PMS and breastfeeding

[zeeka]

Hi,

I am breastfeeding my twins (2yrs8mths) when they go to sleep, wake in the night and when they wake in the morning.

My problem is that for a week before my period I get quite severe PMS. When I am feeding it is almost unbearable, and I have to grit my teeth/bite my nails/try to think of anything to distract myself to get through it!

I find it bearable when I am just feeding one, when they wake in the night, but when feeding both of them together,to get them to sleep or in the morning, I feel so angry and tense. Every minute seems to last forever!

I am planning on stopping breastfeeding them by the time they are 3, but I am really struggling with this at the moment.

Does anyone else have this problem? Any reasons why?! Any advice please! Thank you x

I would say it's hormonal as women who are pregnant and BFing can feel like this. Are you taking any contraceptive to help with the PMS, I know you can take the mini pill when you are BFing, this might reduce your symptoms enough to get you through the next few months.

Well done you for carrying on with it, it can't be easy BFing twin toddlers! I admire your determination! I'm BFing my 19mth old DS and I have just started a thread on it and how it can be quite a lonely mission as no-one I know has BF their babies for longer than 6 months.

I can't really think of anything more to suggest apart from the pill, weaning them off or just grinning and bearing it for a few more months.

Good luck with whatever you decide anyway, you should be proud of yourself for what you've achieved!

Thanks so much for your reply I have avoided the pill but I suppose I should look into it! Thanks for your encouragement too, I appreciate it! x

Well done for getting this far!

I do have to wonder why you're getting up to feed them during the night. There is no need to do this. I know this is the feed you find easiest but I would try to withdraw it. If they want a drink in the night give them water.

Also if feeding them both together is what makes it worse could you get them to accept taking turns? Do you have a DP or DH who could distract one while you feed the other?

If you really can't find a way to make it easier, the pill doesn't help or you just want to stop the I think you have every right to give up. You've given them a fantastic start but you shouldn't continue with something which makes you feel like this. Give yourself a break.