How do you Manage your Breast : Breastfeeding twins
You might have heard that mothers of multiples spend a lot of time trying to decide which breast to use for which baby at which feeding. While it is possible to keep track of this information, it might not be wildly necessary. Some mothers try to relax by simply assigning a breast to a baby.
Breastfeeding twins For example: Baby A gets the right side for the first half of the day, switching to the left after six o’clock in the evening. Baby B starts on the left and switches to the right. This ensures that your milk supply is built in the same manner for both sides.
Remember, babies nurse differently. Other parents rotate per day, some per feeding. The system you choose really is up to you. The rotation gets a bit trickier when more than two babies are being fed. Fortunately, most mothers of triplets or more say that once you learn a rotation, it is simple and actually can help to keep you sane while trying to feed multiple babies. For example, start Baby A on the right and Baby B on the left; rotate Baby C to the right and Baby A to the left; then rotate Baby B to the right and Baby C to the left, ensuring that each baby had each breast at each feeding. Obviously, you can start in any rotation. Some mothers do one baby at a time, while others prefer multiple babies at a time.
Breastfeeding Positions for Multiple Babies
How you hold your breastfeeding twins or multiples is not vastly different from nursing a singleton. However, there are some things to consider, particularly as the babies get older. Here are some examples of nursing positions for multiples.
Breastfeeding twins : Cradle Hold for Multiples
This is a very basic way to hold your baby when nursing. It is what most mothers think about when it comes to breastfeeding. For multiples, you will need to do it slightly differently.
Each baby will lay from left to right or right to left, according to your preference. The baby at your right breast will be supported by your right forearm, with her head nearing the crook of your right arm.
The baby at the left breast will lay on her sibling, supported slightly by your left hand. A pillow can help to prop the babies up. Use your right hand to help latch the left baby and your left hand to help latch the right baby.
Once the babies are latched, feel free to move until you’re comfortable. As you become more familiar with nursing your ability and comfort level will increase dramatically. Some mothers choose to latch the first baby on alone and then add the second baby.
Breastfeeding twins : Cross-Cradle Hold for Multiples
The cross cradle is similar to the cradle hold. The difference is that you want to support the baby’s head with your hand on the opposite side you are feeding, rather than your arm. So if you are feeding from the left breast, you would use your right hand. This provides you with more control.
Trying the cross cradle with twins might also mean using a different angle than you might with a singleton. Part of this will depend on your dexterity. Figure out what is most comfortable for you and your babies.
Breastfeeding twins : Football Hold for Multiples
The football hold is great for multiples, but some mothers find it more difficult to use. However, it’s great for viewing your babies’ faces and keeping babies off your abdomen if you had a cesarean birth. Another nice perk is that both babies can lay there while you spend an extra minute or two getting one baby latched on at a time. A pillow can be
helpful for propping the babies up. You will probably want a pillow under each baby. Remember to bring the baby to the breast and not the breast to the baby. You do not need to add a sore upper back to the mix right now. With this hold you can also use the cross-cradle type of support on your baby’s head. Place your palm just below your baby’s neck, on your baby’s upper back. Use your hand to help your baby maneuver to the breast and attain the best latch.
Breastfeeding twins : Side-Lying Hold for Multiples
This is a breastfeeding position that most mothers of multiples want to hurry up and learn. This is because
you can try to get some rest while nursing if you can make this work. Truthfully, breast size can be an issue here. The larger your breasts, the easier it is to use this position.
Unlike with a singleton, you will want to lay on your right side, and then tilt backward slightly. Use a pillow to prop your body in place. With your right breast, nurse one baby lying sideways and facing you on the bed. Your other baby will be nursing lying with her face toward your left breast and her body lying on your body, feet to feet.
Tips for Breastfeeding Multiples
There is no doubt about it: Breastfeeding twins is worth it! The minor challenges that can occur for every mother are likely to be increased simply because more babies are involved. Here are some tips for breastfeeding multiples successfully:
- Get help for your home. Let someone else worry about the dishes and dinner.
- Get connected with your local mothers of multiples group.
- Find a lactation professional who has experience with multiples.
- Consider a postpartum doula who has experience with multiples.
- Remember to sneak away, even if it’s just for a shower.
- Be sure you are well hydrated and well fed.
- Consider renting a breast pump to help with milk supply, particularly if your babies were born early.
- Remember to ask for help whenever you need it.
Breastfeeding multiples is one of the hardest things you will ever do, but the rewards are great. Later, as you get familiar with what you are doing, you will be able to do it in your sleep (hopefully, literally!).
If you are feeding on demand and your babies prefer opposite schedules you will have to figure out how you want to handle this situation. Some mothers choose to allow their babies to maintain whatever schedule they naturally prefer. Others prefer to gently mold the schedules closer together.
How do you Manage your Breast : Breastfeeding twins
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