Breastfeeding Twins, YES You Can!

I have been breastfeeding my twins for 5 months, 4 wonderful months now! That's right it 'sucked' in the beginning but I was determined this was something that was very important to me and I was going to work through it. The first few days were terribly painful with the babies' tight grip and strong sucking that felt as if they were biting me in a very sensitive place! I never got a break from two hungry newborns. I had a wonderful support system around me that encouraged me by telling me one baby is not easy so answering the demands of two was expectly difficult. Something magical happened as soon as they were one month old I found myself actually relaxing during a feeding; my persistence had finally paid off. After all how could I give up so easily I had just carried these two big babies for 266 days? Five months later, it is now very rewarding to be able to continue to nurture my babies with the very best milk for them at our convenience.

Read information about breastfeeding one baby and double it
If breast milk is so wonderful for one baby it must be twice as good for two. There is a lot of good useful information on pregnancy and breastfeeding for one baby. We twin moms automatically flip for the book to find the chapter few measly pages on multiples. Although not all information about breastfeeding is directed toward twins, the more you educate yourself on the benifits the easier it will be to continue. A motivating factor for me is the quality in breast milk that helps the babies' immune system; I sure don't need two sick babies to care for.

Set a goal
Decide before your babies are born whether you will breastfed and for how long. Yes is this more then likely going to change but breastfeeding just like parenting is a very conscious decision and you do have control. My goal was to establish nursing for several weeks before I offered a bottle or pacifier but when I found myself with two screaming babies in the middle of the second night silence seemed to take priority. I did not let that night discourage me to the point of giving up though.

Find Support
You must be Elsie, I have heard more cow jokes then I want to hear, but I also have just as many people that support my decision to breastfeed my twins. You may have a friend already if not you may have a local moms of multiples support group in your area or find one online.

Feed at the Breast
Pumping your milk is very important when you are trying to feed two new babies. But don't forget to take the time to use feeding time as an opportunity to bond with your new babies. I have found just from my experience that mothers that feed at the breast as well as pumping stick with it longer and have more supply and generally find it to be more of a pleasant experience. It's okay if one baby prefers one breast, your body will atomatically make accommodations for babies.

Have supplies ready
A must for a breastfeeding mother of twins is a double nursing pillow; I saw that goofy looking thing on line and passed it up. It wasn't until a fellow (and role model) mom suggested that I use hers because it freed up her hands so she could feed both babies and talk on the phone or do a crossword, now that is multi-tasking! They are expensive but well worth it, if you are not comfortable you are unlikely to stick with it. A good pump is also a necessity at first. The first two weeks after your babies are born are very important for your breast ducts to be complete filled and drained for good supply for the whole year. Your body is designed to feed as many babies as you carry. Hospital grade pumps are much more powerful then any other sold in stores. It will be well worth the money and trouble and you will do yourself a favor. Other things you will want by your bedside are nipple shields, lanolin cream and breast pads.

Some thoughts on Pumping
Using a double pump will mimic your twins feeding and encourage more milk to be produced. Raise body temperature by taking a hot shower or using a heating pad to warm breasts before pumping. Frequent pumping sessions are more important then how long you pump although it is best to allow the whole breast to drain to express hind milk; this is the higher fat milk that helps babies sleep! Either feed or pump just before going to bed as your milk is being produced for the whole next day the night before.

Giving birth to twins is an exiting life event that is also stressful. Deciding ahead of time how you want to feed your babies and preparing before the birth can help relieve some of the anxiety that comes with motherhood. Breast milk is best for all babies whether they come in pairs or more. Even if a new mother is unable to exclusively breastfeed a little is better then none at all. Feeding your newborns should be a joyful experience but expect a few challenges along the way. Be patient and kind to yourself first so you have energy left to care for those new little bundles.