Breastfeeding twins

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Nicole Wendler holds a PhD in biology in the field of oncology and immunology. As a medical editor, author and proofreader, she works for various publishers, for whom she presents complex and extensive medical issues in a simple, concise and logical manner.

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Breastfeeding twins, can it even work? Many twin mothers (and other multiple mothers) are unsure whether they can actually feed all their offspring with breast milk alone. Read here how you can do justice to every child, why you should breastfeed twins and what you can do if both are hungry at the same time.

Breastfeeding twins: is that possible?

Most mothers want to breastfeed their twins, but are concerned that this will work out too. Experts reassure you: With a little practice and patience, twin breastfeeding will also be possible without any problems. Fully breastfed twins do not need tea or water. And supplementary feeding is only necessary for weak, premature twins.

Twin mothers (and other multiple mothers) should prepare for the double task and breastfeeding options during pregnancy and get extensive help for everyday life, especially in the early stages. With support from their partner, grandparents and / or friends, mothers can breastfeed their twins in peace. In addition, women with twins are allowed to take care of the midwife longer than mothers with only one child. The midwife can provide valuable tips on breastfeeding twins.

If a woman has had more than two children at once, breastfeeding becomes a real challenge. The limiting factor in these cases is not the amount of milk, but usually the time it takes to breastfeed three or more babies.

Gemini: Breastfeeding is especially important

Twins are often born earlier and with a lower birth weight than a single child. The valuable components of breast milk and especially the first milk (colostrum) are all the more beneficial for them. In addition, the immune cells in breast milk protect against diseases. The foremilk contains particularly high concentrations of immune cells. Some lactation consultants therefore advise women who are expecting twins to cross out colostrum before giving birth and freeze it in advance.

Women who breastfeed their twins strengthen the bond with their children and promote their healthy development through close skin contact. In addition, the breastfeeding breaks with the hormones released have a relaxing effect on the mother and promote the regression of the uterus.

Lastly, breastfeeding your twins will save you money and time. There is no need to sterilize the bottles or to buy and prepare infant formula.

Breastfeeding twins: milk production

Multiple mothers do not need to worry that the amount of milk is insufficient. Regardless of whether you are breastfeeding twins or sextuplets - milk production adapts to demand within a few days.

To get production going, you have to breastfeed your twins between eight and twelve times in a day. If the babies are still too weak, diligent expressing (about every two to three hours) can replace this. If the siblings are of different strengths, it is advisable to let the stronger baby alternately drink from each breast or to breastfeed at the same time. It also stimulates milk production for the weaker child, and both breasts fill up evenly. You can also express milk for one child and breastfeed the other.

If you are breastfeeding premature twins, extra care should be taken to ensure that the babies gain weight quickly. If the amount of breast milk is not sufficient at the beginning, a tube or a breast feeding kit can be used during breastfeeding, as with premature babies. This has the advantage that milk production continues to be stimulated, the babies train to suckle and, despite the small amount of milk, are adequately supplied with nutrients.

Breastfeeding twins - individually or at the same time?

It doesn't matter whether you breastfeed your twins at the same time or one at a time. In order to get to know each child, however, it is advisable to breastfeed multiples individually, at least initially. Breastfeeding twins at the same time also takes practice, but it saves time. Another advantage of so-called tandem breastfeeding is that both breasts are emptied at the same time. The blood level of the maternal hormone prolactin, which stimulates milk production and has a positive effect on mood, increases more.

However, both babies do not always have the same rhythm, so that the mother cannot breastfeed them at the same time. Then it takes twice as long until both children are full. In this way, mothers have the opportunity to spend intensive time with each child individually.

Breastfeeding Twins: Breastfeeding Positions

If you would like to breastfeed your twins one after the other, all breastfeeding positions that are also possible for a single baby are possible.

It is a bit of a challenge to place a child on each breast at the same time, because then you only have one hand free for each child. The two babies must therefore be positioned so that it is sufficient to support them with one arm. Plenty of pillows or special U-shaped twin breastfeeding pillows that can be buckled around the hips are helpful. Before you get comfortable in the appropriate breastfeeding position, both babies should be within reach.

Twin breastfeeding works very well in the following breastfeeding positions:

• Double back grip (also side or football position): The babies lie to the side next to the mother, their heads rest in their hands or forearms, the children's legs point towards the wall behind the mother.
• Crossed position or V-position: Both babies are lying in the cradle handle, their feet meet in the mother's lap.
• Parallel position: One baby lies in the back grip (football posture) and the other in the cradle grip.
• Lying on the side: the mother lies halfway on her side so that one baby is lying next to her and is feeding on the lower breast, while the second baby, lying on her stomach, reaches the upper breast.
• Supine position: Lying on the back with the upper body slightly elevated, the babies can be positioned on the stomach in a slightly transverse position on the stomach or - if they are taller - to the side.

Breastfeeding Twins: Tips

Twin mothers are quite challenged in the first few weeks. Everything takes twice as long as with just one child. The following tips can make everyday life a little easier:

• Maintaining an overview: With twins - especially with identical ones - it can be helpful to make notes on drinking times, drinking habits and full diapers.
• Get help: get household help, involve the grandparents and father of the children, and apply for financial and social help if necessary.
• Rest breaks: Especially the first weeks and months with twins are exhausting. As a mother, you need sufficient breaks in order to be able to cope with this.
• Tandem breastfeeding saves time: Occasionally, you can gently wake one of the children to breastfeed both at the same time.
• For on the go: An inflatable swim ring can be used as a nursing pillow.

Make sure you have an extensive supply of calories, minerals and vitamins in your diet. Especially if you are breastfeeding twins who are older, you need to increase the number of calories accordingly. Ask your doctor or midwife for advice on this.

Breastfeeding Twins: How Long?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the same breastfeeding duration for twins as for only children, i.e. mothers should breastfeed their twins for at least the first six months and then gradually switch to formula food.

You can find out more about breastfeeding duration in the article "How long to breastfeed?"

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