If you're thinking about breastfeeding twins then the first thing you should know is that it is absolutely the best for your baby, and they will benefit from every bit of breastmilk that you are able to give them. But you probably knew that already, so here are answers to some other questions you may be asking right now.
Is it more work than breastfeeding one?
We'd be lying if we said it wasn't. Breastfeeding twins is harder work than feeding just one baby; not only do you have to produce enough milk for two babies, which itself demands a lot of energy, but you also need to take the time to feed two, which, even when you're not feeding one at a time every time, is still more time-consuming than feeding just one baby. In fact, in the first few weeks you may feel like you're doing little else than feeding and winding your twins as they need to feed quite frequently at first. But, while breastfeeding twins is undoubtedly tougher, and more daunting, than breastfeeding one baby, you can soon settle into a routine that works well for you and your babies and you can take steps to avoid some of the problems breastfeeding mums commonly encounter.
Common concerns
Potential difficulties
You won't really know how easy/difficult you'll find breastfeeding until you get into it: some mums take to it with very little, or no problem at all, and others may struggle for a while. Common problems in breastfeeding are just he same as for mums of single babies - sore or cracked nipples, mastitis and fast-flowing milk. If you do have any problems then these are usually quickly sorted out if you have the right support, which is one of the keys to successful breastfeeding whether you're feeding one or two babies.
Surely my breasts will be more sore with twins
No, you won't be more likely to experience problems of sore or cracked nipples simply because you're feeding twins. Nipple problems are brought about by your baby not being latched on to the breast properly, or by a feeding position that's uncomfortable for the nipple. Make sure that your babies are latched on properly and in good positions (which can take some practice) and you won't have problems with your nipples. You can find out more about latching on and positioning here, and also ask your midwife or health visitor if you're not sure about your baby's position.
Is bottle-feeding twins easier?
No, not necessarily. Bottle feeding may bring it's own problems, such making wind more likely for the babies as well as making them more likely to fall sick. And it is almost certainly more time-consuming: Bear in mind that bottle feeding two babies will take just as long as breastfeeding two babies, and then you will need to factor in time for sterilising bottles, preparing formula and cleaning equipment etc. And of course, there is the expense of formula for two babies to think of.
Are my babies getting enough milk?
As with mums of single babies, as you can't see how much your twins are drinking, you might find yourself worrying whether your babies are getting enough milk. First off, don't worry that you won't be able to produce enough milk for two babies, each of your breasts is capable of producing enough milk for a baby, in theory. Breastmilk production is a matter of supply and demand, the more milk is taken, the more milk your breasts produce. Your supply will fluctuate over time in response to the needs of your babies, sometimes they will be hungrier than at other times, particularly around the times of a growth spurt.
The signs of whether a baby is getting enough milk or not are the same for singles and multiples, and you may find that it helps to keep a simple log of feed lengths and nappy fillings to help you keep track and keep your mind at rest about supply.
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Local support groups
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Tips for successful twin feeding
1. Inform and prepare yourself
If you want to breastfeed twins successfully it helps to inform yourself well in advance about what breastfeeding entails, what the challenges may be, and what the specific demands of twins are. Reading this is a good start, but also ask your GP, midwife and breastfeeding friends, or your mum - if she can still remember - for information. Gen up on what to expect, particularly in the days when you're getting breastfeeding started, find out about burping your babies, research any products that may help, such as a special nursing pillow or breastpump.
As twins, your babies are likely to arrive early, so make sure you find out about the special demands of breastfeeding premature babies, such as being prepared to express breastmilk. It's also a good idea to prepare yourself for breastfeeding in public.
2. Get the right support
Studies have shown that the more support in breastfeeding a mum receives, the longer she is likely to contnue feeding. One of the most crucial sources of support is your partner, who may feel like a spare part when it comes to breastfeeding, but really can play a very important role in keeping breastfeeding up, so it's well worth him finding out exactly how he can support you.
