How to Feed Newborn Twins
Feeding newborn twins takes creative positioning and patience. Newborn babies eat often, and when you have two, you might feel like you are feeding them constantly. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, there are techniques that will allow you to feed both of your babies at the same time when necessary.
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Instructions
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Breastfeeding Twins
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Try the double football hold. Sit in a comfortable spot, and place pillows at each of your sides. Place each baby on a pillow with his feet pointing to the back of the chair. Cradle the babies' heads in your hands, and bring them to your breasts to feed.
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Use the double cradle hold. In this position, your babies are crossed in an X position in front of your body. Position pillows to support each of your arms, then cradle one baby in an arm and bring him to your breast. Cradle the other baby in the other arm, and bring him to your other breast. Each baby's head should be in the crook of an arm, and their bodies should be crossing.
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Experiment with the parallel hold. Sit in a comfortable position; place a pillow in your lap, and position one pillow to support your elbow. Cradle one baby in the arm supported by the pillow, and bring him to your breast. Place the other twin parallel to the first baby, and bring him to the other breast while supporting his head and body with your free hand.
Bottle-Feeding Twins
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Relax on a bed or couch, and place each baby on a pillow in front of you to keep your hands free for bottle-feeding. Remember to keep the babies' heads elevated so they are not lying flat on their backs.
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Make use of infant carriers and bouncy seats. You can place each baby in a seat for feeding, or prop one in your lap while the other sits in the seat, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. Make up for the lost physical contact by cuddling after the feeding.
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Let family and friends help you feed the twins as much as possible. You can each feed a baby, or you can get some much-needed sleep while someone else handles a feeding.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that newborn babies should be fed on demand. Feed your babies when they begin to show hunger signs, such as sucking on fingers or hands, licking their lips or turning their heads to search for food (rooting), according to the Texas Department of Health.
Get as much help as possible. Let friends and family members handle housework and other matters during the first few weeks. This will allow you to focus on your babies and your own health and well-being.
Never prop a baby's bottle up with pillows or other objects. This could cause your baby to choke.
