Breastfeeding twins has many advantages for both the mother and baby.

Breastfeeding strengthens the baby’s immune system and reduces the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is also a great way for mother and child to bond.

Breastfeeding twins can seem overwhelming to a new mom, but thousands of new mothers successfully breastfed their twins every day.

These tips will help you to be successful from day one.

1. Get a Lactation Consultant

As soon as you arrive in your Postpartum room after giving birth, ask to see the Lactation Consultant. As a mother of twins, you will be a priority for her.

She will sit with you and teach you exactly how to get each of your babies to latch correctly onto your breast. Learning how to do this from the very first feeding is important.

If your babies do not latch correctly, breastfeeding twins can be painful and your babies will not be able to feed efficiently.

That is the number one reason responsible for issues with breastfeeding twins.

Nowadays all Lactation Consultants receive training on teaching mothers how to breastfeed twins, so she will be able to help you with different positions and issues particular to twins.

2. Find a Lactation Consultant in Your Area

Before giving birth, you may want to find a lactation consultant in your area, so you can make an appointment to see her once you have been released from the hospital. Many will come out to your home to continue to help you after you leave the hospital.

3. Get in a Comfortable Breastfeeding Position.

The position is very important when breastfeeding twins. There are many positions mothers prefer when breastfeeding twins and there is no one right way.

The positions for breastfeeding twins should allow you to relax your back and neck. Your posture of choice should allow easy digestion while the babies suckle.

You may find a number of positions helpful at different times. The goal is to try different positions until you find the ones that work best for you and your twins.

4. Get a Comfortable Breastfeeding Pillow

Get a special breastfeeding pillow designed for twins.

The My Brest Friend Supportive Nursing Pillow For Twins 0-12 Months, Plus-Size is the most useful breastfeeding pillow for twins.

It is soft and provides plenty of room for both babies. The strap is also awesome, as it keeps the pillow in place while you move your twins around and help them latch on correctly.

Colors: Light Green (Pictured), Dark Grey, Light Grey, Fireworks, and Black and White

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $58.04- $67.99

5. Wear Easy Access Nursing Tops and Nursing Bras.

In the beginning, you will find soft, comfortable 2-in-1 nursing tops with built-in bras to be extremely useful. While you are learning how to nurse twins and your twins are feeding to often, you will find yourself constantly needing to expose your breast to feed. These tops also make it simple to breastfeed both twins at the same time.

Caramel Cantina 3 Pack Women’s Nursing Cami Built-in Bra is a great 2-in-1 soft tank top and nursing bra. You can wear it by itself or under another loose top. It comes in many sizes and colors, thus matching everything. You will want to buy at least a few packs of these because in the beginning, milk will leak and babies will spit up on you.

Colors: Black, White and Charcoal (3 Pack), Navy, Burgundy and Teal (3 Pack), Black (3 Pack)

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $36.99 (Pack of three)

Having plenty of comfortable nursing bras is also important. When your milk supply is first coming in and your twins are learning how to breastfeed, it will messy. You will find yourself often needing to change your bra. You will also need to wear a bra all the time in the beginning because your breasts will leak milk.

Therefore, you will want to have comfortable bras you can wear all day and night.

The 3 PACK Full Bust Seamless Nursing Maternity Bras with Extenders & Clips is the perfect nursing bra bundle.

We recommend you buy at least three of these packs to get started. The extender will be great right after you give birth before you lose your pregnancy and while your milk supply is adjusting. The clips allow you to connect the two straps in the back to hide them when wear tank tops or other sleeveless shirts.

Colors: Black, Pink & Nude (3 Pack), Nude (3 Pack), Black (3 Pack), Black, Grey & Nude (3 Pack)

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $36.99 (Pack of three)

6. Start with One Twin at a Time

As a new parent or one who is having your first pair of twins, it is advisable that you start gradually, with a twin at a time to the breast.

Once each twin is latching properly and you feel comfortable, start trying to feed the other twin at the same time.

Be patient with yourself and know you will master breastfeeding twins at the same time. It is a skill like any other and simply requires practice.

7. Use a Breastpump Only When Necessary

Before you consider using a breast pump, be sure it is needed.

Mothers panic, saying their breasts don’t produce much milk and they are afraid they are not making enough for the twins.

it takes a few days for your milk to come in. The most effective way to establish a strong milk supply is to latch them properly and encourage your twins to feed often.

The woman lactation process actually generates more milk with the demands placed by the suckling mouth(s). Breast pumps are just not as effective at expelling milk from the breast.

In the early days, encourage your twins to breastfeed often. These early days will determine how much milk your body makes. It is a supply and demand system established during the first days. That is also why learning how to latch your twins on is so important from the beginning.

So, before you go for a pumping aid, be sure you need it.

When it is time to begin pumping, we recommend you use the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump with On the Go Tote.

It is an awesome all-in-one system.

Medela is the most well-known and recommended brand on the market. All of their products come with a lifetime warranty and their service department is excellent.

While the bag this breast pump comes with may not be your first choice, this bundle is a great deal and has everything you will need to immediately begin pumping.

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $190.93

8. Alternate the kids to the breast

Each of the twins might have different appetite and sucking behavior.

Therefore, alternate which twin feeds from each breast with every feeding. A great way to remember which twin fed from each breast is to wear a simple bracelet or hair tie on your wrist. Assign the hair tie to Twin A. After you have completed breastfeeding your twins, move the hair tie to the other wrist. This will tell you that Twin A should feed on that breast during the next feeding.

9. Get Rest

You need as much rest as you can get.

When your newborn twins are sleeping, you should sleep, as well.

Ask friends and family members to keep up with the daily tasks around the house.

In the early days, your task is to heal your body from birth, breastfeed and care for your new twins. That is a full-time job. Everything else can wait.

10. Ask for Help

Neighbors, friends, co-workers, and family are great helpers in the early days. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Hiring a Postpartum Doula is also an excellent choice.

Postpartum Doulas can help you care for your newborn twins, clean your house, cook and help organize the help of others in your life.

11. Eat and Drink Frequently

Think of your body as just recovering from running a marathon.

Labor is exhausting and you have lost a lot of blood. Now you are trying to make food for two little people.

Allow yourself to eat foods you are craving. Your body may need more salt, protein or fats to recover.

In the early days, we drank lots of Ensure High Protein Nutrition Shake with 16 grams of high-quality protein, Meal Replacement Shakes.

We loved them because they did not contain milk and thus did not need to remain refrigerated. We kept them on our nightstand and drank them during the night when we woke up hungry.

Product Details:

Flavors: Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla

Price: $31.94 for 24 8oz Bottles

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Drinking lots of water is one of the best ways to ensure your body will produce enough milk.

