Mothering multiples: Breastfeeding and caring for twins [Paperback]

Karen Kerkhoff Gromada (Author), Karen Gromada Kerkhoff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1985

A mother of multiple babies may find herself wondering if she can produce enough milk, how to coordinate feedings, and if breastfeeding is even an option for her. The simple answer: Yes! In the third revised edition of Mothering Multiples, author Karen Kerkhoff Gromada offers valuable information with an emphasis on breastfeeding and attachment-style parenting. All aspects of caring for multiple babies are addressed, including possible complications of pregnancy, preparing for a multiple birth, coping with newborns who might need to spend time in a NICU, establishing a milk supply for multiple babies, adjusting as a couple, and caring for toddler multiples.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Karen Kerkoff Gromada has worked with thousands of mothers of multiples as a La Leche League Leader for more than 30 years and is a registered nurse and lactation consultant. A popular speaker on the topic of multiples, she has been published in the Journal of Human Lactation and various nursing journals. She co-authored Keys to Parenting Multiples for Barrons Educational Series and was a pioneer columnist for TWINS magazine. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 111 pages
• Publisher: La Leche League International (1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0912500263
• ISBN-13: 978-0912500263
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #656,478 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

233 of 236 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book available on caring for twins, February 28, 2000

By 

Jenny A. Baryaacov "JBY" (New Jersey) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mothering 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.

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank goodness there is a book out there for me!, June 7, 2002

By 

Busy Mom (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mothering multiples: Breastfeeding and caring for twins (Paperback)

I am in my third trimester with twins and with their impending arrival coming anytime, I thought I'd better brush up on breast-feeding techniques. And thankfully, someone from La Leche recommended this book to me! I even made my husband read it.

It is chock full of good suggestions and little things to keep one aware of what breast-feeding twins really consist of. It gives one an idea of the average time of breastfeeding ... how often, how to handle both of them at once, what to do when only feeding one of them at a time ... it just gives a good idea of what to expect. And it's extremely helpful for this first-time mother! It helps allay the panic that I've been feeling ever since the doctor said, well, they can come anytime, so be prepared!

I highly recommend this book to everyone ~~ even though my copy was dated from 1985 ~~ it is still sensible advice for new moms.

6-7-02

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly a life saver, September 12, 2004

By 

Thorn (Madison, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mothering Multiples: Breastfeeding & Caring for Twins or More (Paperback)

This is just the best book. I ordered it three weeks after my twin boys were born and I was beginning to despair that I'd be able to breastfeed them even to three months, much less six months as I'd hoped. As soon as it arrived, I couldn't put it down. Finally! A book that actually discussed how to breastfeed twins. Not just a little paragraph advising patience and talking about the double-clutch hold as if it were some holy grail, but details and encouragement galore. By the second day after the book arrived, my boys and I were already doing better. They're now 3.5 months old and while I don't have quite the support network in place to breastfeed them exclusively, we're actually using less formula than we used to. My goal now is to breastfeed them for their entire first year, and with this book to refer to, I feel confident we'll make it.

I echo the comments of another reviewer, that if you're expecting twins - get this book NOW. The best thing you can do is to be prepared. I didn't get nearly the support at the hospital I'd hoped for, as far as breastfeeding my twins goes, and so this book was just invaluable to me. Without this book (and a good breast pump), I doubt I'd still be breastfeeding my boys today.