I'm a Vegan Mommy!!

[feline01]

Sarah and Ben were born 4/21/04 by emergency c-section. I developed H.E.L.P.P. syndrome Tuesday night and nearly died but came through fine. The babies were healthy, Sarah weighed 5lbs4oz and Ben weighed 5lbs1oz. Ben had to spend 2 days in NICU because of high respiration and low glucose but they both came home with me on Sunday. The doctors and nurses were amazed that I didn't need any painkillers, stool softeners, gas producers etc. and I always let them know it was because I was vegan. I had some problems with breastfeeding due to the delay because of the magnesium sulfate and because the nurses weren't very supportive of breastfeeding but after several extremely frustrating experiences and several days in tears, an absolutely wonderful lactation consultant came over today and spent 3 hours with me and my husband. I was able to breastfeed both at once (with her help) and did it successfully, one at a time, after she left. I'm feeling so much better now even though my milk hasn't come in completely. I know I can do it and it will.

If anyone wants to see photos, check out www.suepearl.com.

Thanks for all the advice during my pregnancy everyone!

Sue

[annie7]

Congratulations!! So who is older,... Sarah?

[vegma]

Congratulations! So sorry you had problems, but what darling babes they are:) Good job with the breastfeeding; it will get easier!!

[tricia]

Good job.... the babes are sooo cute... and im glad you are breastfeeding.. in time it does get better....

[Christa]

Congratulations - what little dolls they are! They are good sized for twins, too. Good job, mom!

[jewels]

They are so beautiful! bless you for nursing 2 babys, any women that births and nurses mored than one baby at a time is a super hero to me! When I had my Ellie, I too had to wait to nurse because I was given magnesium also but for preeclampsia, I was so sad because I didn't know I would have to wait till it was out of my system to nurse and in the mean time more poor vegan baby was given non vegan formula w/o me even knowing(cause I had a c-section and they over dosed me so I was asleep and on a lung support for 12 hours). so yeah you have twins and had a c-section and you are nursing, you sound like you are starting off as a terrific mommy!

[Erin Pavlina]

Congratulations and welcome to Ben and Sarah. I'm a twin myself and I know how special these two are going to feel towards each other. They will never be alone. It's truly a special bond.

Sorry for the rocky start. I'm so glad the kids are healthy!

[Casey]

Congratulations - they're adorable!

[louli]

Congratulations xxxxx Well done for nursing as well. I would love twins, lucky you. I am one also and it really is the most special bond ever. I am still really close to my twin sister, who is also vegan :o)

[PikkuMyy]

HOORAY!!!! Congratulations! Thank God you and the twins are alive and healthy! What sweet photos! I know you'll be crazy busy over the next few weeks (months, year? heehee) but try to keep us up-to-date on Sarah and Ben.

We're all thinking of you. Have you used any gifts you got from the infamous baby shower yet?

Emily

[feline01]

Thanks everyone. I'm running on 3 hours of sleep or so now and am still having big problems with breastfeeding but I'm not giving up, they are too important to me. We are supplementing with Isomil soy formula though which sucks but at least it's not made from cow milk. I'm feeling more confident that I can do the breastfeeding, we all just still need practice. The pediatrican hunt hasn't faired as well. The holisitic one we found was impatient, we had all sorts of questions and during the visit she said "I've already been with you a 1/2 hour, I have other people to see." So each child is worthy of 15 minutes of her time, I think not. We saw a second one yesterday, recommended by the lactation consultant and he told us he would not see us again because we were against vaccinating Sarah and Ben. So I'm off to try another doctor. UGH!

Will definitely keep everyone up to date with our precious vegan twins.

Sue

[Ckflew]

Sue,

Congratulations! Your babies are so adorable. How is Feline adapting to the strangers in her house?

I want to encourage you on the breastfeeding. My mom breastfed twins (26 years ago already). She would sometimes feed both at once, and other times would feed them one at a time (that gives you more cuddle time). One of the twins was a more energetic feeder, so Mom tried to feed the other one first to make sure there was enough to go around. My Dad is still impressed by the amount of food she ate while she was breastfeeding - about 6 large meals a day just to keep up with the twins. I hope it works out for you.

Enjoy your babies!

Colleen

[chelseamorning15]

Congrats Feline01!!!:D
I'm also in NJ (Middlesex County)...it's so good that you've found the great restaurants around! Down to Earth made my wedding cake and hosted my bridal shower. Since my husband and I are planning on having vegan babies soon I'm really looking forward to hearing more about your pediatrician search. Please keep us posted-the info you uncover will help us so much!!! Best of luck in your search and enjoy your new family!
Rebecca:)

[feline01]

Hi Rebecca,

I'm so glad to have another Jerseyan on board, I'm in Middlesex County as well, in Laurence Harbor. We only moved here in January, prior to that we lived in Union County so we're not completely with the area yet. We finally found a pediatrician who is was recommended by Gail from Down to Earth. He's vegan-friendly and open-minded to people who don't want their children vaccinated (like us). The only downside is that he's in Long Branch which is a bit of a hike but worth it considering the other 2 pediatricans we tried, including on holistic one were not worth our time. I guess you missed my saga of the vegan baby shower in the forums. It was a mess until Veggy Works in Belmar came through and catered some food and an amazing vegan sheet cake.

I hope to hear from you soon, it would be great to meet up with some local vegans, especially ones who will be entering the realm of raising vegan children like us.


Sue

[chelseamorning15]

Hi Sue!
Thanks for the reply. I'm so glad you found a doc that you like! Long Branch is definitely worth the trip. If you don't mind, could you post a reply or email me with his info? Thanks so much-I really appreciate it!
On another note-have you checked out Zafra's restaurant in New Brunswick yet? They're new and almost totally vegan (they do offer dairy cheese)-and their menu's great-a lot of different types of food.
Have fun with those babies! It is great knowing there's someone else close by raising children the way that my husband and I plan on doing it!
Hope to hear from you soon,
:D
Rebecca