Difference between revisions of "Advice from Jules"
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'''Entertain yourself''' - I set up my laptop on a stool in front of the sofa so that I could access this while they were happily feeding. This kept me sane during those long hours of feeding and most especially the Fertility Friends forum where I chatted with other mum's in a the same position. Another option is to watch DVD's or read a good book. | '''Entertain yourself''' - I set up my laptop on a stool in front of the sofa so that I could access this while they were happily feeding. This kept me sane during those long hours of feeding and most especially the Fertility Friends forum where I chatted with other mum's in a the same position. Another option is to watch DVD's or read a good book. | ||
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| + | "Don't top up with formula" - your milk is produced on a supply and demand basis. That means the more you feed the more milk you have. In the early weeks your twins will cluster feed and you might worry that you are not producing enough milk. The truth is that cluster feeding is how they encourage your body to produce more milk. If you top up with formula (which is sometimes mistakenly recommending by well meaning health visitors) then you will in fact lessen your milk supply and hence create a problem. As they get older they will feed less and your supply will be well and truly established to meet their needs. | ||
Revision as of 20:55, 5 May 2013
Get a twin breastfeeding cushion - mine was invaluable, I used it day and night. It supported my back and allowed me to feed both of them in comfort on the bed at night and on the sofa in the day time.
Expect to sleep intermittently - especially in the first few weeks, mine wanted to feed on and off all day and all night. I learnt to grab a nap whenever I could if they were asleep at the same time (a rare treat).
Enlist a helper/helpers - you will need someone to fetch and carry for you while you feed your babies. I was always calling for water and snacks. Breastfeeding makes you incredibly thirsty and hungry, especially when you are feeding two.
Entertain yourself - I set up my laptop on a stool in front of the sofa so that I could access this while they were happily feeding. This kept me sane during those long hours of feeding and most especially the Fertility Friends forum where I chatted with other mum's in a the same position. Another option is to watch DVD's or read a good book.
"Don't top up with formula" - your milk is produced on a supply and demand basis. That means the more you feed the more milk you have. In the early weeks your twins will cluster feed and you might worry that you are not producing enough milk. The truth is that cluster feeding is how they encourage your body to produce more milk. If you top up with formula (which is sometimes mistakenly recommending by well meaning health visitors) then you will in fact lessen your milk supply and hence create a problem. As they get older they will feed less and your supply will be well and truly established to meet their needs.
Don't give up! - Sometimes at 3 in the morning when I was sitting there feeding them both I would be desperate for sleep and wonder if I had just taken on too much. It helped me to remember that this phase will not last forever and I also got a lot of support from a colleague on the FF (Fertility Friends) forum who was an avid breastfeeding supporter.
