How Can My Twins Be Trained To Take Direct Breast Feed Regularly?

Posted on Wed, 19 Feb 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 19 Feb 2014 Answered on

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, We got twin daughters delivered preterm at 33+ weeks. They were 1.6 & 1.2 kgs at birth are 3 months old now and 3.6 & 2.8 kgs. The question is about feeding. Initially we were told only to express and feed till they reach 2+ kgs. They got used to feeding bottle by then and since mothers feed is not sufficient, they went with Dexolac special care initially and now with Nan Pro 1. Now, they take direct mothers feed rarely and many a times resist taking it. They do latch up and feed some times but some other times are crying uncontrollably. Is it because of they got used to feeding bottle or is it like they are not getting enough milk in direct feed? How can they be trained to take direct feed regularly?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (-3 hours later)

Brief Answer: Capsule Lacter will be helpful Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Dear Mr XXXXXXX The effort required by baby to feed directly from breast is comparatively more than that from bottle feeding. So its natural that the babies will prefer the one which requires least effort. Other factor could be decreased milk output. It's quite natural that milk output from the breast is maintained by regular stimulation either by kids sucking at nipple or manual expression of milk. If the stimulation is not maintained for sometime then the milk output decreases. I would suggest you the following which will help in increasing the milk output and as well as promoting the babies to drink it. 1. Express the breast milk either manually or using breast pump. This expressed milk can be feed through bottle instead of using Nan one pro. 2. Capsule Lactare taken thrice a day promotes lactation. It's an ayurvedic preparation and definitely helps. 3. To a cup of milk add 3 spoons of either Mamolact or Shatavarex powder and it can be given to mother thrice a day. It's also known to promote lactation. 4. Calcium and Iron supplements 5. Omega 3 fatty acid capsule: One capsule given to mother every day is also helpful. 6. Rule out local breast pathology like sore nipple ot cracked nipple. Regular application of coconut oil will make them supple. I am quite sure these will work. In case you require any further assistance, will be glad to assist you. Take care Best Regards Dr Deepak Kishore MBBS, MS, MCH Consultant Pediatric Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar