To stop or carry on advice please

[alwayssomeoneworse]

I'm currently ebf my twins 4months but I'm debating whether to move to ff. I have a 2year old as wel and its getting a bit much for me. I ebf ds1 for 8months but it was just me and him so I could express when he napped so me and my dh could have time together. And my mum would have him for 2hours or so This time i have no time to express so i haven't had a break and I'm feeling pretty worn down. I'm worried that if I do go onto bottles it will be even worse with all the washing etc my husband is at work 60 hours plus so I will still do the main slog but it would me nice to know I have freedom if I wanted it. I'm 23 and just feeling pretty overwhelmed at the mo. any advice on moving to ff from bf was it worth it or should I wait 2months when I know it gets so much easier. One twin sleeps through the other is awake most of the night. Any advice or hand holding appriciated.

[ticklebug74]

Wow, you have done amazingly to bf as long as you have. You should feel very proud.

Have you thought about maybe introducing one bottle of formula a day to give yourself a break. It does not have to be all or nothing, plenty of mums mixed feed.

Good luck with whatever decision - do what's best for your family.

[Nancy54]

Hi, I'm breast feeding my 19 week old twins too. I don't have a toddler on top so massive respect to you!
I thought I may switch to ff at three months cos I found it really tough at first but actually when three months came around I just felt like it would be a total gaff to switch what with sterilizing etc as you say. Plus, I know it's better for them etc
However, I introduced an evening bottle of ebm of formula

[Nancy54]

Oops posted too soon....
I introduced an evening bottle of ebm of formula pretty early on and I really felt that took the pressure off. Could you try that?
My girl now refuses the bottle (arg) but the boy still takes it so dp gives him one befor bed so I don't have to feed both. Don't know if this is an option for you as you say dh works a lot but maybe you could get someone else to help?

Do you tandem feed them? I bought the "my brest friend twins" breast feeding pillow which has been a real lifesaver. Means I can feed them both at the same time so saves a lot of time and means you don't leave one crying and waiting to be fed.

Hope that helps!

[Nancy54]

I meant faff, not gaff!

Also just wanted to say that now I don't bother with ebm, just formula cos haven't got time to express etc and I suppose you don't either!

[Aspiemum2]

I think you've done amazing to get this far with twins. I only managed a few weeks!
I agree with the pp, a bottle of formula once a day would be a good compromise if you feel ok about doing that.
It wouldn't have to be the evening one, would your dm have them for a couple of hours sometimes and they could have formula then?

Ours are 9 months and so far nobody has agreed to babysit - they're all too nervous wimps

[alwayssomeoneworse]

Thanks for all for your advice. Yes I tandem feed but I'm finding they keep wiggling and latching onto each others head etc lately bit of a nightmare. I think il introduce a afternoon bottle and go from there. Hopefully mix feeding will bring me back sanity. Then that's only two bottles to wash up not 10.

[Drladybird]

Wow- breastfeeding twins is such an achievement. I've such respect for all you ladies with twins out there! Have you tried getting in touch with the Breastfeeding network to see if they can advise? I've always found their support invaluable so it's become my first port of call for any issues, small or large.