Happy World Breastfeeding Week 2023! This is a week that is always near and dear to my heart both as a pregnancy and postpartum physical therapist and as a mother. Although not for everyone, I believe breastfeeding is a powerful tool not only for the health of our babies but also for our mental health as mothers.
I have breastfed both of my babies (now 4 years and 2 years) and plan to breastfeed my two new babies after their arrival as well. Breastfeeding is absolutely a journey. Each baby is different, and you and baby must learn together along the way to make it work.
As I prepare to breastfeed twins, I have chosen to use a Lactation Consultant – a very underutilized speciality in my opinion. These professionals can help you prepare for breastfeeding, help you learn to breastfeed with each of your unique babies, and help you overcome breastfeeding issues that you may run into on your breastfeeding journey.
So what are the 3 lactation areas I am most looking to address prior to my twin’s arrival?
1. Supply – I have never been an “over-producer” with either of my babies so naturally, I’m nervous about my body’s ability to produce enough for two newborns. I plan to work with my lactation consultant on ways to increase and maintain my milk supply both before and after the baby’s arrival.
2. Schedule – With my last breastfeeding journey, I did all my feedings on demand and I chose not to pump. I plan to work with my lactation consultant to understand how to plan both a feeding and pumping schedule for twins from the moment they are born until we’ve transitioned home and gotten into more of a routine. Especially with the increased risk of NICU time that comes with twins, I want to be prepared in the hospital with the right equipment and feeding/pumping plan for all scenarios.
3. Equipment – Having the right tools for the job is a task I feel like I can complete before the babies’ arrivals. Therefore, I plan to discuss the best equipment for positioning while feeding, pumping effectively and efficiently, and prevention of clogs/infection.
Working with a lactation consultant can help you feel more prepared both mentally and physically for your breastfeeding journey whether its your first, your fourth, a singleton baby, or multiples. Let us know what you would want to discuss or wish you would have discussed with a lactation consultant to prepare for your baby’s breastfeeding journey!
And don’t forget to tag your favorite lactation consultant so we can give them some love as we close out World Breastfeeding Week 2023!
#worldbreastfeedingweek2023 #worldbreastfeedingweek #breastfeeding #twinmom #momofmultiples #twinbirth #lactationconsultant #physicaltherapy #pregnancyphysicaltherapy #postpartumphysicaltherapy #pelvicfloorphysicaltherapy #northlaketx #argyletx #southlaketx #grapevinetx #flowermoundtx #highlandvillagetx #dentontx #lantanatx #roanoketx #kellertx #bartonvilletx #justintx #alliancetx