Breastfeeding Twins/Multiples

Jennie

Updated November 25, 2024 20:25

I just found out I am pregnant with twins. Will I have enough milk for two babies?

Yes! Your body “knows” you have more than one baby in utero. The placenta size, or number of placentas, will tell your body how much milk-making tissue to develop during pregnancy, so that you can produce enough breast milk for two (or more) babies.
Breast milk is a complete and perfect food for your baby. It is especially important for multiples, who are often small at birth, may be born via C-section or arrive prematurely. A full-term twin pregnancy is 37 weeks but may typically last between 35-36 weeks.

What if my babies are born early and go to the NICU?

You can still provide breast milk for your babies, even if you're unable to be with them right after delivery. Touching and talking to them provides comfort. Ask your doctor about infant massage and hold them skin-to-skin when you are able.

Providing milk for a preemie:

If babies are born early, the milk a mom produces will be different than full-term milk and have specific advantages for preterm babies. Breast milk reduces certain illnesses and conditions that can be particularly serious in a preterm baby.
If they can’t breastfeed, or one baby can’t nurse, it’s important to hand express your milk within the first couple hours after delivery- every 2 hours during the day and every 3 hours at night.
When your milk comes in, a few days after delivery, you can switch to a hospital grade electric pump.
When you are together, spend as much time as possible snuggling together skin-to-skin to establish breastfeeding.

After delivering full-term twins:

The first few days, your twins will take in your colostrum and feed often. From there, your body will continue to make the amount of milk that is removed regularly from your breasts (supply-and-demand). Encourage each baby to feed at least 8–12 times in 24 hours. If one of your babies is too sleepy to wake themselves every few hours, you will need to wake them to feed to make sure they get enough milk.
At first you may feel you are doing nothing but feeding (whether you exclusively breastfeed or offer breast and formula), but things will settle down as your babies grow and your milk production adjusts. Practical help with everything else, like changing diapers, making food, cleaning the house, will allow you to sit or lie down and concentrate on the important job of establishing breastfeeding.

What if one baby eats more than the other? Do I feed together or separately?

Twins can be fed separately or together, but make sure you alternate babies and breasts. Some moms of multiples find it easier to start out feeding one baby at a time, until they get better at latching and gain more neck strength.

Breastfeeding together:

Assign each baby to a breast for the whole day or switch breasts each feeding. (ex. Baby A, left breast/Baby B, right breast. At the next feeding, Baby A, right breast/Baby B, left breast.) This ensures both breasts are stimulated so supply keeps up with both babies.
Feeding two babies at the same time may help if one of your babies is less efficient at nursing, as let-down will occur more easily.
If one breast seems to be producing less milk, try offering that breast more to the baby with the most efficient latch. This will signal your body to increase supply.
It will be helpful to keep separate daily written logs or use an app to track babies’ feedings and diaper outputs, so you can be sure both babies are fed enough.

How to’s of twin breastfeeding positioning:

Make sure you’re in a comfortable position and use pillows for added support. Having someone help adjust the babies while breastfeeding will be helpful in the beginning too. In the double football hold, both babies’ heads are close together while their bottoms are tucked under your arms. You can also do a combination of football and cradle hold.

Nursing the babies together at night will minimize the number of night feeds. If one wakes up, you may choose to wake the other twin up as well. Night nursing will be easier if you can learn to nurse in the relaxed position. In this position, sit fairly upright where you can relax all your muscles. Hold a baby in each arm along your body, with their chests and tummies against you.

Mothering the mother:

Moms of multiples are at higher risk for post-partum depression (PPD). Please reach out to your doctor if you suspect PPD. (Click here for more info.)

How a mom of multiples can take good care of herself after delivery:

Try to eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water.
Get as much rest as possible, and sleep whenever your babies sleep. Even if they do not nap at the same time, at least sit down and rest as often as possible.
Looking after your babies will be a full-time job for quite a while, so expect to do only the absolute minimum of other tasks.
Accept offers of help with housework, meals or older siblings if it feels right. Sometimes helpers wait to be asked, so having a list of specific tasks ready can make it easier.
Your partner or support person will have a crucial role, both physically and emotionally. Other family members, and your support network, may enjoy the chance to help out by providing meals, doing household chores or holding babies.
Some moms will have a mother’s helper or hire a high school student to help after school.

Above all, take moments to appreciate this special time, and be proud that you can nourish and nurture two (or more) little human beings at once. Your body is incredible and so are you!