Breastfeeding twins is awesome and you can totally do this.
I’m starting out with some cheerleading because I hear so much negativity about it. Sure, it can be hard work, but it is not some impossible task only for superwomen. My twins breastfed until they were about two and half – and I’m a normal lady (honest). So, here are a few tips on breastfeeding twins. And please do ask if you have further questions 🙂
1. Tandem feed
When your babies are very young, you will need to tandem feed them because they will both want to feed so much of the time. But as they get older, you can go with the flow. Feed them separately or at the same time – whatever works for you.
2. Give yourself time
Starting out breastfeeding twins can be tricky because multiples are more likely to be premature or have other complications. But try not to be too discouraged by a slower start: give yourself lots of time to get the feeding established. If the start involves some bottles or feeding tubes, it does not signal the end of breastfeeding. Think marathon, not sprint.
3. It is ok to persevere!
This is related to my previous point – if you really want to nurse your twins, it is totally valid to put lots of time and effort into it. Sometimes well-meaning people can discourage you from putting in the effort (they think they are preserving your sanity). But if you want to do it, don’t let the negativity put you off.
4. Latching gets easier with time
Getting two little babies to latch on properly is difficult at first. But it truly does get easier as you learn, and as your babies learn. If the latch is sore, unlatch and try again. I know, it is tempting to just push on through the pain. After all, it took you twenty minutes to arrange the cushions. But keep in mind that your baby will feed more efficiently with a good latch. And nobody wants cracked nipples. Believe me.
5. Soak up the cuddles
One of my favourite things about breastfeeding twins was knowing that each precious baby was getting lots of cuddles with mama. Having twin newborns was beyond busy, and so often I was overwhelmed and torn in different directions. Was I giving each baby what they needed? It was so reassuring to know that they were both being cuddled and fed a lot.
6. Learn to ignore the staring
Yep, people sometimes look at you as if tandem feeding is some sort of freakshow. But that’s ok – you have just made their day a little more interesting. And you know it is just natural for you and your babies. Breastfeeding twins really does become the easier option as the babies continue to grow: no bottles to carry around and clean; instant comfort when they are tired or sad. And it is so cute when they feed and hold hands – sweeeet…
7. You can make enough milk!
Breastfeeding works on a supply and demand basis, so two babies produce enough milk for two babies. But it is so easy for people to knock your confidence about this. If there are issues gaining weight, this is what I suggest: check the babies are latching on as well as possible and give them lots and lots of time feeding for four days solid. But the chances are, you can make enough milk. If you need advice on breastfeeding twins, try www.kellymom.com or a trained lactation consultant. Not just your midwife, your paediatrician, your mom, your best friend, your best friend’s mom…. So obviously feel free to ignore me! But I mention it because had so much bad advice from people who were not properly informed about breastfeeding (even medical professionals), and it takes a while to gain the confidence to ignore it.
So, a little bit of cheerleading for you, ladies. Breastfeeding twins can take lots of time and effort, but it is also so so precious, and so so possible.
Supporting breastfeeding mamas is a passion of mine:
Are there more questions I can help you with?
Do you have more questions about twins (feeding or otherwise)?
Please ask! Leave me a comment below, or email me directly at [email protected]
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It’s twins! Do you need two of everything?
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Not all nipple creams are created equal
Mummy Times Two says
November 4, 2016 at 10:58 pmI really enjoyed reading this post, and whilst I have no experience of twins at all I totally echo your sentiments about the lack of people who understand breastfeeding when things are slightly out of the ordinary! Trust your mummy instinct mummies #TheLinkyList
Elizabeth says
November 8, 2016 at 3:27 pmThank you so much for your lovely comment 🙂 Absolutely agree with you about mummy instincts!
Anastasia says
February 20, 2017 at 3:01 pmI really enjoyed your post! I am breastfeeding mainly my twins (6 week old) but also use some formula top ups. I find it hard at the moment to find time to pump though. Although I find it easy feeding them together, I don’t know how to manage settling them after feed. Any tips please? I have help at the moment so my mum or husband will settle one baby and I will settle the other to sleep. But how do you manage on your own?
Elizabeth says
February 21, 2017 at 11:58 pmHi Anastasia and congratulations on your precious twins!! 🙂 I think at 6 weeks ish, my twins used to spend quite a lot of time sleeping on me after feeding, especially if one finished before the other. They would sleep on my shoulder, or just in my arms. Not great for getting anything done 😉 but as they got older they got much better at sleeping on their own. Before I started a feed, I would try to remember to set up a sleeping place within arms reach – maybe a moses basket, or swing etc, so if one baby was finished and sleeping, I could pop him/her in there while the other kept feeding. Perhaps the biggest ‘help’ to me (and I hope this comes out right) was to get used to ignoring some crying…- I just mean, with two newborns, one may cry while you settle the other or change a diaper etc, but you’ll get there just as quick as you can, you’re just one person and that’s ok. I hope that makes sense… On a more practical note, I found it useful to put the two babies in a stroller/pram for a walk or just rock it in the hallway, when I needed them to both settle at the same time. I hope there is something useful there, and congratulations again!! 🙂
Anastasia says
February 22, 2017 at 2:18 pmThank you so much for the reply. That’s exactly what i was looking for some practical tips. At the moment i have loads of help but I am eager to see how I can manage by myself. Thank you again for your reply!
Elizabeth says
February 24, 2017 at 8:11 am🙂 you’re welcome! You will totally manage and it’ll be great 🙂
Elizabeth says
February 22, 2017 at 3:53 pmThis post was very encouraging to read with all the formula and pumping pushers out there! I’m a mother of 11 and exclusively breastfed all my munchkins including twins, which I am currently breastfeeding! No bottles, no pumps! Mamas out there you can do this!God made your body to nourish your precious babies! It’s more work but blessed moments!
Advice I’d give for success: feed on demand… DON’T schedule feedings which is a recipe for failure! Supplementing can can the same result. The body makes milk on a supply/ demand principle any interference can/will result in less milk production. Big tip—babies will usually cluster feed before big naps and at bedtime! Most moms think they’re running out of milk at night as babies can feed back to back quite a bit or that baby has colic when they just want to nurse! This seems daunting but your body will produce more than enough milk for your babies. One baby will nurse on average 12 times daily expect that to double with twins! Create a comfy spot on the couch with supplies at hand that you’ll need, tons of water, healthy snacks (perhaps some not so healthy,lol)! iPad, diapers, wipes,remote, lip balm, phone,books esp. if you home school like us!
Be consoled knowing that this sacrifice is benefiting your little ones for the rest of their lives! And you can do it!Cheers mamas!
Elizabeth says
February 24, 2017 at 8:13 amHi Elizabeth, thank you for your really helpful comment 🙂 11 babies, that is awesome… That is such a good point about cluster feeding – mine have ALL done this and if you can just go with the flow and embrace it instead of hurrying to get them put down, then it is si much less stressful. And is actually lots of cuddle time 🙂