Breastfeeding Twins

You will wonder if the birth will go smoothly, if your babies will be fit and healthy and especially if these are your first babies, about how you will manage. Ask anyone who's done it: Breastfeeding twins requires more work — and more dedication — than breastfeeding a single baby. We hope these will help you deal with the challenges of breastfeeding and parenting your babies. You may worry that you won't produce enough milk to nourish more than one baby.
In multiple ways, breastfeeding is important for vulnerable babies. Does breastfeeding take more time than bottle feeding? Can one woman produce enough milk?

People sometimes doubt that it's possible to make enough milk for two babies. A flexible schedule is best and feeding your babies at the same time is the most economical use of your precious time. Knowing how breastfeeding works will help you understand how this is possible, can give you the confidence to continue breastfeeding even when your babies are demanding and you, begin to question your milk supply. Some mothers find that letting the hungrier baby dictate the time of the next feed for both works best.
The basic rule about milk production is supply=demand, a short way of saying that the more often a baby feeds at your breast and removes milk, the more milk is made. This is why mothers of multiples are able to make enough milk for their babies. The extra stimulation of two babies sucking means that your body will produce the extra milk they need. Understanding that supply equals demand can reassure you that those extra feeds your babies are asking for will help you make enough breastmilk to meet their growing appetites. It's a good idea to alternate breasts with every feeding, especially if one twin is a stronger feeder. When a baby sucks at the breast, two hormones are released: prolactin, which stimulates milk production and oxytocin, which releases the milk from the breast. With the let-down working efficiently, it requires little effort for a small to obtain milk. Start expressing within 24 hours of the birth and ensure that the milk is fed to your babies. If you breastfeed when your babies want to eat, you can trust your body to supply enough milk.

Regardless of how you feed, your babies need to be correctly attached to the breast. If your babies aren't emptying your breasts, you may need to pump. Feeding your babies one at a time in the early days will give you a chance to concentrate on one baby and one breast and to learn the signs of correct attachment.

Lactation consultants and doctors can tell whether your babies are getting enough milk by how much weight they gain. Have your pediatrician check your babies' weight if you're concerned.
You may find it helpful in the beginning to keep a chart of feeding times, which baby was on which breast last, and how many wet diapers each baby has had.

Soreness is caused by incorrect latching on, not the number of babies you're nursing. If you do get sore nipples, treat them with a combination of breast milk and purified lanolin, such as Lansinoh. The milk will help heal cracks and kill bacteria.

Happily, breastfeeding brings you in close contact with both babies and can help speed up the attachment process. Get support teams in place before your babies are born. If your babies have to be cared for in the hospital and you're unable to nurse right away, start pumping your milk on the first day. 
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