I know it's possible but I just wanted an idea of how here actually do BF their multiples.
With my first a singleton I gave up after a 6 weeks due to fatigue and pressure from my mum(who only bottle fed her kids.

This time round I was determined I was going to try and stick to it until I discovered it was twins.
Dear old mother still laughs at me when I suggest this!

Any one else have luck BF.

Fiona..


<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/days/051020/0/17/1/+9.5" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

I managed it for 10 weeks & switched to formula due to my 2 having colic & reflux plus I had a almost 3yr too.

Nee bf her triplets for almost 2yrs, I think!

I'm sure some more mums will reply soon.

Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

Cheers

Justine
Nick
[img]http://www.geocities.com/jussy227/bht.txt[/img]

It's very possible to BF twins. There are lots of women here that have. I breastfed mine till 8.5 mths & only stopped b/c they weaned themselves!

If you have any questions, ask away

Belinda

Hi Fiona,
I have b/f my twins successfully. I had some trouble initially establishing my supply and used an electric breast pump to help build up my supply (this was also handy as it meant I had some extra milk stashed in the freezer). It probably took about 6 weeks to get things working smoothly.

Initially I fed them together on a twin feeding pillow which was much quicker however from about 6 months I have been feeding them one at a time as they only take about 5 minutes each now. initially i remember having trouble getting them to attach properly but after 3 months they just got on and off themselves.

Whenever I am out and need to feed I do one at a time. Twin feeding is not very discreet LOL..

In the early stages I found I was quite tired but I'm not sure how much of that was b/f and how much was just having twins.

I have really enjoyed b/f and am hoping to keep going for a while longer.

I think the main thing is to remember there is lots of help out there if you want to b/f and are having any difficulty (eg tresillian). It makes it harder when your family are not supportive...

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy and feel free to ask any questions you have along the way



Julie
DS Luke 6/8/04
DD Jenna 6/8/04

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/baby1/050806/3/18/0/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

I LOVED breast feeding my two.

It was very difficult to begin with. I had terribly cracked nipples (lots of blood and pain when feeding) but it only took around a week to get it all under control. I stayed in hospital for 7 nights to ensure I had it right before leaving.

I was terrified of tandem feeding, only ever tried a few times and ended up so stressed and upset I never did it again.

I fed each Boy individually (If I was on my own I put the other in a rocker by my feet so I could rock them and keep them happy). I fed whoever screamed loudest first and alternated which side they had (only one side each per feed).

We fell into a really easy routine quite quickly.

I realise I was very lucky that this worked for me. I have spoken to so many Mums who couldn't feed for various reasons. I was very determined I would do it and I was way too lazy to be organised enough to bottle feed with all the prep and clean up.

I fed the Boys until Cam was 15 months and one day gave me up and I continued to feed Josh for another month or so before deciding it was silly and weaned him too.

It doesn't work for everyone and I am a firm beliver that you can only do what works for you and stuff what others think!

I hope you get to do what feels right for you!



Jo, Mummy to Cameron and Joshua 21/06/01


Jo....had to edit your post and take your siggy out cause the coding was wrong and had sent the page haywire.

This message was edited by Nee on Tuesday, 24 May 2005 @ 11:17 PM

I love breastfeeding my girls, and I really want to continue 12 months+ if I can. But my DH and my family are all supportive, which makes a big difference. Don't let your mother discourage you if it's what you really want to do!

Breastfeeding seems so much more easy and convenient than mucking around with formula and bottles and sterilisation etc, although the downside is that no one else can feed them and give you a break!

Good luck!

Narelle

i kept thinking of that chapter in the 'twins' book. sixteen bottles on the bench... thats a good enough incentive to give it a good go. i bf my girls to 9 & 12 months respectively. Amber weaned herself at 9 months. and seriously only the 1st week when youre learning how to attach was difficult.

Fed them together until they got too big then separately after that as they only took 5-10 minutes to feed anyhow. Never found feeding them together difficult as you get it al over and done with and the girls took ages to feed in the early days. Most nights DP would find me asleep in the nursery with a babe on each boob.

