Having twins is both exciting and frightening. Though you will have two bundles of joy, you will also have double duty when it comes to care and feeding. As mothers begin to plan for their arrival, many may assume that having multiples means exclusive breastfeeding will not be possible, but that's not necessarily true.
Many mothers of twins successfully breastfeed their babies, often for extended periods of time. The key to success in breastfeeding more than one baby is having a good support network and building up an adequate milk supply. Breastfeeding twins is hard work, but it does get easier. Plus, you'll save a lot of money instead of using formula.
Support
Before your babies are born, make sure to have a support network in place. Breastfeeding is hard and if you don't have someone to help motivate you, you may feel like quitting. Also, make sure to research resources, such as lactation consultants, who can answer your questions when you first start nursing. Many moms find it useful to have household help during the early days --- either a family member or a postpartum doula --- who can take care of minor household duties, help care for older children, prepare food for you and encourage and support you while you focus on feeding your babies.
Supply
Many moms of twins quit breastfeeding because they think they are unable to produce enough milk to feed two babies. While some women may be physically unable to produce enough milk to feed two infants, for many others it is quite possible to build up an adequate supply.
According to a 2005 study by JOGNN Clinical Research, the majority of mothers who persist in nursing exclusively during the difficult immediate postnatal period were able to supply enough milk to continue nursing both babies at six months and beyond. Using a double electric breast pump after each nursing session in the early days can help build up your supply, as can some herbal supplements such as fenugreek or blessed thistle. Also, remember to stay hydrated --- always have a glass of water nearby when you sit down to nurse and try to drink eight to 12 glasses of fluid a day.
If you continue to have supply issues, talk to you doctor about prescription medicines that are available to help increase supply.
Technique
Tandem nursing can save you a lot of time, but it can be tricky to get started. A good twin nursing pillow can help tremendously, as can the expertise of a lactation consultant. There are many positions that work for tandem nursing. When the babies are little, the double clutch hold is often the easiest position and is the most commonly used with a twin breastfeeding pillow. In this position, the babies' heads are side-by-side at your breasts, and their bodies are each tucked under one of your arms.
Another common position is the double cradle hold, where the babies each lie in the crook of one of your elbows, their legs crossing in your lap.
Alternatively, you may try a combination of the two holds, with one baby in the clutch hold and the other in the cradle hold; both babies' heads will be facing in the same direction and the legs of one baby will line up with the head of the other.
No matter the position you use, make sure their whole bodies are facing you chest to chest; if their bodies are facing up and only their faces are turned towards you, you will experience soreness. Some twin moms prefer to breastfeed their babies one at a time, and this may be a good way to get started if your babies have trouble latching at the beginning.
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