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EP with twins--question about supply

BelleBabyBelleBaby member
in Breastfeeding

I started EP for my boys around 2 weeks because of a rash on my breasts that made it too painful to nurse.  They've been doing very well and it's been a big help to me because DH can help with feedings.  They are now up to 3 oz each feeding, which happens every 2-3 hours.  I was keeping up with their demand (and then some extra) but in the past 2 days, I haven't been able to get more than 6 oz at a pumping session.  Previously I could usually get a feeding or two ahead, but now I'm just pumping to get to the next feeding.  It's exhausting because I'm either feeding the boys or pumping and I'm getting very little sleep (I think I got a total of an hour last night).  This isn't as bad now because DH is home to help and I can get a chance to pump, but once he goes back to work Monday, it's not possible for me to pump every 2 hours.  I just don't get that kind of time taking care of the boys on my own. 

I would like to keep them exclusively on BM if I can, but with 2 of them, I'm not sure I can.  Any suggestions?  We're already talking about formula supplementation if I can't keep up.  This really concerns me when they start daycare and I'm going to have to have 8-10 bottles of BM ready to go every morning.  I don't think I can do that.

Thanks! 

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Re: EP with twins--question about supply

  • JBSugarJBSugar

    Your situation is very similar to mine although I didn't start at the breast because DD wouldn't take it...not a rash.
    Anyway, I transitioned them back to the breast and am now EBF.  When you give them BM out of a bottle you might be over feeding them.  Example, when I stopped pumping and feeding BM out of a bottle I was giving them 3.5oz.  I've had 5 visits with a LC and they weigh them after they eat.  They very rarely draw more than 3oz and are still content for about 3 hours after feeding which they were before.  It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to trigger "I'm full" to the brain so when they are drinking out of a bottle and the milk is coming so fast they don't have time to realize they are full and gulp down the entire bottle which may be more than they need.  Also, putting them back on the breast will help stimulate your breasts to produce more than using a pump will.
    Alternatively, if you want to continue to pump there are herbs (fenugreek & blessed thistle) and medications (domperidone) that you can use to help increase your supply.  Make sure you are eating enough and drinking a TON of water.  I drink over 100oz a day. 
    I chose to switch back to the breast because as the babies get older you'll find that it's more difficult to find the time to pump.  Let me know if you want to talk more about it.  jbsugar411@gmail.com 
    Good luck and HTH!

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  • kel716kel716 member

    What you've described is exactly why I think it is way easier to BF than to EP.  So if you want to try to BF, go for it and take the suggestions of the pp.  Get with a good LC.

    If you want to continue EPing, are you hands free yet?  That helps immensely.  Make or buy a hands free pumping bra.  Then, pump while feeding your LO's.  Sit them in their pumpkin seats or bouncy seats, and pump while you're feeding them.  (hook up first, make sure everything is in order, then feed).  

    Try massage/compressions when you pump.  I am going to also link you to an earlier response of mine about upping supply.  The suggestions in there helped me a ton.   Good luck!!! 

    Earlier post:

    https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/18514271.aspx 

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