tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post2078516870826462060..comments2024-03-02T09:06:00.217+00:00Comments on Musings of a 21st Century Stay At Home Mum: Breastfeeding Two - a "TimeHop" postTwinsplustwohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-90957828236550862232015-07-03T09:44:21.535+01:002015-07-03T09:44:21.535+01:00Thanks for linking your post to #BreastfeedingandI...Thanks for linking your post to #BreastfeedingandI, what an interesting read. <br /><br />Knowledge is power, isn't it, when it comes to breastfeeding and many other areas in life. It's helpful to read about how much you understood the situation with your twins despite the weight focus of the health professionals that worked with you. Well done for fighting your children's corner in the way that you knew to and for pesevering through all the challenges you faced. <br /><br />What a beautiful picture of both of them tandem nursing; and feeding on demand until 16 months is not the easiest. I'm on that journey with my toddler and I sometimes struggle with the timing of his requests. <br /><br />Indeed breastfeeding rates in the UK will not improve and the shock of being a new mum will not lessen, except mums are better informed and have more realistic expectations of their baby's needs in the early days, weeks, months, and even years. #BreastfeedingandIAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10937933732933329542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-7228614492598432882014-09-01T12:17:54.010+01:002014-09-01T12:17:54.010+01:00Was that Gaviscon? That is notorious for slowing t...Was that Gaviscon? That is notorious for slowing the gut down, which obv makes reflux worse. Infant Gavison has a thickener in it too - different from adult Gaviscon which is just an antacid. Hopefully they can offer something like Ranitidine, but that's VERY weight dependent and the dose needs checking regularly. I've added lots of info on my other Blog - http://thereciperesource.blogspot.co.uk/p/dealing-with-infant-reflux.htmlTwinsplustwohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-58882408523535942482014-09-01T09:14:32.151+01:002014-09-01T09:14:32.151+01:00I'm breastfeeding and it's going brilliant...I'm breastfeeding and it's going brilliantly, except that my son has silent reflux and the first medicine he was given made him constipated. I'm waiting for an appointment to change the meds and I'll remove dairy from my diet once I can see if the medicine works or not. You did amazingly well! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08037995409096210406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-31855356705567643542014-08-18T00:14:47.314+01:002014-08-18T00:14:47.314+01:00I combine fed my first which I found difficult - a...I combine fed my first which I found difficult - attitudes 17 years ago were less 'pro' breastfeeding & i breastfed my daughter until she self weaned just before her 2nd birthday. I was lazy/tired mum and on the whole it was easier to BF then to prepare a bottle!!Helen @ Witty Hootshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14189314146819751671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-79090181160370847262014-08-16T21:46:04.888+01:002014-08-16T21:46:04.888+01:00Great post - I'm in awe that you managed to br...Great post - I'm in awe that you managed to breastfeed twins. I struggled a lot with number one, but breastfed my other two children. It's an amazing experience but in no way easy, and even without twins, it was often a battle. But very very much worth it.Healthier Mummyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04368760350384811862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-28614112044967073042014-08-15T14:27:25.552+01:002014-08-15T14:27:25.552+01:00amazing you were able to breastfeed twins! Well do...amazing you were able to breastfeed twins! Well done you, I defo think there needs to be more support out there. I've just ended my breastfeeding journey with my son (at two and a half years!) xTigerlilly Quinnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13801149308851133886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-58528995305502588062014-08-15T07:25:03.472+01:002014-08-15T07:25:03.472+01:00Great post I breastfed my youngest till he was 3, ...Great post I breastfed my youngest till he was 3, his choice not mine! I struggled with my eldest but with my other two it was much easier.Kizzyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14935216607315750765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-23551921374194803862014-08-14T21:56:58.999+01:002014-08-14T21:56:58.999+01:00You make the over arching point so well that there...You make the over arching point so well that there is such a lot to breastfeeding and I'm in complete awe of your knowledge. Thanks so much for sharing this post with my linky #BFingDiaries, I think it will really help better inform Mums who are faced with complex issues and nursing.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18441244675977820396noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-35838846609794718132014-08-14T21:25:53.215+01:002014-08-14T21:25:53.215+01:00Well done. I formula fed my eldest because of prob...Well done. I formula fed my eldest because of problems, and I think the guilt contributed to my PND. I then breastfed my second for 21 months, until he self weaned (which I think was down to me being pregnant). I have made the decision to breastfeed our third for the first couple of days and then move onto formula - which this time I refuse to feel guilty about. Breast is best without a doubt, but formula is a good enough alternative, and I always think a happy mum is also a happy baby. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11249970407887577099noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-72158177815248207172014-08-14T15:41:19.862+01:002014-08-14T15:41:19.862+01:00I imagine it must have been exhausting feeding two...I imagine it must have been exhausting feeding two but really rewarding too. I support everyone's choice - I wish people would choose breastfeeding first but I also know what problems people can have and how many are forced to bottle feed because of this, so it's ultimately it's about whatever works for you.Globalmousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13924159372736453139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-42641956944675826612014-08-14T14:31:42.544+01:002014-08-14T14:31:42.544+01:00But it's an odd choice initially don't you...But it's an odd choice initially don't you think? Fine if you run into problems - but you don't see other baby mammals given such a "choice"? There are no cans of feline formula for puppies, or cows milk formula for kittens - it would be unthinkable in all but necessary/unavoidable situations! So where has this concept of "choice" come from? Historically wealthy ladies had wet nurses for their babies - but also had very little to do with them at any other time. Twinsplustwohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-69705167528563465072014-08-14T13:36:20.123+01:002014-08-14T13:36:20.123+01:00As I'm not a mum it's a bit hard for me to...As I'm not a mum it's a bit hard for me to be able to relate to this post, but I know my sister wanted to breast feed with both my nephews but neither would take to it, which she beat her self up about, and I remember at the time not understanding why she was so down about it. Personally when I become a mother I already know I wont breast feed, because it will be my choice and I have no desire to breast feed, my mum didn't breast feed with any of her 5 children and there is nothing wrong with any of us, we all turned out fine and that's all the matters to me, but of course, my opinions could change.