breastfeeding twins

[kayra]

hugs Marti, I remember crying in frustration many times b/c DS1 wouldn't sleep as much as he 'should' have and my EASY was messed up! Easier said than done I know but try to relax your expectations and hopefully slowly survival will turn into enjoyment.
We're doing ok, I had my break last night, though I think it was tiring for my parents as little lady was hard to settle It was great to sleep a bit more, I pumped after the morning feed and got a good amount so I'm pleased about that. I always get more from the side DD nurses on, although she's gotten better she still has a much weaker suck than DS2 so I'm glad I'm pumping and she's getting top ups that way.
Lily how old are your girls?

[4isstillnighttime]

They are 10 months old now 

Z had a rotten latch for ages and really struggled to get the milk. That's when I found tandem nursing really good as C (a boob demon from birth!!) would start feeding and get a let down then I'd plug Z on as well and she would take a good feed. Otherwise she would just give up. It's a bit fiddly as someone has to be on hand to hand you the bad sucker but it worked brilliantly for us. But if you are able to get milk from the pump that's amazing - one time I got 50 ml, was so proud, then spilt half on the couch, gave the rest to Z and she promptly vomited it back up.....I think I gave up after that!! 

[kayra]

one time I got 50 ml, was so proud, then spilt half on the couch, gave the rest to Z and she promptly vomited it back up.....I think I gave up after that!! 

AAAH! I think I'd cry if that happened to me! I don't blame you for giving up.

DD latches ok-I think- and actually when she sucks she's pretty good, but poor thing my nipple is almost bigger than her mouth (sorry TMI) so I think it's just hard for her to suck well and she gets tired.

[katie80]

She'll get better and better... can't believe they're almost 3 weeks already! Glad you got a little rest, Kayra, you're doing so well!

[kayra]

I have a question, it's actually about my pumped milk. I think b/c it's consistency is so much runnier than the formula, when they take it from the bottle they end up spilling/dribbling loads of it
The same idea just occurred to both my mother and I, what if we were to add it to a bottle of formula? So NOT making up the formula with the milk instead of water, just adding it to the made up formula? Would that take away from the good stuff of the breastmilk? I can't think why it would....? any thoughts?

[MasynSpencerElliotte]

Well lots of people mix them when they are weaning onto formula, but that is more short term though. Really if they bf and then have a formula top u it is mixed in their tum anyways!

[kayra]

I didn't know that about weaning...
you're right it mixes in their tum, I just wasn't sure if mixing it in the bottle would somehow alter it's properties...

[MasynSpencerElliotte]

Hmm I suppose it could but if you are mixing them right before feeding I cannot imagine it is by much.

[koe2moe]

I remembered reading about mixing EBF and Formula long time ago.  Maybe this helps: http://www.babycenter.com/404_can-i-mix-breast-milk-and-formula_8883.bc

[Martini~]

I would say the only problem is when they do not take the whole bottle. You know, for me pumping is hard work and every drop of breast milk is valueable, and... When DS is not taking te whole prepared portion and it was already warmed/mixed with formula, I would have to throw it away. So... If your LO are draining the bottles, why not. However in my case I never know exactly how much will DS feed so I would firstly give him BM and than topup with formula. If formula is not drunk, I wouldn't mind throwing the rest of it, ykwim?

[kayra]

Thanks koe thats helpful, they'll be having it immediately so it seems ok. Marti they drain the bottle so yhat wont be a problem

[Martini~]

little milk-addicts:P

[*Ali*]

You can't just add the formula powder to the breast milk if that is what you mean no.  You have to make the formula up to the correct amount of water first and then mix it. It can be dangerous to their organs to not add the right amount of water especially at this age.

[Khalam's Mama]

I have a question, it's actually about my pumped milk. I think b/c it's consistency is so much runnier than the formula, when they take it from the bottle they end up spilling/dribbling loads of it
The same idea just occurred to both my mother and I, what if we were to add it to a bottle of formula? So NOT making up the formula with the milk instead of water, just adding it to the made up formula? Would that take away from the good stuff of the breastmilk? I can't think why it would....? any thoughts?

I dont think that is what she meant Ali

[*Ali*]

Oh yes sorry I misread that