Dr. Johnson-Grass’s Philosophy on Maternity Care

As a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, a midwife, and the President of the American Association of Birth Centers, Dr. Johnson-Grass has a unique philosophy on how to treat expecting women during their pregnancy, delivery, and their postpartum period. Her birthing centers are strongly grounded in the principles of educating women and creating awareness about pregnancy. 

Providers throughout Dr. Johnson-Grass’s practice provide a high level of information and education. This includes traditional pregnancy topics, as well as nutrition, exercise, and supplementation. Their goal is for women to have the healthiest pregnancy possible and ensure that they are having a good experience. 

Dr. Grass-Johson’s practice uses a preventative model of medicine, that includes nutrition, exercise, and supplementation to help women achieve the healthiest pregnancy possible.

Her philosophy for helping to educate and support women grew from an all-too-common phenomenon of women gathering too much information from the media, movies, social media. The flood of information, according to Dr. Johnson-Grass, can create a very unrealistic vision of what pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum experience is really like. Her work is aimed directly at education and awareness for women about their pregnancy.

How the COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way she practices medicine and cares for her pregnant patients

The COVID-19 health crisis has completely changed the way many doctors are practicing medicine. 

In the case of Dr. Johnson-Grass’s practice, she notes a significant change in how her staff delivers the ever-important educational piece, which is now being delivered virtually. Birthing classes are being offered completely online. So far, she has received excellent feedback from patients, that in many respects, taking digital classes has eliminated some of the barriers to attendance. Some of these educational elements may remain digital (or at least have an option for digital attendance) once the health crisis has passed. 

In most practices, women are still being seen in person at key periods where evaluations need to be done. General office visits are being completed when these tests are required. This way can be seen by their doctor but the potential exposure to the virus is limited. 

Virtual Health Care

As the number of cases of the coronavirus spread throughout the world, an increasing number of doctors began providing care virtually. This means that providers and patients have to stay in communication to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy. 

In the case of maternity care, moms-to-be, who might be at risk for preeclampsia are encouraged to have a blood pressure cuff at home. Many practices have also begun, offering drive-up care for things such as routine lab work, blood pressure checks, and other evaluations that are brief but must be done in person. 

“For birth plans to stay on track and on course, really go into it as healthy as you can. “

What should expectant moms do in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic? 

Dr. Johnson-Grass advises her patients to practice great social distancing and self-quarantine at home. As you approach delivery, it is even more important to stay at home and avoid potential exposure. For singleton pregnancies, 35 weeks is an ideal time to begin self-quarantine. For twin moms, the time would be much earlier perhaps as early as 30 weeks. 

She explained, “The normal delivery window is between 37 and 42 weeks. Twins moms we know often can go earlier. Knowing COVID has a 2-week cycle. Self-quarantine at that time, so [that] if you do get sick, it has cycled out and you are going into labor as healthy as you can.” 

While this might seem like a heavy burden for expectant moms, Dr. Johnson-Grass explained how all the worries moms have right now about not having their partner with them, separation from loved ones, not being able to breastfeed or an impact on infant bonding, could become a reality if they have COVID-19 at the time of delivery.  

“For birth plans to stay on track and on course, really go into it as healthy as you can. “ 

What are the biggest worries of expecting moms today?

The biggest worries that seem to exist for many moms expecting during the coronavirus pandemic include:

• Not being able to have a support person with them
• Exposure to the virus 
• Not having a doula present with them in the hospital 
• Not having access to the hospital
• Lack of support 
• Difficulty breastfeeding
• Being separated from their babies (if they require a NICU stay)

Being pregnant with twins is worrisome outside of a health crisis. So it is normal for women to be worried about what their labor and delivery experience will be like in such an uncertain time. 

What can pregnant women do to minimize their worry? 

The most important thing expecting moms can do is to gather all the information they can. Information takes away the unknown and the unknown is often the main source of stress and anxiety. 

If you are worried about not having your doula with you, ask how they can support you virtually. If you have concerns about who can be with you during and after delivery, ask your provider what the hospital support person policy is right now. 

Dr. Johnson-Grass noted that healthcare providers are more than willing to answer questions. The problem is that, oftentimes, expectant moms don’t know what questions to ask. This is why the preventative model and educational approach to pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum are key. Pregnant women who gather as much information as they can will know exactly what questions to ask. 

