Georgia is just over 5 pounds now and has struggled with nursing. She gets breast milk in a bottle except for 2xday nursing practice sessions for which she needs a shield and SNS to get her going. Vivian nurses like a champ.

I'm really struggling with nursing Vivian (who wants to nurse every hour on both breasts) and pumping for the Georgia. I always feel behind in getting enough milk pumped for her. Plus if I have pumped recently, she has a really hard time getting any let down when we do try to nurse. It's a catch-22.

Supply has been an issue. I pump after every feeding. I tried fenugreek but it seemed to upset Georgia's tummy. She screamed terribly for those days I was on it. Now I take a lactation herb blend, plus extra Blessed Thistle, eat oatmeal, avocados, flax oil etc. I feel like I take enough herbs to sprout leaves! I have thrush on top of everything else. Ugh!

I nursed both my boys til they were toddlers and I don't want to stop nursing but I am having trouble seeing the light at the end of the tunnel here. I hate this nurse & pump scramble but I don't know how to get out of it. Is there a happy medium of formula and nursing? How do you transition to 2 nursers without starving one?

I so feel for you right now!!  You are right in what I found to be the worst part.  I felt like giving up everyday and now it is so easy to nurse them.  It does get better.  I did supplement until about 8 weeks at that time I was fully nursing.  You need to do what works for you.  I'm sure you have seen a lactaion consultant.  What did they say?  What I did was nurse both(however both mine were good at latching and eating). Each got a top up at the end of nursing and I would pump at the end of each feeding.  Then pretty much repeat again.  I felt like that was all I did all day!!!!!  Then at 6 weeks I started to stop a supplement at the end of one feeding. And I would do that every 3-4 days until my supply built up slowly and then I was exclusively nursing by about 8 weeks.  My girls were also bigger than yours so it will probably take a little longer.  I feel for you, and it does get better!!  Now I tandem nurse and it takes about 10 min. and we are done!!  I love it!!  I hope things get easier and you are happy with your decision.  Your girls will be happy and heathy no matter what you do.  You have given them a great gift by nursing them even this much!!  Any other questions please ask away!!

Thank you so much for your reply.  I'm at the end of my rope today and it is nice to hear that this is the worst part!  I think the key will be to get Georgia nursing on her own.  Vivian might have to have a bottle for awhile so I can work on that with full breasts.   

It also REALLY helps to hear how it works later on.  I tried to tandem feed them tonight, one on breast and one on the bottle and it was a nightmare.  Tandem feeding is one thing but tandem burping???  Ahhhhhhhh! 

 Sorry to chime in here..........as I know nothing about twin nursing, but have you thought about getting a milk stimulant??? I too tried fenugreek with my last son and I just smelt like maple syrup the whole time, and it didn't do much to stimulate. Anyway the ped put me on Motilium and it is fantastic. It's a medicine.........but not harmful in any way. It is the saftest milk stimulant that can be prescribed. Within 2-3 days your supply is MUCH greater. Just a thought. Good luck..........I am struggling with one, let alone two!! 

Yes I am ready for drugs!  I actually called my doctor yesterday to get that same one.  It's called domperidone here and you have to get it from a specialty pharmacy.  Now if I can just find time to run across town to pick it up!   

 Oh good!!! So glad for you. You will notice a HUGE supply difference in a couple of days! Good luck.

Hey sweetie sorry I have been MIA-- have internet access issues while traveling... Sorry!!  Sounds like you have a good plan to get the supply going!! Just keep pumping after each feeding too -- that made world difference for me in terms of getting my supply up.  I am sure the medicine will work too!!  You are doing a fantastic job and I am so proud of you!! Nursing twins is very hard and you are doing a GREAT JOB!!!  xoTJ

Thanks TJ!  I started the meds and I think it's helping a bit.  Trouble is now let down HURTS!!! And Vivian is pissed because so much milk comes at her.  Yikes.  I'm trying to pump one side while I nurse Viv on the other to save time.  Not very relaxing but it helps.  

YOU are awesome and I am so proud of you!! Keep up the good work!!!  Glad to hear the milk is really flowing now!!  TJ