>First and foremost.....YES....it is very possible to exclusively nurse
twins,
>but it DOES take a good dose of plain ol' stubborness.  As a mom who did
>exclusively nurse preemie twins (to the "it's impossible to" ravings of all
>around me save LLL)...... for her sanity and the sake of success, she
should
>stop pumping, stop using bottles, SNS, pacifiers, and any other "gadgets"
and
>learn to latch babies for at least a majority of the feedings together (it
>will save her time and get her more sleep) and nurse as often as they seem


Here, here, Cheryl,  That is such wonderful advice.  I concur
wholeheartedly.  Many times mothers of multiples get in the habit of
supplementing and they never quite develop the confidence to let their
babies nurse exclusively at the breast.  I would add that although tandem
nursing is nice when both babies are actively showing hunger cues at the
same time, it is often easier for moms to breastfeed one at a time.  This
way, mom has the special bonding time with each baby and can stop to burp or
cuddle a baby after a feed.  That's hard to do when you have another baby
latched on.  Mom will definitely need to accept that babyfeeding is her main
responsibility right now.  If it's possible, she should try to get
housekeeping help and learn the beauty of take-out, Create a Meal or Dad's
special recipes.  Reassure her that nursing constantly may seem like a big
chore, but much easier than trying to find time to pump, supplement
feedings, clean SNS tubing, bottles, etc.  If it's possible for you to talk
to her children's pediatrician to help him give her confidence in her
nursing and to relax if the babies have a week or so where their weight
doesn't skyrocket.  If mom is interested, Karen Gromada's book on Mothering
Multiples is an excellent resource for this mother.

Good luck,
Anne Nans, RN, IBCLC
Mom to Caleb, Amy and Riley (born 12/17/98) and Seth 12/10/00

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