Breast milk is composed of 90% water.

During birth and for days after giving birth, your body will lose a lot of blood. Blood is composed mostly of water. Therefore, you will likely be extremely dehydrated.

One of the biggest factors that will affect your milk supply in the early days is your water intake. This is a crucial time as your body is figuring out how much milk to make for your twins. If you are severely dehydrated in the early days, your body will not establish the correct amount of milk supply.

You will probably notice that soon after you begin breastfeeding your twins you will become thirsty. The oxytocin that your body releases during breastfeeding is responsible for triggering your thirst. This is your body’s natural way of ensuring that you are getting enough water to make breast milk.

As soon as you can, begin rehydrating your body. This can easily be done simply with water. During breastfeeding one baby, you should drink an extra quart, or 32 ounces, per day.

12. Start Preparing Before Your Twins Arrive.

Preparation is key. Create a plan now to ensure you will have all of the tools and people in place when your twins arrive.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People who love you will want to feel needed and your twins will benefit from it, as well.

The post 12 Tips for Breastfeeding Twins appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

There are a few things you can do to prepare for your twins and ensure that you will be successful at breastfeeding them.

You CAN Breastfeed Your Twins

When I was pregnant with my twins, friends and even nurses would take one look at my breasts and my small physique and say, “There is no way your little body will be able to make enough milk to feed twins! You should stock up on formula now!”

I felt defeated before I had even begun.

However, I was determined to master breastfeeding twins and so I decided to learn everything I could about breastfeeding and get a plan in place for the day my boys arrived.

I am pleased to say my little 130lb body (when pregnant) gave birth to two healthy little boys and I breastfed them for 20 months.

The reason I was so successful was in large part to these 10 tips. While many well-meaning people will complicate breastfeeding, it is a very innate, natural action and one you can expect to quickly learn and feel comfortable with.

1. Use a Breastfeeding Pillow Designed for Feeding Twins.

My Brest Friend Supportive Nursing Pillow For Twins 0-12 Months, Plus-Size was the most helpful tool of all. It is soft and provides plenty of room for both babies. The strap is also awesome, as it keeps the pillow in place while you move your twins around and help them latch on correctly.

Colors: Light Green (Pictured), Dark Grey, Light Grey, Fireworks, and Black and White

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $58.04- $67.99

Amazon Rating:

2. Wear Easy Access Nursing Tops and Nursing Bras.

In the beginning, you will find soft, comfortable 2-in-1 nursing tops with built-in bras to be extremely useful. While you are learning how to breastfeed your twins and your twins are feeding to often, you will find yourself constantly needing to expose your breast to feed. These tops also make it simple to breastfeed both twins at the same time.

Caramel Cantina 3 Pack Women’s Nursing Cami Built in Bra is a great 2-in-1 soft tank top and nursing bra. You can wear it by itself or under another loose top. It comes in many sizes and colors, thus matching everything. You will want to buy at least a few packs of these because in the beginning, milk will leak and babies will spit up on you.

Colors: Black, White and Charcoal (3 Pack), Navy, Burgundy and Teal (3 Pack), Black (3 Pack)

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $36.99 (Pack of three)

Amazon Rating:

Having plenty of comfortable nursing bras is also important. When your milk supply is first coming in and your twins are learning how to breastfeed, it will messy. You will find yourself often needing to change your bra. You will also need to wear a bra all the time in the beginning because your breasts will leak milk.

Therefore, you will want to have comfortable bras you can wear all day and night.

The 3 PACK Full Bust Seamless Nursing Maternity Bras with Extenders & Clips is the perfect nursing bra bundle.

We recommend you buy at least three of these packs to get started. The extender will be great right after you give birth before you lose your pregnancy and while your milk supply is adjusting. The clips allow you to connect the two straps in the back to hide them when wear tank tops or other sleeveless shirts.

Colors: Black, Pink & Nude (3 Pack), Nude (3 Pack), Black (3 Pack), Black, Grey & Nude (3 Pack)

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $36.99 (Pack of three)

Amazon Rating:

3. Have Plenty of Breast Pads and Nipple Cream on Hand.

When your milk first comes in and your twins begin breastfeeding twins, your body may make more milk than your twins will need. Often, mother’s of twins find their breasts leak a lot in the beginning.

Breastpads will absorb the leaking milk and keep wet stains from appearing on your clothing.

There are two main types of breast pads new mothers can choose between: disposable and reusable.

Disposable breast pads are intended for one time use. Reusable breast pads can be washed and reused.

Lansinoh Nursing Pads, 4 Packs of 60 (240 count) Stay Dry Disposable Breast Pads are by far the most well-known and most absorbent breast pads. We suggest you buy them in bulk because you will use quite a few during the first few months.

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $28.48

Amazon Rating:

If reusable breast pads seem to be your preferred choice, the Organic Bamboo Nursing Pads (14 Pack)+Laundry Bag & Travel Bag bundle is a great choice. Reusable breast pads will end up saving you a lot of money, but you must be willing to do some extra laundry.

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $12.99

Amazon Rating:

When you and your twin babies are first learning to breastfeed, the babies often do not latch properly. This can cause you nipples to become sore and sometimes cracked. By keeping your nipples lubricated with a good nipple cream, they will heal more quickly and help you and your twins quickly experience the joys of nursing.

We have found Motherlove Nipple Cream Certified Organic Salve for Sore Cracked Nursing Nipples to be the best and safest on the market. It is 100% organic and cruelty-free in their testing practices. It is all natural and doesn’t need to be washed off before breastfeeding.

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $10.40

Amazon Rating:

4. Use a Quality Breast Pump

One of the items moms of twins should invest in is a hospital grade breast pump. Even if you are not planning on bottle feeding your twins in the beginning, a breast pump may be needed if one of your twins needs to stay in the hospital after birth or if you want to increase your milk supply.

The Medela Pump in Style Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump with On the Go Tote is an awesome all-in-one system. Medela is the most well-known and recommended brand on the market. All of their products come with a lifetime warranty and their service department is excellent.

While the bag this breast pump comes with may not be your first choice, this bundle is a great deal and has everything you will need to immediately begin pumping.

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $190.93

Amazon Rating:

5. Meet with a Lactation Consultant as Soon as Your Twins are Born.

As soon as your twins are born, you will be moved into a postpartum room. That is when you should immediately ask to see a Lactation Consultant.

The Lactation Consultant will help you learn how to hold each twin, get them to open their mouths wide and latch properly. By getting this teaching during your very first feeding, you will save yourself from pain and frustration. While you may feel extremely excited about breastfeeding your new babies, we highly recommend, you wait for the Lactation Consultant.

Generally, as a mother of twins, she will try to come see you as soon as you arrive in your room. She will sit with you and warmly walk you through the process of breastfeeding your twins.

