My breastfeeding experience with Maeve was an easy one. She latched, nursed, gained weight, grew well according to the charts, and self-weaned at 14 months. I didn't spend a minute worrying about nursing her as it came easy to both of us. We didn't struggle with yeast, blocked ducts or nipple confusion. Because of this experience, I didn't once think I'd have any problems nursing Maren and Beckett. And, while I'd read up on nursing twins, I should have read more.
The twins were born at 35 weeks. Both latched well, but after about a week it was clear they weren't getting enough milk as they weren't gaining weight. This isn't unusual for premature babies, as they tend to suck more weakly than a full-term baby, and sometimes have trouble staying awake long enough for a feed. As a result, my supply wasn't where it should be either. So, when they were 10 days old I went on Domperidone to increase my supply.
All was going well until Beckett was hospitalized with an RSV infection. Because he was too sick and tired to nurse, he was fed through an NG tube, and then received bottles of EBM until well enough to nurse for most of his feeds. As a result of this, he developed a strong bottle preference that we struggle with to this day. And, on top of all of this, he developed reflux around 8 weeks, making it painful for him to eat from either the breast or the bottle.
Now, at 5 months, the reflux is under control, the bottle preference is weakening and we seem to be doing ok. He's still on the small side, and isn't gaining at the rate his sister is, but he's healthy. And breastfed. I can't tell you the number of times I considered giving up and strictly pumping, or even going to formula. It's incredibly frustrating to try and nurse a baby who wants nothing to do with you, or worse, is in pain. I shed many a tear over this breastfeeding relationship, but am so proud that we've kept going.
I haven't said much about Maren because, well, there isn't much to say! She's just like her big sister and has nursed well from day 1. She loves to nurse, and is thriving.
And just because I think we need more pictures of women breastfeeding, here's one that was taken when the twins were 6 weeks old.
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Well done, Jenn!!! I know how difficult and rewarding breastfeeding twins is. You've persevered and done amazingly well. And you've inspired me to write my own World Breastfeeding Week blog post. Hopefully before WBW is over!
ReplyDeleteAllison - you were one of my inspirations! Kudos to you too!
ReplyDeleteJenn as usual pares down everything in her wonderful blogs and it sounds so much easier and less stressful than it was because she has a great sense of humour and a fine writing style ...but....
ReplyDeleteI can only add many tears were shed and it was very difficult to watch Beckett seeem to reject her and still to persevere through the tears for him and for her .
Maren as you know is like Maeve ...a great eater and no worries in that department !! Words cannot express my pride in Jenn as a mother and a daughter .
The twins are now thriving and as I have always said, these children are the luckiest in the world and I love watching them growing up in the most amazing and loving home any child could dream of ....
Thanks again for my wonderful grandchildren and allowing me to be such a large part of their lives !! xo
Your perseverance is so impressive Jenn!! I wish I could have talked to you when I was breastfeeding Ben. I think I had just about every impediment possible -- blocked ducts, mastitis, a baby that wasn't gaining weight, countless breastfeeding specialists, lactation consultants, etc. And apparently I was Domperidone-immune, as it didn't seem to help at all with my supply problem. Lots of tears, needless to say. Here's hoping things will be easier with baby #2. I am inspired by your story! Anyway, I think the supply issues had to do with the stress of moving across the country at 8 months pregnant, so we've eliminated that problem this time :)
ReplyDeleteNic - Kudos to you too for your perseverance. It reminds me of my 30 hour labour with Maeve, where nothing short of a miracle (which didn't happen) would have been needed for me to get the vaginal birth I wanted. It's frustrating to try everything and still have things not work out the way you want them to.
ReplyDeleteI really hope everything works out for your this time around - at least you'll be prepared!
That's a beautiful story and picture, Jenn, thank you! With my Ellie being born by induction just at 37 weeks due to my pre-eclampsia, and her having a poor latch and weak sucking reflex, couple with my virtually non-existant milk supply [even after trying all the herbs, the Domperidone, and trying to coax my milk with a top of the line breast pump ($350, but my insurance covered as it was considered medically necessary in our situation)], we decided to give up breast-feeding when Ellie was 6 weeks old; 3 years later, and I still wonder if I tried hard enough and long enough to make it work. But, I was worried she was starving - this sounds extreme, I know, but it did happen to a cousin of mine. I was never so HAPPY when 2 years later my Lily, born at 41 weeks, had the skill, alertness, and strength, and I had the milk supply, to achieve a successful breast-feeding partnership during her first week of life. I too consider this one of the most important things I have every done, a definite highlight in my life. Thanks again, Jenn. Mireille.
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