Seeking Successful Breastfeeding Stories--especially About Twins or Multiples!

I successfully breastfed my twins for 12 months...and it was really the best experience ever! I had already had a daughter and nursed her for 13 months, so I really wanted to try with my twins. My twins were different, because they were smaller and needier at first. My daughter had never had any formula, but my twins did have a little and I had no guilt over it. With twins, you do whatever you can to survive in the first few weeks, but I quickly saw that nursing them was a great way to bond and relax. In the hospital it was awkward at first. For one, I had a planned c-section because one was breech, and that wasn't comfortable. But at home, I got to play around and find the right spot and the right position. For me, it was heads on the left, with feet to the right - like cradle on my left side and football on my right. I had one boppy on my left side for support, and then I sat in the corner of my couch with my left elbow on the arm rest and my right leg up with my right elbow resting on my mid-thigh, if you can picture it. This was easiest for me, and once I got it down, I couldn't even do it another way. It would've felt like writing my name with my left hand. I always nursed them at the same time, and anyone who has breastfed before knows the calm that comes over you that's part hormonal and part pure love. It was my rest time, to an extent. It takes a bit longer to get the routine down with twins. For me, I found it easiest to assign each baby their own breast for the day. After several months, they each just had their own breast, period. I didn't try to keep track of who gets what when. I never had outrageous engorgement issues, either...no different from when I nursed my single daughter, which I'd assume is normal. Once you've got your "position" down, you can breastfeed almost anywhere. Perhaps some of you moms saw me at Brookfield Zoo nursing on the benches by the dolphin show. I was practically my own exhibit. I'm serious, I really did nurse there all the time. I figured if I've seen zebras have sex there and gorillas masturbate (all true), I could nurse my twins there. I was practically in the wild anyway. I thought I chose a secluded spot but then that Motor Safari tram thing would drive by and honestly, I thought they'd say something about me over the intercom. Once you have twins, you can do pretty much anything. I didn't nurse them everywhere in public. Most of the time, it was hard to get out because it was just my then 4 year old daughter, my twins, and me, so where was I going to go realistically? But when I did go out, it wasn't an issue because if I had to, I could nurse one at a time when my husband was around. Only to save time, I almost always nursed both. I like the malls with the nursing rooms and the sitting areas. I chose a comfy couch at Woodfield once when they were about 6 months old, and a man came up to me and said, "Are they twins?" Startled by his voice over my shoulder, they both got wide-eyed and curious and then smiled, unleashing my nipples for public view. Then the poor man jumped back and actually knocked over his wife because HE was so startled. He turned beet red and said he was so sorry, he had no idea I was feeding them. So sometimes you have an accidental mishap that later is laughable, but the main point is that some man thought I had 2 babies sleeping in my arms and had no clue I was breastfeeding them. I did what I had to do, like any mom does, when their baby is hungry. It's not like I flung off my shirt and put up a sign, but I did nurse them. I used the v-neck nursing t-shirts from Motherhood mostly. And as far as sleep goes, I slept as well nursing twins as I did with my single daughter. I also think that bottle feeding, when I did resort to occasional formula (or pumped milk) at night, was actually harder. If my husband was around, it was easy because there were two of us, but if you're alone feeding them, it's hard. Before they can hold a bottle, it's hard to even prop them up with them, so you have to find a way to get them both upright enough to eat AND hold 2 babies and their bottles. I always thought it was easier to breastfeed. I also think that because they were so close to each other when I nursed them, they bonded quickly with each other. Sometimes when I'd nurse them, they'd hold hands with each other, or my son would rub his sister's head and those were some of the sweetest moments I've ever witnessed in my life. Especially because now at 22 months they chase each other and hit each other and scream "Mine!" in each other's face occasionally. Which brings me to my final point...the year went by so quickly. There were days that, at the time, felt very hard and very long, but looking back...they're just gone. The hardest times are in the past, and whatever I gave up in that first year to nurse them was worth it. I don't remember giving up anything very significant, but what I gained can't be described. And let me tell you, too, that eventually someone will say, "Twins? My God, you must've spent a fortune on formula the first year!" When you can tell someone, "Well, actually, I breastfed them," there is a real sense of pride that follows. So to your client, I would say, just try it. At some point, you felt like you wanted to, so give it a shot. Having a supportive husband is absolutely the most wonderful thing, and you can't lose anything in trying. Try to stick with it because you will never ever regret a single day that you breastfed your babies.

