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Nursing Multiples

Give your baby the BEST

BEST for Multiples

Nursing 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 human milk provides. In fact, it’s one of the most important gifts you can give them.

Will my body make enough milk?

Yes! Your body can do amazing things, including make enough milk to feed two babies—or even more. Nursing is based on supply and demand, and the more milk that is removed from your breasts, the more milk your breasts will make. Many mothers have breastfed two babies (or more), and you can do it, too.

How do I do it?

With two breasts, you can nurse two babies at the same time. When your babies are newborn, you might want to start by feeding them one at a time. This will give you time to learn how each baby nurses and help each learn to latch on well. Babies born early sometimes have a harder time learning to latch and stay latched. As you learn how much each baby eats and your babies get better at latching, you will be able to feed them two at a time.

Nursing positions to try

You can try these nursing positions, first with one baby at a time. After you’ve learned which position each baby seems to like best, you can try feeding two babies at once.

Double Football

Lie back in a reclined position with support for your back and neck. Place your babies tummy-down on your stomach with their noses close to your nipples. Allow your babies to lift their heads and attach to each breast.

Sit Upright

Sit upright. Make sure your back and neck are well supported. In this position, both of your babies will be facing the same direction. One will be in football hold (with feet under your armpit) and one will be in cradle hold (with feet under the opposite breast).

Contact support (link to NM WIC Nursing Support) right away for nursing help. Your lactation consultant can help you with questions as well as with latch and position.

Are my babies getting enough?

There are lots of signs to tell whether your babies are getting enough to eat, including weight gain, dirty diapers, and how satisfied your babies seem to be after eating. When you are feeding two babies at the same time, let each baby end the feeding by coming off the breast on their own. A baby who comes off the breast relaxed and sleepy has probably had a good feeding. A baby who comes off the breast crying has probably not latched correctly.

Other tips for nursing multiples

  • Switch off.
    Put each baby on the opposite breast at the next feeding. This helps ensure that both breasts are getting equal stimulation, especially if one baby is a stronger feeder than the other.
  • Stimulate your milk production.
    In the first few weeks, massage and then hand-express or pump both breasts for about 10 minutes after most feedings. This will help your body make more milk for your babies.
  • Fuel up.
    Keep easy, healthy snacks around such as fruits, yogurt, and nuts. Make simple meals such as soup and sandwiches.
  • Accept help.
    Taking care of two or more babies is a huge job. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. Let them watch the babies while you go for a walk or take a shower.

Other Helpful Resources

Nursing two (or more) is very rewarding, but it can also be quite challenging. Sometimes, talking to other nursing parents of multiples can help you get through the hard parts.

Other online forums

La Leche League
Mothers of Super Twins
National Organization of Mothers of Twins Club

You can also talk to your peer counselor to find out about local support groups in your area.