FTM with twins - early c section, can I still breastfeed?

[Cosmogirl86]

I'm hoping to get advice from experienced mothers!

I'm carrying a set of twins and due to complications, I'll be delivering at 36 weeks by elective c section.

These are my first babies and I really want to breastfeed. But I'm scared I won't be able to! What if my colostrum doesn't come in on time? How will I know when it's in? Will my body know babies are delivered if its a section? Will it be too early for them to suck?

I have so many questions and won't see midwife until next week

I'm not an expert but I know round here they offer support with colostrum harvesting at breastfeeding support sessions. I didn't do it, but something you could consider. You can obviously do it by yourself but do get advice, as I think there is a small risk of inducing labour if done early.

Colostrum will already be there! Your body starts making it during pregnancy. Once your twins start to feed on the colostrum that will stimulate your milk coming in after a few days. Definitely speak to your midwife, and look up support in your area (eg NHS breast feeding support; La Leche League, etc) in case you need it soon after birth.

I started expressing colostrum when still pregnant but not sure if it’s advised before 36 weeks.
I have 2 friends with twins, both by c-section. 1 delivered at 38 weeks, one twin EBF, the other had a couple of weeks bottle feeding but then latched.
Other friend delivered at 34 weeks, she expressed for the first few weeks as twins were in special care but once strong enough they both learnt to latch.
It’s definitely possible. Lots of skin to skin would help I’d imagine. Good luck!

Thank you for all the information ladies! It's reassured me that it's at least possible!

I would try to hand express Colostrum - get advice and watch videos.

Not saying this to scare you at all as unlikely it will happen to you but I lost some blood during my c section and mine seemed to dry up... I wish I had hand expressed before.

Went on to breastfeed, my milk cam through so don't worry

Good luck 💐

I fed my twins who were born by csection at 38 weeks. You definitely can do it (if there are no extenuating circumstances) but it's very hard. Even if you manage a few days or weeks it'll benefit both you and the babies, so it's well worth trying. Every feed will count towards developing their immune system too.
I would strongly recommend reading la leche league's book: the womanly art of breastfeeding. You should also invest in a good pump to express between feeds, or on the other wife whilst feeding one baby, to increase your supply.

Try to feed from the breast as much as possible (it will be nearly all the time for several weeks) and top up with your own milk/colostrum using a syringe, if you want to. Avoid formula top ups unless really necessary, to ensure you get your supply up (it's supply and demand: the more you feed, the more you'll make).

The la leche league helpline will also be invaluable. Expect hiccups and challenges! I fed twins and had lots of difficulties, but it was well worth it.

Learn to sleep lying down and read up in safe co-sleeping. Your partner will need to read up too, and not drink/smoke. It will mean you'll get a lot more sleep.

Other tips:
Decent feeding pillow
Cloth sling to comfort them in between feeds
Sleep at any opportunity. Don't wait, just lie down and rest.
Limit guests and don't expect to go out for more than a short walk for some weeks.
Drink loads of water! Have easy to drink from bottles next to you when you feed as you'll be very thirsty, and it's hard to reach for stuff.
Don't worry about changing nappies in the night. Use lots of nappy cream.

Things to buy:
Multi mam compression pads for healing nipples berween feeds
Nipple shields to give nipples a break if getting sore
Warmable gel pads to ease engorgement (look this up in the la leche book in advance so you know what to do to help yourself)
4-6 bras
Washable breast pads
Nipple shells are comfortable between feeds
Breast pump
Tops you can just lift up to feed
Peppermint tea to ease trapped wind after csection. Prunes to avoid constipation after anesthetic.
Easy ready meals and snacks. Have snacks and water next to your bed too.

Sorry if my message is a garbled mess, I'm a bit tired!!

When my twins were delivered early by section one was taken to intensive care for the first night and the other taken to special care. They were tube fed formula whilst we were all separated but the midwives helped me to hand express colostrum and took it to them in a syringe which was put into their feed tubes.

Then when we were all in special care together they pulled each others tubes out (little monkeys ) so we did cup feeding with formula until my milk came in and then the midwives helped me to pump milk and breast feed when they were strong enough to start.

They were then mix fed from then on so breast feeding and then topping up with formula when needed.

Best of luck to you - twins are great!!

Ladies - thanks so much. There is so much good advice here. I will definitely get the womanly art of breast feeding and stock up on supplies. I have weeks yet to get organised!

I didn't realise pumping was important. I figured it was the demand of baby that triggered supply! But it makes perfect sense, if they can't feed much then pumping will stimulate supply! I feel so silly, so much to learn.

I'm not sure about Co sleeping, I don't think I'll do that. But the twins will sleep on their own surfaces very close by my bed

Have you got a local twins and multiples group? Ours was such a help and they had double pumps they lend out for free - along with loads of other equipment, they're also a great support network, groups, a sales Facebook group for selling on things very reasonably with a goal of helping other parents of multiples. They also organise nights out!! Definitely worth a look on TAMBA to find your local group.

We didn't co sleep - they shared a Moses basket right next to our bed and we just got them out for feeding. We tried putting them in one Moses basket each but they wouldn't settle alone - they had shared a hospital cot and wanted each other close.
We tried separating them at various points but they wouldn't have it! We did find though that because they had each other, when they woke in the night looking for comfort, they were happy to see the other baby right there and usually went straight back to sleep if they didn't need a bum change or feed.

I'm so excited for you! When are you due?

I breastfed my twins who were born at 35.5 weeks. Do get support.
One of my twins couldn’t suck properly so I had to express for her

There is a tamba group where I live so I'll definitely be in touch!

My babies will be here in July! I know I'm probably too early to be worrying about all this, but lm hoping that being prepared will make it all less overwhelming

There should be no reason you can't breastfeed, I gave birth to my DD at 25 weeks and now she's 18 weeks and has never needed formula. Like the others have said pumping is super important but your body knows the babies are there and will make the milk for them. It can be hard but it's possible, good luck 😃