Hi, I am supporting a mum of 17 wk twins who is suffering from sleep deprivation.
Mum has eliminated lactose from her diet and the reflux has disappeared. Twin C twisted and fidgeted so much during a feed together that mum gave up feeding simultaneously and feeds separately. Twin O, smaller twin, can go to sleep himself and would frequently wake and settle again if allowed to sleep in bouncy chair.
But, Twin C had a bout of rotavirus following the reflux and so it seems they've not been entirely well since birth. So mum has been very ginger with Twin O cos his reflux was projectile, and then with Twin C cos of his rotavirus.
Both twins have been known to sleep for a good number of hours of a night, albeit not both in the same night, but are resisiting bedtime now, and won't let anyone but mum settle them by the time it gets to night time sleep. Dad and I (depending on who's there) are struggling to settle one while mum deals with other, we end up rotating babies so that mum takes a crying one and gives quiet one to me/Dad. Then the quiet one realises and starts up again. Even Twin O who we know can settle himself to sleep. how does mum get them out of being held to sleep. This is different from dealing with a singleton
I suggested she tried feeding both twins together for evening feed last time I was there, cos when one was feeding the other was fractious... But as it was first night of trying they were still running mum ragged when I left after Dad got home.
They both seem to need 3 to 4 goes at the breast before they seem sated. It could be they are at a growth spurt, it could be that their teething is making them comfort feed.... mum is just so tired and her mum and MIL suggested starting solids I pointed out the recommendations and the fact that if they are already lactose intolerant did she want to risk starting solids yet? Stressing, of course, that she is mum and so I respect her instincts and wishes.
I really want to get some thoughts from mums who bf exclusively about how they managed to get babies settled at night without waking the other one. Are they playing mum off against the other carers...
How can we help this lovely mum?
Mars, I will ask her to call you direct if she feels the need.
She has got Anbesol liquid to try to help with the teething but last time I spoke to her she was reluctant to try as she was wary of ingredients.
and discuss, thanks!