How to Breastfeed Twins

Breastfeeding is the best start mothers can give their children. Having twins can make the start a little rough if you don't know how to do it. Although it can be difficult and demanding, breastfeeding twins is possible if you follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide which position you want to breastfeed in. There is the football hold, the cradle hold and the position in which one is in each hold. Refer to the book "Double Duty", written by Christina Baglivi Tinglof for descriptions and pictures of the positions.

2. Breastfeed your twins together about 80 percent of the time and then individually the remaining 20 percent of the time to assure they get individual attention.

3. Switch the sides that the babies breastfeed on to ensure they do not develop a favorite side and to prevent mismatched breasts. Babies are not going to eat exactly the same amount and therefore they need to switch to even out the supply.

4. Encourage a simultaneous schedule for the twins. If one baby wakes to eat then wake the other one and feed him too. If they eat at the same time every time this frees you up to do other things with them.

5. Check to make sure that each twin is having six to eight wet diapers a day and several bowel movements. This assures that they are getting enough breast milk.

6. Keep the number to La Leche League, a resource for happy mothers and breastfed babies, close by for any problems or advice you may need regarding breastfeeding. They're a great resource and they are free!

[lyndeejean]

on 8/5/2008 I did it too! It is something to be proud of because it takes a lot of dedication. It is worth it..I went to 8.5 months until they were biting too often. check out my website at www.twinsurvival.com for more tips and info about twins.

[sduszynski]

on 4/4/2008 I found it nearly impossible to nurse my twins together at the same time without another adult around to help me situate myself and the babies up until they were 8-10 months old. After that point, it was nearly impossible *not* to nurse them together - if one saw the other nursing, they would insist on nursing, too!

I really recommend the book "Mothering Multiples" by Karen Kerkhoff Gromada and published by La Leche League. Remember that you can do this! Your body is made for it!