[quagmire8]

Ok, we had to start supplementing with formula while in the hospital after every feeding. We allowed them to nurse when ever they want and then offer a bottle and let them take as much of that as they want. The LC and pediatrician suggested pumping after every feeding as well. The babies usually dont wake on their own, so I wake them after 3 hours.

We took them for their first check up and the pediatrician said that we could stop the supplements when ever we want. The NICU nurse in me feels that I NEED to know what is going into them Their output is fantastic. We decided to limit their supplement for now to 30mls and gradually get them down to no supplement by next week or so. I know the supplement can sabotage my milk supply, so I would like to stop it as soon as possible.

My issue is this: I have an Ameda Purely Yours pump that the hospital gives to its employees. I was getting about 45mls when pumping between feedings. I was able to get a big scary old (but excellent) hospital grade pump (NICU moms have told me it can suck milk from a rock). For some reason I am not getting more milk when pumping with it. I was only getting around 20-25mls with it between feedings. I have gone back to using the Ameda and getting around 30mls now. I dont understand why the hospital grade pump isnt working better than the Ameda? Any thoughts?

Also, just looking for any ways possible to increase my milk supply. I have not started any herbs or Reglan yet. I always have a liter or water next to me and drink often. Eating was hard to remember to do when we came home, but now I am eating often and regularly. TIA for any advice!

[twinzplus3]

Herbs. . .and remember to eat at least 3000 calories a day. Avocados are GREAT. . .maybe you like guacamole.

[letschildproofdotcom]

When I wasn't producing enough milk, I purchased a special tea from GNC and it really helped. I forgot the name, but it is the only tea at GNC that promotes breastmilk production, so the person there will know what you mean.

Also, you are so lucky that the babies don't wake up on their own. Mine wake up constantly. I can't hardly take a deep breath without them waking up.

[purelegance]

fenugreek is amazing. i picked up that & the tea @ gnc, although just 2 capsules of fenugreek a day was more than enough for me. (although, i do know some women who took 6 or so).

i know it's busy with twins, but have you ever read any of val's blogs on breastfeeding off the babyblog? they're from a bit ago, but i swear they're some of the best material out there. i'll find a link that begins them for you.

http://baby.families.com/blog/ pretty much anything pertaining to nursing, breastpumps, etc. just go down the list on the right.

[angelic_ky]

i find oats help

[twinzplus3]

Okay now that I have more time to respond. . .an index to my breastfeeding blogs is in a sticky at the top of the breastfeeding forum. I am fairly certain there's something in there about bfing multiples as well as using galactagogues. http://forums.families.com/valories-...-index,t115233

With twins, the biggest issue most women have is taking in enough calories after birth to feed and produce enough for two. Eat, eat, eat, and eat. Yes, Haagen Daz counts. . . Do not think in terms of a heaping pile of yummy vegetables. Go for the small salad and the huge steak. You can't do that forever so enjoy it now.

I took fenugreek with the twins and recommend it over the tea. I just think it's more effective and I feel like you can tweak it more to your specific circumstances. Oatmeal is great--especially if you like it--but it's not going to give you want you need in terms of milk production boost alone. It's just not a strong enough galactagogue.

Another way to increase milk production if you have help is to nurse the babies at the same time. Personally, I think that 3 hours is too long to go in between feedings with newborn twins. (I don't remember your story but they are full term-esque right? Like 38 weeks?) I'd try to nurse more often during the day. ..but if you can get them latched right at the same time, that will help send the message to your body that you need to produce enough for two. I don't generally recommend nursing them at the same time at first until they can latch well because it's tricky.

As far as the pumps go. . .it could just be that you interrupted your body's normal hormonal response with using the new pump. I also found that you have to use the highest setting with the NICU pump. If it doesn't feel like your boob is being sucked through a hoover. . .you don't have it high enough.

Let me know if you need anything.

[ruthann8]

EAT! I couldn't eat enough and I just had one baby! I got up several times in the middle of the night just to help get extra calories in. And I still dropped weight like mad. Good Luck!!

[quagmire8]

Thanks so much ladies! I read yesterday about the oatmeal and ate it for breakfast this morning! I think one issue is not eating enough--there just doesnt seem to be enough time, although as I type that it sounds silly. This morning I had to choose between eating in the 30 minutes I had between feedings or sleeping. This time I chose to eat. Sometimes, however, I choose to sleep.

I will also try wake them earlier during the day. Also, instead of going back and forth between the Ameda and the hospital pump, I will stick with the hospital pump to let my body get used to it. I really want the hospital pump to work, I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to use it.

I will get DH to go to GNC and get the tea and the fenugreek. Any thoughts as to how much to take of each? Is it something you start of with a minimum dose and increase as needed?

And Val--I LOVE guacamole! That makes me happy to eat that!

You guys have given me a lot to work with--I have more hope now!

[quagmire8]

Oh yea--I do nurse them together (we started that on Monday). I am so very very fortunate that they have always latched beautifully from birth. (Lucky me--if they had a bad latch, between all of the nursing and pumping my poor nips would fall off!)

[Magic_Mikki]

LoL!! You ladies are funny! I love reading these posts! Allison, you asked about how much Fenugreek.. Amber mentioned that two was plenty for her. When Devon was about 4-5 (maybe 6? I don't remember!) I started by taking four a day (two in morning, two at night) and then eventually went to 6 in a day. That seemed to work for me. Everyone is different. You can play around with them to see what works best for you. As Val had mentioned to me a few months ago, fenugreek is a temporary fix and doesn't increase milk production in the long run. (Right, Val? Or am I mistaken?) Good luck! I can't imagine how frustrating it would be with TWO! LoL!