Breastfeeding Multiples help

by **Natasha** Sun Aug 12, 2007 8:00 pm

Tips for Breastfeeding Multiples

It can be a shock to learn that you are pregnant with twins. Suddenly many of your expectations, plans, and former decisions are changed. Your decision to breastfeed, however, does not have to change. Human milk is especially important for twins, who are often small at birth and need all the health advantages human milk provides. And breastfeeding can help you create that special and necessary bond with both babies. Many mothers have nursed their twins with wonderful results; you can enjoy nurturing your babies in this special way, too!

Getting Started

Nursing early and often is the best way to get a good start breastfeeding. However, if you or your babies have a health problem that necessitates separation, this doesn't mean you have to give up the idea of breastfeeding.
If it is necessary to pump your milk because one or both babies cannot nurse, use a full-size automatic electric pump on both breasts every two to three hours during the day and at least once during the night.
Milk supply is regulated by the amount of sucking (or pumping) that stimulates the breasts. That's why mothers of twins almost always produce enough milk for both babies.

Coordinating Nursings

Once the twins are healthy and at home, most mothers of twins find it easiest to nurse both at once. Use pillows to support the babies so your hands are free to help each one latch on correctly.
It's a good idea to switch babies from one side to the other at alternate feedings. For example, Baby A takes the left breast at 7 am and Baby B takes the right breast. At the next feeding, Baby B takes the left breast and Baby A takes the right breast.

Night Nursings

Night nursings will be easier if you can learn to nurse lying down. One position that allows simultaneous nursing of twins lying down is to lie nearly flat on your back with one baby lying next to you, his head at your breast and his feet pulled in close to your body. Let the second baby lie across your body, head at your breast and feet tucked in under the other baby's knees.

Mothering the Mother

Above all, a mother of twins needs to take good care of herself, eating well-balanced meals and drinking to thirst. Get as much rest as possible by sleeping whenever the babies sleep. Accept all offers of help with meals, laundry, and older siblings.

Ambivalent Feelings

Before, during, and after the birth, some mothers of twins have mixed emotions about their "double blessings." Unfortunately, they are often isolated from others because of bedrest or fatigue, or their negative feelings are not understood by those around them. These feelings are a normal reaction to a very stressful situation and should not be ignored or discounted. It often helps to talk to another mother of twins.

Taken from La Leche League