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Home › Expert Q&A › General Concerns › Misc Questions › Do you have any ideas on how I can keep track of breastfeeding my twins without stressing?

Expert Q&A

 

By Melissa Clark Vickers
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Moms & Babies Huntingdon, Tenn.

I just gave birth to twins who I am breastfeeding. I am feeling a lot of anxiety when it comes to keeping track of all this feeding and who is getting enough. Do you have any ideas on how I can keep track without stressing?

During the first few weeks, as the three of you learn how to breastfeed and get things settled into more of a routine, you may find it useful to keep a SIMPLE log of feedings and diaperings – especially if either baby is having a difficult time learning to nurse effectively. This is often the case with preterm babies, as they were born before they were developmentally ready to breastfeed efficiently. Preterm babies can and do learn to breastfeed, but it may take a little longer than a full-term baby would.

Don't turn a log into nightmare, however. A simple tally of how many times you nurse each baby (you can include starting times, if you like) and how many wet diapers and BMs in 24 hours will tell a lot about how things are going.

A newborn baby needs to eat 10 to 12 times every 24 hours (though not necessarily evenly spaced), and the diapers are a good indication that something is going in. Look for six to eight wet diapers (after your mature milk comes in) and anywhere from two to five or more BMs every day. Wet diapers indicate Baby is getting enough fluid, and BMs indicate Baby is getting enough calories.

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