10 pro tips for breastfeeding twins

1. Maintain physical contact with babies at birth

From her second trimester visits, the expectant mother can talk to the medical team about her breastfeeding plan, in other words, her wish to breastfeed her twins, and therefore her desire that everything be in place to limit the moments of separation (frequent if the birth takes place by cesarean section and / or if the twins are born prematurely). Skin-to-skin contact and frequent latching are essential for a successful start to breastfeeding. If necessary, the mother can get help from the staff to move around the maternity ward and stay in contact with her babies. But it is better, as far as possible, that the triad stay in the same room.

2. Save your strength in the maternity ward

Fatigue in the hours following birth is likely to be significant. Strong and loving help (the dad, a friend or a close relative) with the newborns will allow the mother to have real moments of rest. For sleep, she may try to settle on that of babies. Limiting visits during the maternity hospital stay also promotes better recovery for the mother.

3. Be willing to spend a lot of time with babies at the breast

As with breastfeeding a single baby, the amount of milk depends on how often you breastfeed and how well you suck. But very quickly (first weeks), milk production will match the needs of babies. The right pace? 8 to 12 times per 24 hours. To do this, observe the signs of arousal and signs of hunger. But with two children, it’s not always easy! If in doubt, be careful not to space feedings more than three hours apart (from the start of one feed to the start of the next).

Note: one of the two babies may be more effective in starting lactation. Mom can use it! Very quickly, milk production will match the needs of babies. The right pace? 8 to 12 times per 24 hours. “

4. Do not reserve a breast for a baby

No need to assign a breast to each child, this could create imbalances. For example, one breast is more stimulated than the other because one of the two babies sucks more efficiently. Or a sore breast from the crevices, because one of the babies has a harder time latching on. In short, it is recommended to give both breasts to both babies for better stimulation, or in any case not to systematically offer the same breast to each baby.

5. Breastfeed them at the same time if you want to

You may find it more convenient to breastfeed both babies at the same time (especially to save time). This is called tandem breastfeeding. But you may also feel that you need a moment with each other to build a special relationship more easily. Tandem breastfeeding is not a requirement. Successive or simultaneous breastfeeding, it’s up to each one to feel the most physiological and comfortable situation for herself and her babies.

6. Simultaneous breastfeeding: allow yourself all positions to breastfeed

First possibility to achieve simultaneous breastfeeding: put the two babies in the classic “Madonna” position, each head turned to one side or “in parallel”, both heads turned to the same side. Second possibility: the two children in “rugby balls”. Third possibility: mix the classic position and the rugby ball position. It is also possible, in particular to rest the back, to give the breast while remaining semi-inclined back. Remember to ask for help with the installation of the babies!

7. Respect the specific needs of each baby

The two babies will not necessarily have exactly the same milk requirements. The mother must therefore adapt the pace and duration of feedings to each individual. To be sure that everyone has enough milk, she will monitor the number of diapers (6 to 7 wet diapers per 24 hours and 3 to 6 stools per 24 hours) but also the weight gain (230 g / week for boys and girls). 190 g / week for girls). So as not to confuse everything, mark the diaper with a cross when there is a bowel movement and add up the totals for each child at the end of the day!

8. Premature twins: start lactation with a breast pump

Future lactation most often depends on what has been put in place from birth. During the first week, in case of separation from babies, especially if they were born very prematurely, it is recommended to expressing your milk 8 times per 24 hours for a quarter of an hour each time, combining the session with manual expression. For the second week, it is possible that only 5 or 6 draws will be necessary. If necessary, a professional can help you for the first time. Massages by compressing any areas that are tense can be helpful.

9. Twin breastfeeding and fatigue: help when you get home

Shopping, cleaning, laundry machines … Do not hesitate to ask for help from those around you when you get home! You have just given birth to two babies, which you are breastfeeding. Could not take care of whole house logistics. In addition, an encouraging presence will help mothers of twins keep up with these early days of “double breastfeeding”. And at home, consider dedicating one or more places suitable for breastfeeding, with suitable cushions, drinks, snacks, calm and soft light.

10. Remain calm in the face of annoying remarks …

“Are you still breastfeeding?” “. Retort “This is great, isn’t it?” “. “Breastfeeding twins is tiring! “. Yes, of course. You can answer that changing diapers too! And finally, there remains the famous “Breastfeeding two children is impossible!” No, besides, many mothers breastfeed and donate their milk at the same time to a lactarium. And Bam !