new mom here, breastfeeding Q

I gave birth to twins 6 days ago, 6 weeks early. My intention was to use a combo of breast milk and formula, but to obtan breast milk mainly from pumping. However betweek recoverng from c-section, having babies in the NICU, and generally not feeling well, I didnt pump as often as I should have in this first week. My milk started coming in, just little bits, and it is still a very small supply. Did I ruin my supply by only pumping like 3X a day or is there still time to increase pumping time and get it going?
Thanks so much

Re: new mom here, breastfeeding Q

Congrats on your twins!!!

I know that Sweetooth, Cjmommy, and melijane are all breastfeeding twins. I think melijane pumps exclusively. Im sure they could help you

Re: new mom here, breastfeeding Q

Im not a twin mom.

Have you tried eating Oatmeal and drinking alot of water.. these will help you increase your supply.

Re: new mom here, breastfeeding Q

I started pumping as soon as I came home with my twins, and pumped exclusively for 3 weeks. I got an abundance of milk because I pumped so much. After 3 weeks (and a terrible breast infection because of pumping inconsistently) I got both my boys to latch on and they have had only a handful of bottles since then. They haven't had formula at all. I exclusively nurse them and it's such an amazing feeling to do that with twins. The more you nurse, the more milk you will get. As long as there is still milk there, you can increase the supply. Try getting the babies on the breast as often as possible....drink lots of water....I drink Organic Mothers Milk Tea (I drink it now just cause I like it, not really because I need it)....also a lactation consultant could help with a lot. I go to a lactation support group on Mondays at St. Catherine's and the women there help out a lot.

FM me if there is anything else I could help you with!!

Re: new mom here, breastfeeding Q

Congrats! Twins - that's so exciting

First off, you didn't ruin your supply - you just need to 'establish' it first. I'd start by seeking out a lactation consultant, possibly one who will make a home visit. She can get you on a good pumping schedule to establish a good supply.

It's tough in the beginning but you're doing an amazing thing for your Twins!

HTH

Re: new mom here, breastfeeding Q

Congratulations, you're doing great. As long as you still have milk you can increase your supply. Try BFing and pumping as much as possible and drink LOTS of water. LOTS!

Good job!!!!!

Re: new mom here, breastfeeding Q

Congratulations! As AP have said, you have certainly not ruined your supply
I'm not sure where you delivered but most hospitals have Lactation Consultants (LC) on staff who makes her rounds in the NICU. Next time you visit the babies, ask your nurse to have the LC come see you. She will help you in any way she can.

Additionally, I also had a NICU baby. My DS was born 6 weeks early and spent a week in the NICU. If you want to chat or vent, feel free to FM me.

Re: new mom here, breastfeeding Q

You'll definetly have to increase how many times a day you pump in order to increase your supply. I don't think you ruined it, You can build it back up. A friend of mine got mastitis from only pumping 3 times a day so I would be careful that you are emptying out often so that you don't get any clogged ducts. Good luck you have a big challenge ahead!!

Re: new mom here, breastfeeding Q

Posted by mikeswife06

Congratulations, you're doing great. As long as you still have milk you can increase your supply. Try BFing and pumping as much as possible and drink LOTS of water. LOTS!

Good job!!!!!

Re: new mom here, breastfeeding Q

Congrats! I am breast feeding twins. I have never been a good pumper, unfortunately. I would never be able to feed BM exclusively if I was feeding it by bottle, I wouldn't be able to keep up. But like the others said, pumping 3x a day is not enough to keep a supply going, you'll need to pump every 2-3hrs around the clock. Hopefully you will do better than me!