Breastfeeding helps keep you and your newborns healthier, and offers
a unique opportunity for all of you to bond. We hope this overview on
breastfeeding multiples will help get you and your babies off to a great
start.
Before Delivery
You may find it helpful to speak with one of UMC's Certified Lactation Educators before your babies are born. She can go over the basics and address any
concerns you may have about breastfeeding multiple newborns. Community
organizations — like La Leche League and Women, Infants and Children —
can provide additional information before your delivery, and serve as
helpful resources afterward.
In the Hospital
Breastfeed your babies as soon as possible after birth. Try nursing
one baby at a time or two at the same time to discover the method that
works best for all of you. When nursing two at a time, you may find that
the milk letdown generated by the more active nurser helps provide
additional milk to the less active nurser.
Try various breastfeeding positions to see which is most comfortable
for you and your newborns. Common positions for nursing multiples
include:
- The Double Football –
Using your right hand to hold your first baby's head, rest the baby's
back along your inner forearm, with the feet running along your side.
Use your hand to guide the first baby's head to your right breast.
Repeat the same steps on the left side with your second baby.
- Double Cradle –
Cradle the first baby in your right arm to nurse your right breast, with
your baby's belly facing yours and feet resting on your left side.
Cradle your second baby's head in your left arm to nurse your left
breast, resting that baby's feet on your first baby's feet or belly.
- Parallel – Cradle
the first baby in your right arm to nurse your right breast, with the
baby's belly facing yours and feet resting on your left side. Hold your
second baby in a football hold to your left breast, allowing this baby's
head to cradle on the first baby's belly.
If you cannot nurse your newborns immediately after birth, begin
using a breast pump to express milk. This will help you begin to produce
milk so when your babies begin breastfeeding, your body will be ready.
Even if breastfeeding isn't possible right after birth, you can
establish a connection through skin-to-skin contact. When you snuggle
your babies against your skin, you offer them comfort and familiarity
while helping your body begin producing milk.
You can also room in with your babies to start learning their
personalities and feeding cues. Rooming in allows you to nurse as soon
as your babies are hungry and helps your body make milk. Infants and
moms both tend to sleep more restfully when rooming in.
Returning Home
Remember to drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy, and get as much
rest as you can. This is important for your health both as a new mom and
breastfeeding mother. Consider accepting offers of assistance from
friends and family to help care for your newborns.
Keep an eye out for thrush, a whitish yeast infection of the mouth
occasionally found in infants. If one baby has thrush, all should be
treated.
Be careful not to skip feedings, or if you do, use a breast pump to
express milk. This will help you avoid plugged ducts and engorgement —
both of which can be quite painful.
Remember, support is available if you need it! Our Certified Lactation Educators are happy to guide you through any challenges, and community
organizations like La Leche League stand ready to offer help and
encouragement.