that if you're going to ask how I plan to feed my babies, the least you can do is be supportive?

[MamaChris]

Three times this week I've had someone ask how I plan to feed my babies (twins) when they are born. I reply I plan to feed them myself. And what I'd really like in response is a "good plan" or something else encouraging. Instead, I've had a screwed up face and explanations of why I should mix feed (twice, one health care professional, one woman who'd just told me how proud she was to be exclusively feeding her dd) and once why I shouldn't even consider it because it will psychologically damage ds.

I haven't started the discussion any time, but if someone is interested enough to ask, surely they should appreciate that, particularly with the babies due very soon, I would appreciate a positive response? If I'm crazy, I will find out in good time. And if you're a friend or health care professional, you can support me then, rather than telling me why it'll never work before I've even started.

YANBU.

Good for you!

And, fwiw, you'll get loads of support on here - especially from marslady (presume she's still here?)

Good luck with the littlies when they arrive

we need mars on this thread. she'll see you right!

it is a fantastic plan....and you will make enough milk and it will be ok!

YANBU YANBU YANBU YANBU YANBU!

Congratulations!!!!

thanks both. mars has already told me I can do it, and I fully believe I can :)

I just wish people wouldn't presume I'd want to know if they think I can't!

What a fantastic plan! Well done you. A lady on my postnatal thread exclusively breastfed her twins (and always sounds like she found it thoroughly rewarding and enjoyable) - will point her in this direction!

I don't know why anyone would ask and then be negative, how pointless. FWIW, I think that if someone says they are going to bottle feed, they should not get a negative response either. If you are not going to be supportive, don't ask the question!

Congratulations!

absolutely serendippy! (very glad IANBU)

People just love to be negative...!

YANBU in the slightest - good luck with your twins!

In my experience there is something about having a baby (or babies ) that makes people feel entitled to criticise all sorts of decisions you make - how you give birth, how you feed, how you sleep, how you wean...

YANBU, but get used to it .

I had twins and was told repeatedly that it would be "impossible" to breasfeed them. I exclusively fed them myself for the first 6 months and continued until they were 16 months. It's entirely possible so don't take any notice. Congratulations - twins are brilliant!

Good for you. There is no reason not to have a go. I am going to show off a bit now, but this is by way of saying that I am sure you can make enough milk for two!

When DS1 was born I had so much milk, it used to literally pour out of one side when he was on the other. I used to regularly collect up to 10oz in breast shells several times a day. I had to pour it away as I had more than I could use in bottles. My supply gradually decreased when my boobs realised there was only one baby to feed, thank goodness as I was permanently soaking wet, stank of milk and it was making me miserable. However 2 babies would have been no problem.

As with all BFing, I think you need to give it at least a month to start off with as it does take a while to get into the swing of it. But it gets so much easier with practice! Good luck.

YANBU! I have twins - now 5 so big girls - but you can do it (or at least you can give it a go and see how you get on). Anyone who says otherwise doesn't know what they are talking about . Good luck you're a lucky mum-to-be - twins are fab!

"psychologically damage ds"??? Where'd they get that idea from?

Thanks for all the positive responses - just what I needed today :)

TLC on the basis that it will take up so much time, I won't have any left for ds (2.7)

I know breastfeeding twin mums with older children too who certainly haven't been "psychologically damaged" by the experience! Certainly no more than the usual shock of suddenly having to share parents with a new younger sibling anyway!

Highly recommend one of these btw and if you can get the hang of feeding them both together in the double football hold, you'll be sorted!
www.sisseluk.com/product/uk/en/c-sitting_wedges_back_supports_and_stools/s-comfort_support/232_sissela_comfort.php

YANBU!

It's absolutely possible to bf twins and going in with a positive attitude such as yours is a really good place to start off from.

excellent plan - my friend did and loved it. She always recommended the "underarms" position.

What really shits me about this kind of attitude, is not so much that you dont get support - that does give me the shits, but in a different sort of way - but the fact is if you are determined and have no unpassable obstacles thrown in your way, then you will do it regardless of whether you have support. But that if some kind of obstacle did come your way which for some reason was unpassable - can't think of one, god forbid some medical problem or just something that did genuinely make it not fully possible, then these people will almost be "I told you so" so what you are getting is lack of support, but added pressure which you dont need.

So in theory it shouldn't make an iota of difference but it just adds this slightly dark cloud of having to that wasn't there before just to show them

I'm speaking more from my own experience - its a matter of attitude really - but its an attitude I felt in myself when I had people tell me there were various things to do with child rearing that were unrealistic or idealistic.

Grrr.

All the best, you'll be fine.

I'm the older sister of EBF twins. Can't say it psychologically harmed me. My mum chose to BF at least in part because she could feed both babies simultaneously and have more time for me.

Ahh, OP, thanks for clearing that up about your DS. When I first read it I thought maybe people were saying that bfing a boy would be psychologically damaging.

Do what you think is right by your family and your own views. Tell the negative people to keep their noses out of your business.

The fortunate thing is that you don't need their permission.

Might be worth reminding them of that point in case they have forgotten.

It is possible to do this pleasantly, but you don't have to if it's more fun.

YANBU

My friend had twins - over 7 lb each . She breastfed them exclusively - just eat and drink lots!

is achievable,but hard work.congratulations

Of course you can breast-feed twins - and you don't need anyone's permission or 'helpful advice'. I breast-fed my twins until they were nearly a year old, despite my Mum (a health visitor!) telling me beforehand that I wouldn't be able to and offering to give them bottles at every opportunity. La Leche League have a really good leaflet about how other people can support a mother who's breast-feeding twins by the way.