Join me on my personal journey as I share my experience weaning from exclusive pumping. In this heartfelt episode, I discuss the challenges, triumphs, and emotions I faced while transitioning away from pumping, and the impact it had on both my babies and me. Whether you're considering making the switch or are currently navigating the world of breastfeeding, my story may offer insights and encouragement. Discover tips on how to gradually decrease pumping sessions, manage the emotional aspect of the transition, and embrace new feeding methods.

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Brooke Miller, a certified lactation consultant and dietitian, shares her journey of helping women with postpartum nutrition. She discusses the importance of nutrition during the postpartum period and how it can impact a mother's energy, mood, and milk supply.

Brooke emphasizes the need for nourishing the body with quality foods and meeting protein and nutrient needs. She also addresses common myths and mistakes women make with postpartum nutrition, such as relying on supplements and not eating enough.

Brooke offers a program called the Postpartum Shift, which focuses on building healthy and sustainable habits, providing support and community, and helping women achieve their healthiest weight without sacrificing their milk supply.

↓Brooke's Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrition.for.mamas/

Free Workshop: https://brookemillernutrition.mykajabi.com/postpartumworkshop_ig

The Postpartum Shift Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-postpartum-shift/id1729251944

The Postpartum Shift Program: https://brookemillernutrition.mykajabi.com/tpr497

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Stephanie Fischer, a sleep consultant specializing in twins and toddlers, shares her journey and how she became a sleep consultant. She dispels common misconceptions about sleep training, such as the belief that it involves letting babies cry it out. Stephanie emphasizes that sleep training teaches babies to self-soothe and does not mean ignoring their needs. She also discusses the surprises her clients have experienced, including how quickly sleep training can work.

Stephanie highlights the challenges faced by parents of toddlers and provides hope that it's never too late to change sleep habits. She advises parents to commit to a plan and be consistent to achieve success. Lastly, Stephanie addresses the unique struggles faced by twin parents, such as sharing a bedroom and waking each other up. Sleep training twins can be challenging but rewarding. Room sharing is a major difference for twin parents, as they have to manage two babies in the same room.

It's important to resist the urge to rescue one twin when the other cries, as they need to learn to adapt to each other's noises. Keeping twins on the same schedule is crucial, even if it means waking a sleeping baby. Twins may have different sleep needs and may drop night feeds at different times. Sleep training is a parent-led approach that can make parenting more enjoyable and less chaotic.

Takeaways

• Sleep training teaches babies to self-soothe and does not mean ignoring their needs.

• It's never too late to change sleep habits, but consistency is key.

• Twin parents face unique challenges, such as sharing a bedroom and waking each other up.

• Commitment and consistency are crucial for successful sleep training. Room sharing is a major difference for twin parents, and it's important to resist the urge to rescue one twin when the other cries.

• Keeping twins on the same schedule is crucial, even if it means waking a sleeping baby.

• Twins may have different sleep needs and may drop night feeds at different times.

• Sleep training is a parent-led approach that can make parenting more enjoyable and less chaotic.

↓Stephanie's Links:

Use code MEGANDMIKE20 for 20% off all sleep guides: https://www.bedrocksleep.com/sleepguides

Follow Stephanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bedrockssleep/

↓Follow me on social media:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megdoestwinmotherhood

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megdoestwinmotherhood

In this episode, Meg shares three main things she wishes she knew before having twins or in the first few months of having twins. The first topic is how hard breastfeeding is, especially with twins. Meg talks about her experience with exclusive pumping and the importance of having a lactation consultant specifically for twins. The second topic is about the items you need for twins. Meg discusses the necessity of having two of certain items like car seats, strollers, and bassinets, but also mentions that there are many things twins can share. The third topic is the double mom guilt and double joy that comes with having twins. Meg talks about the challenges of not being able to give both twins the same amount of attention and the special moments of seeing them interact with each other. She emphasizes the strength and blessing of being a twin mom.

Being a twin mom is a true gift and meant for only the strongest of strong mamas. Remember that.

Takeaways

• Breastfeeding is especially hard with twins, and it's important to have a lactation consultant specifically for twins.

• While there are certain items you need two of for twins, there are also many things twins can share.

• Being a twin mom comes with double the mom guilt and double the joy.

• Seeing twins interact with each other is a special and heartwarming experience.

• Being a twin mom requires strength and is a true gift.

→Get the Table for Two here and use code MEG10 for 10% off: https://buytablefortwo.com/

→Get the Twin Z Pillow here: https://amzn.to/4cSs6Xd

→Baby Bjorn Bouncer: https://amzn.to/3Ydbt3Y

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megandmikedomarriage

In this episode, Meg shares an update on her intense pumping journey as an exclusive pumper for her twin babies. She emphasizes the raw reality of exclusive pumping and the challenges she has faced over the last six months. Meg discusses the physical and mental toll of exclusive pumping, including nipple pain, clogged ducts, and the constant need to pump. She also highlights the importance of having a support system and strong mental health when undertaking exclusive pumping. Despite the difficulties, Meg expresses her gratitude for being able to provide breast milk for her babies and the sense of accomplishment it brings.

Takeaways

• Exclusive pumping is an incredibly challenging journey that can take a toll on both physical and mental health.

• Having a support system and strong mental health are crucial for navigating the difficulties of exclusive pumping.

• It is important to prioritize self-care and find ways to optimize pumping time, such as using wearable pumps.

• While exclusive pumping can be tough, it is a valuable and rewarding experience that allows moms to provide breast milk for their babies.

• It is okay to consider quitting exclusive pumping if it becomes too overwhelming, and formula feeding is a valid and healthy option for babies.

