Expecting twins? A Mini Guide to Breastfeeding Multiples

So, you just found out you’re expecting, and surprise! You go to your first ultrasound and find out it’s twins! Double the cuteness, double the excitement, and double the feeding. If you planned on breastfeeding your baby, the idea of breastfeeding two babies might feel even more daunting and maybe impossible. A question we hear often is, “can I even make enough milk for two babies?” The answer is yes!  Believe it or not, you can easily make enough milk to feed two or three or more babies! It does take commitment and hard work, but it is totally achievable. After birth, breastmilk production relies largely on supply and demand, so the frequent breast stimulation and milk removal from multiple babies will tell your body to make more milk!

Here’s how to prepare for breastfeeding twins

While you prepare for the arrival of your two new bundles of joy, there are several ways you can also get ready for successful breastfeeding. Firstly, it is important to mentally prepare for your new role and maintain realistic expectations. Breastfeeding multiples is a full-time job and although might take some hard work in the beginning, can be a very rewarding challenge. Take some time to think about your feeding goals, who will be available to help and what other supports you will have access to. Planning ahead of time with freezer meals and organizing childcare for your other kids are some examples of how you can prepare as well, because you will be dedicating a lot of time to feeding.

We highly recommend meeting with a lactation consultant prenatally and/or taking a breastfeeding course to learn more about breastfeeding your babies. A lactation consultant can help you with anticipating what to expect, planning and with any feeding or pumping supplies you may need. Preparing as much as you can before birth will take away a lot of the anxiety and stress you may be feeling and help ease your mind so that you can enjoy your new babies.

Key steps for successful breastfeeding with twins

Once you are settled at home after birth, visit with a lactation consultant virtually or in your home. They will assist you in achieving good, comfortable positioning for twins and help with latching which is very helpful to ensure a smooth start. Although we know newborns cannot really be put on a schedule, tandem feeding—meaning feeding both babies at once—saves time and allows more time for you to rest and sleep. Tandem feeding does take a bit of practice and patience, but with the right lactation support, can be done. Once you and your babies get the hang of it, a tandem breastfeeding session should last around 30-40 minutes whereas feeding separately will likely take an hour or more. This might leave you feeling like all you do is breastfeed, considering newborns tend to eat every two hours or so.

Breastfeeding multiples will likely include having to use a breast pump at some point, especially if you would like someone else to be able to feed your babies sometimes. It is important to learn about the best times to pump for your babies, making sure your pump flange fits properly and about breast milk storage and bottling. Establishing and managing your milk supply for twins differs from managing your supply for one baby, and improper pumping in the early days can lead to breast milk oversupply as well as other feeding issues. Talk to a lactation consultant for guidance with pumping for more than one baby.

Lastly, remember to stay flexible. Newborns can be unpredictable and feeding schedules and patterns will change as your babies grow and develop. Anticipating these changes will make it easier for you to adjust and adapt to their ever-evolving needs.

Good postpartum support is essential to make breastfeeding your babies a pleasant experience and to keep you sane throughout the process! Every breastfeeding journey, whether with a singleton or multiples, is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all. You deserve to have a joyful breastfeeding and postpartum journey and the team at PUSH Mama Care is with you every step of the way.