Dealing with STUFF

Although we've had several positive hospital experiences, things have become increasingly difficult this last week in the NICU.

We were so excited that Lilly and Josiah were able to "graduate" to the transition room (closer to the exit and closer to going home). Unfortunately, while we still continue to have encouraging and productive conversations with most of the staff, there are serious aggravations that leave Steve and I angry, exhausted, and disappointed.

While the babies were in the intensive unit, the nurses and doctors were very diligent in updating us about Lilly and Josiah's care. They took time to explain (in detail) various procedures, milestones, and guidelines the hospital follows as they care for the twins. If you know Steve and I, you are at least partially aware that it is important to us to be as prepared and educated as possible. We have done extensive research about the development and care of premature babies and while we are quick to admit that sometimes we don't know what the heck we're doing, I CAN say with confidence that we certainly aren't idiots.

Unfortunately, we've had MANY contradictory conversations about their care and development with the various nurses that take care of them. It is EXTREMELY aggravating to be told one thing only to show up the next day and have someone say, "So and so didn't know what they were talking about. The hospital policy is blah, blah, blah." This has happened so many times, we're at our wits end.

After getting halfway to the hospital only to turn around because I left my nipple shield (I can't believe I actually know what one is, let alone use it) at home, we arrived to the hospital rushed and late ready to start one of two breast feeding sessions for Lilly. Steve had called ahead to let their nurse know what time we were coming and she was very adamant (and rude) that Lilly would only be receiving one breast feeding session today because we would exhaust her. Needless to say, we didn't arrive with high expectations for the day. It's incredibly discouraging that the nurses can make or break your day with the babies. They can make things so difficult or so positive depending on their personality, knowledge, and experience.

After a long, unproductive argument with the nurse about many things, we went to the cafeteria to chill out and get something to eat.

I HATE being the difficult people.

I also HATE being "handled". Because we've done so much research, a lot of times the staff tells us things that aren't really true and are surprised and taken back when we counter with more accurate information. I can't stand that they assume we're idiots.

It's not that they're actually assuming that we're idiotic, it's that they speak to us as if we're the slow kid in second grade and it's not only degrading, it's unprofessional.

Disclaimer:

This is not a smack on the Virtua or NICU staff. Our difficulty is the miscommunication and inconsistency of expectations regarding the babies' care. If this is their business, there shouldn't be so many subjective areas. We feel the babies are receiving diligent care, but these problems needlessly complicate and frustrate this long process.

Here are pictures from today. We didn't get any of Lilly because we didn't think you'd want to see anything from the breast feeding session. :)

Josiah and Daddy-

Josiah and I-

This is right after I woke him up to change him and take his temp.