mom of twins here. advice for making more breast milk is for YOU to eat and drink a lot. you mentioned in the earlier part of the video that you hadn't eaten yet... and I suspect that is related to your lower milk supply. I noticed on the days i ate more, I produced more milk. Those early months (tbh, couple years) are so hard. hang in there! you're doing a great job.
@@Meeraalqasimi she doesn't eat balanced meals, not even when she is not pregnant. Plus she doesn't have time to make meals. She should get Hello Fresh or a cook.
Colleen: I'm overwhelmed, falling apart, hiding in the pantry - "This is so hard." Flynn: Happier than ever, enjoying his life, thriving. Maisy: Smiling as she stares at this beautiful human who cares so much about her that she is seeking any and all help that she can get to care for her, not in the NICU, at home thriving. Wesley: Comforted as his parents seek to do the best they possibly can for him and his siblings, not in the NICU, at home thriving. The success isn't always in the moments where we feel rested or were able to take a shower. Sometimes the success is seeing the light in the faces of these little humans and knowing that you have been able to create an environment where they all feel safe, loved, supported, and encouraged. You're doing that AND more. It's magic. Don't forget that.
As a mom of 6 month twins still breastfeeding both after going through the same thing: Check if the pump funnel is the right size for you, drink LOTS of water, eat oatmeal. You could also make lactation cookies and i took a suplement called Promil (i think that's a portuguese exclusive brand but you can check the ingredients). For some reason, croissants also seemed to help for me. Stress is a huge factor in milk tho, and so is sleep. I tried power pumping and it didn't really work for me, it just got me exhausted. Always try to pump after your body reacts to them being hungry and keep on trying to breastfeed. My girls only started when they were like 2-3 months since that's when they had the strength for it being born preemie and all, and it's what really saved my milk supply. My smaller one had a bit more trouble with it and what helped was to breastfeed them at the same time, because she learned from her sister.
Pumping mom here - I definitely agree that eating more and drinking LOADS of water helped, but TBH for me it was very exhaustion and stress related. The more tired and stressed I was, the less milk I produced. Obviously this is different for everyone, and if this does happen to you it is 100% not your fault. Being exhausted and stressed with newborns is beyond normal and understandable. Just to say that if this is happening to you, remember that it isn't your fault, you are doing everything exactly right, sometimes we just run into our bodies physical limitations and that is totally ok.
Completely agree. Exhaustion and stress (and worrying about being stressed) severely cut my milk supply. I tried everything to increase it, but the fact of the matter is that there isn’t really a lot out there that helps. You can trying talking to a lactation nurse, but there is only so much you can do. I would completely beat myself up for not providing enough and eventually had to stop when my daughter reached 6 months. We are always criticizing ourselves as moms and wonder if we are doing enough, and telling someone not to “stress” isn’t going to help. You are doing great, mama! Remember that.
Please put out a children’s album!! My toddler freakin loves when he hears you guys sing. And claps and dances. It’s so cute. You guys make the best music. I’m telling ya!!
The moment y’all were singing in the shower I felt just summed up the chaotic beauty that your family is and the time you’re going through right now. The support and love is beautiful, I can’t imagine how tired y’all are but it’s beautiful and just made me emotional. Miss those moments with my parents deeply
Oatmeal helped me a lot. I don’t like oatmeal unless it’s in cookies so I literally ate oatmeal cookies everyday and that brought my milk supply up. I think the making sure your breast is fully emptied is important but it’s understandable that it can’t always happen. That and the stress probably are really affecting it.
How cool is it that Flynn has such special core memories like these. He’ll be able to look back on his childhood so fondly. I know you and Erik are going through a tough time right now, but you are such wonderful parents. ❤️
Me too! Single mom of two under two here. Love Colleen and her family. The picnic by the pool was so sweet and then to cut to them singing in the shower together...that got me SO good. I'm crying at the simple joys that come within the craziness of it all...hers and mine. Colleen's honesty is so remarkable, among other things of course. Rooting for you guys!
Lactation counselor here: Milk supply is purely supply and demand. It has nothing to do with what you eat/drink. What causes milk to be made in the breast/nipple stimulation, so if the babies are being put to the breast and not causing enough stimulation to occur, this could be a reason why your supply has gone down. I know you want to feed at the breast, but maybe until they get a little older it would be best to continue pumping during their feedings times and try putting them at the breast when they seem more interested. You are doing a great job! Remember - pumping and providing breast milk through a bottle is still breast feeding!
I'm not even a mom. We don't really have stand in pantry in irisih homes and even I was like "isn't that normal mom behavior when you have small kids XD"
For the breastfeeding: in a pumping session, try and pump as long as you can. That will trigger your boobs to say "oh, there's a greater demand here. Should probably make more milk." In my experience, it's easier to extend one pumping session rather than add another one. I swear by the belvita soft baked oatmeal cookies for supply boosting as well. They're super easy, you just grab them out of the box and eat with one hand. No prep or utensils required. Oatmeal is great for milk production and the cookies are the easiest delivery system I found after breastfeeding two babies. I particularly liked the chocolate chip flavor but that's just my preference. You got this Colleen 💕
one thing i started working on changing is the habit of saying "don't cry!" to people when i saw them tearing up. i try to say "you can cry!" and it makes all the difference. don't forget to tell yourself this -- crying is literally a way for your body to release negative energy
When you guys were singing grilled cheese and apple sauce I was crying a little your family is so cute and beautiful I love you guys so much Colleen you are doing great I am so so proud of you
Maisy’s smile is the absolute best especially with her little chubby cheeks. Omg Flynn’s little dance in the shower was the cutest! 💕💕 Colleen hang in there! You’ve got this!
@@thesweetestbear bro you commented the same thing 17382 times calm down she's fine everyone is fine but they're trying to keep their family as safe as possible
I exclusively pumped and had ups and downs in my supply. I noticed when my period came back that really impacted my milk. I agree with the comments on eating and drinking lots. I made lactation cookies that helped. Also when I had those low supply weeks, I power pumped for one session per day where I pumped for 20 minutes, took a 10 minute break and then pumped again. YOU ARE AMAZING! ❤️ You are doing the hardest thing and rocking it.
From an exclusively pumping mama: General rule I try to follow as best I can is 120 minutes minimum pumping in 24 hours which would be about 20 minutes/6 pumps. I know it’s so hard with 3 kids but hydrating and eating are super important at to keep supply going. It’s so incredibly hard but every day I just tell myself I’m going to try my best and whatever happens happens. Those babies are lucky to have you and you are exactly what they need no matter the circumstances!
Hey Colleen!! I'm not a mom, just a uni student who watches these videos to calm down...I thought that I'd reach out because my mom always said that she used to eat pineapples to keep her milk supply up; she vouches by this and I believe her because I was one hungry baby!! Hoping that everything will be alright for you guys!
Another uni student here! These videos are genuinely getting me through the stress of exams. It's so nice to escape for a bit and learn about a whole other part of life. So grateful for Colleen for putting these things online - she and the other nice people in the comments are teaching me so much
When I was breastfeeding, I ate homemade oatmeal almost everyday for breakfast. I just added sweeten condensed milk, Quaker oats, and a little bit of brown sugar to a bowl to microwave or a pot to cook on the stove and then folded in dried cranberries, nuts, and sometimes peanut butter for extra protein. Oatmeal is one of those things that you could make a hundred different ways and all the while increase your milk production 👍🏻
I can’t imagine how exhausted you are! But can I also add that as a pregnant mom also with a toddler that you guys singing in the shower made me cry? Honestly I aspire to be the type of family you guys are. I know you’re overwhelmed but just remember you’re KILLING it!!
