How do u breastfeed twins?

Question

I am having twins in February and I have no idea how to have two babies feeding let alone healthy to brestfeed both at the same time.. HELP ME!!!

Answer 1

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 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 up my other son, if one son was wanting to eat at that time.

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 2

I have 4 month old twins. Breastfeeding twins is great. In addition to the normal benefits it really cuts down on the cost of having two babies at once, and it really helps with all the extra weight you will gain to have a healthy twin pregnancy. (I lost almost all 50 lbs in 3 months). The very best thing about breastfeeding twins is that it gives you time to cuddle that you may miss if you are bottle feeding.

You have three options:
1 Breastfeed both at the same time using the football hold.
2. Breastfeed one at a time
3. Pump and bottle feed

1. Breastfeed both at the same time using the football hold. This is by far the best way to feed your babies. You may not be successful at this until your babies are a couple of weeks old since they get better at breastfeeding at they go. This is superior because of the amount of time it saves you. The EZ 2 Nurse pillow is far superior to the boppy when breastfeeding multipes. If you join a Moms of multiples group you may be able to pick up a used pillow very cheap.

2. Breastfeed one at a time - this would be a bit difficult, but is probably how you will do it the first couple of weeks. It takes a lot of time, but allows you to bond with each baby individually. You will be more successful at this if you have some help the first couple weeks.

3. Pump and Bottle feed (This is what I do) I typically pump and bottle feed my children. They were not very good a breastfeeding and I was always having to supplement. This is definitely an option and makes you feel good to norish and help your babies grow. It does not have the same cuddle factor. A good pump would be esential for this (I LOVE the ameda purely yours). I wouldn't really recommend this option unless you cannot make #1 and #2 work. It involves a lot of dishes, a schedule that keeps me tied to home, and a lots of time stuck in one place. It is still a wonderful way to provide for your child and you wouldn't regret a minute of it. Boppy pillows can be used to allow you to bottle feed two babies at once.

Answer 3

It's perfectly healthy to breastfeed twins at the same time...I'm tandem feeding my three year old and three month old (which I've done with all my children).

These are two good sites offering advice on how to handle twins while breastfeeding.

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T026200.asp

http://www.babycenter.com.au/baby/twins/breastfeedinganswers/

Answer 4

you have two options. Nurse one at a time, alternating breasts, and give the other a pacifier. OR get a big chair, a couple of pillows--you gotta love the boppy pillows, and use the "football" hold. Baby lays on pillow with its feet towards your back, tucked under your arm. Since the baby is not across your lap, you can repeat on opposite side with baby # 2, and ta-da you're nursing both at once.

Answer 5

Double Foot-ball hold, or feed one baby at a time.
Here are some resources. Congratulations you are choosing the best nutrition for your babies!!! :) I love nursing my 9 month old!!!

http://www.llli.org/FAQ/twins.html

http://www.breastfeeding.com/helpme/helpme_images_twins.html

http://multiples.about.com/cs/breastfeeding/a/bfingtwins.htm

Don't be afraid to get help from your lactation consultant while in the hospital! LCs are absolutely irreplaceable!!!

Answer 6

Don't worry about it breathe!! =D and congratulations about your babies i bet they are gonna be the most cutest babies in the world!! =D anyways to answer your question, have you ever thought of having a breast pump? Its a device where your put this cup connected to a tube where you just pump the breast milk out to a bottle lol its fairly easy especially feeding your up and coming twins.
For some tips of caring for your babies. Just go to this site
IT TELLS YOU EVERYTHING FOR A NEWBORN BABY!!
http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/family/09/05/ep.newborn.mistakes/index.html

Answer 7

There should be a lactation consultant you can talk to in the hospital. They will give you some great advice and tips, along with inform you on what to expect with milk supply, latching, etc. Congrats on your twins and that's awesome that you are going to be tandem breastfeeding!

Answer 8

contact you local la leche leauge, they will have support services and books for you to learn how to feed multiples. Good luck!!!

Answer 9

Have you ever seen a Boppy Pillow?

They're great! Use that and think "football hold"
.

Answer 10

One at a time lady, one at a time. Did it ever cross your mind to discuss this with your Doctor. Medical Doctor that is. Not a person holding a Doctorate in History or Geology but a graduate of a medical school.