At least that’s how it feels this week.
Last week, we seemed to have found a tentative rhythm. The babies were eating every 4 hours at night for a few days in a row. Which means I was getting at least 2 hours of sleep between every feeding. And getting some pumping in. Of course, they were eating every 3 hours during the day, but that was totally do-able with sleep and Eric’s help all day.
But for the last two nights, feedings have been getting closer and closer together. Last night, after the 3:00 feeding, I crawled into bed at 4:30. Erin had me back up at 5:45. *sigh* I need a lot more sleep than the 4 hours I’m getting between 10 pm and 7 am. And I can’t pump much when they eat every 2-3 hours. So I can’t seem to get and stay more than a bottle each ahead of them. It’s frustrating.
Anyone have some advice about pumping while breastfeeding twins?
I am sorry I don’t have any advice but I can pray! 🙂
Here are a couple products that might help with your milk supply: Mother’s Milk Tea (Giant Eagle – in the health food section, I think Kroger carries it too), Fenugreek tablets (you can find them with the vitamins). I’m sure you know to drink lots and lots of water and nurse as frequently possible. In the beginning, Cadin was an every hour to every 2 hours nurser, so believe me I know it feels like you’ll never get more than a couple hours sleep again. But you will. It’s so difficult at first, but it’s worth it and it definitely gets better. Also, be comforted to know that it’s totally normal to feel like sometimes you’re taking 1 step forward and 2 steps back. Hang in there, you’re doing such a good job!
(Coincidentally, I was pumping while reading and commenting on this!)
Are you pumping after feeding during the day? I tried to do that every other time or so until my milk supply was built up. I never did it at night after feeding, though! Sleep time was too valuable then.
I can sympathize on the four hours of sleep! It’s amazing, but after a couple months of it, my body did seem to adapt to it!
I didn’t pump much for my twins. I didn’t have the time or energy or milk. Since we had supplemented with formula at the beginning while my milk supply was building, I just used an occasional bottle of formula if we were going to be away from the babies. We were gone for a weekend when they were about 7 mos. old. I pumped for my own comfort, but they just had formula while I was gone. I don’t know if that helps or not. It worked for us. And do you have my phone number? I’ll message it to you. I’m always here to listen even though I don’t often have answers!
Sounds like they may be going through a growth spurt. I can’t imagine how hard that is. Mine always go through that at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. I have always felt like a cow…only good for producing milk.
No advice on pumping. I have a hard time pumping while breastfeeding one baby let alone twins. 🙂
BUT I can pray for you.
I didn’t breastfeed my twins so I can’t help you. I think you’ve gotten great advice though from ^^ those comments.
Or call Gail. I can help find her number if you wish.
My advice is if you had a lactation consultant while you were in the hospital, call her. They have some good things to help not only thosr with twins, but general pointers, as well. Use whatever help you can get!!
Ahh Shannah… I wish I had some wisdom for you, but alas, I’m clueless. I will pray for you, though! I think it’s great that you’re producing enough to nurse twins and pump – that’s a victory in itself, from what I hear/read!