Some important things women should be asking their healthcare providers in the face of COVID-19 include:

• What is the hospital’s support person policy?
• What should I expect when I arrive at the hospital? 
• What kind of screening is being done upon arrival at the hospital? (Checking temperatures, health screenings, etc.)
• What is the hospital’s policy on twin deliveries and where do they take place? (If they deliver all twin pregnancies in an operating room, this is important to be prepared for!) 
• Are there any other changes in standard delivery and postpartum care because of COVID-19? 
• After delivery, will I be required to stay in my room? 

Compile your list of questions and be open with your provider about any fears or worries you have. 

“Knowing that information, even if it’s not what you want to hear, you know what to plan for and expect.“

Should women pregnant with twins worry about delivering at the hospital? 

The short answer is absolutely not. In places where more beds are needed to treat COVID-19 patients, low-risk maternity cases are being transferred to alternative birth sites, such as the Auxiliary Maternity Units that Dr. Johnson-Grass is helping to initiate in hard-hit cities such as New York City. 

This allows high-risk deliveries to take place safely in the hospital. In the vast majority of health care systems, twins must be delivered in the hospital. This provides women expecting twins the peace of knowing that there will be a spot for them when they go into labor. 

What happens if babies require a NICU stay? 

A very important question that many expecting twin moms are asking is what happens if one or both babies has to stay in the NICU? Will they be able to see their babies? 

In most instances, parents will be able to spend time with their infants in the NICU. Dr. Johnson-Grass suggests that parents reach out to the hospital where they plan to deliver or check their website and get information on the Parent Policy (not to be confused with their visitor policy). Most NICUs are posting this information readily on their website (with publication dates) so families can stay on top of any changes as they occur. 

How will postpartum care be delivered?

This will vary depending upon where you are in the country and how your healthcare provider delivers care. Many doctors are providing some of their care virtually with limited in-person visits for only the most important visits. 

Parents are also being encouraged to bring their infants to a pediatric provider during the first week of release from the hospital. This, in large part, is so that if something did happen or parents have health concerns about their babies, they have an established provider to help you find your way through the sometimes confusing healthcare system.

What is the most important piece of advice for moms expecting twins?

The biggest piece of advice Dr. Johnson-Grass wanted to share with moms expecting twins during the coronavirus pandemic was this:

“In general, I really think this information gathering and education piece is huge. As much of the unknown that you can let go of, the more confident you will feel in pregnancy, in labor, in delivery, and postpartum.“

She reminded us that, for all pregnancies, it is so important to pay attention to nutrition, supplements, being active and healthy eating throughout your pregnancy. This is especially helpful for moms of twins. 

She left us with this last piece of important information: 

“Women take on so much responsibility and have guilt if things don’t go the way they planned or anticipated.  Remind moms that you are a part of this but your babies have a say. You could have done everything right but babies have a voice in the process. You haven’t done anything wrong if your birth plan changes.“

About Dr. Amy Johnson-Grass

Amy Johnson-Grass is the President of the American Association of Birth Centers. Her passion for birth centers extends to her work as a faculty member of the nationally taught How to Start a Birth Center Workshop and How to Start Alongside Midwifery Units and she has been a site visitor for the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers.

Amy is also the owner and executive director of Health Foundations Birth Center + Women’s Health Clinic in Saint Paul, Minnesota. After graduating from Bastyr University with a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine, a Masters of Science in Nutrition, and a midwifery certificate, she completed a three-year National Institute of Health Post-doctoral fellowship with the Minneapolis Medical Research Foundations and the University of Minnesota. Along with the fellowship, she started her private practice and also worked as a clinician at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis.

She is active in her community as the President of the Minnesota State Chapter of AABC, the Vice-President of the MN State NACPM Chapter. She’s also active in MN state legislation to license birth centers, and has sat on the Midwifery and Naturopathic Advisory Boards of the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice. You can hear her on the radio on Sunday mornings as host of the Mom Show on myTalk 107.1, where she educates about women’s health, pediatrics, maternity, and parenting.

The post Having twins during the COVID-19 Pandemic? Expert advice on what to expect appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

Most people realize that there is a percentage of women who experience feelings of sadness after they deliver their baby or babies. The reality is that many people have no idea of the severity and complexity of life with PPD. 