Fellow “Crying in the pantry” mom here, It’s SO hard in this stage of newborns, even the happiest of babies make you wanna rip your hair out and sob. So I don’t have any inspiring words of wisdom, except- been there, Done that, and it does get better. As for milk supply, you’ve got to make sure you’re staying hydrated and mothers milk tea worked for me. I always set reminders on my phone to make sure to drink and eat. The hours are short but the days are long. Keep on trucking. You’ve got this 💪
I totally had the grilled cheese and applesauce song stuck in my head the other day! LOVE IT!!!! You're doing a great job Mama!! Sometimes pantry cries are necessary!
As a mom of twins, I remember crying, running in the bathroom and wrapping a bath towel around my head and screamed. It helped. But you need to eat regularly girl. Make time for that. Sleep deprivation makes it so hard to think doesn’t it? MY trick when I held them was to cross one leg with your foot propped on the other knee, hold one baby and rock the other by slow bouncing on your leg. Then switch em out. That’s what I did. Stress will decrease milk supply, decreasing feedings by using formula will decrease supply, your fluid and food intake if low will decrease supply. My kids were 4 weeks premie and they didn’t latch well so I ended up switching over to formula. There’s no shame in that. I think young moms now really can make others feel inadequate if they’re not nursing. Your kids will be fine. You’ve got this.
Hey Colleen! I’m not sure if you have tried this but there’s a tea for breastfeeding moms that I used when I breastfed and it worked really well for me. I think it’s called Milk Maid Tea. Also there’s a vitamin called Fenugreek that does help with breast milk production too.
One thing that helped my milk supply with my twins was skin to skin as much as possible. I would try to keep them in a just diaper as much as possible and hold at least one in a baby carrier against my bare chest while I went about my day. But girl, it’s hard! I’m sorry you’re dealing with this stress but you’re freaking KILLING IT at the twin mom game. Whatever you do will be perfect for you and those beautiful babies. Love and hugs!!!
Keep hanging on to all those little moments of joy, Colleen. It's what will get you through. Singing in the shower sounds pretty damn good! Sending you allllll the love!
Oh momma…I definitely took those “cry in the pantry” moments. We need those moments to just breath and be alone for 5 minutes. You’re doing great but man, having kids is HARD sometimes!
Suggestion- until you find a babysitter or let family back in the house, what about sending Flynn to a grandparents or aunt/uncle’s house for a few days? You might be able to get longer snippets of alone time and rest time, you know, for sanity. You can spend 30 minutes in the pantry instead of 5. 🤷🏽♀️😊 you could use that time to work on increasing milk supply as well.
Hey Colleen I’m a midwife, first just wanted to say you’re doing an absolutely amazing job hats off to you don’t beat yourself up. Just a word of help try to pump every time any of your babies get hungry. Don’t wait the 3-4 hours to pump as a routine this is tell your body to produce more milk because your babies need more it’s called responsive breastfeeding. Please remember Whether you give your babies breastmilk from your breast or a bottle you’re still breastfeeding your babies. Keep on going you’re doing amazing ❤️ Maybe you can try buying the hands free breast pump so you can still play with Flynn and comfort the babies but get at least some pumping done. I hope this helps ❤️❤️
Gosh, those three adorable kids lucked out big time with their mummy and daddy. I'm in awe of how wonderful and patient and supportive and creative you both are with them. Love from the Netherlands ♡
Hey Colleen, pantry cries are necessary during the craziness of the pandemic. I have heard from other moms that used lactation supplement to produce more breast milk along with eating a diet of more protein and plenty of water. Since you like cookies they do have lactation brownies as well as cookies some are oatmeal cookies. I would think warming them up before you eat them so they taste like fresh from the oven instead of out of a box. Loved you guys singing in the shower with Flynn. Making date nights in different areas can help with the sanity and stress. Don’t be hard on yourself and glad that you guys are at least trying to sleep. It will get better with time. I am pretty sure that not only Flynn but the twins all know you both are awesome parents. You have your vlogging audience standing behind you. You’ve got this!
Just coming from a place of tough love: you gotta put yourself first Colleen! If its possible to build a good schedule so you can eat and take a shower, rest, etc. Obviously that doesnt mean ignoring the babies or Flynn, but it means that you have to make yourself a priority too. You can't pour from an empty cup 💜. Hugs mama ! You can do it!
Hi Colleen or anyone that might see this. I am definitely not going through the same problems as you are but I’m going through some of my own. And seeing that someone else is crying just because they feel like it and are even a little depressed makes me feel “normal”. I always think that it’s just me that cry’s because they just need to and are a little depressed but seeing people like you that I can relate to makes me feel so much better. I don’t know if anyone will see this but if they thx for reading and remember you’re AMAZING SO INBRACE IT
Can i just say Colleen that you and Eric make everything easier in life. Showing your hardships and your beautiful memories with us is infectious. Love seeing Flynn of course growing into a little man. You guys are awesome people and parents!!!! Please continue vlogging if you can. TAKE A DAY FOR YOURSELF LADY! AND ERIC TOO
This is why I love Colleen! She is honest and blunt about everything. Usually people make their life to seem easy and simple, but is giving you exactly what she is going through no sugar coat and I love that. So thank you !
My husband and I did sleep shifts too and yes this helped immensely when we had a newborn. I know it’s different for everyone but even four hour shifts was amazing.
We did this too. It worked especially well since I am more of a night owl and he is a morning person so I did nights and pumped some milk so he could do mornings. Life saver!
Something that was really helpful in keeping my supply up was lots of skin-to-skin as much as possible and power pumping (it’s a lot but it can be helpful once a day). You got this!
Fully crying at you all singing in the shower! I’ve been feeling like a crappy mum lately and when I watch you, I just feel better. You’re amazing Colleen and you really do play such an important role in my mental health. You’re all so loved! ❤️
For me, taking a lactation supplement has made a big difference in increasing my milk supply. I like Liquid Gold from Legendairy because it contains Goat’s Rue. Moringa is also supposed to be a great ingredient for increasing supply. I recommend trying some different supplements to see what works for you! ❤️
Hey Colleen!!! I am not a mama, but my mom is a lactation consultant, and I asked her for help about how to help you make the transition from bottle to breastfeeding, and she stayed you should probably get a lactation consultant to help you, but she told me a trick to give to you! She stayed you should try instead of feeding the baby's directly from the bottle, you have to use a feeding tube that goes from the bottle to your breast hahaha I don't know how to explain it very well, but you stick the feeding tube that goes from the bottle and the tip of the tube should be next to your nipple, and that way the baby's have it easy to eat cause it's easyer from the tube than from the boob directly, but they go getting use to breastfeeding, and little by little they will like the breast better cause they see its not that difficult and they will give it a chance!! I hope you can understand it, if you need her instagram to ask any cuestions or anything we will be honored to help!! You are amazing!! ❤️❤️ (sorry if my English is not perfect) ✨❤️❤️ I really hope you see this and is helps you, my mom sayed lost of moms have this problem and this really helps and they are so happy! So I hope you see it and try it out maybe!! Love you❤️❤️ Idk if maybe you want to ask any cuestions this is her instagram @centroraices
God I related to this on so many levels! You’re an amazing mom even when it feels like you aren’t, that’s how you know you’re doing it right! Sending all my love!
