Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Breastfeeding twins

I am trying to find the best way to breastfeed my twins. It is not easy at all given that I need to give the same attention to both babies, which I felt it is very important. At this moment, WT really support the idea of me breastfeeding them as long as I can.

Here are some of the benefits that I will gain from breastfeeding:-
1. Less risk of prolonged or heavy vaginal bleeding after the babies are born,
2. Helps the uterus to return to its normal size,
3. Lose pregnancy weight more easily,
4. Reduce risk of breast, uterine and ovarian cancer,
5. Improves bone thickness and reduces the risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures,
6. Breasts and babies are portable which make travel simple, just need a little practice,
7. Breastmilk is always available and at the right temperature,
8. Promotes special relationship between mother and babies,
9. Save money, save an average of $1500 in infant feeding cost during the first year,
10. Babies have fewer illnesses, doctor visits and hospital stays, save on healthcare cost,
11. Breastmilk save energy, no electricity is needed to make breastmilk.

Below are some of the benefits to my babies:-
1. Contains more than 200 nutrients plus special factors that protect babies' health,
2. Human milk changes to meet the needs of a growing baby, something formula cannot do,
3. Easy to digest, so less gas, colic and spitting up,
4. Less diarrhea and constipation,
5. Less likely to develop chronic bowel diseases,
6. Have fewer urinary tract infections,
7. Fewer respiratory infections and ear infections,
8. Lower risk of of asthma, colic, food ellergy and eczema,
9. Makes vaccines work better,
10. Less likely to develop insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus,
11. Less likely to develop some childhood cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma,
12. Less likely to become obese children,
13. Promotes nervous system development and increases IQ,
14. Reduce risk of SIDS,
15. Gives babies a chance to touch, to smell, to hear, to see, to taste and to know their mother!.

What type of feeding routine?
I believe that any method of coordinating breastfeedings will work as long as each baby breastfeeds 8-12 times in 24 hours. To stimulate milk production equally in both breasts, it is a good idea to alternate babies and breasts either for each feeding or on a daily basis. At this point, I am leaning towards alternating them at each feeding. I just need to pin a safety pin on my bra so that I will remember who fed on which breast during the last feeding. It should work. Also, breastfeeding simultaneously (two babies at once) can save a lot of time. All I need to do is practice, practice and practice. There are many ways of holding babies during breastfeeding. The most famous one for breastfeeding twins is double football hold. I will try this position first and if it doesn't work out, I will try others. Also, I may consider partial breastfeeding if it is too tiring for me or due to other difficulties, i.e., babies still receive only breastmilk but I will have to pump my breasts once or twice a day and my babies receive the expressed milk from a bottle. I will only do that after breastfeeding is well established to prevent nipple confusion. Some mothers that I know actually supplement their babies with formula after breastfeeding or during the night. Unless I have low milk supply, I will try to breastfeed exclusively!!!! I know it is not easy and many mothers suffered emotionally, but many overcome it because they know it is the best and the most beautiful thing they can do for their babies.

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