In fact, there are a number of discouraging myths that keep many women from seeking help when they experience the signs of depression after delivery.  

In this article, we will look at what postpartum depression is, why it occurs, debunk some popular myths, and talk about how to get help for you or someone you love.

Postpartum depression does not have to derail your experience as a new mom of multiples. 

What is postpartum depression?

There is not one single underlying cause of PPD. Instead, experts believe that there is a myriad of contributing factors that lead to developing this form of clinical depression. 

Postpartum or perinatal depression affects as many as 1 in 7 women. It is so common that it is the most common complication of childbirth. 

Who is most likely to develop postpartum depression?

PPD can affect any woman. It strikes women who experience easy pregnancies, as well as, those with difficult pregnancies. First-time mothers and mothers who have one or more children can also experience PPD. It doesn’t matter if a new mom is married or single, and things like income, age, ethnicity, culture, and education make little difference in your risk of experiencing depression after birth.

One group of women who are at a higher risk of suffering from postpartum depression are moms of multiples (or MoMs). MoMs are much more likely to develop PPD than moms of singletons. While not all twin moms will experience symptoms, they are at an increased risk. 

What are the risk factors for postpartum depression?

• A change in hormone levels after childbirth 
• Previous experience of depression or anxiety 
• Loneliness, not having close friends and family around
• Family history of depression or mental illness 
• The stress involved in caring for a newborn and managing new life changes
• Having a challenging baby who cries more than usual, is hard to comfort, or whose sleep and hunger needs are irregular and hard to predict
• Having a baby with special needs (premature birth, medical complications, illness) 
• Lack of family support
• The health consequences of childbirth, including urinary incontinence, anemia, blood pressure changes, and alterations in metabolism
• The physical changes during and after pregnancy
• Other emotional stressors, such as the death of a loved one or family problems
• Financial or employment problems 
• Caring for twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples 
• Isolation and lack of social support
• Changes in the sleep cycle 

Difficulties with breastfeeding might also be linked to PPD. New moms who have difficulty breastfeeding in the first 2 weeks after delivering their babies have a higher risk of PPD 2 months later, according to a study at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. 

What is the difference between baby blues and depression?

Many new moms confuse their own postpartum depression with the less serious “baby blues.” Baby blues happen when moms feel more melancholic than is typical for them after delivering their infant. As hormone levels drop, moms can feel moody, sad, tired, and generally “blue.” This is very different from PPD. 

Unlike the baby blues, PPD doesn’t go away on its own. It can impact a mother’s ability to care for her newborn. The symptoms are much more debilitating and longer-lasting. Any mom who is concerned about how she is feeling should talk to their doctor in order to stay aware of what is going on. 

How prevalent is postpartum depression?

Rates of PPD in singleton pregnancies

According to a report and statement issued by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 8.9 percent of all pregnant women and 37 percent of new mothers experience clinical depression in the months before or after giving birth. Less research has been done on new fathers, but some studies suggest that about 10 percent of dads may also experience postpartum depression. For half of the women diagnosed with PPD, this is their first episode of depression. 

Rates of PPD in twin pregnancy

Moms of multiples experience PPD at a higher rate than singleton moms. Researchers have not yet isolated whether these higher rates are due to physical etiology (such as higher levels of hormones) or the additional stress of caring for two newborns. 

A 2009 study, published in the journal Pediatrics found that new MoMs were 43 percent more likely to have postpartum depression than were mothers of singletons. While not all moms of multiples will develop PPD, it is important for these MoM’s and their families to be on the lookout for potential symptoms.  

Recognizing the signs of postpartum depression

In theory, it sounds like it would be fairly simple to identify and treat PPD, right? 

The reality is that after delivering newborn twins, in the sleep-deprived newness of parenting, things can get muddy. MoM’s often think their sadness or anxiety will go away. They often blame their feelings on exhaustion. Understanding the signs of PPD can help to tease apart normal postpartum blues with true depression. 

What are the symptoms of postpartum depression?