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06508771311161714002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-43626890919638093942014-08-14T10:44:34.756+01:002014-08-14T10:44:34.756+01:00Well done for breastfeeding two - I have fed all m...Well done for breastfeeding two - I have fed all my children but never had twins and that was tough enough at times!Karahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04913596958120846642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-74293352035034022432014-08-14T09:34:08.241+01:002014-08-14T09:34:08.241+01:00Hello!
I wrote a post last week which echoed a bi...Hello!<br /><br />I wrote a post last week which echoed a bit what you said in your last couple of paragraphs. <br /><br />(If you're interested, this is the link http://bettyandthebumps.com/2014/08/07/happy-world-breastfeeding-week/)<br /><br />For the record, while I breastfed for 10 months, we used formula from day 2. It was on the advice of midwives at first and I cried and cried about it. So I am not coming from the perspective of an exclusive breastfeeder.<br /><br />But anyway, I agree that the reasons that rates are so low in the UK is that our expectations of life after having a baby are too high. I'm not sure if that's the most articulate way of putting it but if you expect your body to snap back and have a baby that sleeps through and enjoy "date nights" ASAP then you won't find that easy if you breastfeed.<br /><br />I'm not saying there's anything wrong with wanting unbroken sleep or wanting to socialise etc etc, I'm just saying those things aren't compatible with having a baby permanently attached to your chest.<br /><br />I am not interested in any of those things (well, maybe the sleep bit!!) but I still found the demands cluster feeding and comfort feeding a shock.<br /><br />Well done for sticking to your guns. It was obviously really important to you. I do wish I had tried harder to get Gwenn off formula before it was too late but I'm still really pleased with what I achieved.<br /><br />x<br /><br />bettyandthebumpshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04631151228465687134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-34342064064036005932014-08-14T08:24:40.842+01:002014-08-14T08:24:40.842+01:00Do you think that if breastfeeding were seen more ...Do you think that if breastfeeding were seen more as the "norm" then the minority who persistently discriminate against individuals would be more understanding? I wrote this years ago, and having struggling with Eosinophilic Disease for years and understanding more about the illness I have to say if I had had another baby I would probably have formula few elemental formula from very early on. Retrospectively I am furious that no one stepped in to help my twins earlier, the immediate issue wasn't what went in, but that it didn't stay down for them to thrive! <br /><br />This was written in 2007, years earlier I wrote another piece for the NCT newsletter on my experiences with my eldest, whom I couldn't breastfeed about the negativity mothers who really can't BF face. Such a minefield! Thanks for commenting!Twinsplustwohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-79143135225561868492014-08-14T06:33:23.382+01:002014-08-14T06:33:23.382+01:00Breastfeeding is such a wonderful, and wonderfully...Breastfeeding is such a wonderful, and wonderfully difficult, rewarding experience. New mom's are full of such unrealistic expectations, that some just don't give it enough time. I've nursed five children for at least a year, and I always say that for at least that year they liked my cooking. I was allergic to my own mother's medications. My mother nursed me for nine months while I wailed at her, non stop. I am amazed she put up with me for as long as she did (I was her fifth child). Mom's need to do what is best for their children. Our society usually pushes doing what's best for the grownup in a lot of parenting issues. Maybe an honest discussion needs to begin about what is really best for our children and our mothers. Thank you for your post. <br />www.mommycrusader.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11317381895496769320noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-85048879014677991562014-08-14T01:01:38.325+01:002014-08-14T01:01:38.325+01:00Sadly I was unable to breast feed due to my son be...Sadly I was unable to breast feed due to my son being born seven weeks prematurely (born at 33 weeks), my milk was barely existent and the little bit of milk I did have at the beginning did not go to it's destination due to my son's severe son tie. Then my son had a emergency operation at 3 weeks old after being in special care and breast feeding and trying to keep what little milk I had multiplying was just the last thing on my mind.<br /><br />My mum couldn't breast feed due to a personal issue and all of her children have turned out all-right with three out of the four of us gaining excellent grades in our exams (my youngest sister is only 12, and therefore not sat her exams yet) and two of the three older ones between us attending university and graduating with excellent results.<br /><br />I'm so glad that breastfeeding is a option and it really annoys me with the negativity swimming around at the minute with breast feeding mothers being discriminated from certain retailers because their children are hungry! However, I do wish formula and milk was accepted equally, there is no worse feeling then feeling awful for not doing something that is deemed as the best for your child, when both you and your child had problems to prevent that xJadahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11768599098128049430noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-3983953226995649802014-08-13T22:50:23.885+01:002014-08-13T22:50:23.885+01:00That must have been hard work!
