Breastfeeding Problem with 7 Week Old Twins

Hi S.,
I think it's wonderful that you're breastfeeding your twins! I have 9 month old twin boys and I am still breastfeeding! It was really difficult for the first 3 months and I remember feeling discouraged and tempted to give up. I have a 3 yr old whom I exclusively breastfed and even with that experience under my belt it was challenging. Part of my problem was that my twins were 7 and 8 lbs and I just didn't make enough milk for them at first so I was supplementing with formula (about 4 oz) in the evening. I was really nervous that my babies would decide that they liked formula better and quit breastfeeding, or that my milk would decrease. When my babies were 2 1/2 months old my body caught up with the demand and I never needed formula again! Here is my advice for you - I would try a day or two without formula and see how it goes. If your babies aren't crying after a feeding and they are having wet poopy diapers often then I wouldn't worry about it. They are probably getting enough. I could tell when mine weren't getting enough because near the end of a feeding they would continue to suck very hard long after my milk was gone (I could tell my milk was gone becasue my breasts feel soft when they are empty not firm) and if I took them off they would cry and scream until I latched them back on where they would resume vigorous sucking). In my experience (after breastfeeding 3 children), babies who are falling asleep after feeding are usually full especially if they are wetting their diapers. You can also try keeping them awake by feeding them with their clothes off (so they aren't so warm - cool babies don't sleep as easily), gently moving them around or blowing on their faces a little wakes them up. Another thing I learned is babies will usually eat if you offer them a bottle whether they are hungry or not. At 2 1/2 months I realized that my twins were no longer crying at night after feedings but they were still eating a 4oz bottle of formula every night - so I decided to try going without formula and they were just fine! But I know that if I had continued to offer a bottle they would have kept eating it. If you feel like they are not emptying your breasts after a feeding then I recommend letting them sleep and pumping the rest of the milk. You can use it later if you neeed to or save it for another day and doing this keeps your milk supply up. I also saw a lactation consultant 5 or 6 times in the first three months and they can tell if your babies are getting enough by their weight gain and they are really encouraging - I really recommend seeing one. Anyway, I want you to know that it can be done and it gets easier after the first few months and then it gets easier again after they start eating solids. Now my twins only nurse 3x per day and I'm so glad I didn't give up! I have two other friends who nursed twins for a full year and I thought about them when times were tough and said to myself "if they did it then I can do it" and that helped. I was able to nurse my twins and take care of my 3 (then 2yr old) so it is possible! I hope this helped - if I didn't answer your questions fully or if you need advice at any time then feel free to email me anytime! D.

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Yes you can breast feed twins, and do all of the things moms need to do. In fact a lot of moms of twins who breast feed say its easier than having to mix and warm formula every feeding. I would really recommend finding a support group, La Leche League has really great people and resources for breast feeding moms. Not only will they be able to help you make breast feeding a success if there is a group in your area go to the meetings. Being around other moms going through the same thing is one of the best things you can do for your self right now. Breast feeding is a skill that all new moms learn and having twins will make it trickier for a bit but it is so worth the effort. Good for you for asking questions, there are people with answers and ideas that will make your life a lot easier. Soon you will be the experienced breast feeding mom of twins with the knowledge to support new moms.
-Mom of three adopting a fourth.

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Hi S.,

Congratulations and kudos for mothering twins and for wanting to breastfeed them!! This is absolutely possible--I have known quite a few moms of "multiples" who did this successfully. I do understand that feeling of overwhelm when you consider all you must do as a mom of twins--ANY mom feels that, but when you have two babies at once, it's probably exponential! The thing to do with that, though, is let go of your concept of who else you are "supposed" to be. Right now, you are a Mother! You are a fully working, mother of two new humans who need everything you've got for awhile in order to start their lives well. AND...You can do it! Whatever your spiritual basis is, please believe that nothing is given to us that we cannot handle, and it is an honor showing your strength and ability to have been given two little ones at once! What a special thing this will be as they grow and as you grow with them!

As far as switching them completely to breastfeeding, you are right to do so--don't let anyone talk you out of it. It will be not only the best way for them to be nourished, but you will find that--even though it is very challenging right now as you all figure out life together--breastfeeding is by far the simplest, by far the easiest, and by far the most useful method of feeding (and comforting, and consoling, and getting them to quiet down, and sweet, and loving, and, and, and).