The warning signs are different for everyone but may include: 

• A loss of pleasure or interest in things you used to enjoy
• Fear of not being a good mother 
• Eating much more, or much less, than usual
• Anxiety — all or most of the time 
• Fear of being left alone with the baby 
• Racing thoughts 
• Feeling guilty or worthless, including blaming yourself 
• Excessive irritability, anger, or agitation 
• Sadness, crying uncontrollably for very long periods of time 
• Difficulty sleeping, beyond the typical new parent lack of sleep
• Disinterest in the baby, family, and friends 
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions 
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or the baby (seek help immediately if you experience this symptom).

What to do when you suspect postpartum depression?

If you suspect someone you love may be suffering from any form of postpartum depression, anxiety, or even blues – the first thing to do is talk about it. Many moms don’t even realize what is going on. In many cases, it is the loved ones that first recognize the symptoms. 

However, if you are feeling any of the earlier noted signs of PPD, talk to your doctor right away. There is no need to suffer in silence. PPD is treatable!

Fighting the stigma of postpartum depression

Despite the mountains of research surrounding postpartum depression and dialogue that is opening up, many women still feel a stigma when it comes to PPD. There are a number of myths that keep many people in the dark about the realities surrounding postpartum depression. 

Debunking the myths

Myth #1: Moms who have PPD don’t bond with their babies

Truth: Moms with PPD love their babies just as much as moms who do not have PPD. Depression is in no way a sign that a mom will not bond with her baby and love her twins the same as any other mother.  

Myth #2: You can only get PPD if you had a previous mental illness

Truth: While women with a history of mental illness (specifically a mood disorder) are slightly more likely to develop postpartum depression, any new mom can experience it regardless of health history. What’s more is that MoM’s who have experienced a mental illness in the past, are not necessarily going to develop PPD.  

Myth #3: Symptoms show up right after birth

Truth: In many cases, moms will not experience the symptoms of PPD for weeks (or even months) after giving birth. In some cases, women can display signs during the last stage of pregnancy and some won’t develop until as much as a year after delivery. Typically, the condition develops within 4 to 6 weeks after giving birth, but it can sometimes take several months to appear.

Myth #4: PPD will go away on its own

Truth: PPD is a serious condition that requires treatment. It often will not subside on its own and may require a combination of therapy and medication to alleviate the symptoms. Many new moms wait in hopes that the symptoms will retreat on their own, but inevitably prolong their negative feelings. 

Myth #5: Moms with PPD cry nonstop

Truth: Postpartum depression can take many forms. While some moms of multiples will be tearful, others will experience PPD as isolation, anxiety, or withdrawal. A woman does not have to cry around the clock to be experiencing PPD.  

Seeking help for postpartum depression

If you experience these symptoms during pregnancy or after delivering your babies you should talk to your doctor. Also, if you recognize any of these signs in someone you love, encourage them to talk to a medical professional. Many women delay seeking treatment for PPD and suffer in silence for much longer than is necessary. 

Too few women seek help for postpartum depression

In a survey published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice, parents of twins or other multiples reported experiencing the most difficulty during the first three months of their babies’ lives. The study included 244 parents of twins and other multiples (including 197 mothers and 44 spouses or partners), asking about parents’ mental health during the postpartum period. 

They found that, although 48 percent of the study participants had struggled emotionally after their babies were born, very few got help. Many parents reported that with caring for multiple babies at once, finding childcare, and the financial stress of finding a therapist, often felt like another burden.

Coping strategies

In addition to psychological interventions and medication, there are a number of things new moms can do to help cope with the stress of parenting two babies. Using some or all of these coping skills in the face of PPD can help improve outcomes and manage symptoms. 

1. Get some exercise. Okay, maybe you aren’t ready to hit the gym but simply taking a walk, going for a bike ride, or even a few minutes of dancing with cranky babies can go a long way. 
2. Make time for yourself. While finding a few quiet moments for yourself may seem impossible, they are so important. Make sure to take a break and focus on yourself. Take a shower, talk to a friend on the phone, meditate, or do anything that makes you feel like yourself again. 
3. Stay on top of your diet. This point covers two important aspects. First, if you are breastfeeding make sure you are getting enough calories. Second, be sure you are making good food choices that will fuel your tired mind and body. 
4. Get your rest. This is probably the most laughable on our list. Once you are done chuckling at our suggestion, read on. We realize that adding an extra hour of sleep to your day is highly unlikely, remember that rest is more than sleep. A 20-minute power nap, meditation, or mindfulness and just a micro-break a few times each day can help keep you going. 
5. Connect with people. One of the biggest sources of melancholy new moms report is feeling isolated. Long hours spent just you and your babies can be an isolating experience. Connect with friends or family or join a Moms of Multiples group near you. 

