Breastfeeding twins (or more!) can be both an incredibly rewarding and challenging experience. As a mom of multiples, you’re likely juggling a lot of new routines and responsibilities, and breastfeeding is no exception. But with the right tips, tools, and support, you can nourish both of your babies while also caring for yourself. Here are some helpful tips to make breastfeeding your multiples a little easier and more enjoyable.

If Your Babies Come Early

If your babies are born prematurely and need to spend time in the NICU, it can be an emotional and exhausting experience.¹ Preterm babies often need support with feedings, and you may need to express breast milk until they’re strong enough to nurse directly. While this may not be the birth experience you envisioned, it’s important to know that breastfeeding is still possible for preterm babies, and your milk provides essential nutrition and vital immune support.²

Here are a few things to keep in mind when navigating breastfeeding for preterm babies or babies in the NICU:

• Start Pumping Early: If your babies are unable to breastfeed right away, it’s important to begin pumping early to establish your milk supply. Even if they can’t latch yet, hand expression and pumping help stimulate milk production and ensure your breast milk is available when they’re ready.
• Work with the NICU Team: The NICU staff, including lactation consultants, are there to support you. They can help you learn how to pump effectively, assist with feeding plans, and work with you to transition your babies from alternative feeding methods to breastfeeding as they grow stronger.
• Importance of Skin-to-Skin: Even if your babies are receiving milk through a feeding tube or bottle in the NICU, try to offer skin-to-skin contact or “kangaroo care” as often as possible. This helps to regulate their temperature, breathing, and heart rate, while encouraging bonding and preparing for breastfeeding when they’re ready.
• Be Patient and Flexible: It can feel overwhelming when your babies are in the NICU. NICU stays often mean your babies have unique feeding needs, and transitioning to breastfeeding may take time. Every preterm baby is different, and some may take longer to nurse effectively. Focus on small milestones—like having your babies latch for the first time or getting closer to breastfeeding directly. With time and support, breastfeeding will likely become easier.

Get Comfortable with Different Positions

Finding the right breastfeeding position is key, especially when feeding more than one baby.² Here are a few positions that many moms of multiples find helpful:

• The Football Hold: You hold one baby on each side of you, tucked under your arms (like a football), with their heads at the breast. This is a great position if you need to nurse both babies at the same time.
• The Cross-Cradle Hold: This is a more traditional position where you hold one baby across your lap, supporting their head with one arm while feeding them with the other breast. This can be used to feed each baby separately or in combination with another position, like the football hold.
• Laid Back Position: One or both babies can latch while you lie back, either criss-crossing over your belly or lying to your sides. Use pillows to support your arms, which allows you to rest your whole body while breastfeeding.
• Try Tandem Nursing: Tandem nursing means feeding both babies at the same time. This can save you time and allow you to relax while breastfeeding both babies. It might feel a little awkward at first, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it. A comfortable nursing pillow designed for multiples can help with positioning.

Pro Tip: When one baby wakes for a feeding, try waking the other baby as well. This can help keep both babies on a similar feeding routine, making feeding time more manageable and less time-consuming for you.

Offer Both Breasts

It’s normal for all babies to get sleepy as your breast empties and the flow of milk slows down. But that doesn’t mean the feeding is over or that your baby has had enough milk. When your baby begins to get sleepy and is no longer regularly swallowing, it’s a good time to offer a burp and diaper change, then switch breasts. Offering both babies, both breasts at most feedings can help ensure that you’ll make plenty of milk.³

Take Care of Yourself

Breastfeeding multiples is double the time and work, and it’s easy to forget about your own needs.³ Here’s how to take care of yourself while caring for your babies:

• Rest Whenever You Can: Sleep when your babies sleep. It’s okay to nap during the day, especially in the first few months.
• Drink Plenty of Water: Breastfeeding can make you thirsty, so keep a water bottle nearby and drink often.⁴
• Eat Healthy, Nourishing Foods: A balanced diet helps keep your energy up and supports your milk supply.⁴
• Ask for Help: Breastfeeding multiples is a full-time job, so don’t hesitate to ask for support. Surround yourself with a strong team—whether it’s your partner, family, friends, or a lactation consultant. Support is essential to feeling confident and successful on your breastfeeding journey.⁵
• Get Breastfeeding Help: Working with a Lactation Consultant can provide invaluable support in helping you with latch issues, positioning, milk supply, or any concerns you might have about feeding your babies.

Dealing with Common Challenges

Breastfeeding multiples can bring its own set of challenges.^3,5 But with patience, good information, and support, most issues can be improved or resolved. Here are some common challenges and ways to handle them:

• Keeping Track of Feedings
  • It can be hard to remember which baby fed last, and from which breast! Keep track of feedings using a simple notebook or an app. This will help ensure both babies are getting enough milk and that you’re keeping your milk supply balanced.
• Monitor Wet and Dirty Diapers
  • What goes in, must come out! After Day 5, expect at least 6 wet and 3 yellow, seedy dirty diapers each day. If your babies are having plenty of wet and dirty diapers they are likely getting enough milk. 
• If Supplementation is Needed
  • If supplementation becomes necessary, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider and lactation consultant to create a plan that’s best for you and your babies.⁶ They can offer guidance on how to safely supplement with formula or expressed milk while also helping you develop strategies to boost your milk supply. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support early on—it’s okay to ask for help when you need it, and you don’t have to do it alone. 

Key Takeaways:⁷

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Ultimate Multiples Prep
• Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
• It Takes a Village

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

References