Now, the hard part...I'm sure you had good reasons to begin their lives with part formula from a bottle and part breastmilk, but when you do this, babies tend to get "lazy" about breastfeeding. It involves more work. A bottle does not take much sucking effort at all, whereas breastfeeding involves correct mouth placement, working ALL the facial muscles (which is very good for them and helps them develop their mouths and facial muscles for speech and for tooth placement), and sucking hard until the "letdown" occurs--at which point you may have milk literally squirting out, or you may not but it is not as much work.

Most lactation consultants and midwives recommend that breastfed infants learn to breastfeed very well, and for a good long time to develop the correct patterns, for at least 6 weeks or more before giving them a bottle. Since yours had the bottle first, it's a little like trying to convince someone to read the book when they first watched the two hour movie.

But it CAN be done! I suggest finding and working with a lactation consultant, who can watch you breastfeed your little guys, and assess how they are latching on--giving you specific help with getting them to move away from the bottle to breastfeeding exclusively (though you may want to keep the bottle as a once a day option, so Dad can get in on the snuggles and help you on those days when you just can't seem to get the babies out of your arms!).

Yes, it is feasible. Yes, you can do it, and your babies will be GREAT breastfeeders--once you get them past this hump. But definitely get some local help. La Leche League offers free help, and can also put you in touch with more in depth consultants who may charge a fee (it's well worth it!) if you need it.

Fiora

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Hi S.. Congratulations on your twins, and it is so great that you are breastfeeding them. I know that it is not an easy task, but you have to remember that it is the best thing you can do for them. There is a lot of pressure on mom's these days, but I think you should try to view it, as there is no other choice. It just has to be breastmilk for your babes, and that's it. Just how you had to give up things when you were pregnant. It's really a great precursor for parenthood altogether. I have 2 very close friends who breastfead twins, and I can tell you that it is possible. Seek professional help from a la leche league program. A lot of La Leche meetings seem very radical, but they still have excellent advice and if you really want to get the job done, they are a great support system. Also, you can take your babes with you to the meetings, and they will give you hands-on help. Not all babies latch on right away, and it is very painful. In the long run though, try to remember that it is really best for you and your babies' health, and breastfeeding is so convenient; no bottles, no warming stuff up, and best of all it's free! Best wishes to you....I hope to hear that everything comes together for you - I know it will!

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My twin girls are now 18 months old, and I breastfed them to 14 months. So yes, I think it is very feasible. If you don't have one yet, I would recommend getting one of the double size 'boppy' pillows. (different brand) What I called the lunch counter! As far as getting them to nurse - I think you just need to trust that they will if they're hungry and try cutting back on formula and bottles. If you haven't yet, try feeding them both at the same time. Also, if they're falling asleep, try skin to skin. An appointment with a lactation consultant might be a good idea. I'm very glad I breastfed my twins, for a lot of reasons. Baby weight - gone. Healthier for them. Less stuff to pack around and clean. Great bonding, also for the two of them. It's so cute when they're a bit older and become aware of each other while nursing. I have a pic of them holding hands while nursing! Yes, there will be times when you feel like all you do is nurse but in my experience it was worth it. So keep up the good work!

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Dear Sarah,

Wow! You're doing such a wonderful thing for your little ones. It is incredibly challenging and I agree with the other moms that La Leche League (www.llli.org) can be a great in-town resource. They meet regularly and the women, both on line and in town, can offer tons of help ASAP.
A second place I've gone to for help is www.kellymom.com. They have fantastic information about everything breastfeeding related and their message boards are full of helpful, encouraging people who have been through it all.
keep up the great work. Your little boys are so lucky to have a mom that loves them so much to work through this. It's worth it.
Good luck,
A.

