re: the expectant mother of twins
What this mother needs most of all is support and encouragement.  Feeding
twins with only one breast must be easier than feeding quadruplets with two
breasts I imagine. Seriously though, the mother must be enduring much
negative criticism. she needs to be reminded that it is not really a big
problem. Her body will produce all the milk she needs and her mind will help
her juggle two babies.   I also have had a unilateral mastectomy and nursed
my twins after surgery.  My twins were infrequent nursers at the time of my
surgery but I had no difficulty nursing my newborn twins and my actively
nursing toddler.  Milk production depends mainly on demand.  The babies
demand milk by extra nursing and your body produces more milk in response.
The mother should have extra help at home if she has other children and
should plan to do almost nothing except to nurse and change her babies for
about the first 6 months. This is her time to say no to all those things we
do but don't really need or want to do.  Caring for her babies is her top
priority. Only the mother can produce the perfect food. Remind her of the
many benefits of breastmilk.   Because she will be unable to nurse both
babies at the same time, she should be prepared to spend more time nursing
and more time listening to a crying baby. The crying was what I remember
most about the early months. My babies cried when getting changed and  it
took twice as long to change two babies so I had twice as much crying to
listen to.  There was nothing else to do but endure the noise! I knew it
wouldn't last for long. Sometimes I turned the radio on or sang or cried
along with them, depending on my mood.  My twins usually woke and wanted to
nurse at the same time.  Babies are smarter than most people give them
credit for and will soon learn that they need to take turns. Some babies are
very efficient nursers and will be satisfied in 5 minutes.  Most babies can
be held off with some extra cuddling or finger sucking for 5- 10 minutes.  I
would also make the mom aware of the possible problems of using a pacifier
in the early weeks. She doesn't need nipple confusion.  Many moms set up
baby centers on the bed or couch.  This is a place where you have  all you
that you need within easy reach-clothes, wipes, trash, food and drink for
mom, tv remote, book, and my lifeline-a portable telephone.  I would suggest
the mother find a support group such as a local La Leche League group.  She
can benefit from the experience and understanding of other mothers.  A good
book on multiples, such as Mothering Multiples, published by LLL is a good
resource. Check out the section on triplets-they need to share also.
Cindy Smith,
                                                           LLL Leader and
mother of six from Maine
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Date: Thursday, August 12, 1999 9:05 PM
Subject: LACTNET Digest - 12 Aug 1999 - Special issue (#1999-63)

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