It was during this vicious break out that I had an epiphany: if the babies aren't growing on my breast milk and my body is really freaking out... then why am I still breastfeeding? I LOVE nursing and I'm so grateful that I was able to nurse the twins for this long. I know lots of twin moms who aren't able to feed two babies at all, let alone 9 months. I think the girls have gotten the main benefit from the breast milk. Plus, all the medicine and Pepsi probably isn't the best for their little bodies anyways. So I've started weaning them. I was planning on taking a month to reduce the feedings, but this painful rash has encouraged me to work at a faster pace.
The first few bottles I gave them I felt so sad, like I was giving up or letting them down. But after seeing them adjust to the bottles and formula just fine, I've started to feel better about the whole process. I still have some breast milk in the deep freezer that I need to use up, but I wanted to try formula first just in case they had a reaction then I could go back to the pumped milk until I figured it out. But they seem to be fine with it. Jaide sometimes takes a few minutes to start drinking. Siena has no problem at all (surprise surprise *sarcasm*).
I'm grateful that this transition is going smoothly thus far. I'm down to only two feedings a day now (wake up, go to bed). And you know what? I'm liking the freedom. We still have to figure out the little details but that's just trial and error.
I've also been feeding them more solids to help pack in the calories (plus they like eating!) Bananas, bread, avocado, noodles, sweet potatoes, etc. Jaide is hilarious. She hates touching the sticky food - like bananas. So I have to sit there and spoon feed it to her. If I put bread and bananas on her tray, she will sit there and pick out the bread pieces and not touch a single banana! Siena on the other hand just dives right in with both hands!
They are still sleeping for 12 hours every night (knock on wood) and 2-4 hours for their main nap every day. Hopefully that means they're burning all these calories on growing nice and chunky! :-)
I just love these little boots! Thanks Aunt Jami!!! (yes I was taking a picture during church, don't judge!)
5 comments:
Good job well done, I only nursed our children for 6 months (Carl wouldn't give up till 9 mo) you did a wonderful job! So sorry about the rash, love the fact you use Bag balm, good stuff. Hang in there, Grandpa always says "This to shall pass" Love Grandma
Oh, SO SORRY about the allergies. I feel your pain now, in a way I never understood before moving here. Ugh. So, so sad for you.
As for the weaning, it is sad no matter when you do it. (Well, maybe not. If they're like, 7, and then finally quit you might be relieved…) But I was happy/sad at 12 months with one, and felt exactly the same way at 9 months with another one. You didn't let them down at all - you gave them a great start, and now it is time for them to move on. You are awesome - I was a great nurser, but I'm not sure I could have stuck it out with twins the way you did. You are amazing!
With my 9 mo old, I skipped right over bottles and used straw cups, because you can get a cup and straw just about anywhere, and that was very handy some times. I would nurse and then give him a glass of milk to top him off and it made him SUCH a happier baby. Poor fat little guy was hungry all the time.
I LOVE when they start self feeding, so that they can eat while you cook dinner. Loved that little bit of progress - it makes life so nice.
And YAY for sleeping 12 hours!! I hope they do that for the next 5 years.
Those boots are DARLING!!!
I hope the weaning helps your allergies.
Darling boots.
I felt like quite a pro when I nursed each of mine to 9 months. The reason I stopped was that they started biting & I couldn't tolerate it. Plus solid foods are fun for them. Of course it makes for yuckier diapers, but oh well.
I can't believe they sleep that long; amazing. I would give my eye teeth to sleep for a straight 7 hours. Also, I am beginning to think Jaide is going to give you a run for your money. I can see her being the one that will rock the boat. It's funny that this started in the womb when she was the more active one. They really are individuals in spite of being twins.
Your rash looks soooo painful; we really pray that that comes under control.
Oh, just think what a great mom you can feel like when you aren't itchy and drugged and caffeinated. You're a rockstar fir nursing this long!
And yes, I love those boots. I think we'll have to adopt Aunt Jami
Look how cute those babies are!! You're such a trooper. I am so impressed with how beautifully you've done this whole thing!
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