Breastfeeding Multiples
Breastfeeding Challenges
Breastfeeding Multiples
Breastfeeding more than one can be challenging, but you can do it! Because multiples are more likely to be born prematurely, your babies are more likely to need the benefits that breastmilk provides. Learn below how you can breastfeed mutiples.
Benefits of Breastfeeding Multiples:
Having mulitples doesn’t mean you can’t breastfeed. It just may look a little different.
- Choose to feed at the same time or individually.
- Great way to soothe your babies.
- The nutrition of your breastmilk is tailored to the needs of each individual baby.
- Breastfeeding offers major health advantages, especially if multiple babies are low birthweight.
Skin-to-Skin With Multiples:
Skin-to-skin, or kangaroo care, is a biologically normal practice. It is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Importance of Skin-to-skin With Multiples
- It promotes bonding.
- It provides for earlier initiation of the first breastfeeding experience.
- It will help stimulate your hormones that help increase milk supply.
- Can reduce maternal stress and postpartum depression which can occur due to the separation.
Pumping With Multiples:
- Pumping your milk after birth is important to start building your milk supply, which is important when breastfeeding multiples.
- If you are breastfeeding multiples you can ask the hospital for a hospital grade pump, if not available, you can ask your local WIC clinic.
Positions With Multiples:
- Football hold is the most common position when breastfeeding multiples together. Sit on a bed or sofa. Your babies are tucked under each arm and lying along the side they will be feeding on. You can use pillows to help support each baby and your arms.