Breastfeeding Twins - Mobile, AL

I am also a mother of twins(both girls). They are 10 years old now. I tried breastfeeding and it was "hard" to say the least. I was able to breastfeed in the hospital, but it seemed like that it was a constant thing. The only advice I can give is to be patient, get them on a strict schedule and good luck. If you ever need advice, I'm happy to talk. Thanks!

hi i was pregnant with twins a boy and a girl but lost my baby boy at 31 weeks...i was going to breastfeed them both but didnt have the chance so just breastfed my daughter...anyways what i was going to do with the twins was why they are still small you can breastfeed them both at the same time one on each side....or you can do one at a time but one on one side then when that ones finished you can put the pther baby on the other side...also sometime breastfeeding doesnt work for everyone...if it doesnt work for you...you can always pump and put the milk in a bottle i had to do that some with my daughter to me it doesnt matter how they get the breast milk just as long as they get it....hope this helps...if there is anything else you would like to know just ask ill try my best to answer

A.,
I am an IBCLC and I would be more than happy to help you with breastfeeding!
My pre-birth suggestions are: 1)Find and visit your local La Leche League Group. If you attend while pregnant, you will have the opportunity of seeing babies breastfeed, and then you will know what "normal" looks like.2) Cook and freeze as many meals as possible so that the first weeks after the babies arrive you can really focus on healing and being a mother.
My post-birth suggestions are 1) Remember that breasts are miraculous things... the more milk is taken out, the more they make... so put the babies to breast as soon as possible after delivery and allow them nurse on their schedule for the first few weeks. 2)Accept all offers of help and have a chore list ready to offer those who ask what they can do.
Let me know if you have any specific questions - I have answers :)
L. G

I would ask for a lactation consultant in the hospital and emphasize your desire to breastfeed. You may even want to meet with them ahead of time and get more information about what to expect etc. You can usually find them through the family education links on the hospital pages. Most insurance companies cover this service.

Congratulations!! I have a friend who was due the same time as me and she had twin boys. Knowing how much work one is, I have a newfound respect for her and her energy! The good news is they'll keep you busy! Losing the weight was NO problem for her. I know she ended up getting her husband to take every second night feeding. She would pump extra during the day, so he would have bottles for the night. I'm not sure how you feel about formula, but you can always substitute with it on a night feeding when someone else does the feeding. Or, what I did, if I couldn't pump enough was use half breast milk and half formula. They're safe to mix. I don't recommend giving them a bottle within the first two weeks though as they can have nipple confusion. The first 2 weeks will be exhausting, but take all the help you can get!
Breastfeeding can hurt at first. You need to give it a good 2 weeks before your nipples start to adjust. It may be one of the hardest things you do, but believe me it is so worth it! I used to cry sometimes because my nipples were so chaffed and it hurt for my daughter to latch on, but it gets better!!! I don't want to scare you, but I do want you to be prepared! I know a lady who wished someone had told her it got better, because she gave up in the first 2 weeks. Use plenty of lansinoh cream (you can leave it on when nursing, it won't hurt the baby) and get the lansinoh breastpads, they're the best! You can get them with cream in them or without. Also, when you do give them a bottle, try to find one that resembles your nipple the best. Go shopping with the shape of yours in mind and check out all the nipples!
I used the advent portable (not-electric) breast-pump. It took a few days to get used to it, but it works for me and fits in my regular purse for when I'm out and need to use it! My co-worker rented an electric one from the hospital and she says it works okay. However, it takes longer and is MUCH bulkier.
Finally, don't forget to call your lactation consultant at the hospital whenever you have a question! They're very reassuring and are there 24/7 when you need them!
I hope this was somewhat helpful, I know I needed this info when I was pregnant! Good luck and I know you'll be great!

A.~ I breastfed all 3 of my boys for a very long time! The best advice I can give is be prepared BEFORE the babies get here! Don't give up, and when you deliver, DEMAND that the babies be able to nurse within the first hour! Also, find a good lactation consultant and get to know her before the babies get here, so that you will be relaxed w/ her if she needs to help you with positioning, etc. If possible, find someone to watch breastfeeding. Did you know that in countries where formula isn't available the success rate for breastfeeding is almost 100% because girls grow up seeing people breastfeed!
Don't listen to negative comments about breastfeeding, it is hands down the best choice to make! Formula is gross and not good for your baby at ALL! And you can do it!!!! YOU CAN DO IT!! Good luck and God bless!
~B.

I can't offer advice on nursing twins, but I've nursed all four of my kids. Don't give up! I didn't realize that it takes a couple of days for the milk to come in. Good for you! Don't let anyone tell you "you can't nurse here" - your babies can eat wherever they need to! I have friends who got a lot of support through La Leche, but I could never get them to call me back. Good luck!

I recomend hiring a lactation consultant. Go to breastfeeding classes if you can. You'd think it would be easy but it isn't easy for everyone. Also, don't forget if you can't breastfeed pumping may be good. I pumped for my son since I couldn't get him to latch on. If you do pump buy a good one. Nothing battery operated. Medela Pump in Style or rent one from the hospital.

I also have twin boys. I have successfully breastfed them both at the same time, but one prefers the bottle. He was born a little smaller and had trouble with the sucking technique. Definitely feed them at the same time (one after the other is fine too) so they are on the same feeding schedule. This will give you time to sleep, which I strongly reccomend, when they are sleeping. That is VERY important! I didn't the first week and it wore me out (affects your milk production, too). Eat plenty of calories for 3 (you and the boys!). A friend of mine has 5 month old twins and she still breast feeds them both, Good luck and Congratulations!

If you need one, don't buy a cheap pump! Buy a good one (medela). Your boobs will thank you!

Hi~ I had a friend that nursed her twins until they were 2 1/2!!!! At first she did the football hold and nursed them at the same time. As they got bigger she would lay down and let them come up on either side and nurse at the same time. Good luck. Patience and practice is key, oh yeah and getting enough calories and water is vital also in making sufficient milk! Congrats on the new babies.~C.

Hi A.,
I have never nursed twins but I breastfed my first and am currently breastfeeding my second. I would sugest reading "So that's what they are For!" by Janet Tamaro. It is a humorous and entertaining book about breastfeed basics, it makes learning about it interesting, with good information and down-to-earth answers to all things breast related and she also gives advise with nursing multiples.