I agree with Regina as well. And I add...this new mom will be lucky to get any sleep at all, and breastfeeding is exhausting. We do so much to put pressure on ourselves, add in the guilt of the idea of less of a bond, and short changing her children's health and the expectations of everybody around her - seriously, consider the fact that this woman may not quite be ready to strap on a cape and be supermom. I think if you put the choice back into her hands and tell her 'try it, you can always stop, but you may enjoy it, and if you choose to go to formula, your babies will not be harmed by it, the fact is, you're a better mom when you are less stressed so the choice is yours.'

I think it's great that some mom's can breastfeed, but i cannot tell you how unfair it is that formula feeding moms are made to feel like they are putting poison into their babies - i had a woman tell me that my babies should have all died if i couldn't breastfeed - I find the real fanatics in the end, are not very nice people.

I have not read all the replies... but will put my 2 cents in. I breastfed my fraternal b/g twins for 7 1/2 months until for a job I had to give it up. Honestly for me... breastfeeding was easier and less time consuming than bottle feeding. I loved the bond and the chance and excuse to sit down and breathe. If you are not breastfeeding you will end up propping your kids up and doing chores... not best for mom or baby...
Obviously it takes some work at first and it is not exactly the most comfortable thing in the world... but it is priceless.
I will also say that when I had to quit (due to a job in which I could not pump at) That is when my little girl started to have digestion problems... so I know the breastmilk was better and easier on her. We are still trying to figure out her g/i problems. I know it may just be coincidence but still.
I hope this helps. If you get in conctact with me personally I'd be more than happy to talk with you or her. I am a very proud mother of 3 great kids. I have breast fed all 3 but the first was only for 3 months (she wanted to take my breast with her to go exploring... she weaned herself then lol). I will give you my number or email. I hope I helped some. :)

Perhaps she just wants to formula feed. Can't we be respectful of that? I did both breast and formula. It's not the end of the world!

You can only do so much to convince a mother--she's the mom and the one who can ultimately make the choice. I think it's the right thing to provide some success stories, but at the end of the day if she doesn't want to, she doesn't want to. It will only end up making her feel really guilty to more we moms push one way or the other.

I think it's interesting that people think it is okay for her friends to have talked her out of breastfeeding but not for you to talk her into breastfeeding when that was her original intention... kind of a double standard, we love to scare new moms with our horror stories... but I digress.

I don't have a BF multiples story myself, but I would recommend finding the nearest La Leche League and attending a meeting if possible before the birth or if not call the leader, get to know her a little, and that will be a great source of support. Also if you can find a moms of multiples club or message board for her to get more info.

I am also a doula (labor) and I do something similar to you- I usually tell moms who are ambiguous or having a hard time to try at least two weeks. Usually at two weeks the sore nipples, engorgement, fussiness, etc are over and mom is in somewhat of a routine so it seems less daunting. Also make it clear that she can choose whichever she wants, but the only way she can give Bf a try is to do it right away, it will be tough if she changes her mind two weeks after the birth.

Also, maybe you could connect with the lactation consultant at the hospital now and have her touch base before the birth and reassure her.

She can always do the breastfeeding at home, and expressed milk or formula when she is out. I bought one of those pillows made for breastfeeding twins, unfortunatley I was only able to breastfeed for 2 weeks as I had to be out on some meds for a health issue.

If she can breastfeed them at the same time that would be perfect, but if not maybe breast feed one and bottle feed the other, and then switch the next time.

