Breastfeeding Twins Tips

By Stacie Turner 


Buy  Mothering Multiples.  That is the absolute best resource on nursing twins (or more).
Get the foam EZ-2-Nurse Twins pillow.  Tandem nursing has never really worked for me, but lots of twin mothers swear it makes life easier.  Also know that if you never do tandem nurse you can still do this.
Expect that it is going to hurt at first, even if everything goes well, and stock up on Soothies and Lansinoh.
You will probably need to pump.  Don't mess around and just go rent a good, hospital grade pump.  I liked the  Medela Symphony, which was available for rental at Babies R Us.

Enlist the help of a lactation consultant BEFORE you give birth, but make sure she has experience with twins.
Don't do anything other than nurse.  Have someone else bring you the babies and take the babies away when you are done.  Have someone else change and dress the babies.  Have someone else clean the house and prepare the food and do the dishes.  Your only job should be nursing; don't underestimate how tired it will leave you at first.
Make sure that your partner is on board; someone has to do all that cleaning and cooking and non-nursing baby care.
KellyMom is a GREAT breastfeeding resource.
Set small goals.  Make it one more day; then try for 6 weeks.  At 6 weeks you may feel like you can make it to 3 months.  At 3 months you'll probably never want to stop.
Cut yourself some slack if you have to supplement.  Nursing twins doesn't have to be an all or nothing situation.  Combine nursing, pumping and formula in whatever works for you on that day.  At 1 month my babies were at about 50% breast milk; by 2 months it was up to about 70%; by 6 months it was 100%.


Stacie Turner is a stay-at-home-mother of twins.  You can read all her adventures nursing them, from despair to bliss, at her web site, http://twinkies.bastetweb.com

Article Source: Breastfeeding Twins Tips

Breastfeeding Twins Made Easy - 7 Tips From the Conscious Breastfeeding Guru

By Maire Clements 

As a result of advances in science, such as IVF (in-vitro fertilization), more twins are being born now than than at any other time in history.  Exclusively breastfeeding them can seem challenging, especially if the babies are delivered before they are full term.   A combination feeding plan is more commonly encouraged by medical personnel and those in the lactation community.   Far too many mothers give up breastfeeding, or decide not to start, because the workload of  this breastfeeding, pumping and bottle feeding regimen may work for them over the short term, but not over the long haul.



These 7 tips adapt the principles of "Conscious Breastfeeding" for the mother of twins.


Tip 1: Feed with intention.  The mother should be in charge of ensuring that her baby gets a good feeding each time it is on her breasts.  Many twin babies have spent time in hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Units and are already accustomed to feeding significant amounts of their mother's milk at fairly regular intervals throughout the day.


Tip 2:  Breastfeeding should always be pain-free.  Mothers who control for a quality latch will not have sore nipples or many common issues that occur in the breasts such as engorgement , excessive leaking and areas of congestion.  If each baby is latched-on well when it feeds, the nipples do not hurt and the breasts will be well drained at each feeding.


Tip 3:  Feed the Twins Sequentially.  Breastfeeding one baby after the other will allow the mother to focus on her latch.  She can spend quality time alone with each baby as she ensures that each of them gets a quality feeding.  Ideally, she would start with the one who fed first on the last round at the next feeding.  When that baby has finished eating, she can then feed the other twin.


Tip 4:  Switch sides every 24 hours.   If each baby uses the same breast for a full day, the mother can more easily identify which twin may be having issues with their latch-on; she will then be able to intervene before problems begin to develop in the designated breast for that baby.


Tip 5:  Emphasis should be on Quality of the Feedings, not Pumping.  The babies establish the mother's milk supply.  Pumping only gets a percentage of the milk that is available when the baby feeds directly from the breast.  Breastfeeding combined with pumping and giving bottles of breast milk or formula at every feeding is a recipe for becoming overwhelmed.    The mother of twins is often left feeling exhausted and worried about her milk supply.


Tip 6:  Keep a Diary to help in Evaluating Feeding Patterns.  You cannot improve something unless you have all the facts. Patterns will become apparent when the mother keeps track of what is going on with each of her twins.