Despite the growing body of information about postpartum depression and its impact on moms of multiples, there is still a gap that needs to be bridged. Too many women are left untreated and suffering in silence. The more information moms-to-be and new moms have, the more they can understand what is going on. 

Postpartum depression is a real diagnosis and is very treatable. Be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms. If you or someone you love are experiencing any, be sure to talk to a medical professional right away. There is no need to suffer in silence.  

Resources:

American Psychological Association – What is postpartum depression & anxiety?

Journal of Psychiatric Practice – Perinatal Mental Health Treatment Needs, Preferences, and Barriers in Parents of Multiples

Journal of the American Medical Association – Prenatal and Postpartum Depression in Fathers and Its Association With Maternal Depression

Medical News Today – What to know about postpartum depression

National Public Radio – Mommy Mentors Help Fight The Stigma Of Postpartum Mood Disorder

National Public Radio – Pssst: Parenting Twins Can Be Depressing

Obstetrics and Gynecology – Early breastfeeding experiences and postpartum depression

Pediatrics – Multiple Births Are a Risk Factor for Postpartum Maternal Depressive Symptoms

Postpartum Support International – Depression During Pregnancy & Postpartum

US Preventative Services Task Force – Perinatal Depression: Preventive Interventions

The post The Truth About Postpartum Depression appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

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The post Guide to the First Year with Twins – 7th Edition appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

Many moms of twins battle the floppy flap that hangs over the jeans long after the births of their babies. The “twin skin” club is exclusive and members love to share their strategies in toning the tummy. So keep talking and start crunching. Either way, misery loves company and you’ve got lots of it.

If there’s one thing any mother of multiples can testify to, it’s this: Your body is never the same after carrying more than one baby in the same pregnancy. Many complain about “twin skin;” some learn to love it, but most want to leave it behind.

Here are some of the remarks moms have made. (No one, however, was willing to have her name mentioned.)

• “I’m going to wrap it around my middle and use it as belt.”

• “I am back to a size 6… but the ‘twin skin’ just won’t shrink.”

• “I’m having a tummy tuck.”

• “Losing the 72 pounds I gained was a piece of cake—OK, a piece of carrot—but this ‘twin skin’ is impossible to budge.”

• “I have lost all my weight and no one would ever guess what my tummy looks like, but what do I do when I want to put on a bathing suit?”

• “My husband says he doesn’t even notice it. He’s the best.”

• “If you have ‘twin skin’ you have to have a sense of humor.”

• “When I lie down, it’s me and my ‘twin skin’; when I roll over, it follows me.”

Is there a solution?

Dr. Roger Goldberg, author of Ever Since I Had My Baby and researcher into the postpartum changes a woman’s body undergoes, cautions women to give themselves some time after their babies are born. “The general rule is, don’t judge from the immediate postpartum appearance,” Dr. Goldberg counseled. “Watch and wait for at least three to six months.” Dr. Goldberg explained that estrogen levels plummet during breastfeeding. When estrogen rebounds, the skin may regain some elasticity. While he says there is not any specific supporting scientific research, he bases his advice on what happens to the pelvic floor postpartum during breastfeeding: The vaginal skin becomes thinner and drier.

In moms of multiples, the ‘six-pack’ muscles can separate and spread. Only rarely, in the more extreme cases, do the muscles never fully return to midline. If you are considering a tummy tuck, Dr. Goldberg offers some very simple and practical advice about this extreme surgery: “Wait until you’ve had your last baby.” Many “twin skin” veterans swear by Pilates because it strengthens the body’s core. You will find a wide choice of Pilates videos online or on DVDs at your favorite store. Other moms say their “twin skin” tightened by simply doing crunches and modified sit-ups at home. (Avoid two-leg raises and full sit-ups; they place too much strain on your back.)

In her books Having Twins and Essential Exercises for the Childbearing Years, Elizabeth Noble offers detailed information and illustrations on prenatal and postpartum exercises—and assurance that “twin skin” need not be permanent.

She recommends that when you are expecting, you should avoid strenuous exercise, but try stretching, walking, swimming, low impact aerobics and calisthenics.