However, it is her decision in the end, and a bond can be formed with the babies anyway you decide to feed them.

Do not make her feel bad if her decision is to formula feed.
I know it was hard for me to not be able to breastfeed my twins longer then 2 weeks, even though it was not by choice.

I didn't have twins, but I have been relatively successful with breastfeeding both sons. I work full time so I was pumping at work for daycare and nursing at home. My youngest suddenly refused to nurse from an ear infection so he's just drinking my expressed milk. SO, I pump ALL the time. Sure it can be a pain sometimes. I choose to get up in the middle of the night to keep my supply up - I don't have to. But, Dad helps a TON as he wants to keep our son on BM as long as possible. I stopped at 6 months with my first son because we were going out of town, my supply was low and dropping so I couldn't stash enough for him. I felt terrible. Not because outside influences made me feel that way, but I felt bad for ME. And I wasn't even "nursing" him, he was just getting EBM.

The engorgement wasn't that big of a deal. I just fed and pumped through it and it was done in about a week or so. My nipples hurt with my first son, but I used some Lansinoh and it was fine. With my second son, no nipple pain at all. He was a much more gentle nurser.

Really, when it comes down to it, it IS up to her (as I'm sure you are WELL aware of). But it's only fair for her to hear both sides before making a decision. I took a BF class at the hospital and it really, really opened my eyes to things that I never even knew. I'd suggest signing up for one of those.

Finally, aside from the above, two other things: 1) I'm in no means "petite" nor does weight fall off me without any effort, BUT I've lost all my baby weight plus 10 pounds and I had my son only 7 months ago. No dieting, no extra excercise (except chasing my boys around) so, BF-ing does help with that. And, 2) The cost of formula is pretty high. When I started my first son on it, it was about $20 for a large can and that lasted about a week - ten days. With twins...ouch.

All kidding aside there are a ton of benefits to breastfeeding. I TOTALLY understand and respect the decisions of those who don't, but I think it's a benefit for any Mom (that can) to at least give it a shot. What has she got to lose?

If she is anywhere near Algonquin, I would highly recommend this place: http://www.maternawellborn.com/index.html
They are located in downtown Algonquin and they are fabulous LC's. Maybe even prior to the birth, she could make an appointment to discuss her fears. I have 2 good friends that nursed their twins well past one year. It certainly can be done, with a little planning and help in the beginning.

I agree with Regina completely.

Yes, you're the doula and you're there to help her. Yes, we all know that breastfeeding is a great decision and it is wonderful that you and her husband are supportive.

In the end though, it is her body and should be her decision and you should be respectful of that. She will still have that irreplacable bond with her children even if she uses a bottle. I should know - I fed my child expressed breastmilk from a bottle for nearly 5 months and I still felt wonderful while cradling him during feedings.

Still encourage her but follow her lead and respect her choices. As someone who is supposed to support her, the worst thing you can do is make her feel guilty about making a decision that she feels is right for her situation.

Please please please contact me. I would be more than happy to share and talk with her or you. I do not have twins but I do tandem nurse a 2 1/2 and a 3 month old and my 2 1/2 yr. old nurses still around the clock. She wants to nurse EVERY time my baby does so I do know what keeping two fed at all times is like. I love it but it IS a LOT OF WORK! I can help her do it and give her encouragement. Just IM me privately for more info.

I didn't breastfeed my twins, I pumped for 4 weeks and and very early on supplemented with formula until my milk came in. I stopped because of medical issues but I really wished I had tried just breastfeeding as pumping and bottlefeeding was just too much.

I highly suggest joining a mothers of multiples groups. I am in such an organization and these women will understand what you are going through and offer support and advice like no one else can, especially how to get through those early months, breastfeeding or not. I am in a small group for playdates and there are 8 moms, half of which breastfed successfully for the first full year.