Give it a go. It's great for the babies and it's FREE!!!!!!!(the only thing to do with twins that is) And you can spend the money you save on formula for takeout instead..

Good luck and hope you can get the support you need.

Rebecca 31
Nathan 28
Fraternal twin girls Amber & Olivia 08/05/03

My twins will be one on Thursday and I'm still breastfeeding them both. I fed my first two sons until they were 18 months and 2.4 years in that order. Hoping to feed the twins for at least 18 months.
I also had a harder time getting my supply up with these two and it took about 4 weeks and a lot of expressing with a electric pump until my body made anough for two babies. It was the wonderful women in here that kept me going when I was exhausted, losing heaps of weight, and felt like quitting.
It is very do-able with the support of your DH and family, and the best thing you can do for your babies.

Dolph

Mum to
DS Bailey 5
DS Jesse 3
DD/DS Summer & Taylor 26.5.04

Step-Mum to Elodie & Brooke

I found it difficult at first, especially since my girls were tube fed for 10 days and we had to gradually introduce b/f. I told myself I would do it for 6 weeks, then I got there and I thought 3 months, then until they started solids...in the end I lasted for 13 months!

I twin fed them as they were slow feeders and if I fed them one at a time I would have done nothing else! It was nice quiet time for the 3 of us and once we were well set up I found I could do it with no hands - leaving them free for the TV remote, phone, good book, lunch etc. I used to put a 'go away' sign on the front door too so I didn't have to stress about getting up to answer it in the middle of a feed.

In the beginning they needed top up feeds (with formula) at lunch and bed time due to being 35 weekers and just washing and prepping 4 bottles a day was enough for me to be put off full time bottle feeding - plus I actually found it more awkward to bottle feed than b/f 2 at a time. It was useful that they could take bottles as well though as I would use bottles when out (both in the pram or hand one off to a willing helper).

I think the best advice is not to put too much pressure on yourself, get some help from a lactation consultant when in hospital and then relax and enjoy it.

Nicolie

DDs Paige & Hannah (23/09/03)

Hi! I'm also still breastfeeding my 14m old twins. I said when I started I'd be happy to get to 3 months, then 6 and we just kept going. We are down to just two bfs a day now, morning and night. The girls are happy to have a cup the rest of the time.

If you are determined to do it then do it...don't let anyone tell you it can't be done...your body is designed for that very purpose.

I'm much like the others...just the thought of all those bottles to wash everyday was enough to scare my milk into production I think LOL! Of course everyone has a different situation and ultimately you must decide what is best for all of you. Also our girls had formula top ups in hospital while my milk supply built up, and we continued with an evening bottle for some months. It is quite OK to top up here and there and many people successfully combo feed.

Breastfeeding is quick, clean and efficient. Always ready "on tap". Look, sometimes in the early days I just felt like a milk machine and it does take a certain a mount of committment and dedication, but once things are established it can be the most rewarding experience. It can be painful at times (cracked nipples, blocked ducts etc) that may just require a little extra grit and determination to get through those days! It can also be a great way to comfort, a quick feed and a cuddle to sooth a crying baby.

My MIL still can't believe that I'm feeding the girls...she bottlefed her children. Back then there wasn't really a choice, it was considered best, and many people of that generation find it hard to accept that babies who are breastfed get properly nourished. And yet my grandmother congratulates me everytime I speak to her, for doing such a wonderful job!!!!!

I say give it a go!!!! Just tell your mum you are doing what is best for your babies...exactly what nature intended. I sound like a bf nazi, but I'm not. I'm very much in fave for whatever works. As long as the babies get what they need!

Double hugs from Sharyn
Mum to Meg14/4/99
Hannah & Josie 22/3/04 (33 wks)
DH David



k

Wow thanks everyone for the responses, very encouraging to hear.
I made DH read all the responses just so he knows what we are all in for and so he can keep me going when/if things get tough.