Postpartum, resume your prenatal program gradually and include isometrics and pelvic floor exercises. Noble writes: First you shorten your abdominal muscles, then you strengthen them.

Also, Noble suggests that you try hacking—a quick light chopping with the outer border of your hand—to tighten stretched skin.

Regardless of how you get your reps in, take comfort in the T’s: Tummy toning after twins is tough and tiring.

Pre-pregnancy and prenatal exercises can help you stay in shape if you don’t experience complications. Although it sometimes seems that nothing helps, a pound of prevention is often worth several pounds of “twin skin.”

[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://twinsmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/icon.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Sharon Withers[/author_info] [/author]

The post Got Twin Skin? appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

Breastfeeding twins has many advantages for both the mother and baby.

Breastfeeding strengthens the baby’s immune system and reduces the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is also a great way for mother and child to bond.

Breastfeeding twins can seem overwhelming to a new mom, but thousands of new mothers successfully breastfed their twins every day.

These tips will help you to be successful from day one.

1. Get a Lactation Consultant

As soon as you arrive in your Postpartum room after giving birth, ask to see the Lactation Consultant. As a mother of twins, you will be a priority for her.

She will sit with you and teach you exactly how to get each of your babies to latch correctly onto your breast. Learning how to do this from the very first feeding is important.

If your babies do not latch correctly, breastfeeding twins can be painful and your babies will not be able to feed efficiently.

That is the number one reason responsible for issues with breastfeeding twins.

Nowadays all Lactation Consultants receive training on teaching mothers how to breastfeed twins, so she will be able to help you with different positions and issues particular to twins.

2. Find a Lactation Consultant in Your Area

Before giving birth, you may want to find a lactation consultant in your area, so you can make an appointment to see her once you have been released from the hospital. Many will come out to your home to continue to help you after you leave the hospital.

3. Get in a Comfortable Breastfeeding Position.

The position is very important when breastfeeding twins. There are many positions mothers prefer when breastfeeding twins and there is no one right way.

The positions for breastfeeding twins should allow you to relax your back and neck. Your posture of choice should allow easy digestion while the babies suckle.

You may find a number of positions helpful at different times. The goal is to try different positions until you find the ones that work best for you and your twins.

4. Get a Comfortable Breastfeeding Pillow

Get a special breastfeeding pillow designed for twins.

The My Brest Friend Supportive Nursing Pillow For Twins 0-12 Months, Plus-Size is the most useful breastfeeding pillow for twins.

It is soft and provides plenty of room for both babies. The strap is also awesome, as it keeps the pillow in place while you move your twins around and help them latch on correctly.

Colors: Light Green (Pictured), Dark Grey, Light Grey, Fireworks, and Black and White

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $58.04- $67.99

5. Wear Easy Access Nursing Tops and Nursing Bras.

In the beginning, you will find soft, comfortable 2-in-1 nursing tops with built-in bras to be extremely useful. While you are learning how to nurse twins and your twins are feeding to often, you will find yourself constantly needing to expose your breast to feed. These tops also make it simple to breastfeed both twins at the same time.

Caramel Cantina 3 Pack Women’s Nursing Cami Built-in Bra is a great 2-in-1 soft tank top and nursing bra. You can wear it by itself or under another loose top. It comes in many sizes and colors, thus matching everything. You will want to buy at least a few packs of these because in the beginning, milk will leak and babies will spit up on you.

Colors: Black, White and Charcoal (3 Pack), Navy, Burgundy and Teal (3 Pack), Black (3 Pack)

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $36.99 (Pack of three)

Having plenty of comfortable nursing bras is also important. When your milk supply is first coming in and your twins are learning how to breastfeed, it will messy. You will find yourself often needing to change your bra. You will also need to wear a bra all the time in the beginning because your breasts will leak milk.

Therefore, you will want to have comfortable bras you can wear all day and night.

The 3 PACK Full Bust Seamless Nursing Maternity Bras with Extenders & Clips is the perfect nursing bra bundle.

We recommend you buy at least three of these packs to get started. The extender will be great right after you give birth before you lose your pregnancy and while your milk supply is adjusting. The clips allow you to connect the two straps in the back to hide them when wear tank tops or other sleeveless shirts.