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Hi S.,
I just have to say you are awesome for trying to breastfeed twins. I have 17 month old boy/girl twins and I am still breastfeeding them. The way we did it was to not have any formula or bottles around. It was the only way that they could eat. The bottles tend to be easier for them to get milk from so they usually prefer that since they don't have to work as hard...In the beginning it is a lot of down time for you but you still need the rest. They tended to just snack here and there for the first few days but if you latches are good then once they realize that is the only way they are getting food they will probably get a little more aggressive about their feedings...the best advice I have is when one wakes to feed, feed them and then get the other up immidiatley following and feed them...this way there are longer periods for you between feedings...Just remember It can be done and it will get easier...best of luck to you

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Sorry I'm not able to read all the responses so maybe someone has already said this. I didn't have twins, but did have a little one who wanted to snack constantly and would always fall asleep at the breast. I tried all the 'torture' techniques my lactation consultant suggested and that someone else mentioned below. I hated waking her up to feed even though I knew it was the best for her. I would undress her to keep her cold and use a wet washcloth on her to keep her awake. Usually by the end of the feed she was in tears and so was I. It was terrible. I started pumping to keep my supply up and then she started to loose weight after I had to use a nipple sheild due to rawness. I ended up exclusively pumping and have now for almost 9mo. Please don't feel that it is either breast or formula, because you can continue with breastmilk exclusively, by pumping and feeding. It also helps with getting on a schedule, and letting them continue to graze or snack if that is their mode of eating. Good luck to you.

Can you go back to the hospital and have another visit with their lactation consultant. Mine was really helpful. Remeber to take care of yourself too so you can make all that milk for your babies. I took fenugreek and blessed thistle is suppossed to help. The fenugreek smells like maple syrup so beware you might start craving pancakes or maple bars :) Good luck and congratulations!

I don't have twins either, but wanted to put in my 2 cents. My baby was 5lbs 11oz at birth, not premature just very small. I desperately wanted to breastfeed her but due to an emergency surgery for a herniated intestine 18 hours after her birth, my body just wasn't able to do it. She latched on like a champ and would go between breast and bottle without problem (probably because she had both from the very beginning) so it was even more heartbreaking for me when my milk never came in more than 1 or 2 oz at a time. I was exhausted and depressed and barely getting enough nutrition for myself (because of my surgery) let alone the extra calories needed for BF. Even the lactation consultants I talked to at the hospital said it was likely I would not be able to BF exclusively. After a miserable, exhausting 3 weeks of pumping and trying to BF I just couldn't do it anymore and moved to full time formula. I was tired, depressed and not enjoying the time I spent with my new baby. While I and my husband were disappointed I have no regrets. I believe that BF is absolutely the best thing IF YOU CAN DO IT AND NOT BE MISERABLE AND CONSTANTLY STRESSED OUT! I hear about women who BF for many months and are stressed, tired, constantly worried about supply or having nipple pain/issues... basically suffering for the good of their baby. I do not think BF is worth it if it is a constant issue of stress and exhaustion. My baby is formula fed from 3 weeks and is now a happy healthy 10m old who has had 1 minor cold in that whole time...no other illnesses. You can't tell me she has suffered because she wasn't BF. She got the good antibodies etc. from BF for the first 3 weeks and even with bottle feeding we had awesome bonding and intimacy when feeding. It was even more enjoyable because I was not so tired and was no longer constantly stressed about pumping.

I guess my point is that if BF just doesn't work out, don't beat yourself up about it. Decide how much you are willing to sacrifice to BF and know that if you do end up formula feeding full time it's not going to mean your babies will be sickly, neglected or unloved or that you won't be able to "bond" with them as much. Never let anyone make you feel bad if you just can't make BF work. I got a lot of guilt trips for not "trying harder" to BF and I basically told those people to bug off...they didn't know what I went through to make that decision and had no right to judge me. Formula feeding doesn't make someone a bad mother, it just makes them someone who made a decision that was best for them and their baby both.

Good luck and I really hope BF works out and it is an enjoyable part of motherhood for you!

Dear S.,
I have twins, they are fraternal boys, 5 now. It really does get easier and different and enjoyable. But I can tell you first hand, nursing and infancy was a really hard time. Get as much help as you can, especially toward the latter part of the day. It made such a huge difference to not be alone. Perhaps you do already have a lot of help.
As for the nursing. I sure know what you mean, how you feel like you're nursing all the time. I did a couple of things. I called the lactation specialist to consult and get help with regularly. And I stopped nursing them separately, I got a special nursing pillow for twins and put them on a schedule. We called the nursing pillow the "breastaraunt". The schedule just made life feel more doable for me. I had to abandon my notion of nursing on demand, but it didn't take me long to get over the grief of that one, since I felt more sane. In this case the trade off was worth it. The nursing schedule was one I adopted from a book called, The Baby Whisperer. It was a great book for a first time mom, like me.
She defined a structure that I thought, for me, was reasonable, doable and in fact gave me a sense of "everything is going to be ok" when I really needed it.
I'm sure you are getting lots of advice. I believe you have to do what's right for you and calms you. So I hope you can pick and choose and find something that is helpful.
Good Luck and if you need more twin support please feel free to write again. I utilized the wisdom of other twin mom's and it reallllllly made a huge difference.
Mary

