Breast Feeding/Pumping for twins

Farrelly1020

Hi ,

I just had my twins May 2 born at 33wks. They spent a week in the NICU and were discharged with taking Neosure (formula) and I can add whatever BreastMilk I was able to pump. Right after my c-section they had me start pumping, but I find that I am not making enough for two tiny bottles, any suggestions for increase supply? Also I am trying to get them used to latching any tips there?

I am finding it very stressful since I am not making a lot and I feel I cannot keep a good supply up for reserve.

Any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks 

Mrs JillB

Find a lactation consultant and get an appointment ASAP. They will be able to help you with your latch. Does your hospital have LCs on staff?

LottaLattes

I agree with a LC but even with that help it is still very hard! Hang in there, you are doing a good job!

Some tips:

Drink enough water to float away. I was drinking about 160 oz at my peak.
Eat oatmeal every morning.
Try fenugreek supplements. My LC recommended about three times what the bottle said.
I also drank about 45 cups of mother's milk tea a day. I did count that toward my 160 oz though :
Power pump! Find one time a day where you can do 10 on, 10 off the pump three times.
Don't make your other pumps longer than 20 minutes per my LC with extensive multiples experience
Get some sleep if you are able! Being overtired and overstressed can make it harder for your body to produce.

Good luck, and also remember that some supply is just hereditary. Some people make more than others but it doesn't mean you aren't doing "enough." Being a good mom is enough. Take good care of yourself!!

LoveTravel

Seems like other posters have provided some helpful tips!

My boys were born later so I'm not sure about advice for latching, but I had to use a nipple shield at first, although they're NOT recomended for long term as they decrease your supply it helps establised a good latch for me. 

You could always inquier to your LC on top of pumping, but if you're trying to increase your supply it might not be the best option for now- GL with everything seems like you're doing the best that you can, hopefully you can get your supply increased. 

amina7884

I drank tons of water and took fenugreek supplements 3 times a day. That increased my supply significantly. I also tried to breast feed both before pumping when I could.

The twins were born at 37 weeks vaginally and I lost a lot of blood when the placentas came out. I had to take a high dose of iron due to the blood loss and the reduced fluid made it hard for my milk to come in. I just kept pumping, drinking water and taking the supplements. Also, I did supplement with Infamil formula.

JocelynB0911

LottaLattes:

I agree with a LC but even with that help it is still very hard! Hang in there, you are doing a good job!

Some tips:

Drink enough water to float away. I was drinking about 160 oz at my peak.
Eat oatmeal every morning.
Try fenugreek supplements. My LC recommended about three times what the bottle said.
I also drank about 45 cups of mother's milk tea a day. I did count that toward my 160 oz though :
Power pump! Find one time a day where you can do 10 on, 10 off the pump three times.
Don't make your other pumps longer than 20 minutes per my LC with extensive multiples experience
Get some sleep if you are able! Being overtired and overstressed can make it harder for your body to produce.

Good luck, and also remember that some supply is just hereditary. Some people make more than others but it doesn't mean you aren't doing "enough." Being a good mom is enough. Take good care of yourself!!

All of that and drink mothers milk tea. Target has it and some grocery stores do too. I went from pumping 2oz to 10oz in about a week. We had a ton stored up which was great when I was put in the burn unit for 2 weeks when I was nursing ds.

117ict10

One that was missed: Rent a pump from your hospital's lactation center.

Personal pumps have a very homogenized pull to them where has hospital grade pumps have a more natural pull where it is quicker than draws out stronger with each stroke.  I've used the Ameda Elite and would highly recommend it.

Farrelly1020

Thank you all so much! i am going to email our LC and then get myself some oatmeal and tea!!!!!