just days before. *photo by Susan Lucci*
I knew I wouldn’t even consider to “double nursing” for the first month. So everyday, hour after hour we (me, husband, & mom) would try to get these babies to latch & nurse for at least 7 minutes each time. Chief & mom hovering over me, keeping the babies awake, rubbing their arms, stroking their faces, anything to get those lips to attach!
For 3 weeks this was a constant struggle. Every 3 hours.
I have yet to read any nursing/baby book that will say straight out, what to do & what not to do.
* do NOT eat garlic, onion, or spicy food the first few weeks.
If you do…I can almost assure you your life will be more chaotic, and you will have even less sleep.
The next thing to master: Double Nursing. My meaning of double nursing, for the many who ask: having one baby on each side, nursing at the same time, for approx 10-15 minutes. Never changing sides. One breast’s nursing is their meal for that specific time.
When breastfeeding twins you are almost “quarantined” to your house every 3 hours. Unless you have someone to go out with you. I mean really, who wants to sit on a mall bench with both breasts exposed, your legs separated slightly to support the large twin nursing pillow? Not me. I guess the mall walkers would enjoy having something ‘new’ to look at, but this girl just couldn’t do it. Double nursing is the most un-lady like, un-flattering position you could ever be in. But yet the few who have seen or been around to see me double nurse have said, “It is one of the most beautiful sights they have ever seen.” Not me. Just the actual act. To be clear. When Chief is around we really do try to tear up the town. I have nursed around town doing double duty in various places such as: Target’s Lawn & Garden section, Home Depot on a pile of lumber, parks, ball fields. You name it we have christened it. At least for me, this past year I have been in my house waaaay to much. Honestly, you don’t have any other choice unless you do have someone with you. Prepare yourself mentally for this. Although, one could consider pumping. As for us & our lifestyle, pumping just couldn’t be an option. Plus, the amount of milk going out for regular nursing times, then adding an extra pump or two, I.just.couldn’t.do. It was just too hard.
When their one year birthday arrived we celebrated their lives, our family of 5, big brother being a big brother to these two, reminiscing the day they were born. It was a lovely day. But on that one year anniversary, I celebrated. Giving myself a huge pat on the back, jumping up & down in the bathroom (oddly, I was by myself for 2 minutes) getting dressed, and I found myself twirling one of my year old nursing bras in the air and saying to the bra, “We Did It, Sister. Woot – Woot!”
~Please feel free to comment or write an email if there is any questions you may have. If you are planning on nursing and having a baby or having twins, need support, or a listening ear – I’ve got 2 ears! I would love to help in any way.~
THANK YOU!