QUESTION: As you can see I've got 2 little munchkins who are happy healthy breastfed babies gaining quite nicely. As of Tuesday we found out that we'll be adding another to our fleet come December. Don't know how or why it happened, past that point now and just dealing with it (can you say an unexpected surprise?)

But what I've been searching for information on is nursing while pregnant with babies this young. Everything I read tells how the scenario changes for milk around 4-5mos pregnant. This isn't too bad for the toddler who can easily incorporate more solids into their diet to make up for the lowered breastmilk or that of a colostrum consistancy but these 2 little munchkins will only be 7-8mos old at that time.

Is there specific information out there about this situation. Someone suggested that the twins nursing may overpower the pregnant "vibes" to change the milk ?? If there is going to be a major change I'd start pumping now to get a good supply up to hopefully avoid supplementing with eek formula. Thanks

Dear Beth,

Congratulations on breastfeeding your twins! Isn't that an empowering feeling? Looking at their weights, I can see you are all doing extremely well. Your pregnancy puts an added burden on your body nutritionally, because you are both "eating for two" and feeding two! It can help to keep nutritious foods on hand and eat small snacks frequently throughout the day--this is especially helpful if you are experiencing nausea.

Three things VERY important right now: extra rest, fluids, and nutritious food. While it is true that many women do notice a decrease in milk supply while pregnant, it is also true that some do not. According to two surveys reviewed in La Leche League's "The Breastfeeding Answer Book," approximately 60-65% noticed a decrease in supply (usually during the last four months.) Many factors affect this: a woman's overall health during pregnancy, nausea and morning sickness, nutrition, rest, hormones, genetics, etc. You can't do much about the hormones and genetics, but you can focus on the things you have control over--nutrition and rest.

It will be also be extra important for you to monitor Alex and Hannah's weight gain as you get into your last four months. Because they will most likely be eating solids by that time, it may not be a problem at all even if your supply does go down. Meats are the most important food to introduce because they supply the extra iron your babies will need. High fat nutritious foods like avocado are another good addition. La Leche League International has good information on nursing while pregnant as well as introducing solids, and tandem nursing.

You may find that their information on adding solids may be different from what your pediatrician recommends. Part of the reason is that it is through formula companies that many pediatricians get their advice on this. I have found that many women are being told that they should not add meats to a baby's diet until close to one year. Formula companies want you to believe this, because if you don't add meats, then you will have to use formula! La Leche League's advice has very sound backing---a professionals advisory board composed of many international experts on breastfeeding, pregnancy, and maternal/child health. Click here to go to their website:

http://www.lalecheleague.org

International--Breastfeeding Information

Here is another good article on adding solids, written by Pediatrican and Breastfeeding expert, Dr. Jack Newman:

http://www.erols.com/cindyrn/16.htm

Dr. Newman says it is a myth perpetuated by the infant formula manufacturers that babies over 6 months need infant formula. He maintains that, if the baby is eating meats and some breastmilk, then infant formula is not needed.

You are very wise to begin researching all of this early on in your pregnancy! If you do have time to pump, it could help. You will need a good quality hospital-grade electric double-pump. I would recommend about 10 minutes of pumping after feeding your babies, once or twice per day. If in anyway this becomes tiring or fatiguing or just feels like "too much" then you want to discontinue it. Stress can be very devastating to a good milk supply.

I hope this is helpful to you. I wish you all well! Please let me know if I can be of further help.

Cher Sealy RN, BSN, IBCLC, LLLL

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