In a message dated 5/30/01 10:26:15 PM Central Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> I think it is possible for this mom to nurse theese babies at the breast at
> each feeding and then follow with formula to sustain growth as needed?
>
> I think as the babies get bigger and more efficient at nursing they will
> increase moms milk supply  on their own.  Right?
>
> Can mom abandon all gadgets at this point and have a hope of ever
> exclusively
> breastfeeding her infants?
>
>

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
hungry.  It may mean a serious week or so of doing little else but nursing,
but her supply will respond to the stimulation.  Sole concentration on
latching and nursing will aid her sanity pretty quickly.

With twins, you can't really wait for babies to get bigger and worry about
establishing adequate supply then.  It may very well be too late, because it
can suddenly be a LOT of ground to recover.  Frequent nursing is the norm
with tiny preemie tummies and even more so in establishing supply for
multiples.  Frequency will just have to be accepted as norm for a while.  I
nursed every 45 min - 1.5 hrs. around the clock for many weeks.  You survive
it because you know you just MUST.

The problem with following up with formula after feedings is two fold (or
many fold really, but let's look at two).  Nipple confusion (Latch compromise
at the very least and full blown refusal to latch on the other end of
it)................and the reduction of the signals that the mom's body NEEDS
of how much milk to make for those babies.  Every ounce of formula is that
much less milk the mom's body is being told to make.  All the sucking needs
to take place for maximum stimulation.

The good news is......when they are a few weeks older......any attempt to
leave the house will be made SO much easier by nursing.  I was very glad to
be nursing with they were older infants and toddlers.

And there's your dose of "been there done that" advice. :)

Cheryl Taylor White

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