Breastfeeding twins?

[Kabillion]

Has anyone who has already given birth to twins or going to in the near future know if it is possible to breast feed? I am just wondering if there would be enough milk for both babies and how would one feed them(simultaneously?) Thanks for any thoughts anyone has on this matter.

[racquel]

Thanks for asking the question Kabillion, I'm wondering the same thing. This would be a good one for the double trouble thread too.

I've 'heard' your body will create enough milk for 2 but you do have to consume more calories. I have this vision of both babies feeding at the same time but then how do you burp and change them and deal with the crying? What if one latches on good but not the other? I think this is where a strong partner or helper of some kind is a must -- I'm thinking of consulting with a lactation specialist while still pregnant to come up with a game plan.

I've also heard/read that some women buy or rent a heavy-duty pump so they can share the feeding time with partners - may be a good idea. I tried breastfeeding with my daughter 10 yrs ago but didn't have much success, she had a hard time latching on, I had 'inverted nipples' so that didn't help and it hurt like hell. I'm planning for this go-around to be much better...

good luck! glad to be on this journey with you --Racquel

[JayfromQld]

Hello everyone

I have 5 month old twins which I breastfeed, i use a breastfeeding pillow ( it looks like a lifesaver that goes around my waist). I hold the twins in a football hold. I havent had a problem supplying milk for both of mine but you have to really want to BF because its hard to have to do all the feeds (esp. night feeds) yourself.

Jay

[divinagracia]

Hi I have just had twins 3 weeks ago and I have tried to breastfeed both but unlike Jay I cannot cope with 2 at once I have tried and tried but not getting much luck.

What I am now doing is expressing and putting it in the fridge and then 70% of the time we are feeding them from the bottle. This helps me a lot as when they wake through the night it means hubby helps me feed them

I do know many people who have breastfed twins but as Jay says you really have to want to do it and persevere.

Best of luck

Jen

[Kabillion]

Thanks everyone for all of your stories and tips! You've been a great help.

[DeniseM]

I'm breast feeding my twins, with supplementing with formula. I find it easier to nurse through the night, because then I'm not messing around with bottles.

I use the formula to have a break once in awhile. We started in the hospital with the formula because they were little, and their blood sugars were low, and my breast milk hadn't come in yet. I now have tons, I can feed both, and probably another if I had to, lol.