Throughout your stay, we suggest you ask the Lactation Consultant to periodically observe you while you breastfeed each of your twins.

During the first days, be patient with yourself and your babies as you all learn together.

Before leaving the hospital, the Lactation Consultant should provide you with the number to a consultant in your area. You can also look up Lactation Consultants in your area here.

6. Master Breastfeeding One Twin at a Time.

When you are first learning how to breastfeed your twins, we recommend you feed them one at a time until they are both latching on correctly. This usually takes 4 or five days.

The Lactation Consultant will help you know when you are ready to begin feeding your twins at the same time. While you may feel motivated to quickly begin feeding them together, it will be much easier if you take your time and focus on each individual twin first. You will have many amazing months of feeding them at the same time.

6. Learn to Breastfeed Your Twins Together.

As soon as you feel comfortable feeding each of them individually, it is time to learn how to breastfeed them at the same time. This might seem difficult at first, but it will save you hours each day while your twins are eating every few hours.

When your twins are first born, they will sleep often and very soundly. In order to get them on the same schedule, we let the first twin to awaken determine when to feed them both.

When one twin wakes up hungry, gently wake the other one as well. It may be difficult at first to get the second one to wake up, but once they are both awake, offering them each a breast. Almost always, they will both feed.

If you continue to wake the second twin up when the first one is hungry, you will quickly get your twins on the same schedule. It will be an amazing feeling when this process begins to become easy. You will get more sleep and your breasts will both be emptied at the same time.

As your twins get older and begin to develop head control, breastfeeding them becomes even easier. The early days of breastfeeding are the hardest, but going slowly and taking the time to use proper techniques and practices will benefit you immensely in the future.

7. Drink Lots of Water to Maintain Your Milk Supply.

Breast milk is composed of 90% water.

During birth and for days after giving birth, your body will lose a lot of blood. Blood is composed mostly of water. Therefore, you will likely be extremely dehydrated.

One of the biggest factors that will affect your milk supply in the early days is your water intake. This is a crucial time as your body is figuring out how much milk to make for your twins. If you are severely dehydrated in the early days, your body will not establish the correct amount of milk supply.

You will probably notice that soon after you begin nursing your little one you will become thirsty. The oxytocin that your body releases during breastfeeding is responsible for triggering your thirst. This is your body’s natural way of ensuring that you are getting enough water to make breast milk.

As soon as you can, begin re hydrating your body. This can easily be done simply with water. During breastfeeding one baby, you should drink an extra quart, or 32 ounces, per day.

When breastfeeding twins, you should drink an additional 64 ounces of water each day.

In the early days, breastfeeding can take a long time. It will be hard for you to get up to get yourself water during long stretches of time. Always have a glass or a bottle within arms reach so you don’t have to sit there thirsty until everyone is done nursing.

8. Take Natural Supplements if You need to Increase Your Milk Supply.

Milky Way Natural Breastfeeding Supplement for Lactation Support is formulated to help the body naturally increase your milk supply. Their advanced formula contains super-effective herbs, such as fenugreek, alfalfa, fennel, nettle, milk thistle and more. of all the natural supplements intended to increase milk supply, this has the most complete blend.

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $22.90

Amazon Rating:

Another excellent way to increase your milk supply is by drinking tea specially formulated to help your body make more milk. Pink Stork Lactation: Smooth Vanilla Nursing Support Tea -Organic Loose Leaf Tea is a delicious choice that tastes great hot or cold.

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $11.99

Amazon Rating:

In summary, breastfeeding twins will be one of the most rewarding and bonding experiences of your life. While you await the arrival of your babies, you may begin to feel worried that you will not be able to breastfeed them. That is normal.

The 8 tips I have outlined above will help you to prepare for your twins and begin breastfeeding them with confidence from the very beginning.

By purchasing the items above and preparing to immediately reach out to the lactation consultant in your hospital, you will begin the journey of breastfeeding your twins with confidence.

The post 8 Simple Tips for Successfully Breastfeeding Twins appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

Breastfeeding twins is an incredible way to ensure your twins health and can be done.

There it was again–another look of disbelief. Melinda’s confidence dipped a little lower with each look or thoughtless remark: “You’re not going to nurse twins, are you?” or “You’ll have your hands full enough without nursing.” Already exhausted from a lack of sleep–it was hard to get comfortable at night–Melinda was especially vulnerable to negative remarks. Melinda’s concerns–sleep and milk–are not unlike those of thousands of other mothers who eventually find nursing twins one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. In the beginning, however, the reality–sleep, milk production, emotions and a dramatic change in lifestyle–can be overwhelming.

“When I was breastfeeding my twins, I felt like I had my shirt off 24 hours a day,” recalled Jean Dosdos, a breastfeeding support volunteer through the West Palm Beach Mothers of Twins Club in West Palm Beach, Fla. “I know how frustrating it can be for new moms of twins, and that’s why I volunteer. I know it’s a tremendous help to have that support and encouragement. Otherwise, new moms would quit trying after two or three weeks.”

The Proper Technique for Breastfeeding Twins

Breastfeding Twins is simply a skill you must learn to do correctly.

As soon as your twins are born, you will want to have a Lactation Consultant come in to your hospital room. She will show you how to properly hold each twin, position his or her mouth around your nipple and latch properly onto your breast.

The first steps to successfully nursing twins are to seek out supportive family, friends and an encouraging Pediatrician; get accurate information; and turn a deaf ear to negative remarks.

Talk to other mothers who are nursing twins a couple of months older than yours. Join a Mothers of Twins club and attend La Leche League meetings before your delivery.

Carol Huotari, accredited La Leche League leader and an international board certified lactation consultant, said that commitment is essential to successfully breastfeeding twins. “A migratory field worker pumped her milk three times a day in the bus and the other workers laughed at her, but her commitment was strong and her twins were the healthy ones who didn’t have ear infections.”

Set Goals to Ensure You Will Be Successful at Breastfeeding Your Twins

“Are you going to nurse exclusively for six months? A working mother may supplement with bottles. Think it through and decide what will work in your life,” Huotari advised. Success is defined differently for every mother.

Be Patient with Yourself While You are Learning How to Breastfeed Your Twins

While still in the hospital, talk to a Lactation Consultant about your goals, concerns and lifestyle.

Ask that she be there when you first nurse and ask for a home visit if you have preemies.

Contact your local Lactation Consultant Organization to schedule home visits.

The Lactation Consultant in the hospital will guide you through the first sessions.

These are the learning times for you and your twins. Your newborn twins are trying to latch on and you are establishing your milk supply.

“With twins in the football hold position, you can really watch what they are doing with their mouth,” Huotari explained. As they grow you may find more comfortable positions.

