tandem question!

[Twinsplusone]

Hi moms! I am new to breastfeeding.com! I am so excited to get to know you guys!

I have 7 week old twins and I tandem feed. I am concerned that they aren't getting enough food. With my 4 year old, he would eat 10-15 on the left then 10-15 on the right. The twins just eat about 15 minutes on either the left or the right. That is half of what my 4 year old did! They are gaining weight, but I am just really nervous! Any tips?

Nora

[katrika]

I didn't tandem nurse, but I know that when DD would eat, it was much as you describe, 10-15 minutes per side. DS came along 2.5 years later and would wake up in the middle of the night and nurse for 5 minutes, then fall back to sleep!!! I was told by LC and Dr's alike, that some babies are just "more efficient" nursers. I would say that if your babies are gaining weight (you already said they are) and they are happy, to try to relax. I have also heard that mother's who are nursing twins, their body recognizes the difference and the milk adapts accordingly to sustain both babies, so you may have more effecient nursers and extra-super milk!!!! A double whammy worth having.
Good Luck!

[kohlby]

I tandem nursed but not twins. I did assign DD one side and DS the other. (Since she wasn't getting enough hindmilk before that). When DS was younger, he would nurse for over a hour! With DD, she nursed about 15 minutes at that age, and 5 minutes starting around 3-4 months. Your body will make what they need. As long as they're gaining and have plenty of wet diapers, it's fine! For me, it meant I was/am very lopsided for a while since DD at 20 months still just nurses from one side. (And DS nurses on occassion sporadically so his side is pretty much empty).

[LadyLiberty]

I have twins and they nursed about 15 minutes or so, only on one side per feeding. If they are gaining weight appropriately and seem otherwise healthy, then don't worry. FWIW, mine are two and a half, still nursing, and super duper healthy!

Congratulations on your babies and on your decision to breastfeed them!