LLLI | Breastfeeding Multiples: Life in the Twin Zone

Here is a link to an article on breastfeeding and co sleeping with multiples from the Le Leche League site:

LLLI | Breastfeeding Multiples: Life in the Twin Zone

Side saddle babies

I've been using the Ergo on my hip a lot lately. It's been really helpful when I need to just run into a store quickly with both babies. I always wear the heavy baby on my right side and carry the lighter one in my ( stronger) left arm.

How do you wear your babies?

My formula for driving long distances with toddler twins.

It's not easy. But it doesn't have to be a nightmare either. Traveling with toddlers is a magical dance of syncing nap times with the longest part of your traveling and breaking up the distance with as many budget friendly options as possible.

Traveling by car has its ups and down. On one hand you have your own space to stuff as many distractions and snacks as possible. On the other hand they are stuck in their car seat for potentially long periods of time which is every toddlers nightmare.

My husband and I usually try to pack the car the night before so that we are ready to go when the babies are ready for their first nap of the day. Once they wake up we will stop at a rest area to change them and walk them around. Giving them a change of scenery will sometimes distract them from the fact that you will be putting them back in their seats.

Once you are on the road, sit between them (if possible) and offer them a boob or a snack. After snack time is over offer them some toys that they only get to play with in the car, sing to them ( pandora makes some great kids channels), and once they are done with all of that, try pulling over and taking them for a walk or somewhere they can play. Restaurants after lunch rush are usually empty and make a great spot to chase after your twins. It's all about wearing them out for their next nap.

Also reaching out to friends and family is a great way to break up a road trip. In my experience baby twins are like fabulous celebrities that everyone wants to spend time with. Take advantage of this new found stardom while you can and save some money on a hotel room. We co sleep with our babies and they never complain about sleeping in a new spot as long as we're there with them.

Always bring lots of extra clothing and a camera for moments like this. 

Matthew and I love these hand-me-down hiking carriers. The babies love the POV and they each come with their own backpack. 

Our friend Arden showing Xander her glow sticks from the night before. We love our portable highchairs. They are perfect for camping. 

Zeke and Xander stretching their legs at LL Bean. I had just finished nursing them in the camping section. 

Exekiel grabbing the sunscreen getting ready to hit the beach.

Restyling boy clothes

For some reason it's difficult to find super cool boy clothes at a reasonable price. Here is a hoodie that I altered for my son Ezekiel Moon:

Baby Wearing and Breastfeeding x 2

This is my first attempt at wearing them both at once using the sleepy/ boba wrap.
This was not a sturdy hold but it looked cute so I got a picture.

I figured it out the next day and after looking at these written instructions for the boba wrap.

This is at 9 weeks old at their first outdoor concert. We stayed in the way back where it wasn't too loud with the rest of the families. They nursed in the wrap and went right to sleep. 

Once they each hit 10lbs or so they got too heavy to both wear in one wrap for long periods of time so I began using two wraps at once. You have to practice wrapping them one over the other to find what works for you. I was able to wear these guys for about 2 hours. 

This is the babies at 6 months. I stopped wearing them both in front shortly after this because they were getting too heavy. 

Tips for Breastfeeding Twins in Public

Nursing after breakfast at the Local in Saratoga Springs

This seems like a daunting task, but have no fear. It may be a juggling act in the beginning, but if you stick with it and keep trying, it will become second nature to you. Here are some tips to prepare for nursing in public:

1. Pack away all your crew neck shirts until you are done breastfeeding. The idea is to create an “easy access” situation for your hungry babies. Yes, you will stretch out a few v-necks but they usually bounce back in the wash. Pulling your shirt down to expose one or two breasts is a lot easier and less obvious than having to pull up your entire shirt to reveal your whole torso.
2. Buy forgiving but supportive bras. You don’t need to buy the most expensive breastfeeding bra with all the clasps and snaps. Simple stretchy bras that you can pull over your head work wonders and go perfectly with your button ups and v-neck shirts.
3. Fashion is your friend. Having a few scarves made from a light fabric are the perfect cover-up if you are feeling bashful in a very public area. Also those floppy bat winged cardigans that can wrap around you create great coverage without the stress.
4. Wear your babies. Wear them as long as you can. Some women prefer wearing two sling wraps that overlap each other. The Boba Baby Wrap (http://www.bobafamily.com/) is a great wrap to wear one or both babies while they are still small. I used this method and it was by far my favorite and easiest. The boba wrap is shorter and stretchier than other wraps making it easier to put the wrap on and it keeps the babies snug and safe.

Once you are well equipped to breastfeed in public it is just a matter of finding the most comfortable positions for you and your babies to breastfeed in. If you are relaxed and comfortable with your body your babies will feel secure with you and feeding them in public will be easy and worry free. No bottles needed, just warm boobies.  

Gently cleansing while breastfeeding

This week Matthew and I are getting into our spring cleanse. We always cleanse during spring and fall. Growing up I had the worst environmental allergies but since doing the cleanse I haven't needed a decongestant! It's been 4 years since I last took an allergy pill and I don't plan on going back to it!

The problem is I am still breastfeeding and I can't do the full cleanse. If I did I might release my built up toxins into the breastmilk and it will certainly affect the babies. So I'm following the diet and eliminating sweeteners, processed foods, some meat, and most carbs (except for quinoa, brown rice, and lentils). We have supplements that we take during our cleanse too. I won't be taking the cleansing supplement but I am taking the green food and the fiber.

It's day three and so far so good. Roasted vegetables are a lifesaver when I get evening sugar cravings. Tonight I am going to bake a spaghetti squash and serve it with a ton of roasted veggies. I can't wait.

The babies are sleeping on me right now and I am so hungry for lunch! I've been making frozen berry smoothies for lunch but today I might need something a little more substantial. Hopefully these babies will wake up on their own soon so I can feed myself!