Maisy being naughty straight for 2 minutes, smiling n throwing her binky out of her mouth. So beautiful! Also Flynn dancing, singing and looking at Erick in the shower was so magical, the whole thing you guys were doing is so magical. You're a super mom Colleen. Idk how you're so brave and you got this girl! ❤️🤗
I'm so happy Flynn will have these moments to watch when he's older. I love the few home video birthday parties my parents filmed when I was little and Flynn is going to have so many special moments to watch forever 🥺
@@survivorellie absolutely، he is so lucky and the bond that Erick n Collen share is awsome. That would imprint a beautiful impact on his beautiful tiny brain.
Colleen - have you tried using a haakaa suction on the opposite breast while you are nursing? That thing worked wonders for me when I had low supply issues! I had it on the opposite breast while nursing and then flipped it to the not fully drained side for a few minutes after baby was done. I still pumped and nursed a ton, but that seemed to help when baby wasn't drawing enough out. ❤
I did the same thing! I had so much milk that I had to empty the Haakaa after about 5 minutes to fill up again by the time baby was done on the other side
Maisy’s little smile reminds me of my little Laci bug. Laci was a NICU baby, we brought her home a month ago. We lost her a week ago, it’s been really hard but i love watching you, it makes me smile. God had plans for my sweet Laci, he saw something we didn’t and is protecting her for me. i will never stop watching you!!❤️
I feel like that all the time Colleen! Literally I will be fine One minute and the next I just need to cry. About what? I don’t know. I think it’s normal to feel like that sometimes especially with what you’re going through! What you’re doing is incredibly hard work! But you’re making it through! When the twins are older you’ll be able to look back on these videos and see what an incredible job you’re doing! Love you! ❤️❤️❤️
I think also getting a wearable pump like an Elvie or Willow would help! They’re completely hands free so you could pump while actually being able to walk around and take care of the kids vs being tied to the wall!
you'll get through this Colleen you will! as someone who struggled with depression and feeling overwhelmed by having to take care of stuff that seemed impossible a lil tip: start with any of the million things you feel you gotta do, just one! one lil thing, just one. You'll feel accomplished! pat yourself in the back when you get it done (like making a phone call,, that's it!), lil by lil, 1 phone call today, next one the next day and so on
i think the important thing about all this is that you show the hard parts of having new babies aswell and not just showing the happy parts. Alot of people expect it all to just be happy.. i dream of a family like yours one day. I’ve been here since before Flynn was born. You are so strong and powerful. My biggest inspiration. Thank you
I love that you guys just did what you could to have a picnic in the backyard. Some seasons are just like that. The other day, my husband and I took the kids at bedtime on a car ride because we knew they’d fall asleep and we’d be able to carve some time out for ourselves for once. Is it an ideal date? No. But we needed to do SOMETHING
Breastfeeding mom here: I noticed when I was sleep deprived, I would produced less milk. So my advice would be to try to get a bit more sleep. Trading off on shifts with Eric is a good idea. Also, ginger beer really helps me to increase my supply
I sang along too! It's such a catchy song! I have moments too of just needing to cry. I think we all as humans just have those moments. Not to mention you have a toddler and 2 newborns. Hang in there you both are doing an amazing job! It will always be hectic and you will have more moments of crying but as we both know it's so worth it!
The actual nursing causes your body to produce milk (vs. pumping which doesn’t necessarily create the same physical reaction in the chesticles). So, even though I don’t want you to have any more stress about it, the more the babies can actually nurse is the best way to stimulate production.
I wish I could reach through the screen and hug you. You are going a great job, I know that's hard to hear and accept when you are so overwhelmed, stressed and second guessing yourself but you are. You can see how healthy and happy all of your kids are. I can see how much Erik loves you in how he looks at you. Just keep telling yourself that this is only temporary. Surviving the newborn stage, especially with a preemie is hard. I have such respect for you and Erik doing it with you preemies and a toddler. My preemie was my first born. This too shall pass. We're all here to love and support you. You got this! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
I'm crying at you guys singing in the shower🥲 Singing and managing through all your tiredness, always making your babies' happiness a priority. The love you guys have is very special.☺
I have no idea what it's like to be a mom, I'm only 16 but gosh Colleen you are doing amazing and Wesley and Maisy are so lucky to have you! Things may be rough now but there is so much to look forward to! Maisy and Wesley's first words, first steps, first miranda impression, and so much more! You and Erik are incredible for balancing the two babies.
Colleen, thank you so much for sharing I've had a similar journey this year but on a timeline that's just a couple months ahead. I struggled with my pregnancy, gave birth at 27 weeks and spent 80 days in the NICU. My babe had to come home with her feeding tube because she struggled so much with feeding. The time while we were trying to practice breastfeeding but I still needed to pump all the time was so stressful to balance and my supply dipped too. I was very intense about my pumping schedule (probably because it felt like the only thing I could control while baby was in the NICU) and not meeting my total volume for the day made me lose my mind. It took me two hours to breastfeed, tube feed, hold her up for reflux and pump at the same time, so I'd get about 30 min to an hour to sleep if I was lucky. To give you some hope we are on the other side, at about 7 weeks corrected she just figured it out and now she's breastfeeding 90% of the time, crushing her bottles and I don't worry about supply. You probably already know this but the most important thing is sleep, eat and drink water. I know that seems impossible, but try to just focus on that more than any silly hacks. If that doesn't work on its own, you can get prescription medications that boost supply. I tried power pumping (pump multiple short sessions over an hour) but it had a marginal effect, so if I was just watching tv I would do it but a 30 min nap did more for my supply than an hour of power pumping. I wish I had not stressed so much, because when my baby got better at breastfeeding my supply just corrected to how she was feeding. To help with the time to pump problem, you could also try pumping one side while breastfeeding on the other, with the electric pump if it doesn't flood babe, or a haakaa. Good luck Mama, you're doing a great job and you will get through this ❤️
When my sister’s breast milk supply went down, a friend of her’s made her a bone broth soup which helped. I think there are other “lactogenic” foods that can help increase milk supply as well!
I would recommend using Wesley's appetite as a way to increase your milk supply by having him feed straight from the breast as much as possible. You also want to eat protein rich foods before feeds and make sure you're drinking enough water too. Oatmeal of course is great and you can get it from cookies, bars, or from a bowl of it. And you NEED SLEEP, Colleen. Please don't feel bad getting rest. Flynn can deal with less time with you and Erik can be sleep deprived. It's OK. You need at least naps throughout the day, momma.💐💐💐
This is good advice! I know it's hard to have a toddler and twins by yourself (I didn't have twins, but I had a 3yo, 2yo, 1yo and newborn, so I can imagine) but it can be done. Let Erik take them all for you to get a nap. Or he can take the twins for an hour while Flynn takes a nap. Letting Flynn occupy himself for awhile well be good for him! Your sleep is so important. It will help your sanity so much. ❤️ Also the more you give them formula, the more your supply will drop.