First of all, it's obviously her choice what she wants to do regardless of what any of us think, but I breast fed for about four months before I just couldn't do it anymore. I only had one son, and I also had a emergency c-section, so it's possible that breast feeding for me may have been a little bit more difficult than for a normal delivery because not only was i dealing with the feedings themselves, but i had tremendous pain from the surgery still... moving on... It's extremely more exhausting to breast feed than formula feed, however it is MUCH BETTER for the babies health wise to breast feed. You do honestly have to get up every couple of hours to feed, but on the bright side, if she gets a breast pump, she can pump through out the day and put the milk in the fridge and feed that way, but yes... engorgement is bad. It hurts a lot... IF YOU DON'T FEED OR PUMP!... a lot of women just complain and complain about the pain, but in all reality all you have to do is pump the milk and the pain goes away instantly. That's why i got a little portable breast pump and took it with me so I could still go out and do things. It can be a pain to carry a breast pump with you, but the way I looked at it was it's just going to prepare me for carrying a diaper bag everywhere when he's born anyways... either way works out just fine. Id say let her try breast feeding and if it's too much for her, she can always switch to formula feedings there is nothing wrong with either way she wants to go. Good luck and if you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

I have five, among them is a set of twins. I've BF all mine for six months exclusive then on to a year with solids. It was great. The first two-three weeks are hard because your getting used to it, but that's true with singles as well. My biggest problem with the twins was that I tried to tandem too early (like three days) and got sore nipples because I couldn't keep them latched properly, their necks weren't strong enough. As far as sleep goes, the first 3-4 months are bad for me with one or two, there's not much difference. After we do our Dr. Weissbluth sleep training at four months, we sleep great. Nursing in public is a little more tricky with two, but not prohibatively so. Those nursing blankets with the strap that goes around you neck are fantastic. Engorgement was actually better with the twins because my breasts were getting emptied more often. For the same reason I didn't leak nearly as much with the twins. BF is great for your body. I had a baby when I was 18 that I gave up for adoption that I did not nurse, and looking back after my first baby with my husband which I did nurse, it made a huge, I mean HUGE difference in my recovery as far as how much and how long I bled and felt miserable. It also took about three months before I was completely dried up and I figure if you're going to get engorged and leak forever anyway, you might as well BF. Good luck to your client and if you want anymore details or tips, let me know!

she could call La Leche League, or look on the website llli.org for leaders who have a specialty with breastfeeding twins.
HTH

I can't comment on breastfeeding twins but I can hopefully give some encouragement on breastfeeding from my experience.
Breastfeeding isn't easy at first, it is uncomfortable sometimes to the point of being painful but this is very temporary. Lack of sleep is just a part of motherhood. I became engorged 3 days after giving birth and I have to be honest with you I so wanted to give up but I didn't. I took a hot shower, put heat packs on my breasts, pumped and it took my little girl to free the milk. I am so glad I didn't give up.

As a Mother I am always going to be making sacrifices for my children and this was the first. I love breastfeeding it gives me an opportunity to slow down, hold, bond and admire my baby. I have been breastfeeding now for almost 9 months and every once and a while I still get engorged but nothing like the first time. Not only is breastfeeding best for my baby it has also been best for me. I am 5 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight and I didn't have post partum depression and I really believe it's because of breatfeeding.

As far as breastfeeding in public I do it all the time. There are more laws that protect breastfeeding mothers than ever before. For the first few weeks I didn't go out a whole lot only a few trips to Target, walks and to go to church. Once I was out more I used a sling which are wonderful
baby is already right there at breast so I could grogery shop and feed my baby at the same time. I also have a cover up that is like a shaw and a tank top nursing bra that is wonderful because I can use with any shirt for discreet nursing.

I hope this does encourage to at least try nursing. Yes it is challenging at first and even though you've heard horror stories those are someone else's horror stories but that doesn't mean that will be your experience. It is wonderful that you have made it almost full term with twins so hopefully your babies will be able to be put on your chest soon after being born. I wish you the very best, healthy babies and a wonderful birth experience.
C.