→Get the breast massager I use here: https://amzn.to/4cQL28c

→Get the Willow Go here: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1372735&u=4257798&m=89326&urllink=&afftrack=

↓Follow us on social media:

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In this conversation, Meg interviews Allison Tolman, an expert in pumping and lactation. They discuss various topics related to pumping, including myths and misconceptions about increasing milk supply, key factors in increasing milk supply, the role of mental and emotional well-being in pumping, balancing science and practicality in pumping, and creating a sustainable pumping schedule.

In this conversation, Allison Tolman, LPN, IBCLC, discusses various aspects of pumping breast milk for working moms. She emphasizes the importance of setting goals and assessing milk supply, understanding milk storage capacity, and finding the right pumping schedule.

Allison also highlights the significance of frequent milk removal and the individual differences in pumping schedules and milk supply. She addresses the misconception of oversupply and provides insights into average pumping amounts for twin moms.

Takeaways

• There are many myths and misconceptions about increasing milk supply, such as the effectiveness of supplements and power pumping. It's important to focus on frequent milk removal and effective pumping techniques.

• Mental and emotional well-being plays a significant role in pumping. Stress and anxiety can hinder milk letdown, while a positive mindset and understanding of the pumping process can enhance milk production.

• Balancing science and practicality is crucial in pumping. It's important to understand the science behind milk production and pumping techniques, while also considering the individual's lifestyle and goals.

• Creating a sustainable pumping schedule is key. It should be tailored to the individual's needs, taking into account factors such as sleep, work, and personal preferences. Set goals and assess milk supply to determine the best pumping strategy.

• Understand your milk storage capacity and adjust pumping frequency accordingly.

• Frequent milk removal is crucial for maintaining milk supply.

• Pumping schedules vary for each individual, and it's important to find what works best for you.

• Don't compare your milk supply to others, as everyone is unique.

• Social media often showcases the highlight reel, so be mindful of comparisons.

• Remember to practice self-care and be kind to yourself throughout your pumping journey.

↓Follow us on social media:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megandmikedomarriage

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megandmikedomarriage

↓Allison's Resources

Apply for Pumping for Working Moms Program: https://info.newlittlelife.com/apply

(Put Megan from Meg and Mike Do Marriage as your referral source!)

Allison Tolman YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NewLittleLife

Follow Allison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newlittlelife_byallison/?hl=en

In this episode, Meg discusses her experience and challenges during the first six months postpartum with twins. She took a break from the podcast to focus on her babies and figure out her future plans. Meg shares her struggle with postpartum identity and the realization that she is a different person now that she is a mother. She emphasizes the importance of giving herself time and space to uncover her new identity and not trying to go back to who she was before. Meg also talks about the joy of seeing her babies grow and develop, as well as the challenges of being a twin mom and dealing with mom shaming.

↓Follow us on social media:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megdoestwinmotherhood

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megandmikedomarriage

Buy Table for Two here (Use Code "MEG10" for 10% off): https://buytablefortwo.com/

In this conversation, Meg shares her experience and tips on increasing milk supply and establishing a pumping routine. She discusses the Sock Method, which involves covering the bottles with baby socks to create a positive association with the baby and stimulate oxytocin production.

Meg emphasizes the importance of finding the right flange size and pumping frequency to maximize milk supply. She also mentions the benefits of hydration, calorie intake, and supplements. Meg shares her pumping schedule and the challenges and rewards of exclusive pumping for twins. She concludes by expressing her motivation and satisfaction in providing breast milk for her babies.

Takeaways

• Covering the bottles with baby socks can create a positive association with the baby and stimulate oxytocin production.

• Finding the right flange size is crucial for comfortable and effective pumping.

• Pumping frequency plays a significant role in establishing and increasing milk supply.

• Hydration, calorie intake, and supplements can support milk production.

• Creating a pumping schedule and routine can help maintain milk supply and balance motherhood responsibilities.

↓Follow us on social media:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megandmikedomarriage

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megandmikedomarriage

Links I Referenced:

→Allison Tolman YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NewLittleLife

→Boobie Products, use CODE MEGY_20 for a discount: https://www.boobiesuperfoods.com/?ref=MEGANYELANEY

→Lactation Bites recipe: https://mommakesdinner.com/lactation-bites/

In this episode, Meg and Mike provide an update on their first six weeks with twins. They discuss the hardest part of parenting twins, the easiest part, and unexpected challenges.

They also talk about the importance of fitting the kids into their life and the impact of having twins on their relationship. They share their sadness about their fathers not being there to meet the babies and express their love and admiration for each other as parents. They end with some final thoughts and advice for other parents of twins.

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In this solo episode, Meg shares her postpartum journey and the challenges she has faced in the first six weeks after giving birth to twins. She discusses the importance of preparation for parenthood and the realization that no amount of preparation can fully prepare you for the reality of caring for newborns.

Meg opens up about her struggles with breastfeeding and the decision to exclusively pump. She also talks about the physical recovery process without holding back: get ready for some TMI sharing!

Emotionally, Meg shares the ups and downs of postpartum, the overwhelming feelings, and the need for self-care. She discusses the juggling act of parenting and sleep, as well as the mixed feelings and identity shift that comes with becoming a parent. Meg also touches on the support she has received and the importance of reaching out to others for help. She concludes by expressing gratitude for her healing and the flexibility she has in her work.

→Meg's Twin Birth Story Episode (Apple Podcasts): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meg-and-mike-do-marriage/id1705552952?i=1000641795014

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2OcjcxNBR2GnhLQqtJc0ao?si=IirpoqzGSUeAHrdCAsQKMg

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@megandmikedomarriage

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