Possible to EP for twins

[@llli*ladybug6]

Hey ladies,

I was an EPer for DD for a year (thrush) and now because my twins were early we have been EPers as well.

Is it possible to EP for an extended period of time for twins? I am pumping every 2 hours, but I worry that my supply will just max out and I will have a hard time increasing my supply because my "demand" has always been the same. They are taking 3oz every 3 hours during the day and 4 hours at night. DD maxed out at 5oz per feeding, which I could cover for them if my supply stays as it is.

Anyone have any success EPing for multiples for an extended period without having to supplement??

[@llli*momto3guys]

A lactation consultant I saw told me about a mom of triplets who EP'd for them without a problem. Crazy and so awesome!

[@llli*ladyliberty]

I certainly think EPing is possible for twins, but it begs the question of why. You mentioned that you EP'd for your first child due to thrush. Are you now having thrush issues with your twins? If not, have you tried latching them on? And with what success?

As a mom who pumped and worked and someone who has known a lot of full-time pumping moms, one of the things they liked most was being able to come home and nurse their little ones. The thing they liked the absolute most was the day they were able to ditch the pump and just nurse, usually around 1 year. From that perspective, it is difficult to understand why a mother would choose to EP when there are no extenuating circumstances.

Nursing gives the baby closeness and comfort and a built-in pacifier and a dedicated period of quiet rest with the mother and more. The love that passes during this act has brought tears to my eyes on more than one occasion. It was such an integral part of what I shared with my babies.

Truly, breastmilk is a gift and whatever way a baby can get that is great. We should all applaud the tremendous dedication it takes to EP, especially for as long as a year. That is amazing! But, breastfeeding is about more than offering our milk to our babies, it is about offering ourselves. I think some of that is lost when the act of nursing the baby is eliminated.

There are lots of techniques to get those babies back on the breast and many methods of eliminating thrush if you are fighting it again. The Kassing bottle feeding method is a good start to helping babies transition back to the breast.

Good luck with whatever you choose. Twins are an amazing adventure!

[@llli*krystal]

I exclusively pumped for my daughter, and while I did not have twins, I certainly produced plenty for twins, and did so for the entire 18 months. Keep to the schedule, and just don't let yourself feel down. I think part of why I did so well was because I was determined and kept a positive attitude about it.