@@sarahwhite6341 wow! A 3, 2, 1, AND newborn?!?! Super momma, you are!💐💐💐💐 Don't you also see Flynn maturing as I have? I feel like from the twins being in the nicu he has grown so much and it's so wonderful. I really am confident that he is ready to have some more independent play time.🥰 Especially if he's told he's doing it to "help out."😎
@@outoftheklosset aww thanks! It was a hard time, but sweet too. Now the oldest is 14, so it kind of feels like another life time ago. 🤣 Yes! He's growing up so much! And he has such a great imagination, he will entertain himself so well! I bet he would love an audio book or story to listen to while he plays.
There are things you can eat that helps the milk supply. I ate a ton of oatmeal (I don't like regular oatmeal - the slurry kind- so I do the oven baked one and it tasted like cake with berries in it) and I know there are other ingredients like this that can potentionnally help. There are oat-cookies that you can buy that helps, and I know you love cookies so maybe that's a good solution. You can cry if you need to. Please know that it helps others know its ok to cry. You can do this. I hope you find a nanny soon.
I wish I could just give you a hug right now. Literally make sure you are getting lots of hugs from Erik, Kory, and any adults you are around. Touch is so healing and so important for our mental health. Hopefully things will start to settle down for you all soon. You are in my nightly prayers.
My twins at 6 now. The first 6 months were so hard, and some of the darkest days of my life. It was so hard. So freaking hard. I have one baby now so I can see how different one versus two is. All I can say is struggle through and just know that in a few months it will get easier and just keep getting easier and more enjoyable as they get older. Now with them being 6 it’s great and every day is still hard as a mom but it’s night and day from them being babies. Just keep going and it will get better I promise!!
You perfectly described postpartum depression. Break down in the pantry, eat some unhealthy junk food, and then business as usual. At least that’s how it was for me. My husband and I found that full shifts worked better with my son as well. I would be up with him for every night wake-up, and then he would take over at 6 or 7am, at which point I would pump, shower, and then crash until noon. It meant we didn’t really have a functional morning and our day together would “start” in the afternoon…but at least we were sort of sleeping. Everybody has to find their own rhythm.
when i had my daughter i had a hard time getting her to latch so i pumped and then my supply went down pretty low so what i did was pump every 10 mins for 10 mins. back to back. also drinking lots of water and eating helped too. you’re so busy so i know it slips your mind. but there are also foods you can eat that i know help your supply. which im sure another mama will mention but this is what helped me was the back to back pumping
Hey Colleen....its ok to cry. "Mom"ing is super hard...and it's ok to say that out loud. It means you're human. Hang in there Mama....you're doing amazing! ❤
You are doing so well Colleen. We all believe in you and you have the most supportive and caring family and fans! You are an incredible mom and please believe me when I say that! We are all here for you, you are doing great. Lots of love - Kiera
well but rooting for her is not going to go very far. She needs actual helping hands with her and she cant get that so, she is going to crumble one day in stress is she doesn't get a nanny or a nurse or someone.
My best advise for supply is make sure you’re drinking enough water and eating! I used to fill up a huge water bottle and sip it while I was nursing my littles, also kept a little stash of healthy snacks in my bedside drawer so I was getting enough calories. Oats worked great for me when I was having supply issues, lots of oatmeal so I learned how to be creative lol.
Colleen, make sure to prioritize pumping at least once between 1 am and 4 am, make that your longest pumping session that’s when your prolactin levels are the highest and set the stage for your milk supply the rest of the day. That and munchkin lactation cookies helped me a lot with my milk supply. Also finding the right pump and flange combo!
oatmeal helps me a lot with supply and drink a TON of water. make sure you’re pumping every 3 hours as well as often as possible, I know it’s so hard! There is not enough time in the day. You’re doing amazing Colleen! truly. You could always do 2oz of breastmilk and 2oz of formula in each bottle too! Your kiddos are so lucky to have you as their mama!
The moment where yous are singing in the shower, would have to be the most beautiful heartwarming thing I’ve seen in a long time, bring a tear to my eyes. This is a memory all three of you will remember( Bub to young). This is what memories are made of 💕❤️ And Colleen these are the moments that will get you through this hard time.
Maisy looks so much like Flynn! Your kids are all adorable and you are doing a fantastic job! You and Erika are working as an incredible team! We’re all so proud of you!
mom of twins here. advice for making more breast milk is for YOU to eat and drink a lot. you mentioned in the earlier part of the video that you hadn't eaten yet... and I suspect that is related to your lower milk supply. I noticed on the days i ate more, I produced more milk. Those early months (tbh, couple years) are so hard. hang in there! you're doing a great job.
True:)
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This seems like really solid advice, honestly. Easier said than done, but worth trying to make a priority!
Also it's supply and demand
Very true…full balanced meals are really important!
@@Meeraalqasimi she doesn't eat balanced meals, not even when she is not pregnant. Plus she doesn't have time to make meals. She should get Hello Fresh or a cook.
Colleen: I'm overwhelmed, falling apart, hiding in the pantry - "This is so hard."
Flynn: Happier than ever, enjoying his life, thriving.
Maisy: Smiling as she stares at this beautiful human who cares so much about her that she is seeking any and all help that she can get to care for her, not in the NICU, at home thriving.
Wesley: Comforted as his parents seek to do the best they possibly can for him and his siblings, not in the NICU, at home thriving.
The success isn't always in the moments where we feel rested or were able to take a shower. Sometimes the success is seeing the light in the faces of these little humans and knowing that you have been able to create an environment where they all feel safe, loved, supported, and encouraged.
You're doing that AND more. It's magic. Don't forget that.
why isnt her mom helping like usual..?
This is so beautifully put, I am literally tearing up!
@@thesweetestbear They are all concerned about covid and have decided to not get together right now.
@@thesweetestbear Because they are trying to keep the babies healthy.
Well said♥️
As a mom of 6 month twins still breastfeeding both after going through the same thing: Check if the pump funnel is the right size for you, drink LOTS of water, eat oatmeal. You could also make lactation cookies and i took a suplement called Promil (i think that's a portuguese exclusive brand but you can check the ingredients). For some reason, croissants also seemed to help for me. Stress is a huge factor in milk tho, and so is sleep. I tried power pumping and it didn't really work for me, it just got me exhausted. Always try to pump after your body reacts to them being hungry and keep on trying to breastfeed. My girls only started when they were like 2-3 months since that's when they had the strength for it being born preemie and all, and it's what really saved my milk supply. My smaller one had a bit more trouble with it and what helped was to breastfeed them at the same time, because she learned from her sister.
👍🏻
Fenugreek, oats, brewers yeast, lactation cookies. Breastfeeding is hard! All the best
Bumping this comment! 😌
Yes yes
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flynn is going to remember singing in the shower with you guys for the rest of his life, creating a real core memory right here 😊
This comment made me cry
I know right I legit starting crying rivers when they were singing in the shower.
Pumping mom here - I definitely agree that eating more and drinking LOADS of water helped, but TBH for me it was very exhaustion and stress related. The more tired and stressed I was, the less milk I produced. Obviously this is different for everyone, and if this does happen to you it is 100% not your fault. Being exhausted and stressed with newborns is beyond normal and understandable. Just to say that if this is happening to you, remember that it isn't your fault, you are doing everything exactly right, sometimes we just run into our bodies physical limitations and that is totally ok.
100,000% agree!!
