USEFUL LINKS

Here's a useful site to get you started: www.karengromada.com

Here's a typical Q from a new Mum of twins:

Q. I have TWO babies who were little and tube-fed initially, and now we're home I'm having problems: does anyone have any advice or experience of b/f twins?

A. Hello there, my name is Sue, and I have 19 month old twins, Joshua and Bethany, whom I have exclusively breastfed since birth. May I congratulate you on your breastfeeding, as I do know how hard it can be for you. I think you have done really well to have established your feeding after your babies were born early.

It is almost impossible to feed your babies both together in the early weeks as they don't have a sleeping pattern established, and I used to just go with the flow and feed who ever had woken up first. When my babies did wake at the same time, I would, (if it were day-time), prop myself up on the settee with a couple of pillows behing my back for back support, with a few pillows on my lap, (or I would sometimes use the v-shaped feeding pillow, which is very good, which I still use!) I would feed both together, by having one on each side of me, bodies facing outwards, (head looking up facing me, with my hands under the heads for extra support). I found this worked brilliantly. I did have some difficulty in getting both babies to latch on at the same time, as it can be tricky work. I would gently put my finger on the bottom lip, and with my other hand, guide the head forward onto your nipple. Try to stay calm, as it can take a few goes but they do get the hang of it! HONEST!

Make sure you drink plenty whilst breastfeeding, as it is thirsty work! I also found putting your feet up whilst feeding helps, as it can be quite relaxing, sitting there watching some telly!

I did also seem to be feeding all day, every day for about 6-8 weeks, (more so when they reached a growth spurt). My babies fed every 2-3 hours for approximately one hour at a time, (sometimes 2!). This is quite normal, and nothing to worry about. Breastmilk is digested more easily than formula is, which is why breastfed babies cannot go as long in-between feeds. Joshua and Bethany weighed 4lbs 13oz, and 5lbs 5oz at birth, and I believe that due to the low birth weights, they seem to be on the catch up in the early days.

I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone for me, and I can honestly say that I have loved every single minute of breastfeeding, and still do!

I wish you luck with feeding both babies together.

Love
Sue xxx
Breastfeeding Mum to Joshua and Bethany

Hiya,

I am bf my 10 weeks old twins at the moment, they were 12 weeks early and are now only just 5 and a half pounds each and just like a newborn.

I too had a few problems getting BF established as they were tube fed etc.

They are both home now and things seem to be going ok, they both wake for a feed at the same time which is good but latching them both on is a different story as well I know!! I am managing ok but it is tricky and hard (and tiring). What I do is, as Ben doesn't latch very well, I get him on first: I usually sit on the sofa with lots of cushions and hold one under each arm supported by the cushions so that I have both hands free. Once Ben is on and suckling well and I know he will not come back off I put max on who latches on first time every time.

The tricky bit can be if they come off during a feed and then trying to get them on can be difficult.

Hope that helps a bit.

Sarah xx

Here are some photos giving lots of positions for breastfeeding twins and a few photos for slinging twins too, if you're that way inclined!