Preemies may take a little longer to latch on since their sucking instinct may not be fully developed. In that case, you may need to pump your breasts to get the milk flowing.

You Will Have Enough Milk to Breastfeed Your Twins

When your twins latch on well and nurse effectively, your milk supply will quickly build.

It is a case of demand and supply. The greater the demand, the more milk you supply. Expect to nurse your newborn twins about 10 to 12 times in a 24-hour period.

Until your twins learn to latch on, it may be a good idea to nurse them one at a time.

“It really helps mothers to individualize their twins and see who’s who. Each baby has a different nursing style,” Huotari said.

Know Which Twin Nursed When and on Which Breast

Whether you continue to nurse them individually or simultaneously, you do it you need to be organized about it. Keeping track of who nursed first and at which breast helps you know how they are feeding.

Each of the twins might have different appetite and sucking behavior.

Therefore, alternate which twin feeds from each breast with every feeding. A great way to remember which twin fed from each breast is to wear a simple bracelet or hairtie on your wrist. Assign the hairtie to Twin A. After you have completed breastfeeding your twins, move the hairtie to the other wrist. This will tell you that Twin A should feed from that breast during the next feeding.

“I breastfed my 30-month-old triplets, Sammy, Hope and Emma. One of the three is still breastfeeding, one weaned at 13 months, the other at 24 months,” said Sheri Ingalls of Port St. Lucie, Fla.

“To keep my milk supply up, I nursed the babies on demand through the night. It also alleviated some of my concern over the babies getting enough to eat. During the day, the babies had to be on a schedule so that I could ensure that each one had the opportunity to be first–which was the easiest let-down–and last, which was the longest time on Mommy. If I allowed them to nurse on demand all the time, Hope would have nursed all day and left the smaller ones with nothing.”

Sleep When Your Twins Sleep

Allison Berryhill of Atlantic, Iowa, found nighttime nursing to be a way of life during her twin boys’ most milk-dependent months. “With newborns, I reclined in a pillow-piled Lay-Z-Boy, each boy to a breast, attached for the night. I did not get long, uninterrupted hours of slumber, but I was no more sleep-deprived than during the final months of pregnancy when few positions were comfortable.”

Sleep becomes the top priority–after establishing your milk supply and feeding your twins.

The rule for mothers of twins is sleep when your twins sleep.

You’ll get more rest if you can learn to nurse lying down in bed and if you set up a comfortable “nursing station” for the days.

Whether it is a Lay-Z-Boy or a comfortable sofa, you need room to prop plenty of pillows and a footstool for your feet. On a table within easy reach have a telephone, diapers, a notepad for jotting down who nursed first and where, and a snack and a beverage.

A well-arranged nursing station means you won’t have to hop up once you’re settled and you will be more rested.

You Must Take Care of Yourself Before You Can Care for Your Twins

If you become fatigued your ability to keep a positive outlook while coping with the ups and downs of nursing twins diminishes.

You must take care of yourself first.

That means sleeping as much as possible, eating right and drinking plenty of fluids each day.

The number one piece of advice new mothers of twins offer expectant mothers is to get help with the household chores and cooking.

But housework may have to wait. Cooking is something others do for you.

Only you can nurse your twins.

Sleep deprivation and neglecting your basic care just opens the door to depression.

About 10% of women have postpartum depression the first year, but with mothers of twins the figure jumps to 25%, according to Huotari. When you are home and alone with your babies, you can quickly feel isolated and overwhelmed.

Be sure you have a friend to talk with, one who understands the special demands of multiples.

Don’t Give Up

Regardless of how much support you have and how well you prepare mentally, the reality of your new job can be an emotional seesaw and the adjustment definitely takes time.

Huotari offered some sage advice: If you feel like giving up, stick with what you’re doing for three days and then see how you feel. Remember, tens of thousands of nursing mothers say joy does come out of the early chaos.

Sheri summed up: “Don’t listen to other people, not even doctors, when they tell you it can’t be done. You can make enough milk. You can get some sleep. You can have a life! Don’t give up if it’s tough at first, because after your babies are bigger and getting more milk in a shorter period of time, it’s a breeze.”

BREASTFEEDING FAQs

How can I tell if my twins are nursing effectively?

Most newborns breastfeed 10 to 12 times per 24-hour period. They nurse for 15 to 30 minutes at a feeding and swallow after every one or two sucks. A baby who is having difficulty getting enough to eat will not latch on properly, may want to nurse inordinately long and will not swallow often.

How do I know if my babies are getting enough to eat?

After the first couple of days, they saturate six to eight diapers per day and have from three to five bowel movements.

With multiples, it is helpful to keep notes on who nursed at which breast, for how long, and the number of wet and soiled diapers. An electronic scale help your confidence.

Once your milk and their weight gain are established, tracking the nursing schedules and diapers is not essential.

Why are my twins suddenly starving all day and night?

Growth spurts occur periodically; the first may come as early as 10 to 14 days after birth. The next one may surface around four to six weeks and another one around three months.

Prop your feet up and nurse, nurse, nurse on demand. Your milk supply will quickly catch up with your twins’ needs. If, however, you respond with supplemental bottles, your milk supply may not increase to meet the rising demand.

Can I nurse my preemies in the NICU?

Babies develop the ability to swallow when they are 11 to 16 weeks in utero.

The ability to suck follows a few weeks later. The ability to coordinate both actions and breathing comes later still. If your babies are very low birth weight, you may have to express your breast.

Expect to pump for a total of 100 to 120 minutes a day. The NICU will watch for signs that your preemies are ready for nutritive sucking.

The post Breastfeeding Twins: It Can Be Done! appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

“When I was breastfeeding my twins, I felt like I had my shirt off 24 hours a day,” recalled Jean Dosdos, a breastfeeding support volunteer through the West Palm Beach Mothers of Twins Club in West Palm Beach, Fla. “I know how frustrating it can be for new moms of twins, and that’s why I volunteer. I know it’s a tremendous help to have that support and encouragement. Otherwise, new moms would quit trying after two or three weeks.”

Find support
The first steps to successfully nursing twins are to seek out supportive family, friends and an encouraging pediatrician; get accurate information; and turn a deaf ear to negative remarks. Talk to other mothers who are nursing twins a couple of months older than yours. Join a Mothers of Twins club and attend La Leche League meetings before your delivery. A lactation consultant can administer a healthy dose of facts and the wisdom of experience.

Carol Huotari, accredited La Leche League leader and an international board certified lactation consultant, said that commitment is essential to successfully breastfeeding twins. “A migratory field worker pumped her milk three times a day in the bus and the other workers laughed at her, but her commitment was strong and her twins were the healthy ones who didn’t have ear infections.”