Yeeepppp! It’s hard.
Replying to boosters to Colleen will see it
Completely agree. Exhaustion and stress (and worrying about being stressed) severely cut my milk supply. I tried everything to increase it, but the fact of the matter is that there isn’t really a lot out there that helps. You can trying talking to a lactation nurse, but there is only so much you can do. I would completely beat myself up for not providing enough and eventually had to stop when my daughter reached 6 months. We are always criticizing ourselves as moms and wonder if we are doing enough, and telling someone not to “stress” isn’t going to help. You are doing great, mama! Remember that.
Same. and remember... FED IS BEST. You are not a failure if you can't breastfeed or choose not to.
Not me crying watching you guys singing and dancing in the shower together as a family. Literally so beautiful it brought me to tears
All i could think about while watching the shower singing clip, is how in 10 years you are going to watch this again and cry. This is so beautiful
Aww that’s what I thought too. ❤️
Its refreshing to see this side of having kids not only the good cute moments. You and Erik are a great team.
Please put out a children’s album!! My toddler freakin loves when he hears you guys sing. And claps and dances. It’s so cute. You guys make the best music. I’m telling ya!!
YES PLEASE!!!
Me as an adult would love that tbh 😂 Maybe that's the new thing that the psychic saw for Colleen's future
The moment y’all were singing in the shower I felt just summed up the chaotic beauty that your family is and the time you’re going through right now. The support and love is beautiful, I can’t imagine how tired y’all are but it’s beautiful and just made me emotional. Miss those moments with my parents deeply
And what a memory Flynn will have of his childhood!
Oatmeal helped me a lot. I don’t like oatmeal unless it’s in cookies so I literally ate oatmeal cookies everyday and that brought my milk supply up. I think the making sure your breast is fully emptied is important but it’s understandable that it can’t always happen. That and the stress probably are really affecting it.
True:)
ua-cam.com/video/a-n7Q4p6mgQ/v-deo.html . ..
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My mother told me that too oats help with milk supply.
Sooo true!
yes! oats and medjool dates help 😊
How cool is it that Flynn has such special core memories like these. He’ll be able to look back on his childhood so fondly. I know you and Erik are going through a tough time right now, but you are such wonderful parents. ❤️
Yep. Amazing family 😍
The sweetest, cutest family. The singing in the shower has me weeping.
Me too! Single mom of two under two here. Love Colleen and her family. The picnic by the pool was so sweet and then to cut to them singing in the shower together...that got me SO good. I'm crying at the simple joys that come within the craziness of it all...hers and mine. Colleen's honesty is so remarkable, among other things of course. Rooting for you guys!
Mother's Milk tea and Lactation cookies helped me! Drinking the tea also helped calm me down which was a huge plus as a pandemic first-time mom
Lactation counselor here: Milk supply is purely supply and demand. It has nothing to do with what you eat/drink. What causes milk to be made in the breast/nipple stimulation, so if the babies are being put to the breast and not causing enough stimulation to occur, this could be a reason why your supply has gone down. I know you want to feed at the breast, but maybe until they get a little older it would be best to continue pumping during their feedings times and try putting them at the breast when they seem more interested. You are doing a great job! Remember - pumping and providing breast milk through a bottle is still breast feeding!
THIS. Supply and Demand. Supply and demand. Skip all the supplements. Eat, drink, pump.
You guys are the cutest. Still need "Grilled Cheese and Applesauce" on Spotify. You got this mamma! Pantry cries are totally normal!
Apple Music too!
Jesus loves you all!!
I'm not even a mom. We don't really have stand in pantry in irisih homes and even I was like "isn't that normal mom behavior when you have small kids XD"
@@hillmidget1326 haha right!
@@ricebrit7 yes!!!! Need it on all streaming platforms
After 2 full years in a pandemic I think we need to make a “pantry cry” a regular thing. Does 7pm work for everyone? 😂😭
I don’t have a pantry 🙁
I’m ready! 😂
@@TheTinyOtter was just going to say 🙀
@@TheTinyOtter kitchen floor works too 😅
why isnt her mom helping like usual..?
For the breastfeeding: in a pumping session, try and pump as long as you can. That will trigger your boobs to say "oh, there's a greater demand here. Should probably make more milk." In my experience, it's easier to extend one pumping session rather than add another one.
I swear by the belvita soft baked oatmeal cookies for supply boosting as well. They're super easy, you just grab them out of the box and eat with one hand. No prep or utensils required. Oatmeal is great for milk production and the cookies are the easiest delivery system I found after breastfeeding two babies. I particularly liked the chocolate chip flavor but that's just my preference.
You got this Colleen 💕
❤️❤️❤️ thiss
Good advice!
one thing i started working on changing is the habit of saying "don't cry!" to people when i saw them tearing up. i try to say "you can cry!" and it makes all the difference. don't forget to tell yourself this -- crying is literally a way for your body to release negative energy
I love this Jessie!
Yes!!
crying is just her ADHD brain not copping well with changes and stress.
Love this advice.
Y’all are seriously the greatest parents ever. Singing in the shower with Flynn just melted my heart 🥺🥺
You guys all in the shower just chillin and singing made me SO happy that made my day! :))💕 love you Colleen you are doing GREATTTT
I remember crying A LOT after having my babies and they weren't even twins. Hang in there Colleen! I love the picnic outside!! Awesome!!
When you guys were singing grilled cheese and apple sauce I was crying a little your family is so cute and beautiful I love you guys so much Colleen you are doing great I am so so proud of you
I can’t count the number of times I’ve hidden to cry because I feel overwhelmed with parenthood. No shame girl!
Same!
Same here !! Much love 💕
The way Maisy looks at Colleen while she's talking is so beautiful.
Yes it is!
Maisy’s smile is the absolute best especially with her little chubby cheeks. Omg Flynn’s little dance in the shower was the cutest! 💕💕 Colleen hang in there! You’ve got this!
why isnt her mom helping like usual..?
@@thesweetestbear bro you commented the same thing 17382 times calm down she's fine everyone is fine but they're trying to keep their family as safe as possible
Flynn's dance in the shower reminded me of Miranda.
I exclusively pumped and had ups and downs in my supply. I noticed when my period came back that really impacted my milk. I agree with the comments on eating and drinking lots. I made lactation cookies that helped. Also when I had those low supply weeks, I power pumped for one session per day where I pumped for 20 minutes, took a 10 minute break and then pumped again. YOU ARE AMAZING! ❤️ You are doing the hardest thing and rocking it.
From an exclusively pumping mama:
General rule I try to follow as best I can is 120 minutes minimum pumping in 24 hours which would be about 20 minutes/6 pumps. I know it’s so hard with 3 kids but hydrating and eating are super important at to keep supply going. It’s so incredibly hard but every day I just tell myself I’m going to try my best and whatever happens happens. Those babies are lucky to have you and you are exactly what they need no matter the circumstances!
Hey Colleen!! I'm not a mom, just a uni student who watches these videos to calm down...I thought that I'd reach out because my mom always said that she used to eat pineapples to keep her milk supply up; she vouches by this and I believe her because I was one hungry baby!! Hoping that everything will be alright for you guys!