Enlist the support of your: GP, midwife, breastfeeding counsellor, trusted friends and local breastfeeding support group (see right for details and/or ask your midwife and GP). Ask them all for plenty of information on breastfeeding twins and make sure they know how long you intend to keep breastfeeding so they can help see you through the difficult parts with encouragement. Seek out other mums with twins in your area, particularly ones who are going to try breastfeeding. And don't forget the other mums on the ThinkBaby forum are always on hand for advice and support.
3. Sorting priorities
Breastfeeding two babies will take more time than breastfeeding one. If you've already fed one baby in the past you may have an idea of just how much time it can take up, if not, then you're going to have to get used to the idea that however you feed your babies it is going to take up plenty of time. Once your babies have arrived you'll have less time, and probably less clear-headedness, to sort through your priorities list, so try to free up some of your time in advance by sorting through your 'to do' list into what you need to get done, what you can ask other people to do and the things that you usually do that can just be put to one side for the time being. If you want to rope in other people to do things you usually do, try to let them know and agree it with them before-hand to save any wrangling later on.
4. Finding what works for you
While there are many great tips to be found from other breastfeeding mums, you and your twins are all individuals, and what works for others won't necessarily work for you. Expect that it may take some time before you settle into positions and routines that work for you and your babies, and be prepared that these will probably need to change as your babies grow and develop. If you want to avoid frustration it helps to approach breastfeeding with quite a flexible attitude.
Nursing two babies as singles or simultaneously?
One of the first questions you'll find yourself asking is whether to feed your babies separately or at the same time.
Of course, feeding both babies at the same time will save you a lot of time in the long run, but in the early days, while you're all still getting the hang of it, you might find it easier to feed one baby at a time so you can give each plenty of attention when it comes to latching on and positioning.
Later on, to save time and to keep both babies happy at the same time (so one isn't waiting around for a feed), it will really help if you can breastfeed simultaneously. This is definitely something which gets easier with practice. At the most simple, rolled up towels can help support each of your babies but you can get special nursing pillows designed to help you breastfeed two babies, which can even leave you with both hands free so that you can burp or resettle one of the babies. Although both breasts are being used at the same time, it's still a good idea to alternate between the two, as the babies may feed at different strengths and speeds. Giving both breasts the same amount of stimulation is important to maintain an equal flow to each breast and help avoid problems such as blocked ducts and mastitis. If you can't manage to keep track of who had which side at each feed, try switching the babies to the other breast every day.
As your babies won't necessarily have the same hunger patterns, it may not be possible to feed both babies 'on demand' and there may be times when you want to feed your babies separately, for example if one is particularly hungry or needs particular comforting for some reason (such as teething). Even when babies do have different feeding patterns, many mums find that they can successfully feed both babies at the same time if they feed when the first baby demands milk, others try to delay a little so that it's closer to the natural feeding time of the second baby. Some mums feed to a routine from early on, which can make life easier for mum, but certainly less pleasant and comforting for the babies.
Simultaneous nursing positions
Trial and error is going to be the way to find the positions which work best for you and your babies. Here are the most common positions for twins feeding simultaneously.
- Football hold - Babies face in opposite directions with their heads at the front of the mother's chest and legs/bodies tucked under mum's arms
- Parallel - Babies lie in the same direction, the first baby in a cradle position at one breast the second in a football position at the other. One baby's head will rest on the other baby's tummy.
- Cross-cradle - Each baby is held in the cradle position. One baby's feet will rest on the other baby.
5. Rest and diet
Getting enough rest and a good diet is both important and challenging for any breastfeeding mum, and doubly so for mum to twins. Take care to get a healthy diet and drink plenty of water or hydrating drinks (and fewer caffeinated ones). Keep plenty of healthy snacks nearby, particularly when you're out and about, and try to keep your energy levels up. As time is of even more of a premium for you, it's especially important that you rest and sleep when your babies sleep, particularly in the early months. Resist any temptation to use all available time to rush around the house doing jobs, your babies milk comes first, so rest up!
While feeding two babies requires more work and commitment from you than feeding one, many of the tips for successfully breastfeeding one baby apply just as well when you're feeding twins, so make sure you read up on our top tips and the excellent recommendations from ThinkBAby members.
Of course we won't have thought of everything here, so if you've got any other questions then post them up on the forum thread below and we'll do our best to answer them.