My twins are now seven years old. It seems like a lifetime ago that I was feeding them. None of my children were good suckers. They could use the bottle much easier than my breast. It was much easier for me to use the bottle becuase then I knew how much they were getting and it was one less stressor I had in my life. I know it's possible to do this, but for me it just wasn't feasible. I also had a three year old to take care of at the same time.

Use your best judgement. Only you can know what is best for your situation. I would say that if your able to pump breast milk (I wasn't because I just don't produce alot of milk, plus the lazy suckers) keep doing that and try to use that without supplimenting formula. If you really aren't producing that much milk, from my experience just go to formula.

Things will get easier. For some moms with twins, life is a brezze, for others it's really hard. In most ways mine was really hard. I learned to look for the "That's Why" moments that were so cute and precious rather than the "WHy Me?" moments that made life so hard. E-mail me any time with questions about twins. ____@____.com

Nursing takes work on the part of a baby, sucking from a bottle is a whole lot easier than the breast and that's why they can comsume so much more faster when it comes from the bottle. As far as falling asleep at the breast, this is common with all babies. Tickle them under the chin, their feet, stroke their cheek while they're at the breast to keep them awake. Nurse them when they're hungry without feeding them from the bottle first. But the more you give from the bottle, the less they will want to nurse and the less milk you will produce. I suggest seeing a lactation nurse or talking with your pediatrician. And nurse first if that's what you want to do. As a Mom who breast-fed her kids, I'm partial to breast feeding, but I also know that this isn't always the best method for all Moms and babes. Do what's best for all of you. Congrats! on your twins, double the fun, double the pleasure, double the treasured moments.

S.,
I congratulate you on your twins. I have 1 1/2 year old twins (boy & girl). I was only able to breast feed them exclusively for the first 4 1/2 months. However, my situation was not feasable as I allowed too much stress from other people into my life. That is what caused me to not be able to fully feed my children with breast milk only. Please, please, please do not let stress come into the situation as this will only make it more difficult. You are doing wonderful for asking questions, and keep up trying. One of the things I did with my son (who ate less at a feeding but much more frequently) was to undress him so he would stay awake. this meant I had to strip him down to his diaper and that made it easier for him to keep eating. This will definitely get easier for you as you go. Keep up the great work and keep asking questions. It is very very possible for you to breast feed them solely!

I'd really recommend talking with a lactation consultant/nurse. You'll be amazed at what they know and how much you'll get out of a visit, and you'll feel supported and much better all around. Good job on your determination and dedication!

Hello S.!

I have read some of the previous responses and would concur on many of them. We had twin girls who were born at 32 weeks and I ended pumping (all the time!) at the beginning because they were just too small. We did a combo of breastmilk and formula to supplement them until they could nurse on their own. I would highly recommend a twin nursing pillow..it makes it so much easier..even if you are only doing one at a time. For a time there, I felt pretty much that feeding our girls was the only thing I did! (Moo!) As others have mentioned, it is REALLY hard at the beginning and you may wonder how you are going to manage..especially when you get one down and the other wakes up in the middle of the night and then they alternate again. Yikes! But it does get so much easier the older they get. You don't say if you have other children but even after nursing twins, I needed a refresher for how to nurse when we had another baby (7 years later!). You also didn't mention how much help you had access to but if friends/family offer, take them up on an opportunity to take a shower or get out of the house, if only for a brief walk. It really helps to take a break if you possibly can. Best wishes to you!