Set goals
Knowing your goals is part of the commitment. “Are you going to nurse exclusively for six months? A working mother may supplement with bottles. Think it through and decide what will work in your life,” Huotari advised. Success is defined differently for every mother.

It takes time to learn
While still in the hospital, talk to your lactation consultant about your goals, concerns and lifestyle. Ask that she be there when you first nurse and ask for a home visit if you have preemies. She will guide you through the first sessions; they are the learning times for you and your babies. Your newborns are trying to latch on and you are establishing your milk supply. “With twins in the football hold position, you can really watch what they are doing with their mouth,” Huotari explained. As they grow you may find more comfortable positions.

Preemies may take a little longer to latch on since their sucking instinct may not be fully developed. In that case, you may need to pump your breasts to get the milk flowing.

You will have milk
When your twins latch on well and nurse effectively, your milk supply will quickly build. It is a case of demand and supply. The greater the demand, the more milk you supply. Expect to nurse your newborn twins about 10 to 12 times in a 24-hour period.

Until your twins learn to latch on, it may be a good idea to nurse them one at a time. “It really helps mothers to individualize their twins and see who’s who. Each baby has a different nursing style,” Huotari said.

Know who nurses when and where
Whether you continue to nurse them individually or simultaneously, you do it you need to be organized about it. Keeping track of who nursed first and at which breast helps you know how they are feeding.

“I breastfed my 30-month-old triplets, Sammy, Hope and Emma. One of the three is still breastfeeding, one weaned at 13 months, the other at 24 months,” said Sheri Ingalls of Port St. Lucie, Fla. “To keep my milk supply up, I nursed the babies on demand through the night. It also alleviated some of my concerns over the babies getting enough to eat. During the day, the babies had to be on a schedule so that I could ensure that each one had the opportunity to be first–which was the easiest let-down–and last, which was the longest time on Mommy. If I allowed them to nurse on demand all the time, Hope would have nursed all day and left the smaller ones with nothing.”

Sleep when your twins sleep
Allison Berryhill of Atlantic, Iowa, found nighttime nursing to be a way of life during her twin boys’ most milk-dependent months. “With newborns, I reclined in a pillow-piled Lay-Z-Boy, each boy to a breast, attached for the night. I did not get long, uninterrupted hours of slumber, but I was no more sleep-deprived than during the final months of pregnancy when few positions were comfortable.”

Sleep becomes the top priority–after establishing your milk supply and feeding your twins. The rule for mothers of twins is to sleep when your twins sleep.

You’ll get more rest if you can learn to nurse lying down in bed and if you set up a comfortable “nursing station” for the days. Whether it is a Lay-Z-Boy or a comfortable sofa, you need room to prop plenty of pillows and a footstool for your feet. On a table within easy reach have a telephone, diapers, a notepad for jotting down who nursed first and where, and a snack and a beverage. A well-arranged nursing station means you won’t have to hop up once you’re settled and you will be more rested.

Nurture yourself
If you become fatigued your ability to keep a positive outlook while coping with the ups and downs of nursing twins diminishes. You must take care of yourself. That means sleeping as much as possible, eating right, and drinking quarts of fluids each day.

The number one piece of advice new mothers of twins offer expectant mothers is to get help with the household chores and cooking.

But housework may have to wait. Cooking is something others do for you. Only you can nurse your twins.

Sleep deprivation and neglecting your basic care just opens the door to depression. About 10% of women have postpartum depression the first year, but with mothers of twins the figure jumps to 25%, according to Huotari. When you are home and alone with your babies, you can quickly feel isolated and overwhelmed. Be sure you have a friend to talk with, one who understands the special demands of multiples.

Don’t give up
Regardless of how much support you have and how well you prepare mentally, the reality of your new job can be an emotional seesaw and the adjustment definitely takes time. Huotari offered some sage advice: If you feel like giving up, stick with what you’re doing for three days and then see how you feel. Remember, tens of thousands of nursing mothers say joy does come out of the early chaos.

Sheri summed up: “Don’t listen to other people, not even doctors when they tell you it can’t be done. You can make enough milk. You can get some sleep. You can have a life! Don’t give up if it’s tough at first, because after your babies are bigger and getting more milk in a shorter period of time, it’s a breeze.”

BREASTFEEDING FAQs
How can I tell if my twins are nursing effectively?
Most newborns breastfeed 10 to 12 times per 24-hour period. They nurse for 15 to 30 minutes at a feeding and swallow after every one or two sucks. A baby who is having difficulty getting enough to eat will not latch on properly may want to nurse inordinately long and will not swallow often.

How do I know if my babies are getting enough to eat?
After the first couple of days, they saturate six to eight diapers per day and have from three to five bowel movements. With multiples, it is helpful to keep notes on who nursed at which breast, for how long, and the number of wet and soiled diapers. An electronic scale helps your confidence. Once your milk and their weight gain are established, tracking the nursing schedules and diapers is not essential.

Why are my twins suddenly starving all day and night?
Growth spurts occur periodically; the first may come as early as 10 to 14 days after birth. The next one may surface around four to six weeks and another one around three months. Prop your feet up and nurse, nurse, nurse on demand. Your milk supply will quickly catch up with your twins’ needs. If, however, you respond with supplemental bottles, your milk supply may not increase to meet the rising demand.

Can I nurse my preemies in the NICU?
Babies develop the ability to swallow when they are 11 to 16 weeks in utero. The ability to suck follows a few weeks later. The ability to coordinate both actions and breathing comes later still. If your babies are very low birth weight, you may have to express your breast. Expect to pump for a total of 100 to 120 minutes a day. The NICU will watch for signs that your preemies are ready for nutritive sucking.

The post How to Succeed in Nursing Multiples appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

A study by CDC in 2015 showed that 4 out of 5 women (83.2 percent) have started out breastfeeding their infants, and almost 46.9 percent were able to continue for three months exclusively. 

During the early days after childbirth, the breasts produce colostrum – a thick and yellowish fluid that many call “liquid gold.” The colostrum is protein-rich, low-sugar, and loaded with beneficial compounds that babies need to thrive both early and later in life. Studies show that breastfed infants had reduced risks of asthma, type 2 diabetes, obesity, ear and respiratory infections, eczema, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Not only does it help infants but breastfeeding also has some notable benefits for mothers. It lowers a mother’s risk of developing hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, breast (affects 7,500 women per year), and ovarian cancer (affects around 2,000 women per year). With all of these benefits, you would think that every parent would be breastfeeding by now, but statistics show that such is not the case.