Colors: Black, Pink & Nude (3 Pack), Nude (3 Pack), Black (3 Pack), Black, Grey & Nude (3 Pack)

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $36.99 (Pack of three)

6. Start with One Twin at a Time

As a new parent or one who is having your first pair of twins, it is advisable that you start gradually, with a twin at a time to the breast.

Once each twin is latching properly and you feel comfortable, start trying to feed the other twin at the same time.

Be patient with yourself and know you will master breastfeeding twins at the same time. It is a skill like any other and simply requires practice.

7. Use a Breastpump Only When Necessary

Before you consider using a breast pump, be sure it is needed.

Mothers panic, saying their breasts don’t produce much milk and they are afraid they are not making enough for the twins.

it takes a few days for your milk to come in. The most effective way to establish a strong milk supply is to latch them properly and encourage your twins to feed often.

The woman lactation process actually generates more milk with the demands placed by the suckling mouth(s). Breast pumps are just not as effective at expelling milk from the breast.

In the early days, encourage your twins to breastfeed often. These early days will determine how much milk your body makes. It is a supply and demand system established during the first days. That is also why learning how to latch your twins on is so important from the beginning.

So, before you go for a pumping aid, be sure you need it.

When it is time to begin pumping, we recommend you use the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump with On the Go Tote.

It is an awesome all-in-one system.

Medela is the most well-known and recommended brand on the market. All of their products come with a lifetime warranty and their service department is excellent.

While the bag this breast pump comes with may not be your first choice, this bundle is a great deal and has everything you will need to immediately begin pumping.

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $190.93

8. Alternate the kids to the breast

Each of the twins might have different appetite and sucking behavior.

Therefore, alternate which twin feeds from each breast with every feeding. A great way to remember which twin fed from each breast is to wear a simple bracelet or hair tie on your wrist. Assign the hair tie to Twin A. After you have completed breastfeeding your twins, move the hair tie to the other wrist. This will tell you that Twin A should feed on that breast during the next feeding.

9. Get Rest

You need as much rest as you can get.

When your newborn twins are sleeping, you should sleep, as well.

Ask friends and family members to keep up with the daily tasks around the house.

In the early days, your task is to heal your body from birth, breastfeed and care for your new twins. That is a full-time job. Everything else can wait.

10. Ask for Help

Neighbors, friends, co-workers, and family are great helpers in the early days. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Hiring a Postpartum Doula is also an excellent choice.

Postpartum Doulas can help you care for your newborn twins, clean your house, cook and help organize the help of others in your life.

11. Eat and Drink Frequently

Think of your body as just recovering from running a marathon.

Labor is exhausting and you have lost a lot of blood. Now you are trying to make food for two little people.

Allow yourself to eat foods you are craving. Your body may need more salt, protein or fats to recover.

In the early days, we drank lots of Ensure High Protein Nutrition Shake with 16 grams of high-quality protein, Meal Replacement Shakes.

We loved them because they did not contain milk and thus did not need to remain refrigerated. We kept them on our nightstand and drank them during the night when we woke up hungry.

Product Details:

Flavors: Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla

Price: $31.94 for 24 8oz Bottles

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Drinking lots of water is one of the best ways to ensure your body will produce enough milk.

Breast milk is composed of 90% water.

During birth and for days after giving birth, your body will lose a lot of blood. Blood is composed mostly of water. Therefore, you will likely be extremely dehydrated.

One of the biggest factors that will affect your milk supply in the early days is your water intake. This is a crucial time as your body is figuring out how much milk to make for your twins. If you are severely dehydrated in the early days, your body will not establish the correct amount of milk supply.

You will probably notice that soon after you begin breastfeeding your twins you will become thirsty. The oxytocin that your body releases during breastfeeding is responsible for triggering your thirst. This is your body’s natural way of ensuring that you are getting enough water to make breast milk.

As soon as you can, begin rehydrating your body. This can easily be done simply with water. During breastfeeding one baby, you should drink an extra quart, or 32 ounces, per day.

12. Start Preparing Before Your Twins Arrive.

Preparation is key. Create a plan now to ensure you will have all of the tools and people in place when your twins arrive.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People who love you will want to feel needed and your twins will benefit from it, as well.

The post 12 Tips for Breastfeeding Twins appeared first on TWINS Magazine.