Another uni student here! These videos are genuinely getting me through the stress of exams. It's so nice to escape for a bit and learn about a whole other part of life. So grateful for Colleen for putting these things online - she and the other nice people in the comments are teaching me so much
When I was breastfeeding, I ate homemade oatmeal almost everyday for breakfast. I just added sweeten condensed milk, Quaker oats, and a little bit of brown sugar to a bowl to microwave or a pot to cook on the stove and then folded in dried cranberries, nuts, and sometimes peanut butter for extra protein. Oatmeal is one of those things that you could make a hundred different ways and all the while increase your milk production 👍🏻
I can’t imagine how exhausted you are! But can I also add that as a pregnant mom also with a toddler that you guys singing in the shower made me cry? Honestly I aspire to be the type of family you guys are. I know you’re overwhelmed but just remember you’re KILLING it!!
Oh my gosh you are so strong congratulations your family is going to be amazing and beautiful
Love this ! 💛🧡💛🧡
Fellow “Crying in the pantry” mom here,
It’s SO hard in this stage of newborns, even the happiest of babies make you wanna rip your hair out and sob. So I don’t have any inspiring words of wisdom, except- been there, Done that, and it does get better.
As for milk supply, you’ve got to make sure you’re staying hydrated and mothers milk tea worked for me. I always set reminders on my phone to make sure to drink and eat. The hours are short but the days are long. Keep on trucking. You’ve got this 💪
Everyone please like this
Colleen needs to see this
Jillian Hampton If I could like this a million times I would!
I totally had the grilled cheese and applesauce song stuck in my head the other day! LOVE IT!!!! You're doing a great job Mama!! Sometimes pantry cries are necessary!
"Pantry Confessions" should be a new thing hahha I love these raw moments with us ❤ you got this Mama❤
As a mom of twins, I remember crying, running in the bathroom and wrapping a bath towel around my head and screamed. It helped. But you need to eat regularly girl. Make time for that. Sleep deprivation makes it so hard to think doesn’t it? MY trick when I held them was to cross one leg with your foot propped on the other knee, hold one baby and rock the other by slow bouncing on your leg. Then switch em out. That’s what I did. Stress will decrease milk supply, decreasing feedings by using formula will decrease supply, your fluid and food intake if low will decrease supply. My kids were 4 weeks premie and they didn’t latch well so I ended up switching over to formula. There’s no shame in that. I think young moms now really can make others feel inadequate if they’re not nursing. Your kids will be fine. You’ve got this.
👍
Hey Colleen! I’m not sure if you have tried this but there’s a tea for breastfeeding moms that I used when I breastfed and it worked really well for me. I think it’s called Milk Maid Tea. Also there’s a vitamin called Fenugreek that does help with breast milk production too.
I found Fenugreek tablets to be really beneficial too 😊
My daughter used the tea and it helped.
Fenugreek Capsules are life-changing! Especially if you don't enjoy the taste of the mother's milk tea.
Fenugreek can also cause some people's supplies to drop, though, so its iffy
The singing in the shower moment had me smiling like i haven't smiled in a long time, i loved it🥺🥰
Smile 😃 more we only live once
One thing that helped my milk supply with my twins was skin to skin as much as possible. I would try to keep them in a just diaper as much as possible and hold at least one in a baby carrier against my bare chest while I went about my day. But girl, it’s hard! I’m sorry you’re dealing with this stress but you’re freaking KILLING IT at the twin mom game. Whatever you do will be perfect for you and those beautiful babies. Love and hugs!!!
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@@LadyAurian Awww 🥰 Thanks! Yes I hope it can help her!!! Sending love your way, too ❤️
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Great advice! As much skin to skin as possible and replacing pump parts frequently should increase milk supply.
Flynn's yell singing in the shower blessed my soul lol just what I needed.
Keep hanging on to all those little moments of joy, Colleen. It's what will get you through. Singing in the shower sounds pretty damn good! Sending you allllll the love!
YES GIRL!!!!!! Switching shifts save your life, sanity and marriage. I loved seeing you guys spending time outside and singing. Beautiful!!!!
Oh momma…I definitely took those “cry in the pantry” moments. We need those moments to just breath and be alone for 5 minutes. You’re doing great but man, having kids is HARD sometimes!
Suggestion- until you find a babysitter or let family back in the house, what about sending Flynn to a grandparents or aunt/uncle’s house for a few days? You might be able to get longer snippets of alone time and rest time, you know, for sanity. You can spend 30 minutes in the pantry instead of 5. 🤷🏽♀️😊 you could use that time to work on increasing milk supply as well.
Hey Colleen I’m a midwife, first just wanted to say you’re doing an absolutely amazing job hats off to you don’t beat yourself up. Just a word of help try to pump every time any of your babies get hungry. Don’t wait the 3-4 hours to pump as a routine this is tell your body to produce more milk because your babies need more it’s called responsive breastfeeding. Please remember Whether you give your babies breastmilk from your breast or a bottle you’re still breastfeeding your babies. Keep on going you’re doing amazing ❤️ Maybe you can try buying the hands free breast pump so you can still play with Flynn and comfort the babies but get at least some pumping done. I hope this helps ❤️❤️
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Gosh, those three adorable kids lucked out big time with their mummy and daddy. I'm in awe of how wonderful and patient and supportive and creative you both are with them. Love from the Netherlands ♡
Hey Colleen, pantry cries are necessary during the craziness of the pandemic. I have heard from other moms that used lactation supplement to produce more breast milk along with eating a diet of more protein and plenty of water. Since you like cookies they do have lactation brownies as well as cookies some are oatmeal cookies. I would think warming them up before you eat them so they taste like fresh from the oven instead of out of a box. Loved you guys singing in the shower with Flynn. Making date nights in different areas can help with the sanity and stress. Don’t be hard on yourself and glad that you guys are at least trying to sleep. It will get better with time. I am pretty sure that not only Flynn but the twins all know you both are awesome parents. You have your vlogging audience standing behind you. You’ve got this!
Just coming from a place of tough love:
you gotta put yourself first Colleen! If its possible to build a good schedule so you can eat and take a shower, rest, etc. Obviously that doesnt mean ignoring the babies or Flynn, but it means that you have to make yourself a priority too. You can't pour from an empty cup 💜. Hugs mama ! You can do it!
Hi Colleen or anyone that might see this. I am definitely not going through the same problems as you are but I’m going through some of my own. And seeing that someone else is crying just because they feel like it and are even a little depressed makes me feel “normal”. I always think that it’s just me that cry’s because they just need to and are a little depressed but seeing people like you that I can relate to makes me feel so much better. I don’t know if anyone will see this but if they thx for reading and remember you’re AMAZING SO INBRACE IT
Can i just say Colleen that you and Eric make everything easier in life. Showing your hardships and your beautiful memories with us is infectious. Love seeing Flynn of course growing into a little man. You guys are awesome people and parents!!!! Please continue vlogging if you can. TAKE A DAY FOR YOURSELF LADY! AND ERIC TOO
This is why I love Colleen! She is honest and blunt about everything. Usually people make their life to seem easy and simple, but is giving you exactly what she is going through no sugar coat and I love that. So thank you !
My husband and I did sleep shifts too and yes this helped immensely when we had a newborn. I know it’s different for everyone but even four hour shifts was amazing.
We did this too. It worked especially well since I am more of a night owl and he is a morning person so I did nights and pumped some milk so he could do mornings. Life saver!
The shower scene made me full bawl my eyes out. Y’all are so cute and I love it. So wholesome.