There is still a significant gap or a caveat. In a collection of statistics by Child Trends, parents who are younger, unmarried, have lower educational attainment or live in poverty report low breastfeeding rates. There is also a diversity based on other demographic factors such as ethnicity, maternal age, marital status, and maternal education play a significant role in the decision of whether or not to breastfeed.

For some women, breastfeeding is not an option. Some choose not to. Some are physically unable to produce enough milk, no matter how much effort and preparation they put into it. There are also cases when women have medical conditions when it’s best for them not to breastfeed. The decision to breastfeed or formula-feed is based on a woman’s comfort level, specific medical conditions, and lifestyle. Judgement from others shouldn’t be a factor.

Your parenting journey is as unique as you, and though challenging as it could be, it should be one that strengthens the connection between you and your baby. 

10 TIPS FOR BUILDING A STEADY MILK SUPPLY THROUGH BREASTFEEDING

Mothering twins and multiples comes with unique challenges. Breastfeeding one baby is one thing but what if you’re feeding two of three? We understand that mothers worry about producing enough breast milk, and here are a few tried and tested tips for creating more fluids and building a steady supply, fast.

1. Start immediately 

The breastfeeding journey starts right after your baby is born, so don’t wait. Your infant is used to feeding on demand through your placenta. Now that she is out of your womb, you need to establish skin-to-skin contact and develop a pattern by offering your breast so that he or she can immediately receive the immunologic advantage of your colostrum, especially crucial in this new environment where infections and diseases abound. Introducing your breast during the first hours of life also trains them to suck more vigorously, which is essential to establishing supply and demand. With this, you even start stimulating his digestion and a regular bowel movement.

2. Nurse on demand

This is where you will see the magic of the breastfeeding journey. The more your infant nurses, the more milk your breast will produce. So if you’re worried about not being able to provide enough for your twins or multiples, believe me when I say, “You can!” and that there will be enough as long as you take their cues, which boosts milk production faster than you expect.

3. Pump in between nursing periods

While this might leave you sore for the next three days to a week, it is essential to building an enormous supply that meets your baby’s needs. After every nursing session, we advise that you pump for an additional 10-20 minutes to fully empty your breasts, signaling for your body to make more milk. 

4. Eat and drink more

The saying, “You can’t give from an empty cup,” is authentic. Caring for newborns is a tedious job, which might leave you a little less concerned about your well-being, which is counterproductive when you are trying to establish a sufficient milk supply. Prioritize eating and sleeping enough because nothing can tank milk supply faster than a dehydrated or undernourished mom. It is also vital to hydrate. Carry a water bottle everywhere you go and drink at least 3 liters to sustain your needs and the babies. 

5. Supplements

Mothers breastfeed their infants because of the promise of nourishment. However, if the mother is not getting adequate nutrients, it could cause malnutrition in her babies. Mothers should have a conscious effort to have sufficient amounts of iodine, vitamin B6, B12, E, folic acid, iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorous thiamine, riboflavin, and zinc, especially those who are not reaching their 2200 daily calorie intake. Plant-based moms need to mind their serving of vitamin B12 because they are only present in animal meat fibers, and are crucial for tissue health, red blood cell production, and brain function. 

6. Munch on lactation cookies

Now, you might wonder, “how on earth can a cookie influence lactation?” I get you. I mean, it’s just a cookie, right? But with the right ingredients, they can do magic. Lactation cookies contain galactagogues (ex. turmeric, oatmeal, fennel seeds, milk thistle, etc.) or substances found in herbs and food that promote lactation. They are usually combined with some ingredients such as brewers yeast, which are rich sources of B vitamins, chromium, selenium, and protein that boost energy and the immune system. You will also see flax seeds for fiber and omega fatty acids that promote healthy digestion, heart health, and cholesterol improvement. Wheat germ for zinc helps prevent post-partum depression and boosts increased immunity.

7. Massage your breasts

A breast massage or compression therapy while nursing is a great way to push more milk out and evenly empty the breasts. 

8. Get lots of rest!

Breastfeeding or not, you need your sleep, mom! Ideally, try and get 7-8 hours per day, and add naps when you can. When you are sleep-deprived, your body releases a hormone called cortisol, the stress hormone, which may decrease milk supply. Adjusting your sleep patterns to support your twins isn’t always easy but do what you can to get some extra z’s when you can. Engage family members to help, or sleep when the twins sleep to allow your body to heal and recover.

9. Don’t play favorites

Some breasts produce more milk than the other, that’s normal, but it doesn’t mean that you’ll abandon the other just because the other performs better. Remember that our breasts react to stimuli. The more our babies nurse, the more we produce. If the boob is not producing enough, all the more you need to offer it to your infant so that it gets the stimulation, it needs to provide more. Another option is to pump on that side that’s not producing enough milk.

10. Get expert help

In conjunction with your doctor, a lactation consultant is someone you can get advice and opinions from when it comes to milk supply issues. She can point out where you’re lacking, what you can improve, what latching position is more beneficial, and what techniques you need to undertake as best practices. Supportive as he may seem, your spouse doesn’t really have the experience to provide a piece of sound advice on the matter, and we have to accept that.  

Each person’s journey in life is unique, and breastfeeding is no exception.

Choosing to breastfeed or otherwise is a personal choice. Whether your reason not to breastfeed is because of underlying medical complexities, or because it’s just not in your comfort level, whatever you choose is okay. You’re a parent who wants what’s best for your family, and breastfeeding should not be the ultimate gauge for your child’s love.

Be kind to yourself and embrace motherhood. It’s the best role there is!

The post 10 Tips to Increase Your Milk Supply When Pumping for Twins appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

Here are some suggestions to help ensure that your kids get the adequate nutrition they need to thrive, even if you can’t breastfeed or have a low milk supply. 

Get breastmilk from a donor

Milk from another mother is the next best thing to your milk. It is more suitable than any cow’s, goat’s, camel’s, or plant-based milk, even when they are highly fortified. Parents may opt for wet nursing or having their child nurse from another mother. If the idea of latching from another seems taboo to you, you may get milk from milk banks instead. Milk banks receive donations from other mothers, to support and help pre-term and ill babies. Milk banks screen donor mothers for HIV and other illnesses so that receiving mothers can rest assured that the milk isn’t compromised. The milk gathered is also pasteurized to guarantee safety and cleanliness.

Use a Supplemental Nursing System (SNS)

When you are trying to breastfeed but don’t have enough milk flowing, you can use the Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) instead. With SNS, a thin feeding tube is attached to a formula bag or a bottle, that you place next to your nipple as your baby feeds. This method is used to ensure that the baby gets the nutrients he needs and solidifies the mother-infant bond. It also helps establish proper sucking.

Pump and store

Pumping breastmilk and storing it for the baby to feed through a bottle gives flexibility for those families whose moms cannot be with their infants all the time. This is an opportunity for dads and other family members to bond with the baby and while still providing milk (although not exclusively).

