I first discovered my genuine dedication to breastfeeding when I awkwardly made my way from my hospital room to the NICU for the 6 AM feeding of my daughters. A friendly nurse encouraged me with, “Your little one drank all two ounces of the breast milk you pumped during the 3 AM session. Keep it up!” Wow. That tiny four-pound miracle managed to drink a whole shot glass of breast milk—a feat we had struggled to achieve with formula for days. Clearly, breastfeeding was going to be a challenge.
At the end of the day, nursing twins was utterly exhausting, but as with all aspects of motherhood, you find what works for you. My girls would have thrived regardless, but I’m grateful I persevered. Here are some key lessons I’ve learned about nursing twins:
1. A Newfound Respect for Cows
While breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience, managing two babies tugging at you simultaneously gives you a whole new appreciation for cows who endure similar situations daily. I’ve heard from other mothers who enjoyed having both babies at their chests, but I was not among them.
2. The Twins vs. THE TWINS
Having breastfed twins as well as a singleton, I can confidently say that my breasts were quite impressive while nursing my daughter. But when it came to the twins, let’s just say they transformed into Dolly Parton territory. My modest B-cup days were long gone, replaced by an F-cup that I didn’t even know existed! And sensitivity? Times two. My husband learned to keep a safe distance, or he might have ended up with a surprise squirt!
3. The Power of Super Boob
The beginning of nursing was tough, and I dealt with a clogged duct that sidelined my right breast for almost a week. That’s when I discovered the incredible capabilities of my left boob. It single-handedly nourished two little humans for days and, honestly, could have fed the whole state of Rhode Island at its peak. Now, however, it hangs a little lower than its less industrious counterpart.
4. Become Best Friends with Your Pump
When I mentioned to a fellow twin mom that I intended to breastfeed, she promptly advised me to invest in an “industrial-sized pump.” While I think she meant “hospital-grade,” the advice was pretty spot-on. Given that most twins are preemies, they often can’t effectively nurse right away. Pumping became crucial for producing enough milk to keep up with their demands. I was practically glued to my pump in those early weeks, which also allowed me to binge-watch a lot of movies during those sessions.
5. Prepare for a Relief Pitcher
Compared to the grueling experience of pregnancy, breastfeeding twins felt a bit easier, but it can be incredibly challenging for a mom of multiples to have an excess supply of milk. I was so grateful when my mom could swoop in occasionally to offer a formula feeding, giving me a few precious hours of sleep, or allowing my husband and me to sneak out for dinner. While having a freezer full of breast milk like I did with my singleton would have been ideal, those breaks helped preserve my sanity.
For more insights on navigating motherhood, check out our post on the privacy policy of our other blog. And for those on their own fertility journey, Make a Mom offers great resources. Also, for more information on pregnancy and home insemination, News Medical is an excellent source.
In summary, breastfeeding twins is a unique journey filled with challenges and surprises. It’s a wild ride, but the rewards are immeasurable.