If you find yourself having to look after and breastfeed twins, you’ll need good information, and practical support, not to mention plenty of tender loving care. Remember, you’re doing a very important job.
Two babies stimulate the breasts twice as much as one, so you'll automatically make enough milk. Many mothers breastfeed twins successfully for as long as they want, without giving either of them formula feeds or top-ups. When thinking about this it may help to bear in mind that the average healthy woman with a normal milk supply can completely nourish her baby from one breast only.
At first it’s easiest to feed each twin separately, but to save time later, once you've got the knack, it’s worth learning the knack of feeding them both at once. This said, there’ll always be times when you'll enjoy the luxury of feeding them individually.
You can feed them together in one of several positions. The easiest is probably to hold each one in the ‘football’ hold. Or you could hold one in the conventional position, while the other lies facing the same way at the other breast, parallel to him, with you supporting his head with your hand. Another idea is to have both babies in the conventional position, with one lying across the other.
Position each baby carefully and check they are well latched on, as your nipples are more likely to become sore if they drag on the breast. Once you get used to feeding them both, you'll find it works well.
Should you wake the second baby for a feed every time the first one wakes? The answer is 'yes' if you want to save time, and 'no' if you’d like the occasional chance to suckle one at a time. If you’re at all unhappy about the adequacy of your milk supply always wake the second baby and feed them both.
How about alternating the breast each twin feeds from? The usual advice is that this is advisable, so the twin that sucks more strongly stimulates each breast alternately. However, each newborn animal in a litter usually chooses a nipple and keeps to it, so it’s possible that human babies might prefer to do the same. Certainly in the first few weeks, if you always feed one baby from one breast and the other from the other, and if one sucks more strongly and so drinks more each time, you’ll find your breasts became rather lopsided. Most women say their breasts almost always become more equal in size once their milk supply is established.
Many mothers have successfully breastfed triplets, though sometimes formula is necessary as well, especially early on. However many babies you have, it’s good if you can provide at least some milk for each one.
Mothers of ‘multiples’ say that the more support and encouragement they have while breastfeeding, the better. So don’t be shy to ask for as much as you need, and to be clear about exactly what you’d like done to help.
TAMBA - The Twins and Multiple Birth Associationcan provide information about breastfeeding, details of support groups, and telephone support for mothers of twins or more.
Last but by no means least, take as much care of yourself as you can. For example, you’ll need plenty of good food to eat, and plenty of rest.
Dr. Penny Stanway
May 2009
Buy Dr. Penny Stanway's Book 'Breast Is Best' Here |
Breastfeeding Twins
