Breastfeeding Twins or Multiples

Mothers of twins or multiples might feel overwhelmed with the idea of breastfeeding more than one baby at a time. The benefits of human milk to both these mothers and babies are the same as for all mothers and babies. But mothers of multiples get even more benefits from breastfeeding:

Their uterus contracts, which is helpful because it has stretched even more to hold more than one baby.
Hormones are released that relax the mother, which is helpful with the added stress of caring for more than one baby.
Eight to ten hours per week are saved because there is no need to prepare formula or bottles and the mother's milk is available right away.
It is estimated that breastfeeding saves a mother of twins $2000 or more during the babies' first year on feeding costs alone (La Leche League, 2003).

Breastfeeding early and often for a mother of multiples is important to keep up her milk supply. A good latch-on for each baby is important to avoid sore nipples. Many mother find that it is easier to nurse the babies together rather than separately, and that it gets easier as the babies get older. There are many breastfeeding holds that make it easier to nurse more than one baby at a time. If you are having multiples, talk with a lactation consultant about more ways you can successfully breastfeed your babies.

Recent Breastfeeding News

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