Mother Multiples: Breastfeeding & Caring for Twins or More! [Paperback]

I didn't buy this book until my babies were 4 months old, and I was reluctant to buy it because I feel the LaLeche League (the publisher) is very shrill and dogmatic. However, I was having trouble producing enough milk to keep my guys happy, and was about to return to work, and didn't want to give up breastfeeding completely, but really needed advice on how to manage all this. This is the only book I have found that discusses breastfeeding multiples in any detail. She DOES give the LaLeche League party line that ONLY breast is best (which we all know), but she also gives advice for maintaining milk production and including formula in the diet. In addition, she gives many suggestions for breastfeeding two at once, and very complete and useful instructions for when and how to express milk to maximize production. Beyond the breastfeeding discussion, however, she provides the best, most specific advice for all aspects of caring for twins throughout the first two years that I have seen anyplace. This includes extensive discussions of caring for preemies and low-birth weight babies, managing relations with the twins' siblings, and the psychological affects of taking on the responsibility of caring for twins. She also had many sensible and specific suggestions for making life easier that I wish I had known after I had my first baby (a singleton). Finally, she makes several thought-provoking observations about the psychology of twins and issues involved in raising them which I have not seen anyplace else. I found this book very very helpful, and very reassuring.

Buy this book today if you are serious about breastfeeding. Other books are either vague or offer only a short paragraph on breastfeeding. The book is so well written and easy to read. I just finished reading it and made sure to highlight important tips before my twins arrive in Feb. In addition, there are several other chapters besides breastfeeding that are a must read (i.e. labor, caring for newborns, twin or multiple toddlers). I won't even let anyone borrow this book as I refer to it so often!!

This book gives the straight facts about welcoming twins into your life - pregnancy to post-partum - but being a second-time mom, I didn't need a lot of info in this book. I was more interested in a motivation to breastfeed my twins and some sort of testimonial that it has been done before and is sooo possible no matter how crazy the looks on people's faces are! I read this book when I was expecting (be sure that you will NOT have the time to do so when the babies come home!!) and I remember going back during my breastfeeding attempts - nowhere did it say that this process took a huge amount of time and energy! It concentrates so much on the techniques, the benefits, etc... that the reality of having two babies on you most of the day (remember, Mom has to drink, eat, sleep & shower, too!) and the possibility that you it may just drive you insane is not mentioned directly. Many times I was discouraged - pressured - to supplement (by this book and other breastfeeding consultants) but my health was suffering. This book had no "exit door" for me, so I put it away, and saved my sanity! p.s. I supplemented (Doctor's orders) 1/3 of the day's feeds, and weaned to the bottle <:( at 5 months. My big bambinis are now 7 months old and starting solids :P ciao ciao