Breast feeding twins... and struggling

[Twinsandatoddler]

Hi. I have 4 week old twins (and an 18 month old) and am struggling with breast feeding the twins in all sorts of ways...

They are always hungry. In the last 24 hours I have fed constantly one after the other for about 12 hours. (This morning I fed constantly from 6am to 12pm). I?ve done this for 4 weeks now. Despite this, my Health Visitor said the babies are not gaining enough weight and suggested I introduce a formula feed in evening. I have done this a few times but am reluctant because I know it reduces milk production. But after 4 weeks you would think that the demand would have increased my supply.

I hate that one twin has to be left to cry (for up to an hour) while I feed the other). Also, as well as the twins I have a beautiful 18 month old son who needs my attention and I always feel guilty that I?m not able to give it to him. (I?ve tried feeding the twins together but just don?t have enough hands to get them in position and hold them there!)

When I express I get 1 oz in total from both breasts so don?t think I?m producing enough milk.

Breast feeding experts I?ve seen say the babies ?latch on? is fine but my nipples are red and sore and feeding usually hurts.

To top it all, today I have a very painful lumpy right breast with shooting pains...feels like something is blocked.

I never breast fed my son (following a difficult birth and a very bad 3rd degree tear, infections, etc) and really wanted to do it this time but I?m at my wits end.

Should I just give us all a break and give up the breast feeding? I would have more time for my toddler, will be able to feed them quicker and possibly even both together and know how much they are getting.

I?m a first time Mumsnetter just needing some advice from anyone who has experienced anything similar. Many thanks.

Firstly, just want to say congratulations on the birth of your twins.

I'm no way a bfeeding expert. But I DO know what a poor latch feels like (and what mastitis feels like???)

And, do not beat yourself up.

And, giving the odd bottle of milk does not mean that bf ends? (but experts might flame me for that)

ok.....

where are you? have a look here to see if you have a local LLL group. all the ones I have been to have been incredibly helpful and supportive

they may be able to give advice on feeding both babies at the same time, which would cut down on feeding times and also mean you wouldn't have to leave one to cry
i know there are some pillows designed for feeding twins on, and with some practice it may become easier?

the pain should not really be happening. so again, getting them both checked over and your latch and positioning checked again might help.
have they been checked for tongue tie? have you been looked at for signs of thrush?

i think you're doing amazingly well to have breastfed them when you also have an 18 month old to look after too! really, really great.

oh, and expressing is no sign of how much you are making so please don't worry about that

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/multiple_births/200905-breastfeeding-twins-any-advice/AllOnOnePage

I found this thread by googling, but if you do an advanced search with words "breastfeeding twins" then there may be more threads that might offer advice. Also I remember a poster (not sure she's still around) called Marslady, who had twins and breastfed them exclusively. She was also a doula.

I have only had singletons, so admit my knowledge very limited, but my first thought on reading your post was that the key has got to be practising the feeding-both-at-same-time thing. WOuld imagine that would instantly help time and resting wise.

Are there any twins clubs in your local area? They might be able to help?

Also I'd seriously consider calling the NCT breastfeeding helpline/LLL with regards to the latch (checking is OK). Or does your hospital have a breastfeeding counsellor? Our's has 2 and also there are drop-in breastfeeding clinics where you can go and have observed feed/help and advice on latching and other BF issues.

I do hope that you get the help you need - the early days are always tough in terms of learning and managing expectations re: sleep and so on, and that's tough with 1!

Congrats on the birth of your twns! I've just had my second set of twins and am mainly breastfeeding/pumping and bottlefeeding breastmilk but am also using the odd bit of formula too. There's loads of helpful twin mums on the multiples board - it might be worth posting there too for some advice about BF-ing twins.

What kind of breast pump are you using and how long are you expressing for? 1oz seems a v small amount to be pumping, just wondering if your machine is working properly.

Have you go a breastfeeding drop-in clinic near you? Lots of children's centres offer them. Try asking your midwife for phone numbers of BF counsellors too. And maybe see the doc for your mastitis - think antibiotics normally help v quickly. Good luck!

How are you doing twinsandatoddler?

Hope you're doing ok. Don't beat yourself up but if you do crack this, it will be loads easier than bottle feeding.. Eventually. Try and get someone to show you the tandem feed hold, you need a cushion (I used my brest friend and EZ2 nurse is great too despite both having such bad names). My early feeds took about an hour but by 3 months were down to 20 mins, all done. I only fed separately when we were out and about.
It is hard to get started but will make your life loads easier in the long run.

If you are worried about not producing enough milk, eat stacks and drinks even more! You need around 4000 calories a day to feed twins, I was told. Rest is also Important but with a toddler, vie no idea when you are supposed to do that!

When I stopped bf'ing at 10 months I found the whole bottle thing impossible, so can say from experience it really isn't the easier option you might think it is!

Have you called tamba's twin line? It is free... And brilliant.

Ditto a local twins club might be able to get a member round to you quickly..

Good luck!

How are you doing? I have no direct experience, but my Mum BF my twin DB and Dsis, she did both together initially by using a rugby ball hold (with their bodies under your arms) and always woke the other one to feed at the same time. After a few months, when they could hold their own heads up, she was able to do a double cradle hold.

I don't feel I have advice to offer but having read your post I really wanted to say a massive well done to you! you've done so well to breastfeed twins and with a toddler to look after. I'm seriously impressed, considering how hard it's been for you. I really hope that you're able to get through these hurdles and things get easier for you x