Tip 7:  Get Help.  If you are having difficulties, get assistance with your latch and optimizing your feeding patterns.  Let your family and friends feed you, help with the chores and be the entertainment committee for your babies.  Your job is the "Conscious Breastfeeding" of your twins.


Visit The Breastfeeding Salon and sign up for our free Mini Conscious Breastfeeding Course.  Check out the blog and other resources designed to help you to enjoy your breastfeeding experience.  Join the conversation and meet other mothers who have experienced this mother-led feeding style in our unique community, the Conscious Breastfeeding Space

M�ire Clements, RN, IBCLC, the "Conscious Breastfeeding Guru" has been empowering new mothers around their breastfeeding experience for more than 22 years as a lactation consultant, registered nurse and educator in the field of maternal-child health.

Article Source: Breastfeeding Twins Made Easy - 7 Tips From the Conscious Breastfeeding Guru

Parenting Twins and Multiples - Tips for Breastfeeding Twins

By Virginia Winchester 

Everyone knows that breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. However a lot of mothers of twins don't think it's possible. But breastfeeding multiples is not only possible, it is practical. For one thing, it will save you a lot of money on baby formula. Here are some breastfeeding tips for moms of multiples.

The first suggestion is to get a breast pump and use it. Using a breast pump not only increases your milk supply, something that can be a concern to mothers of twins, but it also allows you to stockpile an emergency supply. Hospitals and medical supply stores generally have pumps that you can rent. You want to have a double breast pump, which cuts down the time you spend pumping. Tip #2 is to just relax. You nurse better when you aren't stressed. Have a nice quiet spot, give any other kids toys to play with, walk away from the phone and enjoy the special bonding time with your kids.

This tip is hard for a lot of moms. Ask for help. All babies take a lot of time, especially when they are tiny. Many people say having twins or multiples doesn't double or triple that, but makes it 10 times harder. So, especially when you are establishing your nursing bond with your babies, get help. Let your mom or mother-in-law come over, let your friends bring you dinner, and let your husband help change diapers or bathe the baby. If you having a hard time getting started, don't get frustrated, there are resources that you can use. Hospitals often have lactation consultants, and the breastfeeding support group La Leche League has groups all over.

Along the lines of support groups, there are many support groups for parents of twins and multiples. No one is going to know exactly what you are going through except for other parents who have done it. Not only will you get support, sympathy and a friendly ear to listen, you will also be able to get suggestions for everything from time savers to baby products that work well.

This tip is to remember to take care of yourself. A lot of moms start trying to lose weight immediately. But, if you are going to nurse, you need to keep eating for 3. You can cut down on the calories some, but remember that your body still has to make the milk, and you need the calories and nutrients to do that. So, keep eating healthy and drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps you nurse better. The final tip for breastfeeding twins is, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Moms who have one infant often have a hard time with nursing. With twins, it might take a little more time. But, you can do it. Whether you choose to nurse both babies at once, or one at a time is up to you. It doesn't come down to a right way or wrong way, it comes down to the way that works for you.

Virginia Winchester is a contributor for http://www.twinsandmultiples.com/ your best source for tips and resources for raising twins and multiples. For more articles about planning for twins and multiples, visit http://www.twinsandmulitples.com

Article Source: Parenting Twins and Multiples - Tips for Breastfeeding Twins

Breastfeeding Twins - Eight Handy Tips For The Mother Breastfeeding Twins

By Abhishek Agarwal 

Receiving the news that a baby is on the way brings a lot of joy!  Finding out that two babies are on the way also brings happiness, but combined with a few apprehensions!  Since the new mother is always advised to nurse her young one, the main question in her mind is, "Is breastfeeding twins possible"?

Being fully aware of how she alone is responsible for providing healthy nutrition to both the newborns, difficult as it may be, their mother has to attempt breastfeeding her twins.  A few guidelines should suffice to drive away all fears:

(1)  Talking to experienced family members, friends with multiple births, a lactation specialist and the doctor/doctors who delivered the twins can go a long way in putting her mind at ease regarding breastfeeding twins.

