7 Secrets to Breastfeeding Twins You Need to Know
Expecting twins and worried about how you’ll manage to breastfeed not one, but TWO babies? Struggling with breastfeeding your twins and feel like you’re going insane?
Giving birth to twins and bringing two new lives on earth, simultaneously, is a tough job. Way to go, mama!
From now on, you will have to feed your twins and give them all the nutrients that they need in order to grow. As your babies cannot eat any solids yet, they will remain dependent on your breastmilk for now.
Nursing twins often gets tough, and mothers end up getting frustrated. If you have been fretting over how will you breastfeed twins, continue reading and you will gain some very helpful tips.
In this post, we’ll give you 7 amazing tips for breastfeeding twins to help you succeed.
*Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links. And as an affiliate and Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here.
**This is a guest post, written by the talented Saima from A Super Tired Mom.
7 Must-Know Tips for Breastfeeding Twins
1.) Opt for On-Demand Breastfeeding
I’m sure that one of your biggest concerns after giving birth to two humans is whether or not you’re making enough milk for them.
If you feel like your supply is low, it’s best to opt for regular stimulation. This will help ensure that your supply has the right amount of milk to feed both your babies. Thus, whenever your babies are showing hunger cues, you either need to let both or one of them suckle at your breasts and feed on demand.
However, there are times when newly born babies require some time in the NICU. You may not have constant access to your babies. In this condition, you can opt for breast stimulation, either with the help of a hospital grade pump or hand expressing.
If you gave birth to premature kids, you need to know that they will take some time to understand the concept of latching. Thus, it makes it compulsory for you to stimulate your breasts in whichever manner you deem right (pump or hand expressing).
2.) Keep Your Babies Close
As a new mother who is learning to breastfeed, it’s best to keep your babies in your close proximity. This will not only aid in boosting your milk supply, but it will also give your twins the continuity they need with mom.
If you’re still at the hospital, try your best to ensure that your room is close to the NICU. That way, you will be more likely to fulfill the feeding needs of your babies on demand.
3.) Seek Help From a Lactation Consultant
Lactation consultants (LC) are an amazing resource for news moms and babies trying to master this breastfeeding thing.
Several hospitals have lactation consultants available to you for free when you give birth, but it’s not always a guarantee that they’ll make it to your room. I recommend hiring out a private LC. They do come with a cost, but they usually offer in-office and home visits and can help SO much with learning to breastfeed your twins.
A LC can help you get a proper latch, master the different breastfeeding positions, help you determine if you’re making enough milk or not, and can evaluate for lip and tongue ties.
You can even use this directory to help you find a LC in your area.
4.) Cut Yourself Some Slack
Nurturing two newborns is surely overwhelming. If you have given birth for the first time, you might even be a bit flabbergasted.
If you tend to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or discouraged, you need to cut yourself some slack, mama. With time, you will learn how to manage your two kids and figure out what works best for each of them and your family.
Try your best to minimize stress and surround yourself with supportive people.
Continue reading below.
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5.) Learn That Your Each of Your Kids Is Unique
Your babies may have been born on the same day and from the same mother, but they will certainly have their own unique personalities and needs.
Analyze the differences between them and plan their nurturing accordingly. Each of your babies will have a different style of breastfeeding and varied demands. With time and a bit of patience, you will learn how to fit the needs of these little creatures you created.
6.) Look for Some Support
Mothers usually need some support to tackle the tricky situation of breastfeeding newborn twins.
Do not over-burden yourself by trying to do everything on your own.
Your body has been through a lot, and you need time to recover. Breastfeeding doesn’t always come natural and is often more of a learned process that takes a lot of hard work.
It’s always best to look for some support or help during this time.
Try to find a breastfeeding support group in your area, join or postpartum play group, or hire a postpartum doula if you need to.
Let your family members know how much nursing your twins means to you and how they can best support you early on in your breastfeeding journey.
7.) Set Your Sights on Simultaneous Feeds
Now, this is quite an interesting idea which will make the lives of new mothers much easier.
Simultaneously feeding your twins on each breast, also known as tandem nursing, comes with one major benefit; It gives mom more time to get some rest and also helps in keeping a same sleep time for both babies. Between the feeds, you can have some me-time, which will re-energize you for the next feed.
Nonetheless, you may not be able to do it initially. After a few practice sessions, there are great chances that you will go on to become a pro.
A Few Final Words
Breastfeeding twins is easier said than done.
Especially when you have twins, life can turn a lot more hard-hitting than expected. For new moms, it can turn out to be frustrating and irritating. However, what you need to do is to avoid fretting.
Ask your mother or sister to support you in such a situation, and it will give you great relief. Alongside, following the above-mentioned tips will help you in breastfeeding twins, without getting anxious or nervous about it.
All the best and happy breastfeeding!
About the Author
Saima is a mom of two cute boys. She blogs full time at A Supertired Mom. She loves kids and playing with them. She wants to motivate and encourage mothers in the journey of motherhood and make them feel less lonely using her blog. When not writing, she is eating pizza and sipping strong tea. She loves glitters, celebrations, and beaches.
You can follow Saima over on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.
