My journey into breastfeeding truly began when I made my way down from my hospital room to the NICU for my twins’ 6 AM feeding. A kind nurse informed me, “Your little one consumed all two ounces of the breast milk you pumped for the 3 AM feeding. Keep it going!” Wow. That tiny four-pound baby managed to drink an entire shot glass of breast milk, something we had been struggling to achieve with formula for days. Breastfeeding was clearly going to be a challenge.
Nursing twins was undeniably exhausting, but like many aspects of motherhood, you find what works best for you. My daughters would have thrived either way, but I’m grateful I persevered. Here’s what else I learned along the way:
1. A Newfound Respect for Cows
Breastfeeding can be a lovely bonding experience, but when you have two babies tugging at your nipples at different speeds, you develop a real empathy for cows who endure this daily. While some mothers loved the idea of having both babies nursing simultaneously, I was not one of them.
2. The Twins and then THE TWINS
Having breastfed both twins and a single baby, I can confidently say that while nursing my singleton made my breasts quite impressive, they were downright Dolly Parton-esque with the twins. My once modest B-cup size had no idea bras came in size F, and let’s just say I was often spilling out of them! They were also twice as sensitive; just a casual approach from my husband could lead to an unexpected squirt!
3. The Super Boob Power
Like many women, my initial experience with nursing was challenging, especially when I faced a clogged duct that sidelined my right breast for about a week. That’s when I realized my left boob’s incredible potential. It fed both my girls single-handedly for nearly a week, reaching a point where I felt it could have sustained all of Rhode Island. Note to self: that’s why it now sits lower than my right.
4. Your Pump Becomes Your Best Friend
When I mentioned my intention to breastfeed my twins, a fellow mom chuckled and said, “You’ll need an industrial-strength pump!” At the time, I thought she meant a hospital-grade pump, which turned out to be spot on. Since most twins are preemies, they often struggle to nurse initially. Pumping became essential for building up enough milk for two little ones. I was glued to my pump for the first couple of weeks, not only to gauge how much milk I was producing but also to make late-night feedings easier. I managed to catch up on countless movies while that machine worked its magic.
5. Bringing in a Relief Pitcher
While nursing twins was a bit easier than my challenging pregnancy, it was still tough for a mom of multiples to keep up with the milk supply. It was such a relief when my mother could step in for occasional formula feedings, allowing me some much-needed sleep, and later, a chance for my husband and I to enjoy a dinner out. Sure, having a freezer stocked with breast milk like I did with my singleton would have been wonderful, but taking that break may have been essential for preserving my sanity.
If you’re navigating the world of motherhood and looking for guidance on pregnancy and home insemination, resources like March of Dimes can be invaluable. And for anyone interested in at-home fertility options, check out Make a Mom for helpful kits.
In summary, while breastfeeding twins comes with its unique challenges, it’s a rewarding experience that strengthens the bond with your little ones. Remember, every journey is different, and finding what works for you is key!