We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Fitness

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Should I Know About Breastfeeding Twins?

By Nychole Price
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,212
Share

Every parent knows that doctors recommend breastfeeding your children for the first year of life. Breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients for proper brain development and a strong immune system. Because twins are often born prematurely and with low birth weight, breastfeeding is especially important. Unfortunately, breastfeeding twins can also be very difficult. It is possible, though, if you learn the different positions to use and find one that accommodates you.

The football hold is the most popular position used when breastfeeding twins. This position involves holding the babies on your forearms with their heads in your palms. Their legs extend behind you with one leg on each side of your arm. Hold your hand upward until the babies are able to latch on. Place a pillow under the babies or use a nursing pillow so that your arms don't tire too quickly.

Another popular hold is the cradle hold, which involves breastfeeding each baby in the standard position with their legs pointing inwards. Their bodies will cross over each other but they usually don't mind, as they were cramped together in the womb. It is recommended to use a pillow in this position as well, so your hands are free to adjust the twins as necessary.

You can also change it up and put one baby in each position. Twins are still individuals and will have preference as to how they like to be held. In the beginning stages, try to have an extra person around to help you pick up or position the babies.

Whenever possible, try to breastfeed each twin individually, at least once a day. This gives you the chance to hold each baby close and bond with him or her as an individual. A good rule of thumb is to breastfeed them together 80 percent of the time, and individually 20 percent of the time. Of course, life takes its course and it may not always be possible.

Mothers of multiples are very busy women. Because of this it is best to keep your babies on the same feeding schedule. When breastfeeding twins at the same time, it frees you up to do other things, such as feed yourself, shower and pick up occasionally around the house. To encourage your babies to eat at the same time, wake up the sibling when one twin wakes up to eat. Eventually, it will work out so their hunger pangs are in sync.

It is always recommended to keep the number to La Leche League handy for any problems you may stumble across. They are a free resource for breastfeeding moms and understand the demands of breastfeeding.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-should-i-know-about-breastfeeding-twins.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.