Breastfeeding twins: This is how it works
Even if you have twins, breastfeeding is usually not a problem. Your body provides enough milk to feed both babies. And even if it will certainly be an exhausting time: With the following tips it will certainly work to breastfeed your twins.
Before you start breastfeeding your twins, surround yourself with pillows that support your back and arms and bring your babies to the right height. Of course, this works best in bed.
Each child can be attached to a breast. This is great for milk production, which really gets going on both sides. Whenapplying to the breast, you will probably need help from your partner or someone close to you in the initial phase. You’ll have to experiment a bit until you find the right position to breastfeed both twins at the same time. This may take some time at the beginning, but becomes easier and easier over time. In our article “Four popular breastfeeding positions” you will learn more about the “back grip”, also called “football posture”, which is particularly popular for breastfeeding twins.
Breastfeeding twins separately
However, twins do not necessarily have to be breastfed at the same time. Some mothers find it more comfortable to breastfeed their twins one after the other and, for example, wake up one of the children a little earlier. If you want to breastfeed the twins one after the other, you should make sure that both breasts give balanced milk. If the babies have different levels of appetite, make sure to change the breast regularly.
Breastfeeding twins with support
It is very helpful for you if you get support for the initial period to breastfeed your twins. A midwife or lactation consultant can give you tips and information and show you good positions to breastfeed twins. Don’t be afraid to get active support and advice!
It is equally important to clarify priorities. Breastfeeding takes time, especially when two babies are hungry. The budget can sometimes be neglected. Nevertheless, allow yourself breaks again and again when the two sleep, because your body needs a lot of strength for the enormous workload that it has to cope with. Sometimes health insurance companies subsidize a domestic help for twin mothers.
With all the attention to the little ones, think about yourself and your health. Take special care to eat enough and healthy! When you’re breastfeeding twins, your body needs about 60 percent more calories than usual and up to 3 liters of fluid daily. Feasting is allowed!