Will I be able to breastfeed twins?

Question

I am 13 week pregnant and have a lot of questions to ask.
I really want to breat feed my babies but is it possible?
What are some things i need to know about carring twins?

Answer 1

Yes, you can breastfeed twins. You can hold them criss-crossed or in a football hold & nurse them at the same time that way in order to be the most efficient.

Other general things about twins: you will get bigger faster & you are more likely to deliver before 40 weeks.

Congrats on twins!!

Answer 2

Hi there. I actually just gave birth to identical twins girls in June and yes, I am breastfeeding. It is very possible to breastfeed twins, but like someone said, you'll need a breastfeeding pillow for twins. You can search for it online. YOu can't use regular boppy pillows because they won't work.

As far as breastfeeding, it is easier and saves more time to breastfeed both at the same time. So keep them in the same feeding schedule. If you don't, you'll feel like your day is a nonstop breastfeedign fest.

It is also highly likely that you won't carry your twins to 40 weeks. I myself delivered at 34 1/2 weeks. My girls stayed at the NICU, but only for a week. I went into labor but my doctor was able to buy a couple of days, enough time to give me a steroid shot to mature the babies' lungs. And indeed their lungs was mature, as they didn't need to be in a breathing tube and they didn't need a feeding tube either. THey were healthy. Once they started gaining weight, we were able to take them home.

Oh, by the way.. if this is your first pregnancy, it is best to attend a breastfeeding class, as well as a mulitiples class. Breastfeeding is hard for everybody, especially if you're a first timer with twins. The key is, it doesn't hurt and it shouldn't be difficult if done right.

Answer 3

Such awesome advice you've gotten already! After I had my son, breastfeeding became kind of a cause for me, lol. Too many women dont even try. Kudos to you!! Already being a great momma. ;) Yes, you can breastfeed twins. Like anyone starting to nurse it will take time to get it right (it is not a God given natural talent, lol, it can take some work) and get a good rhythm down with the babies. If it were me, I'd do them at the same time whenever possible. But, nursing on demand, when the baby wants to is important, and after a few weeks or months they may not always want to eat at the same time. Learning to pump early on and starting to create a freezer stockpile is a good idea. And breastfeeding for at least 6 months is recommended (though any time of breasfeeding gives your babies a headstart on life, with antibodies and such), and then did you know you can keep breastfeeding them for as long as they want? Most babies wean themselves between 18-24 months.

Answer 4

I breastfed my twins for 14 months. I used the EZ 2 Nurse Twins pillow. We got it online, but I don't remember which store... it will come right up with an internet search, though. This pillow has saved me so much time and trouble! It's U-shaped and made of hard foam with a washable cover (there is an inflatable version, too, but I don't know anything about that one). I was able to feed them both at the same time, and it is big enough to use for at least a year. I used the "football" hold with both of them, but it also allows for you to use the cradle hold (for feeding one at a time).

In addition to the pillow, I would recommend taking a class for multiples. Our local hospital has a class specifically for breastfeeding multiples, too. If those aren't available in your area, there is a book sponsored by the La Leche League for breastfeeding multiples called "Mothering Multiples". It's a nice reference. You may also want to invest in a nice quality double electric pump. We have a Medela PIS, but there are many other options out there. Pumping would allow me to share the feeding responsibilities once in a while, and also to get some much needed rest!

For me, it was important to keep my twins on the same schedule. I would feed them at the same time, and put them down to sleep at the same time. If you can get them to do that, things are easier. I would even wake my other son, if one son was wanting to eat.

It's important to set reasonable goals, too. I started out aiming to breastfeed for 6 weeks. Then, I decided I could make it to 3 months. From there, I was able to reevaluate and set new goals. We worked up to a year, and started to wean them. I would drop a feeding every 3 weeks or so, and it went very smoothly. It was a challenge, but a very rewarding one.

Congratulations! Twins are a lot of fun (a lot of work, but a lot of joy!)!!!

Answer 5

Well it's honestly up to you. It takes a lot of determination to breastfeed therefore I am sure it is harder to feed two. I would suggest feeding them at the same time or one right after the other..that should establish a good feeding routine. If they eat close to the same time then it will be easier on you. Most women pregnant with multiples give birth before 40 weeks gestation, so beware of early labor signs. Good Luck.

Answer 6

It is possible, you can do it, but you will want to get the babies onto a schedule as soon as possible. I didn't have enough milk to feed one baby, let alone my twins. I would breast feed the girls, then top them up with formula, then pump. I was lucky to see 10ml from pumping. After 3 exhausting weeks, I had to give it up.
Don't be disappointed if you cannot. I know a girl who had so much milk she had to buy another freezer to store it all.
It all depends on your body.
As for carrying the twins, buy a belly belt to support the extra weight. Listen to your body, if you're tired, rest; if you're hungry, eat. Your body knows what you need.
I carried my girls to 37 weeks, and they were almost 6lbs each.
Congrats to you and your new family-to-be!

Answer 7

I have never had twins myself but a good friend did and she breast fed her twins for a long time...also she used to feed both twins at the same time so that she would not get disturbed too much at night...

Good luck and best wishes

Answer 8

My friend nursed her twins until they were 12 months. She supplemented with formula after they were 6 months. When they were newborns she would nurse them at the same time. There were a few different positions she used. So yes, it's definitely possible.

Answer 9

Absolutely!!
you've gotten a lot of supportive answers already, but here's some real researched info on nursing twins:
http://www.llli.org/FAQ/twins.html
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T026200.asp
http://breastfeedingtwins.tripod.com/MainPages/index.html

And I've seen this pillow in action nursing twins - AWESOME!!
http://www.babybungalow.com/mybresfrienn.html

Answer 10

A friend of mine who had twins said those circular pillows are a must for breast feeding. She also fed them at the same time until they were bigger.