Breastfeeding For Twins Or Multiples

The benefits of breast milk for mothers of multiples and their babies are the same as for all mothers and babies - perhaps as many multiples are born prematurely. But the idea can seem overwhelming! But many of these mothers find breastfeeding easier than in other methods of feeding, because there is nothing to prepare. Many mothers have overcome challenges to successfully breastfeed twins and even more after returning to work.

Be prepared

It helps to learn as much as possible on breastfeeding during pregnancy. You can:

Take a breastfeeding class.

Find Internet and print resources for parents of multiples.

Attend a support group for parents of multiples with your doctor, hospital, local nursing homes, or La Leche League International.

Let your health care provider and family members know that you plan to breastfeed.

Remember that even if your child needs to spend time in intensive care units (NICU), breastfeeding is still possible, with some modifications.

Find a lactation consultant in the experience of women of the time before children were born so you know where to turn for help. Asking where you can rent a breast pump if the children were born early.

Making enough milk

Most mothers can do a lot of milk for the twins. Many mothers fully breast-feed, or give milk, triplets or quadruplets. Keep these tips in mind:

Breast-feeding shortly after birth, and is often helpful for women at the same time as it is one of the child. More milk, which is actually removed, the more milk your body makes.

If babies are born prematurely, will double the pump often help the mother produce more milk.

Medical weight control can you tell if children are not getting enough milk. In other signs that babies get enough breast milk, see How do I know baby is getting enough milk section.

It helps that each child feeding both breasts. You can "affect" a safe for every child to feed and change at the next feeding. Or you can assign a chest for each child for a day and spend the next day. Change the breasts to maintain milk production up if the child does not eat so well for a while. It also gives a different view of the babies to stimulate them.

Breastfeeding Positions

Breastfeeding twins and older can take practice, but you and your baby can find your ideal position and routine. Keep trying different positions until you find those who work for you. For some mothers and babies, breastfeeding twins at the same time works well. Are a few other feeds work better. Still others find that it depends on the time - you can feed a baby at some point during the night and feed two babies at once during the day. Finally, as your baby grows, you may find that you need to change your routine food.

Here are some positions that can work for you:

Dual clutch ("soccer") - Place your two babies in the hold of the clutch. You will need pillows at his side (and perhaps a leg) and go to place infants on pillows with your legs toward the back of the chair or sofa. If you put babies in front of you, try to keep your body facing you, your breast against his chest. Their bodies must be upwards. This is very important to help prevent sore nipples and make sure the baby is getting enough milk.

Cradle combination clutch - Making a baby (usually easier to close or remain locked) into the cradle and the baby's position in the second position of the clutch.

Double cradle - Place your baby facing you with their legs overlapping, making an X on your lap.