Formula-feed

Formula is the most popular alternative to breastfeeding. It is a powdered and fortified version of an animal’s milk (cow, goat, carabao, camel). It mimics all the nutrition found in breast milk, save for the colostrum and antibodies, so you can rest assured that your baby is nourished. This is much easier than breastfeeding and is especially beneficial for single working moms or babies with latching issues. In choosing a formula, you have three options: organic, inorganic, and homemade. The first two are similar in nutritional density, but the organic version usually uses ingredients that are not genetically modified or are free from pesticides. On the other hand, the homemade formula is a combination of broth and milk, which are nutrient-rich, fresh, and easy to digest for the baby. These excellent sources of proteins, healthy fats, and probiotics are made using chicken broth, lactose, raw milk, coconut oil, EVOO, cod liver oil, water, cream, expeller-pressed sunflower oil, and egg yolks.

Each person’s journey in life is unique, and breastfeeding is no exception. Again, choosing to breastfeed or otherwise is a personal choice. Whether your reason not to breastfeed is because of underlying medical complexities, or because it’s just not in your comfort level, whatever you choose is okay. You’re a parent who wants what’s best for your family, and breastfeeding should not be the ultimate gauge for your child’s love.

So be kind to yourself and embrace motherhood. It is the best role there is!

The post Trouble Breastfeeding? What to do if you are struggling to breastfeed your twins appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

In the early days of feeding two newborns, it might be necessary to pump every two hours in order to build your milk supply. This might sound cumbersome, but pumping may be a critical part in maintaining a substantial milk supply for two babies.

There’s a fair amount of trial and error in pumping for twins. You will eventually see what works best for your body and your family’s schedule. But, there are plenty of tips that can help you get started with a solid foundation. Then you can make adjustments as you need to.

How to successfully pump for two 

If you’re pregnant with twins or know someone who is pregnant with twins, or currently trying to juggle pumping for twins on your own, keep reading. I’ve got a few tricks to share that will help take the guesswork out of pumping and help you get started on the right foot.

Pumping is hard work, and it is going to take up a good portion of your day. There are no shortcuts. But you just gave birth to twins, so you’ve got this. Note that committing to pumping is half the battle. 

The more often you do it, the more efficient you’ll become. Getting in and out of all that equipment will become second nature, and your body will start to produce milk as it reacts to the pumping. 

Again, you’ll have to adapt a schedule to your lifestyle, depending on other children, work, etc. Experts suggest starting to pump as soon as you’re able to, even though your babies might not develop an appetite for three days after being born. 

Here’s a basic schedule that you can start with, then tweak as necessary:

• 7:00 am Pumping Session #1
• 9:00 am Pumping Session #2
• 11:00 am Pumping Session #3
• 1:00 pm Pumping Session #4
• 3:00 pm Pumping Session #5
• 5:00 pm Pumping Session #6
• 7:00 pm Pumping Session #7
• 9:00 pm Pumping Session #8

Most mothers that are pumping for twins also do one or two late-night pumping sessions. At least one of these sessions should be done between midnight and 6 am, when a spike in the breastfeeding hormone prolactin occurs. 

As you get into the pumping routine and establish your milk supply, you’ll be able to pump more quickly and efficiently. This means less pumping throughout the day. 

Things to keep in mind

As you adjust your schedule and make it work for you, these are a few things that you’ll want to ask yourself to help find the perfect balance:

• What are the times during the day that you have help?
• How much are your babies eating?
• Are you able to breastfeed at all?
• When are you sleeping and eating?

Helpful tips

Pumping requires a few supplies, a considerable of time, and most importantly patience. Many new moms find it particularly difficult to spend so much time sitting. This can lead to overthinking and second-guessing every single aspect of pumping. 

Worry can make things extra hard, so here are a few pointers that can help you pump successfully:

Pump frequently

Creating enough breast milk for your babies is all about supply and demand. The more you pump, the more your body will make. If you’re concerned about when you will find the time, you have options. 

1. Power pumping is when you pump for 10 minutes at a time two to three times over the course of an hour (or even longer). 
2. Pumping after your little people nurse is another option to up the ante. The more milk you express, the more breastfeeding hormones (prolactin) you will create, and the more breastmilk you will make.

Research the best types of breast pumps

Most health insurance companies will give you a pump. If not, social media is an excellent resource for learning about breast pumps. This is a good time to rely on what other twin moms recommend. 

Do not share breast pumps (or buy used devices) unless they are safe for multiple users. Most breast pumps are meant for use by only one person, meaning you should not share them with family or friends. If the breast pump is contaminated and only intended for a single user, it can cause you or your baby to develop an infection. 

Pump at the hospital or birthing center

Make sure you do your first pumping session at the hospital. You don’t need to bring your pump with you as most hospitals provide a pump for you to use while you’re there. 

They will both have lactation experts on hand to show you how to do it correctly, which is imperative for pumping success.

Extra parts

When you pump at the hospital or birthing center right after having your baby, they will give you your own set of parts to use. Take these home and rotate them in with your parts so that you don’t have to wash them as frequently throughout the day. 

If you don’t have extra parts, you can keep yours in the fridge after each pump break and then do one wash at the end of the day. Properly cleaning your parts is essential, so you’ll want to allow enough time to do it right. 

Ask for help

Don’t be shy about asking for help. All of those people offering up their help mean it. Your spouse, family, friends, and neighbors are all ready and willing to watch your babies for a little bit while you pump. Make sure to rest and eat while you have extra eyes and hands around, too!

Set up shop

Identify an area of your home or workspace that you’ll use for pumping. Stock up with snacks and activities or things you can work on while you’re pumping. Sitting still for so much time may be the hardest part. 

Pumping breaks are also a great time to eat or nap, so keep snacks around and make sure your pumping area is comfy. Bonus if you keep some foods on hand that can help boost your milk supply. Also, keep a bottle or two of water nearby just in case you forget to bring some with you. 

Use a tracking app

There are many mobile apps available to help you track both your pumping sessions and how much milk you’re producing. It can also help keep a record of any supplements you’re taking. In those early, exhausting days you might even find yourself asking if you missed a pumping session. A breastfeeding tracker app can be helpful when this happens. 

Caitlyn’s pumping experience

For my pumping adventure, I found the hardest part to be the mental challenge of it all. If I were more prepared for the time-consuming experience of sitting, then I would have been much more efficient. 

I was able to pump for a little over a year successfully. However, it would have been a more positive experience had I known any of these little tricks beforehand. I hope that some of these will help you make your pumping days a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable. 

