Hi there Mommy News & Views readers! My name is Dare. I am a twenty-something mother of three boys, 3 yr. old twins and a 16 month old. In my “free” time I’m a birth doula and the author of GiveThemRoots, an environmental family blog. I was blessed to nurse my twins for 16 months and I hope what I share with you today helps on your journey. Congratulations and good luck!
It seems like it was just yesterday when my husband and I found out we were having twins. The conversation with my OB-GYN went a little something like this…
OB: Look at that… twins!
Mommy-to-be: Are you joking? (Daddy-to-be laughing hysterically in the background)
OB: This is my job, why would I joke about twins?
Mommy-to-be: Dr. B. if you’re joking this really isn’t funny.
OB: Look. (showing two babies on the ultrasound)
Mommy-to-be: OMG- I think I’m going to be sick. (Daddy-to-be silent)
I was nauseated the whole way home and not from morning sickness. This was our first baby, the thought of it being our first babIES, never crossed my mind. The thought that did cross my mind a million times was, “What are we going to do about… EVERYTHING?”
Having multiples can be overwhelming. Breastfeeding multiples sounds overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. I gave birth to my boys completely unprepared to nurse twins. I had no idea how to breastfeed, hadn’t taken a birth course, and I had never seen anyone breastfeeding that wasn’t 100% covered up. I honestly had no idea what I was doing other than what a couple of pregnancy books said! Luckily, I had an amazing lactation consultant and post-partum nurses that went above and beyond the call of duty.
Step 1: Prepare Yourself. There are so many breastfeeding resources available now; why not use them all? I flew by the seat of my pants but you don’t have to.
Read everything you can get your hands on and keep these four books close by:
Sign up for a breastfeeding class. Most hospitals offer breastfeeding classes for $10-30 dollars. You can’t even go to a movie with your partner for twenty bucks and the information you’ll devour at this class will be far more nutritious than a bucket of greasy movie popcorn! Remember to ask the instructor for tips about nursing multiples!
Study positions and holds for nursing twins in books and online. Finding the right position for you and your babies is life changing for a mother nursing multiples. As the babies get older and bigger the position will probably change. We invented positions that I guarantee you won’t find in a nursing book any where but it worked, you will too.
Check out great informational websites and groups like:
www.kellymom.com
www.llli.org
www.breastfeeding.com
Well, you’ve been schooled in all things booby. Now what?
Step 2: Invest in a few vital things. A nursing pillow, supportive bras, absorbent breast pads, and an awesome breast pump.
My Breast Are Leaking Everywhere by: Your’s Truly
(to the tune of Mary Had A Little Lamb)My breast are leaking everywhere, everywhere, everywhere.
My breast are leaking everywhere and people will surely know!
Ok, that was cheesy. The point is, when you are nursing two babies your body is using the pre-milk, called colostrum, faster. This triggers hormones that tell the brain “Hey wait! Start making milk on the double! This kid’s hungry.” Unless you want to show off your latest gift from the milk Gods you might want to start wearing breast pads when you leave the house, especially BEFORE your milk comes in. The day it comes will be a surprise! Most women’s bodies will figure out the right equation of milk for your babies and you will stop leaking. Until then, put a breast pad in your bra for the leaking, sit back and let nature run it’s course. You can purchase either cloth washable/reusable pads or disposable pads. I’ve found both work equally but the reusable pads save a few trees and your wallet!
Step 3: Remember you’re not alone!
Learning to breastfeed can be the most natural thing you ever do -OR- it can be one of the most challenging. Every new mom experiences a bump in the road, whether it’s a clogged duct, engorgement, a low supply, an over supply, etc. just remember all of these things are normal and can be easily fixed! Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance.
Ask your mom, a friend, a doctor, or a specialist…just ask!
Many pediatrician’s have lactation consultants on staff. It usually costs your normal co-pay and any problems you are experiencing can often be solved during one visit! If you don’t have access to a lactation consultant find your local La Leche League group. The chapter “moms” have the experience and training to give advice and tips to nursing mothers. Reach out to local support groups and online forums. There are many Mothers of Multiples groups, and several online chat forums with women that are in the same place you are. Last but not least, ask your partner for help! My husband was my rock while I was getting the hang of things. At night he would get the boys from their cribs, change diapers and bring them to me while I was getting myself ready to nurse. He would help position the babies and sit by for moral support or to get anything I needed (like water, the thirst while nursing twins is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.). I hear Moms say “He has to go to work the next day, I don’t want to wake him”, well guess what? So do YOU and more than likely your job, especially in the beginning, will be far more exhausting than any typical 9-5 job. Share the work load, things will get done faster and you will both get more sleep.
A few of my tips:
Most importantly be patient, be calm and enjoy the experience; it’s a once in a lifetime chance. You CAN do this!
Have you nursed twins or more? Share your positive and empowering story with other MOMs (Mother Of Multiples).
Excellent, excellent post! When people hear “multiples” I feel like they automatically think you have to use formula. I have 3 boys. My oldest is 4 and my twins will be 2 in May. I just stopped breastfeeding them about 2 months ago. It is so nice to meet other moms who nurse twins. People thought I was nuts for wanting to breastfeed them, but it was such an amazing experience. And for me, much easier then trying to prep two bottles and then hold both of them while feeding said bottles.
My nursing pillow was a lifesaver and I used it for all 20 months that I breastfed. I want to say I got it from Double Blessings.
Marianna’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: Joshua
Thanks for sharing your story
The first three months were the hardest for me too. I made the mistake of feeding them one at a time because that was what I was used to with my three other kids. I kept trying all the positions I saw online and what I was taught at the hospital and nothing worked for me. It wasn’t until I tried something on my own that it finally stuck and now I always nurse them both at the same time. I was never able to master the football hold. I lay two pillows next to me and then use a regular boppy. I lay them both facing my chest straight out. I love the way they giggle and mess with me when they nurse. It’s so awesome when they play with each other and even hold hands
Everyone but my immediate family thinks i’m nuts too. Thank God my husband is so helpful and supportive. That really helps too! My twins are now 10 months old and i’ve been breastfeeding them exclusively. No formula, no bottles etc! I swear I want to throw a party in addition to a birthday party when I reach that 1 year mark LOL. I plan on nursing them until they self wean.
Thanks for sharing your story Gianna! What a wonderful story you have and you are very lucky indeed to have a supportive family. Thanks for visiting! Judy
I am still nursing my 14-month old twins, and have a few things to add:
1) if you are alone with your twins, nursing really is easier than bottlefeeding both, especially in the early days when you can nurse both at the same time.
2) make sure you eat A LOT (and drink a lot!). Don’t try to lose your baby weight right away-your babies are pulling tons of nutrition from you.
3)take care of yourself if you get sick, and be careful about dehydration. I got the stomach flu when my twins were 5 months old and ended up in the ER after just a few hours of not being able to keep liquids down because I got dehydrated so fast.
4)get a good nursing bra- you’ll be a lot more comfortable!
Enjoy your babies, because they grow up so fast!