Breastfeeding Twins – Part 2
Breastfeeding can be tricky when you are feeding multiples and you may have concerns about how you are going to manage. Following on from our previous blog on the same subject, we have more tips to help you cope with breastfeeding multiples…
Feeding Twins
It is easy to feel stressed once your babies start crying for their feed, particularly in the early stages when you are still getting the hang of things. It is so important however to stay calm, because if your babies pick up on the fact that you are stressed, they are likely to take longer to settle.
Make sure that one baby is latched on well, and able to maintain the latch without help from yourself before you place your second baby to the breast. This will make life easier, as if the first baby is not latched on properly, your attention will immediately be distracted from your second baby.
It will generally take a little while until you are confident enough to be able to do this on your own, so in the meantime it is important to have someone there to help you. Having an extra pair of hands available to comfort your second baby while you get the first baby latched on and before you know it you will be a professional at this! Use your pillows, either a nursing pillow or a regular pillow, to keep your babies in position at the breast. Your helper should help you to adjust until you find the position that feels most comfortable. The best position is the one that works for you and your babies!
If you are feeding on demand, you will often find that you are typically only feeding one baby at a time. Occasionally both will demand feeding at the same time.
How To Know Whether Your Babies Are Getting Sufficient Milk
The best indication of a full tummy is to keep an eye on your babies’ nappies. Your health visitor will be able to explain this to you in more detail and show you what to look out for. Essentially, if they are receiving enough to eat, there will be a constant supply of wet or soiled nappies. Learning how to watch what your baby is doing at the breast, i.e. whether they are sucking or drinking, will guide you too. If you are concerned at any point, be sure to reach out and speak to someone for advice and support. This question is something that comes up for all breastfeeding mothers regardless of whether they are feeding a single baby or multiples.
Most Mums Will Experience Problems With Breastfeeding
The majority of mothers will experience problems at some time with breastfeeding. Whether it is difficulty in getting baby to latch on efficiently, sore nipples, or issues with milk production it is crucial that you ask for help straight away. Problems like these will not go away quickly, particularly when you are feeding multiples. You will not be the first or the last person to have problems with breastfeeding. It makes sense to reach out and find solutions straight away, as otherwise breastfeeding could become an unpleasant experience for you when it does not have to be.
The experience and advice you will glean from talking to your health visitor, another mum or a maternity nurse or nanny will prove invaluable to you. You may also wish to consider looking for an established breastfeeding support group in your area.
Be Kind To Yourself!
Finally, yet importantly it is important to accept that it may not be possible to breastfeed your babies, exclusively or in some cases at all. If that is the case for any reason, do not beat yourself up about it, you must be kind to yourself.
It can be incredibly overwhelming to become mum to a single baby, let alone multiples, and becoming a mum to multiples leaves you at higher risk of experiencing postnatal depression. Forget about your housework and cooking meals for your family, sleep when you can and take great care to love and look after yourself. By looking after yourself, you are looking after your babies.
When you receive offers of help from your friends and family, accept with open arms, or better still, reach out and ask for help and support at this precious time when you will need it the most.