Something that was really helpful in keeping my supply up was lots of skin-to-skin as much as possible and power pumping (it’s a lot but it can be helpful once a day). You got this!
Fully crying at you all singing in the shower! I’ve been feeling like a crappy mum lately and when I watch you, I just feel better. You’re amazing Colleen and you really do play such an important role in my mental health. You’re all so loved! ❤️
For me, taking a lactation supplement has made a big difference in increasing my milk supply. I like Liquid Gold from Legendairy because it contains Goat’s Rue. Moringa is also supposed to be a great ingredient for increasing supply. I recommend trying some different supplements to see what works for you! ❤️
Hey Colleen!!! I am not a mama, but my mom is a lactation consultant, and I asked her for help about how to help you make the transition from bottle to breastfeeding, and she stayed you should probably get a lactation consultant to help you, but she told me a trick to give to you! She stayed you should try instead of feeding the baby's directly from the bottle, you have to use a feeding tube that goes from the bottle to your breast hahaha I don't know how to explain it very well, but you stick the feeding tube that goes from the bottle and the tip of the tube should be next to your nipple, and that way the baby's have it easy to eat cause it's easyer from the tube than from the boob directly, but they go getting use to breastfeeding, and little by little they will like the breast better cause they see its not that difficult and they will give it a chance!! I hope you can understand it, if you need her instagram to ask any cuestions or anything we will be honored to help!! You are amazing!! ❤️❤️ (sorry if my English is not perfect) ✨❤️❤️
I really hope you see this and is helps you, my mom sayed lost of moms have this problem and this really helps and they are so happy! So I hope you see it and try it out maybe!! Love you❤️❤️
Idk if maybe you want to ask any cuestions this is her instagram @centroraices
This is called a supplemental nursing system (SNS), and I think Medela makes one?
Fresh FENNEL (also referred to as anise) juiced in a juicer .. then drink. Then get ready for the milk to start flowing!!!
God I related to this on so many levels! You’re an amazing mom even when it feels like you aren’t, that’s how you know you’re doing it right! Sending all my love!
Make a list and sit down tomorrow morning to call all the people. You'll feel so much better. You can do it! I'm so proud of you!
Maisy being naughty straight for 2 minutes, smiling n throwing her binky out of her mouth. So beautiful! Also Flynn dancing, singing and looking at Erick in the shower was so magical, the whole thing you guys were doing is so magical. You're a super mom Colleen. Idk how you're so brave and you got this girl! ❤️🤗
I'm so happy Flynn will have these moments to watch when he's older. I love the few home video birthday parties my parents filmed when I was little and Flynn is going to have so many special moments to watch forever 🥺
@@survivorellie absolutely، he is so lucky and the bond that Erick n Collen share is awsome. That would imprint a beautiful impact on his beautiful tiny brain.
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Can we appreciate Colleen for posting everyday and being a mom of newborn twins 😊
Ya
HUGE HUGS from a momma of 5 (hey we vlog too!!!)
Seriously….
Colleen - have you tried using a haakaa suction on the opposite breast while you are nursing? That thing worked wonders for me when I had low supply issues! I had it on the opposite breast while nursing and then flipped it to the not fully drained side for a few minutes after baby was done. I still pumped and nursed a ton, but that seemed to help when baby wasn't drawing enough out. ❤
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I did the same thing! I had so much milk that I had to empty the Haakaa after about 5 minutes to fill up again by the time baby was done on the other side
Maisy’s little smile reminds me of my little Laci bug. Laci was a NICU baby, we brought her home a month ago. We lost her a week ago, it’s been really hard but i love watching you, it makes me smile. God had plans for my sweet Laci, he saw something we didn’t and is protecting her for me. i will never stop watching you!!❤️
ik i dont know you but i’m so sorry for your loss and amazed at how strong you are 🤍
I feel like that all the time Colleen! Literally I will be fine One minute and the next I just need to cry. About what? I don’t know. I think it’s normal to feel like that sometimes especially with what you’re going through! What you’re doing is incredibly hard work! But you’re making it through! When the twins are older you’ll be able to look back on these videos and see what an incredible job you’re doing! Love you! ❤️❤️❤️
Any time you two sing together the world gets a lil shiny and my heart melts a bit....anyone else? Just me? lol love you guys
I think also getting a wearable pump like an Elvie or Willow would help! They’re completely hands free so you could pump while actually being able to walk around and take care of the kids vs being tied to the wall!
I love how Maisy just sits there with you listening and looking at u like she’s a part of the audience 😂
you'll get through this Colleen you will! as someone who struggled with depression and feeling overwhelmed by having to take care of stuff that seemed impossible a lil tip: start with any of the million things you feel you gotta do, just one! one lil thing, just one. You'll feel accomplished! pat yourself in the back when you get it done (like making a phone call,, that's it!), lil by lil, 1 phone call today, next one the next day and so on
i think the important thing about all this is that you show the hard parts of having new babies aswell and not just showing the happy parts. Alot of people expect it all to just be happy.. i dream of a family like yours one day. I’ve been here since before Flynn was born. You are so strong and powerful. My biggest inspiration. Thank you
I love that you guys just did what you could to have a picnic in the backyard. Some seasons are just like that. The other day, my husband and I took the kids at bedtime on a car ride because we knew they’d fall asleep and we’d be able to carve some time out for ourselves for once. Is it an ideal date? No. But we needed to do SOMETHING
Breastfeeding mom here: I noticed when I was sleep deprived, I would produced less milk. So my advice would be to try to get a bit more sleep. Trading off on shifts with Eric is a good idea.
Also, ginger beer really helps me to increase my supply
Flynn seems so happy all the time. You do a great job
I sang along too! It's such a catchy song! I have moments too of just needing to cry. I think we all as humans just have those moments. Not to mention you have a toddler and 2 newborns. Hang in there you both are doing an amazing job! It will always be hectic and you will have more moments of crying but as we both know it's so worth it!
The actual nursing causes your body to produce milk (vs. pumping which doesn’t necessarily create the same physical reaction in the chesticles). So, even though I don’t want you to have any more stress about it, the more the babies can actually nurse is the best way to stimulate production.
Omg HER SMILE and FLYNNS dancing sholders😍😍 winning
Seeing you guys love your babies gives me the warmest feeling ever. You’re the best parents ever, you two are doing amazing!
I wish I could reach through the screen and hug you. You are going a great job, I know that's hard to hear and accept when you are so overwhelmed, stressed and second guessing yourself but you are. You can see how healthy and happy all of your kids are. I can see how much Erik loves you in how he looks at you. Just keep telling yourself that this is only temporary. Surviving the newborn stage, especially with a preemie is hard. I have such respect for you and Erik doing it with you preemies and a toddler. My preemie was my first born. This too shall pass. We're all here to love and support you. You got this! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
I'm crying at you guys singing in the shower🥲 Singing and managing through all your tiredness, always making your babies' happiness a priority. The love you guys have is very special.☺
I have no idea what it's like to be a mom, I'm only 16 but gosh Colleen you are doing amazing and Wesley and Maisy are so lucky to have you! Things may be rough now but there is so much to look forward to! Maisy and Wesley's first words, first steps, first miranda impression, and so much more! You and Erik are incredible for balancing the two babies.