I'm sure to post more questions as they arise.

Fiona

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/days/051020/0/1/1/+9.5" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

I got sooooooooooooooooo angry at my dad tonight when he told me how the babies will have to be on bottles as 'They will survive on bottles but you could never survive with no sleep trying to keep up with feeding 2'. When I cracked it he told me he was being realistic and within 2 weeks of the birth I would be exactly the same and he can do the 'I told you so'. Basically I was told I was nuts for considering breastfeeding (wait till everyone hears I want to use cloth as well!)

Cat & Nath
Finally BFP on ICSI attempt#1. TWINS due end December.

As you can see there are mothers of multiples who b/f successfully (and for some time) - and I think it's great that the expectant mums are learning everything they can about b/f - but please go easy on yourselves and be prepared to rethink your plans if they're not working for you or your babies. I'm not trying to discourage you or say it can't be done - just to remember that the best laid plans can go awry and if, for some reason, you find that b/f (or any of your other plans) isn't the way for you and your babies, be open to changing your plans. We can put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be the "perfect mothers" but sometimes we have to change our vision of what is the right way for our families.

Sorry if anyone thinks I'm anti-b/f - I'm not, I'm just remembering that when it didn't work for me and I moved to 100% formula after 6 weeks, I needed all the support I could get to tell me I was a good mother and that not b/f wasn't the end of the world.



Maree

Eleanor 1/8/03
Harriet 1/8/03

This is something I thought I could never do but when the time came I couldnt wait to have a go! It was hard for the first few days cracked, bleeding nipples etc but the advantages were there for sure. To look into both their eyes at the same time was amazing. DH was amazed and really supportive and proud of me. Brooklen developed an intolerance to Lactose and now I am bottle feeding her and Breast feeding Hayden. I am having a hard time deciding what to do whether to put them both on Lactose free or keep one and one.

I had such a negative view on twin feeding and thats why i wanted to prove myself and my doubts wrong and it was the best 5 weeks having both of them feeding together. I would express if we had to go out too far, as its not easy in public. Still I feed both of them together at night every now and again, as I miss Brooklen!! LOL, I have a big decision to make and everytime I look into Haydens eyes it gets easier to say keep going!

Try it for sure, I didnt have advice on getting the pillow to start with but I know from the mulitiple mums here and on Eb it is handy. You could possibly get one second hand also.

You will suprise yourself and why not - god gave us 2 boobs LOL......Its not for everyone, but only you will know.



Haylie & Phillip
DSD ~ Ebony
Hayden Phillip ~ 21.3.2005
Brooklen Lily ~ 21.3.2005

Haylie - Love that line. I used it when the boys were young and people asked how you managed with twins. Well two babies and we have 2 boobs! Conicidince really!

Catnat - Belated congratulations on your twin pregnancy and welcome to twins and multiples. Sorry to hear you got some negative opinions on breastfeeding twins. It can be done and if you can do it is amazing.

My boys were born early at 33 weeks and were tube fed and I expressed to try and keep up. They used dummies in the SCN to encourage sucking. When we left hospital after 3 1/2 weeks I was twin feeding every 4 hours and topping up with formula if needed.
At 12 weeks, I the boys were strong enough and had built up supply enough they dropped formula and picked a boob each which they had all to themselves till they weaned themselves a week before they turned 1.
I loved the experience, It was tiring but we managed. The boys slept through at 7 months but I loved the night feeds, lots of cuddles!
In hindsight, I should have given DH the boys with 1 bottle of formula just so I could have a break but did'nt think of it at the time!

Julie - Twin feeding isnt beind out isnt particulary discreet. I had to feed the boys one day in the passanger seat of the car as the dummies were not woking and the people parked next to me went to leave and smiled, then realised there were 2 heads and they were so amazed they said they had never seen twins being fed. Makes you feel proud.

Maree - Like Renee said, I doesnt matter how they are fed, as long as they are loved is all that matters.

Rhonda 25
DH 38
Jackson and Hayden 21/1/04