Breastfeeding twins is an incredible commitment. Any amount of milk that you’re able to provide your babies is a gift. While breastmilk is ideal for babies, your mental health matters. Please reach out to a healthcare professional if the breastfeeding journey becomes overwhelming.

The post Taking the guesswork out of pumping for twins appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

When it comes to a twin pregnancy, the decision becomes even more difficult. As you get ready to welcome your twins you know there are plenty of unknowns in your near future. What will it be like? Will it be as hard as I imagine? What should I expect? In this article, we hope to shed some light on the pumping vs. nursing debate and hopefully make the decision a little easier.

Some Thoughts on Breastfeeding Twins

Most of us can agree that under ideal circumstances, breastfeeding is a great way to bond with your newborn. But in the case of two babies to feed, it can also be a source of stress. Let’s take a look at some of the ups and downs of breastfeeding twins.

The Up-Side of Breastfeeding Your Twins

Breastfeeding twins is doable. Plenty of twin moms make it work. For many new twin moms, breastfeeding offers them a great way to bond with their babies in the early weeks. Moms who nurse their babies report that they bond very quickly and studies have shown that they even have lower rates of post-partum depression. Breastfed babies get plenty of extra health boosts, including decreased rates of asthma and allergies later in life.

Beyond the health benefits, nursing is an easy way to get your babies fed. No need for thawing and warming, and no need to keep bottles around. Having the ability to feed on demand with no prep is a big asset for many moms. Instead of two crying babies waiting for their bottle to warm, breastfeeding offers instant access to food.

Obstacles to Breastfeeding Twins

Breastfeeding twins does come with some difficulties. Nursing moms will often lament about the time commitment to nursing. You finish one breastfeeding session just in time to start another. Now multiply that times two! Breastfeeding twins is time-consuming in the early weeks. Once moms and babies get more experienced and can tandem feed, it speeds up the process but it can take time to get acclimated.

Keeping up with the needs of your growing infants can also be hard on moms. Nursing exclusively means that as the mom, you can’t really leave the house for any length of time.

A final consideration is the pain and discomfort that comes with nursing. Soreness and tenderness are normal in the early stages of breastfeeding. Although this is usually a brief period of time, it is something to keep in mind.

What About Pumping?

Like breastfeeding, there are many benefits and drawbacks to pumping breastmilk for your twins. Let’s take a look.

The Benefits of Pumping for Your Twins

Opting to pump for your twins gives you the opportunity to feed your babies with a little more flexibility. Although they are not on the breast, babies who get breastmilk by bottle-feeding still get all of the same health benefits as breastfed infants. If you choose to pump, you also have flexibility in terms of WHO can feed the babies. Dad’s, older siblings, grandparents, and other family members can feed the babies and help out. It might even mean mom gets a break!

Pumping also means that moms do not necessarily have to keep up with the babies needs at the moment. By pumping throughout the day, moms can store milk to have ready when babies need it. No worry about supplies running low in a crazy moment of baby hunger.

Pumping Limitations

The biggest complaint parents have about pumping is cost and complexity. Top-of-the-line breast pumps can be pricey, if not covered by your insurance. While some hospitals allow you to rent hospital-grade pumps, the cost can add up over several months.

If you have never used a breast pump before, it can seem daunting at first. Most models have several dials and tubes to figure out. Usually, a read through the manual will set you straight, but knowing how to use your pump properly is important.

Some moms also note there can be discomfort caused by the suction of the pump. When used properly, there should not be much pain but as your nipples adjust to this new task, there can be soreness and tenderness.

Advantages of double pumping

Double pumping is a great way for moms to get the most out of each pumping session. For starters, this method shortens each pumping session by allowing moms to express milk from both breasts at the same time. What’s even better is that studies have shown that when moms double pump, they are able to pump more breastmilk when compared to single side pumping. This is probably in part to earlier and easier “let down.”

Storing, sharing and donating breast milk

While some moms initially may struggle to keep up with their twin’s milk demands, most find over time that they pump much more than they need. This means you can store that extra pumped breastmilk for later use.

You might even find that you pump so much milk that you will be able to use it all before it expires. Because breastmilk should only be stored in the fridge for up to five days (with three days being considered optimal) and a deep freezer for up to a year some moms will have more milk than their babies need. In this case, many moms choose to share or donate their expressed milk. There are many organizations that allow moms to share and donate milk with babies who are medically needy or can benefit from the health benefits of breast milk.

Best Breast Pumps

If it seems that pumping is the right choice for your family, having the right pump is really important. Let’s look at some of the top-selling models currently available.

Medela Pump in Style

The Medela Pump in Style is a great option for moms on the go. It is portable, lightweight and a strong performer. It can be used as a single or double pump and it is considered one of the most comfortable to use.

This model is great for moms who plan to pump multiple times a day, making it a great option for twin moms. It can be found for under $200 and comes complete with a backpack and storage system.

Spectra Baby S2

Spectra breast pumps are regarded by moms and hospitals as one of the best options available. The reasonable price point (under $175) makes it accessible even without insurance coverage. It’s considered a hospital grade pump and has plenty of customization options.

It is a closed system so you do not have to clean the narrow tubing and there is no air flow between expressed milk and pump tubing while pumping. It can be used as a single or double pump.

Lansinoh Smartpump

Another great option for twin moms choosing to pump full or part-time is the Lansinoh Smartpump. This pump can be used as a single or double pump and the suction level can be easily adjusted for moms comfort. A unique feature of this pump is that it connects wirelessly via Bluetooth with the Lansinoh breastfeeding app. The free app helps mom keep track of her nursing trends. The pump sells for under $140.

While the Lansinoh storage system does not come with the pump, you can purchase the storage container set separately.

BabySteps Independent

The BabySteps Independent pump is one of the smallest and quietest on the market. It weighs less than a pound and is quiet enough to pump while baby sleeps. It comes with bottle adjusters to accommodate either wide or narrow bottle tops, so you can use with any bottle system. Use either single or double and adjust the suction depending on your personal preference. With a price under $100, it is a great budget model.

Whether you choose to breastfeed or pump breast-milk, you are giving your babies the health advantage of breastmilk. While there are pros and cons to both options, it is important for moms to choose the feeding method that best meets the needs of your family. There is no right or wrong option, just what is right for you and your twins.

About the Author:

After earning a Master’s in Clinical and Forensic Psychology from Drexel University, Kristen Fescoe began a career as a therapist at two prisons in Philadelphia. At the same time, she volunteered as a rape crisis counselor. After becoming pregnant with twin daughters, she launched a career as a writer, editor and I/O psychologist. Kristen is a community activist and strongly believes that the mark we leave today will be seen for years to come.

The post What’s Right for You and Your Babies: Pumping or Breastfeeding? appeared first on TWINS Magazine.