Baby Announcement
Posted: June 7th, 2002, 4:43 pm
Hello folks. I thought I would share these last few hectic yet magical days with my friends on the various boards.
First: I am proud to announce the birth of my identical twin sons Matthew John Sibbernsen on June 5th at 11:55PM and Lucas Everts Sibbernsen on June 6th at 12:05AM. That's right, twins with different birthdays!
The birth was quite an ordeal...
As you probably know, twins usually come anywhere between three and five weeks early because quite literally of the "lack of room". My wife Kendra however was only at 33 weeks, so we estimated at least another two before the birth. A run-in with the 24h flu put a kabbash on those plans, and threw Kendra into premature labor. Once the time was right, we went to the local hospital where they put her on a saline drip with antibiotics for the sickness. An hour later her water broke, so we knew we were in for the long haul. Turned out a little longer than we expected.
After a few hours of waiting, the doctor informed us that because of a rash of recent "premies" the hospital did not have any free ventilators in case of an emergency. So, at three in the morning Kendra was packed into an ambulance and taken to a University Hospital an hour and a half away. Once there they continued the antibiotics, but also gave her steroids and Magnesium Sulfate. The steroids were to help the babies lungs develop, and the Magnesium to try and stop the contractions long enough for the steroids to take effect. They had hoped for at least 24 hours of dosage, but because Kendra's water had already broke, the inhibitor could only slow the contractions at best. After 12 hours they decided to take her off the Magnesium Sulfate and let things proceed naturally.
At 6:00PM Kendra was prepped and taken into the C-Section Delivery Room. It has become a standard practice to expect a possible C-Section for the delivery of twins. Fortunately one was not needed here (but might have been easier in the long run). After 2 hours of waiting, Kendra finally started "active labor" (pushing). Unfortunately, this lasted for almost *four* hours. Finally at 11:55PM "twin A" was born, and ten minutes later "twin B". To add to the oddity of it all, twin B while still in the uterus some time before, had somehow tied a knot into its own umbilical cord. From what I understand, this is somewhat rare. (I have a photo of this I can email if anyone would like to see) Not even born and he's already doing rope tricks!
The bad news. Because of the exceptionally long labor, Kendra suffered some serious internal lacerations. She was in surgery for another two hours to try and repair these. Now, a couple days later, while still sore, she is doing very well. Kendra will be discharged Saturday, but will stay in an attending room at the hospital until the babies are able to be transfered.
Matthew (twin A) is doing very well. Lucas (twin B) on the other hand has a few minor complications. His blood seems to be a bit "thick" as well as having low glucose levels making him a bit lethargic. Both of these are being treated. He also is having a little difficulty breathing, but that too is being augmented and improving. It is not known if the knot in the umbilical cord is at fault or not. In any case, day by day things are looking very good for him. Both babies will hopefully be transfered next week to our own hospital were they will stay for another two or so for observations.
Like I said, quite an ordeal. I will keep you all up to date.
Best in Magic,
Michael Sibbernsen
http://waterloomagic.com
info@waterloomagic.com
First: I am proud to announce the birth of my identical twin sons Matthew John Sibbernsen on June 5th at 11:55PM and Lucas Everts Sibbernsen on June 6th at 12:05AM. That's right, twins with different birthdays!
The birth was quite an ordeal...
As you probably know, twins usually come anywhere between three and five weeks early because quite literally of the "lack of room". My wife Kendra however was only at 33 weeks, so we estimated at least another two before the birth. A run-in with the 24h flu put a kabbash on those plans, and threw Kendra into premature labor. Once the time was right, we went to the local hospital where they put her on a saline drip with antibiotics for the sickness. An hour later her water broke, so we knew we were in for the long haul. Turned out a little longer than we expected.
After a few hours of waiting, the doctor informed us that because of a rash of recent "premies" the hospital did not have any free ventilators in case of an emergency. So, at three in the morning Kendra was packed into an ambulance and taken to a University Hospital an hour and a half away. Once there they continued the antibiotics, but also gave her steroids and Magnesium Sulfate. The steroids were to help the babies lungs develop, and the Magnesium to try and stop the contractions long enough for the steroids to take effect. They had hoped for at least 24 hours of dosage, but because Kendra's water had already broke, the inhibitor could only slow the contractions at best. After 12 hours they decided to take her off the Magnesium Sulfate and let things proceed naturally.
At 6:00PM Kendra was prepped and taken into the C-Section Delivery Room. It has become a standard practice to expect a possible C-Section for the delivery of twins. Fortunately one was not needed here (but might have been easier in the long run). After 2 hours of waiting, Kendra finally started "active labor" (pushing). Unfortunately, this lasted for almost *four* hours. Finally at 11:55PM "twin A" was born, and ten minutes later "twin B". To add to the oddity of it all, twin B while still in the uterus some time before, had somehow tied a knot into its own umbilical cord. From what I understand, this is somewhat rare. (I have a photo of this I can email if anyone would like to see) Not even born and he's already doing rope tricks!
The bad news. Because of the exceptionally long labor, Kendra suffered some serious internal lacerations. She was in surgery for another two hours to try and repair these. Now, a couple days later, while still sore, she is doing very well. Kendra will be discharged Saturday, but will stay in an attending room at the hospital until the babies are able to be transfered.
Matthew (twin A) is doing very well. Lucas (twin B) on the other hand has a few minor complications. His blood seems to be a bit "thick" as well as having low glucose levels making him a bit lethargic. Both of these are being treated. He also is having a little difficulty breathing, but that too is being augmented and improving. It is not known if the knot in the umbilical cord is at fault or not. In any case, day by day things are looking very good for him. Both babies will hopefully be transfered next week to our own hospital were they will stay for another two or so for observations.
Like I said, quite an ordeal. I will keep you all up to date.
Best in Magic,
Michael Sibbernsen
http://waterloomagic.com
info@waterloomagic.com