My son was transf...That must have been hard work! <br /><br />My son was transferred to a hospital almost an hour away from me when he was a few hours old, so they could perform a necessary surgery, but they didn't take me with him. My first night in hospital I expressed every few hours all night, even though I could have just slept as I was in a room on my own. I expressed constantly, even whilst he was still in hospital and I only saw him a couple of hours a day. We tried breast feeding when he finally came back to our local hospital, we had the latch down but I just wasn't producing enough milk for him, the expressing wasn't enough. <br /><br />The stress of a sick baby and the distance and time issues meant it just didn't work for us and it makes me sad as the few times we did do it were utterly magical. <br /><br />My son developed very bad reflux, though, too so I expect that I wouldn't have enjoyed it so much had I had to experience him bringing his milk back up during a feed when his feed was coming from me... yes, not a nice idea. Reflux is Nasty, my son suffered with it badly for over a year, and he's still very quick to be sick if he cries of coughs a lot (even though he's four) Laura G (Petit Moi - Big World)https://www.blogger.com/profile/00719323061433036730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-78749707490191253422014-08-13T21:57:02.817+01:002014-08-13T21:57:02.817+01:00Good for you for persisting. Sadly I was unable to...Good for you for persisting. Sadly I was unable to breastfeed both of mine (not for want of trying!) and really wish i was able to. They both thrived on formula though so not a total disaster. Great post!Our World and Autismhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04494801397182747668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-14327797200733982932014-08-13T21:28:24.275+01:002014-08-13T21:28:24.275+01:00Why "sad"? It's written for a linky ...Why "sad"? It's written for a linky raising awareness for breastfeeding, or rather the realities not the assumptions. I'm not sure that's sad?Twinsplustwohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-35795934479434137922014-08-13T21:25:32.502+01:002014-08-13T21:25:32.502+01:00this is a bit of a sad post...of COURSE people sho...this is a bit of a sad post...of COURSE people should be encouraged to breast feed. But of course it is about what works for you!fiona macleanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13268404642849157733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-54354027575522192642014-08-13T21:10:28.754+01:002014-08-13T21:10:28.754+01:00Except where does that concept of choice one from?...Except where does that concept of choice one from? From the belief that breasts are not functional but for sexual purposes? From the incorrect assumption that formula is an equivalent substitute? From society's pressures that have overly high expectations of new mothers? Governments pushing women back into work and children into childcare options? The misguided belief that a baby is somehow part-time? Or the historic community and family support in modern society? Because although it's easier to offer a bottle to a new mum in hospital than sit with them for an hour helping establish breastfeeding it is actually removing choice. We would think it bizarre if puppies were routinely bottle-fed cat milk instead of suckling from their mum, yet that has been the reality for humans in recent years. It's time to rethink our attitudes, not judge individuals :)Twinsplustwohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14647701493165196509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-43611562806733158552014-08-13T20:19:16.896+01:002014-08-13T20:19:16.896+01:00You did very well to continue when many others wou...You did very well to continue when many others would have given up. I do feel strongly though that people who are unable or unwilling to breast feed should have their choice accepted as much as we should accept others choice to breastfeed.Louisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17608707558628779754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-65249714070184396192014-08-13T18:52:11.831+01:002014-08-13T18:52:11.831+01:00Good for you. I think there's too much pressur...Good for you. I think there's too much pressure to use formula if things aren't good perfectly. By standing by a decision to continue to breastfeed people seem to think it's like you are saying there's something wrong with it. My older of my 2 youngest (who fed at the same time) threw up all his feeds all the time, didn't know there was a name for it.PinkOddyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13660212941529518937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6939318729068383326.post-48792643341162163302014-08-13T17:32:39.983+01:002014-08-13T17:32:39.983+01:00I didn't want to breastfeed, but each to their...I didn't want to breastfeed, but each to their own. Lovely to hear your story x<br /><br />http://www.youbabymemummy.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13171536428456990902noreply@blogger.com