Updated: Oct. 29, 2020
Originally Published: Aug. 5, 2010
My journey into the world of breastfeeding didn’t truly begin until I dragged myself down from my hospital room to the NICU for a 6 AM feeding. A kind nurse told me, “Your daughter drank all two ounces of the breast milk you pumped for the 3 AM feeding. Keep it up!” Suddenly, I realized that my tiny four-pound baby managed to consume an entire shot glass worth of milk, something we had struggled to achieve with formula over the previous days. This breastfeeding adventure was shaping up to be challenging.
At the end of the day, nursing twins was incredibly exhausting, but as with every aspect of motherhood, you have to find what works for you. My little ones would have survived—maybe even thrived—regardless, but I’m grateful I persevered. Here are some insights I gained from breastfeeding twins:
1. Newfound Respect for Cows
Breastfeeding can be a wonderful bonding experience, but when you have two babies tugging at your nipples in different rhythms, you start to sympathize with cows who endure this daily. Some mothers I spoke to relished the experience of having both babies nursing at once, but I was not one of those moms.
2. The Twins vs. THE TWINS
Having breastfed both twins and a singleton, I can confidently say my breasts were quite impressive while nursing my daughter, but with twins, they took on a whole new persona. My modest B-cup turned into something resembling Dolly Parton. Let’s just say I had to seek out bras in size F, and they were sensitive times two. My husband learned quickly to keep his distance to avoid an unexpected shower!
3. The Magic of Super Boob
Starting to nurse my daughters was quite the challenge, especially when I faced a clogged duct that sidelined my right breast for nearly a week. That’s when I discovered the power of my left breast. It sustained two babies for days; at its peak, I was convinced it could have fed an entire small state. Now, however, there’s a noticeable difference in the hang between my two breasts.
4. Best Friends with the Pump
When I confided to another twin mom that I was going to try breastfeeding, her first piece of advice was, “Get an industrial-sized pump!” I think she meant “hospital-grade,” which isn’t far off. Since most twins are preemies, they often can’t latch or nurse efficiently at first. I was glued to my pump for those first few weeks, which made late-night feedings easier and helped me track how much milk my kids were getting. Plus, I got to catch up on a lot of movies while that machine worked its magic.
5. The Importance of a Relief Pitcher
Compared to the grueling experience of pregnancy, nursing twins felt a bit easier, but finding extra breast milk was a struggle. It was such a relief when my mom could step in for occasional formula feedings, allowing me to snag a few hours of sleep or enjoy a dinner out with my partner. Having a stash of breast milk like I did for my singleton would have been nice, but taking those breaks might have been essential for my sanity.
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In summary, breastfeeding twins presents unique challenges and rewards. While it can be exhausting, finding humor in the journey, understanding your body, and accepting help when needed can make all the difference. Embrace the chaos, and you’ll come out on the other side stronger.
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