Breastmilk Counts

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Nursing Twins and More!

Because you make milk on a supply and demand basis, the more babies you breastfeed, the more milk you will make. Two babies sending the “make milk” signal will tell your body to make enough milk for two babies. And three babies sending the signal will tell your body to make enough milk for three babies.

Will my body make enough milk?

Yes! Your body can do amazing things, including make enough milk to feed two babies—or even more. Breastfeeding is based on supply and demand, and the more milk that is removed from your breasts, the more milk your breasts will make. Many mothers have breastfed two babies (or more), and you can do it, too.

How do I do it?

With two breasts, you can breastfeed two babies at the same time. When your babies are newborn, you might want to start by feeding them one at a time. This will give you time to learn how each baby nurses and help each learn to latch on well. (Babies born early sometimes have a harder time learning to latch and stay latched.) As you learn how much each baby eats and your babies get better at latching, you will be able to feed them two at a time.

Breastfeeding Positions to Try:

You can try these breastfeeding positions, first with one baby at a time. After you’ve learned which position each baby seems to like best, you can try feeding two babies at once.

Double Football:

Lie back in a reclined position with support for your back and neck. Place your babies tummy-down on your stomach with their noses close to your nipples. Allow your babies to lift their heads and attach to each breast.

Sit Upright:

Sit upright. Make sure your back and neck are well supported. In this position, both of your babies will be facing the same direction. One will be in football hold (with feet under your armpit) and one will be in cradle hold (with feet under the opposite breast).

Contact your lactation consultant right away for breastfeeding help. Your lactation consultant can help you with questions as well as with latch and position.

Are my babies getting enough?

There are lots of signs to tell whether your babies are getting enough to eat, including weight gain, dirty diapers, and how satisfied your babies seem to be after eating. When you are feeding two babies at the same time, let each baby end the feeding by coming off the breast on his or her own. A baby who comes off the breast relaxed and sleepy has probably had a good feeding. A baby who comes off the breast crying has probably not latched correctly.

Other Tips for Breastfeeding Multiples:

Switch off. Put each baby on the opposite breast at the next feeding. This helps ensure that both breasts are getting equal stimulation, especially if one baby is a stronger feeder than the other.
Stimulate your milk production. In the first few weeks, massage and then hand-express or pump both breasts for about 10 minutes after most feedings. This will help your body make more milk for your babies.
Fuel up. Keep easy, healthy snacks around such as fruits, yogurt, and nuts. Make simple meals such as soup and sandwiches.
Accept help. Taking care of two or more babies is a huge job. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. Let them watch the babies while you go for a walk or take a shower.

You can also talk to your breastfeeding counselor to find out about local support groups in your area.