xp from MMM- lactation recipes and a shameless plea

[Narwhal]

I can't imagine finding out I was having twins at 20 weeks! That's an extra big surprise! I had my boys at 29 weeks so I pumped until they came home, and by then, nursing just wasn't taking off so I nursed when I could/they wanted to and ep the rest of the time. Once they hit about 4 months, I wasn't keeping up and had to supplement. It does get very expensive, especially because we were on neosure formula. But even then, regular formula is costly. Is she going to try to nurse? I know a lot of twin moms have the supply to keep up with twins. But, obviously, some don't.

Anyway, the things that have helped my supply are herbal pills called Lactation support. They have fenugreek and other herbs in them that help lactation. I also have a cup or two of mothers milk tea. Both can be found on amazon. I also had at least one Gatorade a day, which helped me stay hydrated. Maybe get her a big carton of the powder? Cookies are awesome too!! the main thing I think is getting a hospital grade pump. I believe insurance has to cover pumps now? Between buying a pump or renting a hospital grade, I'd rent the hospital one. I had my pump break and the hospital delivered a new one to my door within 12 hours.

One more thing- I know how expensive formula is, but also, make sure she doesn't sacrifice herself to pump more. I know I was so adamant about pumping at least once in the middle of the night, and between that and being up with two babies every 1.5-3 hours, it was too much. Once I allowed myself to quit pumping motn I did see a supply drop, but I wasn't quite as overwhelmed. Granted, my supply had been established at that point. When they were tiny, I could give one boy a bottle while pumping. Haha. Sorry for rambling, I just hope she doesn't do to herself what I did.

Good luck to your friend! That is so thoughtful of you to help her out! I don't think I have any formula leftover, but I'll check my basement and let you know!

[Deleted]

I honestly would wait until she is breastfeeding to bring her a BFing gift. BFng twins can be difficult so hold off, even though it is very thoughtful of you to think of your friend.

[marissa]

Our ped gave us free samples the first several months as did my OB. My SIL hooked us up since she worked in my OB office. I would suggest asking them as well.

[Deleted]

Fenugreek has helped my supply. But some babies react poorly to it. I also highly recommend renting the hospital pump. I rent the symphony and the few times I have had to use my pump in style I have from J there is a noticeable difference.

Is she planning to nurse too or ep? If nursing, I would try to tandem feed. I absolutely hated it at first but I do think it helps with supply since you are stimulating both breasts at once. Similar to why they recommend double pumping. That's not to say it's necessary - I have been ebf (other than solids) since they were 4 days old and didnt tandem nurse at all until they were several months old. But it does make things easier if you can handle it.

[Deleted]

Jan 7, 2015 12:13:50 GMT -5 @barefootbarista said:

Jan 7, 2015 10:11:54 GMT -5 @awinter said:

Fenugreek has helped my supply. But some babies react poorly to it. I also highly recommend renting the hospital pump. I rent the symphony and the few times I have had to use my pump in style I have from J there is a noticeable difference.

Is she planning to nurse too or ep? If nursing, I would try to tandem feed. I absolutely hated it at first but I do think it helps with supply since you are stimulating both breasts at once. Similar to why they recommend double pumping. That's not to say it's necessary - I have been ebf (other than solids) since they were 4 days old and didnt tandem nurse at all until they were several months old. But it does make things easier if you can handle it.

I doubt she will nurse. I hope things are different but when we had our older kids (same age) she struggled with making enough. She did, but she had to pump for long periods and often-where I could get 10 oz in 10 min.

Her son wasn't gaining enough just nursing and she was advised to pump when he was a newborn.

Definitely advise her to go with a hospital pump then. Even if she is paying to rent it (mins is 55 or 60 a month) it is cheaper than full time formula for two.

[Deleted]

Jan 7, 2015 12:11:59 GMT -5 @barefootbarista said:

narwhal-I told her not to worry too much about keeping up. She does plan to switch to formula, but wants to try to pump for at least a while to save money.

She is very concerned about the money.

I believe formula/baby companies will send coupons and samples to parents of multiples. I think you have to send in a birth certificate or something. I'm sorry I don't have more specifics as I never looked into it since we ended up not needing to supplement. But definitely look into it!

Eta: and my pedi office was more than willing to hand out samples of formula anytime we went in. We never needed it but they always asked because they know how expensive I can be with two.

[UnderProtest]

@barefootbarista

Just saw this. Make sure she goes to Charlotte Pediatrics. The lactation consultant there is well know throughout the SE and can help your friend as much as possible. I went there and saw the LC many times, but eventually gave up trying to nurse twins. The LC said that most twin moms don't breastfeed. I got a bunch of samples from her too.

[MixedBerryJam]

Jan 7, 2015 12:28:35 GMT -5 @awinter said:

Jan 7, 2015 12:13:50 GMT -5 @barefootbarista said:

I doubt she will nurse. I hope things are different but when we had our older kids (same age) she struggled with making enough. She did, but she had to pump for long periods and often-where I could get 10 oz in 10 min.

Her son wasn't gaining enough just nursing and she was advised to pump when he was a newborn.

Definitely advise her to go with a hospital pump then. Even if she is paying to rent it (mins is 55 or 60 a month) it is cheaper than full time formula for two.

And it may be covered by insurance. I didn't have twins, but I had a lot of trouble bfing, and renting the hospital-grade machine was a lifesaver. DDH called it the cow-milking machine.