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More Tips for Breastfeeding Twins and Multiples
Author: Afiya Orara, CLC, CLD, CBE
Breastfeeding one baby is commendable; however breastfeeding twins, triplets, or more, deserves a Nobel Peace Prize! Do not fret – successfully breastfeeding multiples can be easy!
The first thing to know is that you will make enough breast milk for all of your babies. One of the top worries of nursing mothers is about whether or not they are making enough breast milk. Breastfeeding is a supply and demand relationship. This means that the more you nurse, the more breast milk you will produce. Your babies are pretty much in control of how much you make, and you will produce enough to meet their demands.
Learn the different techniques that will enable you to nurse two babies at once. There are a few breastfeeding positions, such as the football hold, the cuddle hold, or one in each position, which will work well with twins. The football hold offers better control for your baby's head, as well as offers greater visibility. This is also a good hold for premature babies (and twins are often born before the full 40 weeks are up). The cuddle hold is the traditional breastfeeding position; but with twins, you can hold the babies in this position with their legs side by side or crossed over each other. If these holds still seem awkward, there are special pillows made for women breastfeeding two babies. Look at online or local retailers for a supportive nursing pillow.
Even though breastfeeding two babies at once is more time effective, many mothers like to nurse one baby at a time. It is sometimes easier to manage the individual feeding schedules of each baby this way, and it increases one-on-one bonding time.
Self care is vital to the maintenance of a good breastfeeding relationship. Getting enough rest and sustaining a healthy appetite is important for relieving any tension built and rebuilding the energy lost from giving constant care to multiple babies. It is best to sleep when the babies are sleeping. Eating a good quality, balanced diet is essential. A balanced diet includes fresh fruit, leafy green vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and plenty of calcium. Eliminating caffeinated beverages, such as soda and coffee, and drinking plenty of good fluids, such as milk and water, is of great value. Mothers who are nursing multiples need a caloric intake of at least 2,900 calories per day, including at least 110 grams of protein (the more babies you have, the higher the daily calorie and protein intake should be).
Find a local breastfeeding support group dedicated to moms who are nursing multiples! This can be a huge help to you. You can learn advice and tips from other nursing mothers, as well as professionals, to make your breastfeeding experience a positive one.
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