the right direction since last night, so that is a very good sign. They will keep checking and wean him off the machine until he can breathe on his own at which point they will take it out and go from there. Not ideal, but again, we have a lot to be thankful for.
Jenna is doing well - as the Ob/Gyn told us, girls are fighters! She is on just a small amount of oxygen but that should stop later tonight, at which point she'll start feeding (they are both on IV fluids now) and hopefully she'll be good to go.
Speaking of which, we have no idea on length of stay in the NICU. It's pretty much a given that Jenna will come home first, maybe within 3-7 days, and Sam's discharge will depend on his breathing but please G-d not much more than that.
The toughest part is that, because of them being in the NICU and the extra precautions they take here, we couldn't go inside. We have come to terms with that and got to see them from outside the window. They look adorable - good color, a nice head of hair, and deep down I'm sure they know we're here now so they better behave :) So unfortunately no photos for now. Once we can start with photos we'll make up for the delay, we promise!
The doctors have been great and keep us constantly updated. We will get to see the babies every day from the observation area so our trips to the NICU will be short but good enough for now.
On the plus side, we swung by the other clinic to see Dr. Tandon (our Ob/Gyn), and got to meet Zarina! She is absolutely beautiful in person and smiled from beginning to end. Through the doctor we told her how thankful we are to her and she said she was happy to do it for us. We gave her a few gifts, said our goodbyes, and she is being discharged home tomorrow.
Our trip over here was uneventful. About 27 hours door to door, but all things considered not too bad. We were very happy to get here late last night though. We are slowly getting used to life in Mumbai again. Doesn't take long - the sights and sounds are very unique! Because the original hotel was sold out we're staying in one place for two nights, leaving tomorrow for a new hotel, and potentially moving again once our original room comes open. All part of the fun.
And with that said, we both seem to be taking this all in our stride. Not much we can do besides say lots of prayers and be grateful we are here, safe and sound. One day at a time. Thanks again for all the sweet messages and thoughts.
So glad you were able to update, and so glad Sam is on his way in the right direction. Thinking of you guys 24/7 and can't wait until you get to hold both babies in your arms!! Love you both!! xoxoxo
ReplyDelete-Liz
So happy for you both! I feel sad you can't go in the room with them...a friend of mine put his t-shirt in the incubator; it made him feel like at least the baby could bond with his scent :)
ReplyDeleteWow!! So happy for the both of you!!!!! I know this is probably such a joyous and scary time with the little ones in the NICU and I hope that everything goes perfectly and smoothly and you'll be back home safe and sound asap! It's so wonderful how everything is working out with your gorgeous home, lovely au pair, sweet little boy and girl (I love the JS and SJ initials :)). Just wish you both the absolute best of luck!!! Health!!!! Love and laughter!!! Janine (and Jared).
ReplyDeleteCongrats you two!! My husband and I have so enjoyed reading your blog and following your story. Again, Congrats! We are starting our own family, (1st trip to India) and will be there the same time you are. We too are using Surrogacy Abroad as well and just wanted to say hi. You both blazing the trail, as it were, has just been wonderful. If you have any time to meet for dinner or a drink we both would love to meet you, although with your newborns Im sure you have your hands full. my email is: amonra22@mac.com. Again, good luck! The twins are in our prayers and thanks for putting your story out there.
ReplyDeleteScott/Aaron Douglas
IVF, Egg Donor and Surrogacy Abroad by We Care Surrogacy Abroad, a medical tourism and treatment packaging company Abroad that offers a full complement of IVF, Egg Donor, Surrogacy and complete Infertility treatment as well as surgicalin fertility services to International Patients combined with recuperative holidays in consultation with medical personnel in Abroad. Surrogacy abroad
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