Breastfeeding Twins
|After Delivery|Problems & Solutions|
Why Breastfeed?
By MamaBirdie and Smidget
 There are as many reasons to breastfeed as there are women and children, and as many breastfeeding situations as there are households. Breastfeeding is very personal and private, but at the same time an experience that bonds and empowers women and their children.
There are obvious reasons to breastfeed of course, such as disease prevention for mothers and their children, freedom from buying formula, availability and nutritional perfection for growing babies, and once the routine and supply are established, convenience. There are less obvious reasons as well, and the resources and personal experiences you will find here will inform and inspire you.
Tips:
Be prepared!
This can be through education (breastfeeding classes), gathering supplies, finding a pediatrician that supports breastfeeding, talking to your doctor about breastfeeding, and enlisting the support of your significant other, family, and friends.
Ask for help!
Lactation consultants are available at the hospital for free. USE THEM! Talk to other moms who did or are breastfeeding, even your own mother if she did. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or admit you are scared, frustrated, nervous, or whatever you may be feeling. Use your support system, and allow yourself to cry.
Don’t give up!
Don’t take “No” for an answer! Keep asking questions. Change lactation consultants. And don’t believe everything doctors and nurses tell you. They can be wrong! Don’t settle for anything less than the answers and results that YOU want.
Getting started
Breastfeeding twins can be a challenge, especially at the beginning, no matter how prepared you are. There are some things you can do to make your breastfeeding experience go more smoothly, help build your milk supply and keep it, and keep you and your babies healthier as you start this adventure.
For one thing, have the supplies you will need ready before you give birth or at least before the babies come home from possible NICU time.
These include the following, although some moms will find they don't need all of the ones listed.
Comfortable chair or couch
I sat on the couch to breastfeed, but many use a recliner or rocker. Just make sure you can put a pillow behind your lower back if needed so you aren't strained. You will be using the chair a lot, so it should be as comfortable and roomy as possible.
Hospital grade electric breast pump.
I have the Medela Pump in Style myself, but some prefer other ones. With twins you will need to build a good supply, which can be hard to do with regular pumps. You can use the one at the hospital after you give birth, and you can rent or buy one for when you come home. I suggest getting this taken care of before you come home since supply is so important in the early days.
Nursing stool
A nursing stool is tilted so that you can rest your feet and take pressure off your back while you nurse. It also keeps your babies from sliding off your lap, and many women (including myself) find that it makes mursing much easier and more comfortable. Dad can use it as well when he holds the babies or gives them a bottle.
Breast pads
You will need pads at least for awhile to prevent stop your clothes or bed from getting wet from leakage, and there are several brands to choose from.
Boppy or other nursing pillows
Some use one for nursing a single baby, and some use two for tandem feeding. They are also wonderful for others to use to support baby while giving a bottle.
Lansinoh or other medical grade lanolin ointment
This is a wonderful product that will keep your nipples protected when they are sore, and I used to use it after every nursing whenever I was having any soreness at all. I highly recommend it, and there are similar products available if it isn't sold in your area (outside the USA).
Nursing bras
These can be mostly purchased after you get started and know what size you will need, but you will need a couple of them to get started with. I suggest not using underwire, since it can lead to plugged ducts and mastitis in some women, but instead a comfortable and not too tight bra. The usual process is to get your normal band size with one cup size up to start off with.
Information is the most important item you will need for successful breastfeeding. Here are some suggestions to help you start breastfeeding, build your supply, and to get you off to a good start.
First off you will most likely hear that breastfeeding twins is overwhelming, impossible, or that you won't make enough milk for two from either family, friends, or surprisingly enough, the pediatrician or nurse at his office, the neonatologist at the NICU, or the nurses who bring your babies to you after you deliver. This isn't based on facts, but more on hearsay and misinformation.
Yes, breastfeeding two babies can be overwhelming at times, but most women can make enough milk with or without help from various foods, medicines, or herbs that are called galactagogues, or lactation enhancers. The keys to helping milk come in and maintaining a supply are nursing or pumping as soon after delivery as possible, avoiding supplementation as much as possible, nursing or pumping frequently and long enough for baby to empty the breast, eating and drinking enough for your body to make plenty of milk, avoiding severe stress, and getting enough rest. |
