Am I Out Of My Mind?

[AJHMommy]

I'm going through a divorce which means in raising my 22 month twins alone and almost 20 Weeks with the girls.

I really want to breastfeed the girls. Am I out of my mind to think I can juggle the big twins and manage breastfeeding baby twins?

Any advice/insight. Ideas?

[MxMomma21]

You are not out of your mind! If you think you can do then go for it! Hopefully the bigger twins will want to be mommys helpers! I have been wondering how I am going to breastfeed twins in general and manage a two year old... So I am no help to your double issue! Good luck!!!

[haydensmom]

I think you can do it and it would be so much more economical for you to do so if you can swing it! The older twins may get a bit more tv time than normal but it would be that way, even with a singleton. I think you may need to plan ahead a little more than if you had a singleton. I would start looking around for activities that the twins (older) can do on their own. Maybe make an art station with crayons and paper and stuff. When it's time to nurse, bring out the station. There are little buckets you can get that will separate each item and make it easier for them to access (I think crayola makes a nice one). You could have special puzzles that they are allowed to get out during a session, have them make you a tea party, etc. I really think it's doable. Once the little ones get a bit older, you'll be more able to nurse on the go. I think once Ava reached 6-8 weeks I was able to just put her in the Moby wrap to nurse so I could still have one hand free.

I know 3andme nursed her twins and there have been quite a few other twin mommas here to nurse successfully. I think as long as you have a way to keep your kiddos occupied during those early days, you'll be fine!

[muncherbug]

I nursed my twins for the first 13 months and my triplets were only two. PM me if you want to know some of the "tricks" I used to get it done. That was the most difficult and trying thing about the first year with the girls. It won't be like someone nursing twins and has no other kids.

[As Is]

I'd like to nurse at least one of the trio but would be thrilled if I were even able to pump enough this time. Formula aint cheap!

[Sakura]

I nursed my twins for the first 13 months and my triplets were only two. PM me if you want to know some of the "tricks" I used to get it done. That was the most difficult and trying thing about the first year with the girls. It won't be like someone nursing twins and has no other kids.

I'd love to hear some of your tricks.

I'm nursing my twins, and I do have two older kids. There is more tv time than I would like, but the big kids can and do play independently and together without much needed from me. I've never had any major problems with nursing, so that definitely helps. And the cost of formula for two babies is a big motivator to keep nursing!

You're not out of your mind, and it can be done!

[AJHMommy]

Thanks for the encouragement. I did nurse my first set of twins. I also nursed my singleton. BUT I have a low supply. I've worked with lactation consultants and taken Fenugreek...I just don't produce much milk. So I will nurse and supplement.
My plan is to nurse one baby and supplement the other alternating who gets nursed each feeding. Does this sound like a good plan?
Im still feeling sick with this pregnancy and run down but if I can ever gain some energy I will try and "blanket" train my twins. So while i'm nursing they are on blankets.
My biggest concern is that they will start fighting while i'm nursing. They are great about not getting into things and pretty good about not climbing BUT they will go at it a few times a day.

[Brittany_Dawn]

Hey Ash! I Miss you and Anthony!

I'm not familiar with nursing twins but just breastfeeding in general I would really really advise on not supplementing at all. Its truely amazing at how quickly your body will respond and faulter in producing milk. Since most babies (0-3+ months) feed off only one breast per nursing session anyway maybe you can like label your (.)(.) for each girl? Brooke nursed on one side per session til about 5 months or so.... A tip for "better" milk (as suggested by my LC to me) take fish oil 2-3x a day (helps produce more hind milk). The good thing is women were created with two breasts to nurse two babes!

[AJHMommy]

Thanks Brit! Im mostly concerned about my low supply ive had with Anthony and the big twins. Im going to initially try and breastfeed only. I plan to take Fenugreek and will also add in the fish oil.
Big hugs! Love you!

[cheeksy]

How are you doing now?

[Darie]

I've been MIA for awhile and am just now seeing you are expecting twins again! Wow! Congratulations! I'd love to hear an update too!