S.,

I have almost 8 month old twin boys and I too wanted to breastfeed exclusively. For us though, the reality was that one of them ended up on formula and the other is exclusively breastfed. I decided this when Caleb wasn't the greatest nurser in the world and Daniel was. It sounds like you have a problem with both of them nursing though? One tip I was given for Caleb was to take your finger and stroke his tongue towards the mouth to help him suck differently. I was never really successful with this though as I just wasn't motivated to get him to breastfeed when I too knew I wasn't producing enough milk for two of them.

We also supplemented with formula in the early days. Mine were born at 31 weeks gestation and were in the hospital for 20 days, so I did a lot of pumping. It took some time for them to get the hang of trying to breastfeed though. At first, they were always bottle fed probably for the first 2-3 months. Then I gradually started rotating every other feeding to breastfeed one or the other. I found that breastfeeding them one at a time was helpful because I could concentrate on latching one baby and not worrying about the other. This helped me to see who was doing better at breastfeeding also. Have you tried nipple shields? These were really helpful in the early stages for me. They gave me some at the hospital and I know they sell them at target. If you have never heard of them, I can explain how they work if you would like, just let me know.

If you continue to bottle feed I HIGHLY recommend getting a "Podee Bottle" http://www.podee.com/ You can buy them at Baby's-R-Us. This allows me to feed them both at the same time. I breastfeed Daniel and give Caleb his Podee and so he is essentially feeding himself!

It is feasible to breastfeed twins as other moms in my group (Tacoma Parents of Multiples) have, but for me it wasn't reality. I just wasn't making enough milk for the two of them and it was a hassle to bottle feed Caleb after he breastfed ('cause he could only get the let down and not much more). From my experience though, I hope you can see that it isn't all or nothing. I would focus on trying them one at a time for now on the breastfeeding and see how that goes. Even Daniel (my champion breastfeeder now) wasn't all that good at breastfeeding at the start. It took some time to develop that relationship.

Please write more if you have any more questions or if would like to talk I can give you my number. I also recommend joining your local twin mother's group too as this is a great resource for things like this. You can find a local group on this website. http://www.nomotc.org/

Blessings and best of luck!
H. C.

I'm a lactation consultant in private practice. my web site is www.second9months.com. I'd be happy to help. Yes, it's possible to nurse twins. you need some expert help in your home to help the little tykes nurse effectively. that will help your supply a lot! I can help you get on a good routine so you can breastfeed, increase your milk supply and still have time for a nap or a meal. Best of luck. Get Help!!

R. Beebe, M.Ed., IBCLC
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Keep up the great work!! The previous reply said pretty much everything I would have, but I encourage you to get outside help for your house, and just focus on those two precious babies for now. They need you, and you need rest. Also, try to get in touch with La Leche League or the lactation specialist from the hospital. They are both a wealth of free information, and many times can help you right over the phone or meet up with you to help. It can be done. A lady on Oprah lately breastfed sextuplets successfully, but it took some learning and building up her supply. Good luck!! You're doing the best thing you can for those little ones.

Breastfeeding is much harder for a baby than a bottle. And right now they have very small mouths. If you truly want to breastfeed (saves time and money) a baby can be "trained" to breast feed. Find a lactation consultant to come to your house. It may take more than one feeding, but it is possible. (My son rooted *away* from my breast because he had been finger fed in the NICU. He is now a GREAT nurser.)
Also, you need to teach your babies to eat until they are full, not snack. They are old enough to be woken up so they can keep eating: rub the bottom of their feet (hard), undress them so they are not as comfortable, rub betweent their shoulder blades. I know it sound mean (FYI:I have heard of woman putting ice on their babies feet), but unless you want to feed them every 45 minutes... If you feem until they are full, they will fall into (about) a 2.5-3 hour routine.
Test for full: Pull on their arm. If it is still tense, they are not full. If you can pick it up easily and it just drops back down, they are full. There is nothing cuter than a "milk drunk" baby. If there is a really big burp, you can try feed them a little more.

A lactaction consultant can

i thought i'd never make enough to meet my twins' needs but i stayed persistant, talked to a lactation specialist from st. v's and made breastfeeding the priority. well, 18 months later i am still breastfeeding the girls and amazed at how the time has past. i even got a part time job when they were 13 months and it hasn't affected my milk supply.

you can do it! don't worry about the house right now. the phone calls can wait. focus on what a great job you are doing for your boys by breatfeeding and it will be successful. good luck!

