I am not sure about any of this information about multiples slowing down
their growth after 30 weeks or so.  It is certainly a possibility with less
room in the uterus, demands on the mother, etc, but I know of nothing that
substantiates this as a general prediction.  In my opinion term is
term--when the baby and mother can expect to have a normal newborn course
when the baby is born.  When I was working full time this was considered 37
weeks.  I have also heard other pregnant mothers of multiples say that term
for them is 35 weeks or whatever.  I believe that just makes no sense.  We
know that on average, a woman can expect to carry triplets to 32 - 33 weeks
and a mother pregnant with twins should understand that the average delivery
gestation is 36 weeks.  This is not term, though, just what we hope for as a
minimum for these mothers.  When I teach my class for Parents Expecting
Multiples, I prepare them for preemies, and if they do go to term(37 weeks
or more), then they should  feel very relieved.

Pat, if you're still following here, I am concerned about your friend.  If
she is not powerfully motivated to get the milk going and the babies
attached it very possibly will not happen.  I would strongly recommend Karen
Gromada's Mothering Multiples book for her.  Maybe if she finds the time to
open the book, she could be motivated to the health benefits of
breastfeeding and more "natural" parenting options even with multiples.
TWINS magazine publishes a book called The Stork Brought Three about a
mother of triplets who nursed exclusively until her babies were a year old.
It is also good for breastfeeding and just triplet rearing.

Good luck,
Anne Nans, RN, IBCLC
Fredericksburg, VA
Mom to triplets + one more

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