Scheduling feedings for multiples does two things.  #1 it clusters the
feedings,  ex. Baby A feeds at 3:00pm, Baby B feeds at 3:30pm, and Baby C
feeds at 4:00pm vs.  Baby A feeds at 3:00pm, Baby B doesn't wake up until
4:00pm to feed, and Baby C is ready to feed at 4:15, and baby A is ready
again at 4:30, before B and C are finished.  It allows the mother to know
that she will be feeding from 3:00pm to 4:30pm, and will not be feeding
between 4:30 and 6:00pm.  She can use that hour and a half to go the grocery
store, or take a shower if there's someone home to watch the babies.   Many
babies fall into a schedule quite easily.  I wrote in another email message
about gentle scheduling, meaning that if one baby was really hungry before
the prescribed time, then feed that baby a little earlier and get the other
babies up to feed a little earlier, too.  If all three babies are taking a
great nap, then let them sleep a little longer.  This is not usually the
case as at least one of the three in my case was always up when I planned to
feed them.

#2 By feeding the babies frequently during the day, and having them up
longer, the babies will naturally start sleeping longer at night.  They will
be on a day/night schedule.  For example, at around 6 - 8 weeks and 9 to 10
lbs, after the 9:00pm feed, the babies are not woken up "on schedule," but
allowed to sleep until they are ready to awaken.

I realize this sounds terrible to most lactation consultants.  I had never
considered scheduling until I was completely exhausted and about to fall
apart, and quit breastfeeding.  It was a last resort idea that worked for my
family, and saved breastfeeding for me.  It was suggested to me by my
wonderful triplet support network of friends.  Once my babies were sleeping
for solid blocks of time at night (5 or 6 hours) and I was able to get my
sleep and sanity, I relaxed the schedule a bit during the day, but the
babies have always thrived on a routine.

Anne Nans, RN, IBCLC
Woodbridge, VA
Proudly breastfeeding Caleb, Amy and Riley born 12/17/98 at 33+2wks

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