By Stephanie W.
Originally published in a 2008 issue of New Beginnings magazine.
Editor’s Note: The first issue of La Leche League News, a bimonthly LLLI publication for members, was published in 1958. The name was changed to New Beginnings in 1985. New Beginnings was acquired by La Leche League USA in 2010 and continued to be published as a magazine until 2014, when it was converted to its current weekly blog format at www.lllusa.org/blog/.
I had a fantastic experience with La Leche League. I had twins at the age of 17. As soon as I knew I was pregnant, I knew that although I was starting off young, it was my responsibility to do everything that I could to do my best for my children. I decided to breastfeed because of the benefits to the babies and also because artificial baby milk is expensive.
I spent my entire pregnancy searching for resources and support. No matter where I turned for support, I became frustrated and felt like I was being judged and dismissed because of my age. One day, I stumbled upon a La Leche League meeting at the local library and decided to sit in. The women in that Group were instantly welcoming, and I never felt out of place. I attended every meeting until my delivery.
When I delivered my twins, I made it very clear that they were to be exclusively nursed. Unfortunately, they were given formula, despite my wishes. I had nurses tell me that I was “too young to breastfeed” and that “breastfeeding would take too much time”. I was also told that I was young and, although I may want to breastfeed now, it was just because my babies were new, and, in a few weeks, I would change my mind and want to go out with my friends, instead of spending so much time nursing twins. I left the hospital deflated, exhausted, and feeling like I had no options, because they had already received bottles.
When the twins were four days old, I got a call from the LLL Leader of the Group I had been attending. I had missed that month’s meeting, and she wanted to check in. When she asked how breastfeeding was going, I broke down and told her what had happened. She asked if she could come over, and she was at my house within 30 minutes. She got there, brought a bag full of reading materials, and showed me how to nurse the babies. We talked about nipple confusion and how to retrain my babies to latch properly to the breast, and she answered all of my questions. When she left, I had more confidence and some hope that they would be able to nurse.
Within two to three weeks, both of my babies were exclusively breastfed and continued to nurse to 15 and 17 months! This LLL Leader gave me confidence in my ability to care for and make decisions for my babies, as well as stand up for myself and be an advocate for my children, despite my age.
We’d love to hear your breastfeeding and human milk feeding experiences. Please send your stories to Kylie at [email protected]
Supporting Breastfeeding Families–Today, Tomorrow, Always
Please consider donating to La Leche League USA.
Your gift helps support this blog and the website!
Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. Thank you!
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Posted: February 10, 2026 by Yael Breimer
Breastfeeding Twins as a Teen: A Look Back
By Stephanie W.
Originally published in a 2008 issue of New Beginnings magazine.
Editor’s Note: The first issue of La Leche League News, a bimonthly LLLI publication for members, was published in 1958. The name was changed to New Beginnings in 1985. New Beginnings was acquired by La Leche League USA in 2010 and continued to be published as a magazine until 2014, when it was converted to its current weekly blog format at www.lllusa.org/blog/.
I spent my entire pregnancy searching for resources and support. No matter where I turned for support, I became frustrated and felt like I was being judged and dismissed because of my age. One day, I stumbled upon a La Leche League meeting at the local library and decided to sit in. The women in that Group were instantly welcoming, and I never felt out of place. I attended every meeting until my delivery.
When I delivered my twins, I made it very clear that they were to be exclusively nursed. Unfortunately, they were given formula, despite my wishes. I had nurses tell me that I was “too young to breastfeed” and that “breastfeeding would take too much time”. I was also told that I was young and, although I may want to breastfeed now, it was just because my babies were new, and, in a few weeks, I would change my mind and want to go out with my friends, instead of spending so much time nursing twins. I left the hospital deflated, exhausted, and feeling like I had no options, because they had already received bottles.
When the twins were four days old, I got a call from the LLL Leader of the Group I had been attending. I had missed that month’s meeting, and she wanted to check in. When she asked how breastfeeding was going, I broke down and told her what had happened. She asked if she could come over, and she was at my house within 30 minutes. She got there, brought a bag full of reading materials, and showed me how to nurse the babies. We talked about nipple confusion and how to retrain my babies to latch properly to the breast, and she answered all of my questions. When she left, I had more confidence and some hope that they would be able to nurse.
Within two to three weeks, both of my babies were exclusively breastfed and continued to nurse to 15 and 17 months! This LLL Leader gave me confidence in my ability to care for and make decisions for my babies, as well as stand up for myself and be an advocate for my children, despite my age.
We’d love to hear your breastfeeding and human milk feeding experiences. Please send your stories to Kylie at [email protected]
Supporting Breastfeeding Families–Today, Tomorrow, Always
Please consider donating to La Leche League USA.
Your gift helps support this blog and the website!
Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted. Thank you!
Follow us on:
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Category: #BadBFAdvice, Criticism, Grateful For LLL USA, Tandem Nursing
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