Colleen, thank you so much for sharing I've had a similar journey this year but on a timeline that's just a couple months ahead. I struggled with my pregnancy, gave birth at 27 weeks and spent 80 days in the NICU. My babe had to come home with her feeding tube because she struggled so much with feeding. The time while we were trying to practice breastfeeding but I still needed to pump all the time was so stressful to balance and my supply dipped too. I was very intense about my pumping schedule (probably because it felt like the only thing I could control while baby was in the NICU) and not meeting my total volume for the day made me lose my mind. It took me two hours to breastfeed, tube feed, hold her up for reflux and pump at the same time, so I'd get about 30 min to an hour to sleep if I was lucky. To give you some hope we are on the other side, at about 7 weeks corrected she just figured it out and now she's breastfeeding 90% of the time, crushing her bottles and I don't worry about supply. You probably already know this but the most important thing is sleep, eat and drink water. I know that seems impossible, but try to just focus on that more than any silly hacks. If that doesn't work on its own, you can get prescription medications that boost supply. I tried power pumping (pump multiple short sessions over an hour) but it had a marginal effect, so if I was just watching tv I would do it but a 30 min nap did more for my supply than an hour of power pumping. I wish I had not stressed so much, because when my baby got better at breastfeeding my supply just corrected to how she was feeding. To help with the time to pump problem, you could also try pumping one side while breastfeeding on the other, with the electric pump if it doesn't flood babe, or a haakaa. Good luck Mama, you're doing a great job and you will get through this ❤️
When my sister’s breast milk supply went down, a friend of her’s made her a bone broth soup which helped. I think there are other “lactogenic” foods that can help increase milk supply as well!
I would recommend using Wesley's appetite as a way to increase your milk supply by having him feed straight from the breast as much as possible. You also want to eat protein rich foods before feeds and make sure you're drinking enough water too. Oatmeal of course is great and you can get it from cookies, bars, or from a bowl of it. And you NEED SLEEP, Colleen. Please don't feel bad getting rest. Flynn can deal with less time with you and Erik can be sleep deprived. It's OK. You need at least naps throughout the day, momma.💐💐💐
This is good advice! I know it's hard to have a toddler and twins by yourself (I didn't have twins, but I had a 3yo, 2yo, 1yo and newborn, so I can imagine) but it can be done. Let Erik take them all for you to get a nap. Or he can take the twins for an hour while Flynn takes a nap. Letting Flynn occupy himself for awhile well be good for him! Your sleep is so important. It will help your sanity so much. ❤️
Also the more you give them formula, the more your supply will drop.
@@sarahwhite6341 wow! A 3, 2, 1, AND newborn?!?! Super momma, you are!💐💐💐💐 Don't you also see Flynn maturing as I have? I feel like from the twins being in the nicu he has grown so much and it's so wonderful. I really am confident that he is ready to have some more independent play time.🥰 Especially if he's told he's doing it to "help out."😎
@@outoftheklosset aww thanks! It was a hard time, but sweet too. Now the oldest is 14, so it kind of feels like another life time ago. 🤣
Yes! He's growing up so much! And he has such a great imagination, he will entertain himself so well! I bet he would love an audio book or story to listen to while he plays.
There are things you can eat that helps the milk supply. I ate a ton of oatmeal (I don't like regular oatmeal - the slurry kind- so I do the oven baked one and it tasted like cake with berries in it) and I know there are other ingredients like this that can potentionnally help. There are oat-cookies that you can buy that helps, and I know you love cookies so maybe that's a good solution. You can cry if you need to. Please know that it helps others know its ok to cry. You can do this. I hope you find a nanny soon.
I wish I could just give you a hug right now. Literally make sure you are getting lots of hugs from Erik, Kory, and any adults you are around. Touch is so healing and so important for our mental health. Hopefully things will start to settle down for you all soon. You are in my nightly prayers.
My twins at 6 now. The first 6 months were so hard, and some of the darkest days of my life. It was so hard. So freaking hard. I have one baby now so I can see how different one versus two is. All I can say is struggle through and just know that in a few months it will get easier and just keep getting easier and more enjoyable as they get older. Now with them being 6 it’s great and every day is still hard as a mom but it’s night and day from them being babies. Just keep going and it will get better I promise!!
Flynn’s acoustics in the shower are next level
Your videos are a serious ray of sunshine during my darkest, most depressing days (even when you're crying!!!). You are amazing
You perfectly described postpartum depression. Break down in the pantry, eat some unhealthy junk food, and then business as usual. At least that’s how it was for me.
My husband and I found that full shifts worked better with my son as well. I would be up with him for every night wake-up, and then he would take over at 6 or 7am, at which point I would pump, shower, and then crash until noon. It meant we didn’t really have a functional morning and our day together would “start” in the afternoon…but at least we were sort of sleeping. Everybody has to find their own rhythm.
when i had my daughter i had a hard time getting her to latch so i pumped and then my supply went down pretty low so what i did was pump every 10 mins for 10 mins. back to back. also drinking lots of water and eating helped too. you’re so busy so i know it slips your mind. but there are also foods you can eat that i know help your supply. which im sure another mama will mention but this is what helped me was the back to back pumping
I love that the twins take turns crying that’s so cute and flynn is such a sweetheart I can tell he loves Wesley and maisy😍😍😍
Hey Colleen....its ok to cry. "Mom"ing is super hard...and it's ok to say that out loud. It means you're human. Hang in there Mama....you're doing amazing! ❤
You are doing so well Colleen. We all believe in you and you have the most supportive and caring family and fans! You are an incredible mom and please believe me when I say that! We are all here for you, you are doing great. Lots of love - Kiera
well but rooting for her is not going to go very far. She needs actual helping hands with her and she cant get that so, she is going to crumble one day in stress is she doesn't get a nanny or a nurse or someone.
The shower scene is the epitome of life these days for so many families. The world is a mess, but those moments together mean the world. Loved it!
I don’t know a mom that hasn’t cried in the pantry. Hang in there! You’re doing amazing!
My best advise for supply is make sure you’re drinking enough water and eating! I used to fill up a huge water bottle and sip it while I was nursing my littles, also kept a little stash of healthy snacks in my bedside drawer so I was getting enough calories. Oats worked great for me when I was having supply issues, lots of oatmeal so I learned how to be creative lol.
You’re so fortunate to have a stay at home dad and mom for your three kids. That’s awesome.
Colleen, make sure to prioritize pumping at least once between 1 am and 4 am, make that your longest pumping session that’s when your prolactin levels are the highest and set the stage for your milk supply the rest of the day. That and munchkin lactation cookies helped me a lot with my milk supply. Also finding the right pump and flange combo!
oatmeal helps me a lot with supply and drink a TON of water. make sure you’re pumping every 3 hours as well as often as possible, I know it’s so hard! There is not enough time in the day. You’re doing amazing Colleen! truly. You could always do 2oz of breastmilk and 2oz of formula in each bottle too! Your kiddos are so lucky to have you as their mama!
The moment where yous are singing in the shower, would have to be the most beautiful heartwarming thing I’ve seen in a long time, bring a tear to my eyes. This is a memory all three of you will remember( Bub to young). This is what memories are made of 💕❤️ And Colleen these are the moments that will get you through this hard time.
Maisy looks so much like Flynn! Your kids are all adorable and you are doing a fantastic job! You and Erika are working as an incredible team! We’re all so proud of you!