Breastfeeding, formula ?'s and How much do they eat? Age?

Laura - posted on 01/23/2010

My babies are now 13 months old and are a good size. I gave birth to them (C-section) at 8 months and although they were born pretty big for twins, I had to keep them in the hospital for 1-2 weeks. I had to pump my milk so I could bring it to the hospital. I had so much milk that I had to "slow down" or I would have to throw it out! But pumping milk every 3 hrs, going to the hospital 4 times a day for one child while the other was home stressed me out so much and my sanity was at risk, so I decided to switch to formula. Today my children are healthy, I am still sane and my husband helped feed one baby while I fed the other! They say breastfeeding is the best and I agree 100% but what good would it do your babies if you are always frustrated and stressed? So at the end it is your decision, I don't regret mine.

Laura - posted on 01/23/2010

My twins are 14 weeks old. My daughter is 11.5 lbs and my son is 16.5 lbs (both 5 lbs at birth). I have been pumping since the day they were born. He eats 6 ounces and she eats 5 ounces every 4 hours. At 7PM I give them a formula bottle, because I can't keep up anymore and if they wake up in the night we also give them formula. Then at 5 or 6 in the morning we start breastmilk again.

Shannon - posted on 01/22/2010

The decision is never easy and is always personal. I breastfed my twins for 2 months. I had to stop for my personal sanity. I was nursing a total of 15- 18 hours a day (pumping and nursing), sleep deprived, physically in pain, and feeling like a cow I had a emotional breakdown and decided it was better for me to stop and keep my sanity. I know of some moms who had none of the issues I had. It all depends on your circumstances. I also had a 6 year old and a 4 year old to take care of as well. However, know that whatever your decision, you are not a 'bad' mom to stop, if that is what you choose. Guilt is a heavy burden. If you choose to stick with it, thats okay too.

Martha - posted on 01/22/2010

If at all possible keep breast feeding. I stopped at 3mos with my daughter and boy do I wish I hadn't. They had to change her formula 7x before the found one she could take and later we discovered she was allergic to milk. I fed my twin boys until they were 9mos old. The only reason I stopped was because one twin stopped nursing, went straight to a cup, and my milk started to dry up after he stopped.

Amy - posted on 01/21/2010

I have 4 children with the twins in the middle. I only breast fed the twins for 5 weeks, I had enough milk to feed them but I hated it and with a sister that was 2 1/2 at the time I found it easier to feed both at once with a bottle rather than feed one and then the other (cause they wouldnt attach at the same time and if they did I just felt like a cow at milking time!!!!). Don't feel guilty cause your routine whether it is breast or bottle has to fit in with your routine and lifestyle, recent studies have shown that formula has the same if not more nutritional value than breast milk these days anyway so your twins won't go without. GOOD LUCK

Melissa - posted on 01/18/2010

I was able to breastfeed my twins exclusively, and they are still breastfeeding once a day (15 months old). You know they're getting enough milk by the number of wet diapers a day. They should have about 5-6 wet diapers a day. There are so many benefits to breastfeeding, and if you can keep going, it's the best start for your babies (not to mention the money you'll be saving!!). With that said, I know how difficult it can be at times, and it feels limiting. You need to do what's right for you and your babies.

Jessie - posted on 01/18/2010

Breastfeeding or formula feeding its entirely up to you. I had hoped to breastfeed but I wasn't producing enought for my kiddos. Jayden and Tess are 15 weeks old. When they were born Jayden was 4 lbs 15 oz and Tess was 5 lbs 1 oz, at their 3 month checkup Jayden was 11 lbs 4 oz and Tess was 12 lbs 4 oz. I have been formula strictly formula feeding since they were 1 1/2 months. They have been eating about 4 oz every hour, it seems like alot, but their doc said since they were so small when they were born that they will continue to eat every hour untill they are about 6 months old. I wish I could have breastfeed longer than I was able to but unfortunaltey I wasn't able to produce enough milk for one baby much less two.
As long as your childerns doc says that they are gaining weight at a good rate and they are hitting thier milestones, I'd say you are doing good. Again the decision to formula feed, breastfeed, or supplement is entirely up to you. Do what you think is best for your little ones.

Teresa - posted on 01/18/2010

If you CAN breastfeed, I would... for just the money you will save if for nothing else. ;) I don't think you are bad for thinking about switching, but I strongly believe that breast is best, cheapest, and (if done from the 'tap') WAY easier. :) As long as they are continuing to grow and thrive and have enough wet/poopy diapers they are getting enough. I nursed my twins for 15 months (started weaning at 13). I have no clue how much they ate as they only got about a dozen bottles between the 2 of them put together in their lifetime. I only supplemented w/ formula a handful of times in the first month or two during the midnight feeds.... they weren't even 9 pounds at 2 months, but the doctor had no problem w/ what we were doing. They were fed on a 3 hour feeding schedule pretty much from birth til whenever it switched to a 4 hour schedule (5-6 months maybe?).



Good luck whatever you decide!!