(2)  Their mother has to ensure herself of good nutrition so that her task becomes easier.  Excessive worry may result in an improper diet for their mother.  Since she is breastfeeding twins, she should have good milk flows; otherwise, both babies will not get proper nourishment.

(3)  Diet is directly related to milk production.  A healthy diet ensures good quality and good quantity of milk (23 to 27 ounces per day in a nursing mother).  Around 500 calories are burnt per day.  Hence, if the mother who is breastfeeding twins is undernourished, her own health deteriorates as her body has made milk production its highest priority.

(4)  Water is equally important.  It is important that their mother consumes 3 quarts of water every day.  Going beyond it will bring down milk production.

(5)  Going back to diet again, their mother's diet should consist of 2,500 calories each day.  It is to be increased to 2,800 calories every day if the breastfeeding continues beyond 3 months.

(6)  Instead of eating large meals, scheduling of five small meals is better since there is regular caloric intake.  Their mother's diet can include pieces of fruit, low-fat dairy products and water with each meal.

(7)  Since she is breastfeeding twins, their mother can experience a lot of exhaustion as they need to be nursed every half-hour in the first few weeks following delivery.  She is hardly left with any time of her own.  Added to this is the worry about whether each twin is getting sufficient nourishment and whether she will be able to produce enough milk for both.

(8)  Insufficient milk supply, cracked nipples, sore nipples, and engorgement are certain irritants which can trouble the mother who is breastfeeding twins.  But there is no cause for worry.  These problems may take time to resolve but are not impossible mountains to cross!

Abhishek has seen many childbirths in his huge family! Visit www.Childbirth-Guru.com and Download Abhishek's FREE Report "How To Dress And Look Your Best During Pregnancy!". If you are an expecting mother, or have just delivered, you can get some very valuable information about Pregnancy and Childbirth. But hurry, only limited Free copies available.

Article Source: Breastfeeding Twins - Eight Handy Tips For The Mother Breastfeeding Twins

Breastfeeding Twins Can Be Made Into An Enjoyable Task!

By Apurva Shree 

Having twins is double celebration! However, breastfeeding twins is double hard work! Twins means double tantrums. But, if you know how to handle two tiny tots simultaneously, they give you some of the most wonderful moments of life!

One of the challenges of having two babies is overcoming breastfeeding problems. Will they get hungry together? Will you have to feed them one by one? There are lots of breastfeeding questions lingering in the minds of new moms. Here are some ways to help you handle the task of breastfeeding twin babies.

Making A Breastfeeding Chart

Prepare a visual chart of breastfeeding. This will help you know the time to feed your baby, by just looking at her. In case of twins, you need to prepare two charts. You should talk to your doctor regarding chart preparation. In addition to this, you need to discuss about baby food and baby formula that is right for your baby. It is best to give your milk, instead of giving baby formula for the initial months.

Your chart consists of columns like feeing time, meals fed, amount fed, and other such important details. This way, you will get an idea of the frequency of meals and the time your babies are hungry.

Remember; as your baby reaches 7-12 months of age, she will develop her own taste in food. You have twins does not mean, both of them will develop the same taste. There are common cases where twin have contrasting tastes and behavior. One of them may suck more milk than the other, or have different meal timings. The chart will help you keep a track on your twins' feeding.

Handling Twins' Call Of Hunger

A smart mom will always prepare her baby food in advance. This way, your babies get food instantly when they call for hunger and need not wait and wail loudly. It's a good idea to prepare baby food at home. It's fresh and hygienic, plus loaded with nutrients. Besides this, the food is free of preservatives and is of good quality. If you don't want to create a hubbub in the house by two screaming babies, prepare baby food in advance!

Take the help of your doctor or midwife regarding positions for breastfeeding. You can buy breastfeeding tops as well as breastfeeding cover to ease in this task. Read articles and books on breastfeeding twins and enjoy the task! Breastfeeding twins is no problem, once you master the art of handling them. In fact, you will enjoy the task and have no breastfeeding problems. For more information visit http://www.pregnancy-period.com.

Article Source: Breastfeeding Twins Can Be Made Into An Enjoyable Task!

How to Breastfeed Twins

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

This breastfeeding method allows you to have one hand free to re-latch babies (or even use a TV remote!) This method is especially good for preemies who have trouble maintaining a latch.

