If you’re pregnant with twins or multiples, you will probably be nervous about many things including their feeding. Most parents are already aware of the numerous benefits of breast milk and are willing to make their children feed on it. Breast milk can boost your baby’s immune system thereby lowering the risks of certain conditions such as ear infections, allergies and asthma.

But then the big question is can you breastfeed multiple babies successfully? The answer is certainly a YES. Or let’s say it’s possible though not obligatory as there are alternatives of breast milk for parents who are unable to breastfeed for one reason or another.

You will probably also worry about whether or not you will produce enough milk to feed your multiples. Well, you can! Many women can actually produce enough milk to feed twins and multiples but there are certain tips to ensure a steady supply of breast milk. Some of such tips include starting to breastfeed your babies right after birth, pumping shortly after birth if your babies are unable to breastfeed right away and also alternating your breasts. If you are unable to meet the babies demand, try to add on pumping after feeding to boost milk production.

It is quite possible to breastfeed both babies at the same time as long as you get the right positioning. Lactation experts suggest to use double football or double cross positions to allowing you to breastfeed two babies or twins at the same time. A pro tip to breastfeeding both babies simultaneously is to get accessories, especially breastfeeding pillows specially designed for twins. After all, your goal should be to ensure that both babies are getting enough milk necessary for their growth and development.

It is also ok for you to breastfeed your babies individually if that works for you. The advantage of breastfeeding individually is that you will get to understand their feeding habits better so you can make adjustments for them to feed better.

You may consider designing a daily chart to keep records of the nursing duration, nursing frequency as well as the number of wet and dirty diapers each baby. In the same vein, you can record how often you feed each baby with pumped milk. This will help you ensure that all your babies are feeding well.

Realizing that each baby is different is crucial when you are breastfeeding multiples. Stop comparing the children and bear in mind that how much the children eat is a function of their weight at birth and their overall health conditions. Some babies are slow boomers while others are fast at picking up with latching the nipple and bottle. Therefore, you need to be patient with the child that seems to be lagging behind.

Do seek help from lactation expert if you were clueless or struggling with breastfeeding.

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