It may be because getting food from a bottle is easier than from the breast you should talk to your dr about some help

Hi S.. I have 2.5 year old identical twin boys. Congratulations on your twins!!! My boys were born just shy of 35 weeks and spent 3 weeks in the hospital. They took 6 weeks and 10 weeks to learn how to nurse at all. It was the biggest challenge of my life. I was so committed to giving them breast milk and I worked really hard to try to increase my milk supply. I wish I could say that my boys became champion nurses, but that didn't happen. They did learn how but never seemed to get enough at the breast and I always had to follow up w/ a bottle. I never was able to tandem nurse because they each required a lot of individual attention during breastfeeding. The only way I was able to do it was because I had a lot of help in the early months w/ family and friends always there at feeding times. I would bf one baby and the other baby would get a bottle and then we would switch at the next feeding. Ater each feeding, I would pump and I usually pumped at least 6 times every day and in the middle of the night I would get up to pump while my husband gave them bottles. I never got my supply where it needed to be and I had to supplement w/ formula. I honestly wish I could have just pumped enough milk and I would have just given the babies breastmilk bottles and not worried about actually breastfeeding. It was always difficult for me and for the babies but they did nurse for 6 months and 9 months. I continued to pump until they were 12 months and then I stopped. It was hard, but I don't regret it all looking back now. I see that you got a bunch of good suggestins from other moms about breastfeeding so I just wanted to say that I understand your struggle and you are an AMAZING mom. Having twins is hard and the first few months are definitely the toughest. Any breastmilk that they are getting is fabulous and if you need to supplement w/ formula that is definitely ok. When my boys were 9 months, I started making my own homemade formula using the Sally Fallon recipe from the Weston A. Price foundation. It was a little overwhelming for me at first, but once I made a few batches, I had it down to a science and it was SOOOOO easy. Here is the link if you are interested: http://www.westonaprice.org/children/recipes.html
I would be happy to talk with you offline as well if you have any questions about it.

Hi S.,

I don't have twins, but I can say that babies often fall asleep when breastfeeding (your body heat and scent are soothing and cozy). When I was having issues with breastfeeding, the lactation nurse said that you can have them nurse without clothes, which helps them stay alert and if they start to get sleepy, change positions or "squirt" more milk in their mouth, so they remember what they are doing.

Hope this works for you. Good Luck!

You can do it! I've only breastfed a single, but she's now 13.5 months and still an avid breastfeeder. One thing I did with her early on when she would fall asleep on the breast was give her a "milkshake". I would jiggle my breast slightly while it was still in her mouth. The movement seemed to prompt her to keep sucking so it didn't fall out. Other than that, it might be worthwhile to get in touch with "mother's of multiples", la leche league, or your local hospital's lactation consultant. Any of these should be able to offer you information, resources, and encouragement. Keep trying and just remember that every drop of breastmilk that your little ones get is beneficial!

www.emoms.org (Eastside Mother's of Multiples)
www.llli.org (La Leche League International)

My friend has twins so I know from her there is a support group in the area for parents of twins or multilples. If you Google it, I am sure you can find it. Good luck!!!

You are trying to breastfeed 100% and be the best mom you can be. That's very admirable. But you shouldn't stress yourself out if the babies won't follow your ideal plan. Since they are getting enough pumped milk they should be fine. There are many other ways to bond besides breastfeeding. Wearing them will be great for the bonding too. Either way you can be a great mom.

I have twin two year olds and started out with the intention of exclusively breastfeeding mine. One of my twins really wasn't excited about breastfeeding. He just love, love, loved the bottle. I was persistent, though, and was able to keep him mostly nursing almost to the six month mark - but I had to start nursing him before he got hungry. (If he was hungry, he was beyond upset and wouldn't be able to latch on.) My other twin was what my mother called a "booby baby" because he really loved nursing. (He'd probably STILL be nursing today if I'd let him!)

Do you have a twin nursing pillow? Being able to nurse both babies at the same time really does cut down on the amount of time you have to devote to feeding them.

Twins run in my family like you wouldn't believe, so I had all kinds of advice and encouragement. The bit of information that I clung to - and was true, is that the first eight weeks are the hardest. After that, things really do begin to get easier. And, after six months, things actually get a little bit easier because they really start focusing on each other. (And their little conversations with one another are unbelievably adorable!)