Steps

1. Put both babies on the floor on their backs. Sit on the floor in front of them.
2. Put two burp cloths on your breastfeeding pillow (see Things You'll Need).
3. Fasten the pillow around your back with the strap.
4. Undo your bra and pull up or take off your t-shirt.
5. Lift each baby onto your pillow. Do not attempt to latch them on yet.
6. If you would like to sit on a couch, stand up and do so now, holding onto the babies, of course. Otherwise, get comfortable on the floor.
7. Latch on baby A in the cradle position. Put her head in the crook of your elbow (the one resting on the couch arm, if you aren't using the pillow--see Tips), and stretch her body along your stomach, her tummy to your tummy. For clarity's sake we will call this arm your right arm, but it can be either.
8. Put the head of baby B in your right hand. The head of baby B will rest on the stomach of baby A. Baby B is now in the "football" position.
9. Use your left hand to latch baby B and re-latch babies as necessary.
10. When the babies are done, go back down to the floor if you are on the couch with the pillow. Then lift the babies from the pillow to the floor.
11. Alternatively, use the Double Football position: if your babies (especially the cradle-position baby) get too hot doing the above method (which may happen in summertime), use this double-football position and still have a hand free.
    • When it is time to latch baby A, put her head in the crook of your right arm, but stretch her body along your right side. You should use a bed pillow for her feet to rest on back there if she is long enough.
    • Put the head of baby B in your right hand, and stretch her along your other side, using a pillow for her feet if necessary. Both babies are now in the football position and your left hand is still free.

Tips

• It is best to wear an underwire bra that unsnaps for breastfeeding. This will keep your breasts from sliding both to one side or the other, which is a headache.
• If you let the cradle baby down, DO NOT switch the football baby to cradle. If you do this, she will train YOU to always let her eat alone and cradle position.
• You can use a feeding chart to note when the babies have eaten, what position they were in, how much they ate, and whether they had a BM at their diaper change or not. This may seem silly at 4 pm, but at 4 am, it is a godsend because at 8 am you will not remember a thing. You can also put a space on your chart for "med/other" for medicines or any other useful notes.
• If either baby will not eat tandem (that means at the same time), let her down and feed them separately. Don't force them, but do try this tandem position first every time. Or, you can try switching their positions in mid-feeding. I often found the cradle baby a bit happier because she could see me better, so I always alternated who got to be cradle.
• If you have an older child or children who need supervision: childproof the area where you feed the babies, and bring your other children there when you are going to feed the twins. Make sure before you start the feeding that the older kids' toys are within their reach.
• Be sure to put anything you want to have access to during the feeding within the reach of your free arm before you start.
• For those of you who are seriously sleep-deprived, a home-made "dial" on your breastfeeding pillow is nice. I cut two triangles out of cardboard and tacked them into my (foam) breastfeeding pillow with a straight pin. I then wrote the numbers from 0-3 around the sides of each triangle. As the babies ate, I moved the points of the triangles from 0-3 to note how much they were eating. When they were done, even if I had fallen asleep 6 times during the feeding, I still knew if someone had not eaten well.
• For larger, older babies, instead of a breastfeeding pillow, you can sit on a couch, leaning against one arm of the couch, with your knees together against that side of the couch, and your ankles together near the middle of the seat.
• This method does take practice, but it is well worth it. Whenever possible, have someone help you practice so you don't get discouraged at the beginning. After all, the goal is feeding the babies. You will catch on to this method in time.

Warnings

• The strap on the breastfeeding pillow is a strangulation hazard for toddlers. Keep it closed and pulled tight when you are not using it. If your toddler knows how to unbuckle the strap, keep the pillow out of reach.
• You cannot use this method and avoid being exposed. Therefore, you need to be at home, in a private place like a comfortable bathroom or a nursery at church, or with people who don't mind you being topless for this method (or if you don't mind what anyone thinks). Everywhere else, you can just feed the babies separately.

Things You'll Need

• A breastfeeding pillow, the kind which can fasten around your back with a strap. Use the foam kind, not the inflatable kind.

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Breastfeed Twins. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.