Could I suggest you get intouch with a breastfeeding expert for some advice. It could be that your babies are not latching on properly which is causing you sore nipples. My baby is now 4 weeks and I had mastitis, blocked milkducts, 2 weeks ago. This was due to my baby not having latched on properly. I gave her milkformula then but still continued breastfeeding. I used different positions to breastfeed her and have her latch on properly which has helped with clearing the excess milk and ease the sore nipples. I'm still breastfeeding her and I've kept her on the milkformula as well.

There are loads of information on the internet on breastfeeding and how to get your babies to latch on correctly so that you don't get sore nipples during breastfeeding. Most of the breastfeeding tips and how to express milk I got off the internet.

If you do decide to continue formula feeding, try giving them breastmilk as well. Remember your babies will benefit good health by getting breastmilk.

I hope it gets better.

Dear Young Mommy

I and many other mommies had the same problem - This helped me (advise my breast-feeding clinic sister gave me. Do you live in Jo'burg - Go visit the SISTER LILIAN'S CLINIC)

Try to massage your nipples with LANOLIN it heals sore/cracked nipples in 3-6 hrs! Lanolin is not harmful to baby's mouth/body. Also change the position you feed your baby:

A = The FOOT BALL-position I found worked best. For sometimes when the baby doesn't latch correctly your nipples crack from the force your baby sucks to get the milk out of the breast. This is how: 1=Support your lower back with a cushion/towel. 2=Support arm holding baby's body + neck on arm rest/cushions. 3=Position baby's legs to rear of chair/couch with baby's body under your arm and head/neck in your hand. 4=Have baby's face facing your breast. 5=Make sure baby's lips goes over nipple (listen to air movement while sucking - If so - apologize to baby and re-position, explain baby will get more milk in different way of sucking and baby will co-operate). 6=Sing/read softly to your baby while feeding - it calms them to hear their mommy's constantly calming voice.

B = The LIE DOWN-position this worked great for evening feeds: 1=Support your back + baby's too. 2=Place flat baby's pillow under baby's ear to prevent ear infections. 3=Lie on your side + roll baby on side facing your breast holding baby with your top hand. 4=Latch baby to your breast. Repeat from step 5 above.

Good luck - PS never wash your breast + nipple with soap - rather cleanse with warm water and apply LANOLIN ointment! If milk has become less in this period of struggling - drink 1 tablespoon of NATURAL ALFALFA SYRUP (works better than Blackthornberry & quicker too) 20 mins before each feed. This will enrich your milk and replenish your own energy levels without keeping you awake!
Liesl

My nipples are a bit better. I think that it was just me stressing myself with the whole concept of breastfeeding the twins. I have got them on formula and breastfeeding at the same time. So it it so much easier for me. I put them on the breast first and if they still want to feed afterwards then i will just give them formula. I am a lot less stressed now about if they are getting enough to eat and I think that is what was my biggest concern. Thank you guys for all the advise. It really helped.