Breastfeeding Twins, Triplets and More

This extract is taken from Tamba’s Breastfeeding factsheet – for more information please contact Tamba at www.tamba.org.uk or call 01483 304442

Many parents on discovering that they are expecting twins, triplets or more are unsure whether it is possible to breastfeed more than one baby. However there are many who do.  Breastmilk is designed to be produced by supply and demand so whether feeding one, two or more babies, mums will produce enough breastmilk for their babies needs provided the babies continue to breastfeed from the breast.

Breastmilk constantly adapts and changes to babies needs. So breastmilk for babies born 6 weeks early will be different to the breastmilk produced for three month old twins. This means both nutrients and other protective factors are right for the babies at the stage they have reached.

Though some mums of multiples say that the first few weeks of breastfeeding can be challenging this is also true of mums that formula feed.  Families of multiples find caring for two or more babies to be especially tiring and need plenty of support and help in the early days. Those mums that continue to breastfeed often find as their babies get bigger that life becomes easier.

Breastfeeding means no preparation of bottles or elaborate arrangements to get out of the house, breastmilk is readily available at the right temperature for the babies day and night and is free. And it provides guaranteed opportunities to spend time with their babies.

Preparing to breastfeed

Before the babies are born it may be helpful to think about the following:

• Find out information about breastfeeding and common experiences; breastfeeding classes for singleton parents will give information which is relevant to breastfeeding multiples but if available try and go to a class for parents of multiples.
• Try and make contact with other mums who have breastfed multiples; Tamba twinline can help with this or visit the Tamba messageboard.
• Think about ways in which you can be free to breastfeed such as ordering shopping online, stocking up the freezer, arranging for help with housework and other household chores.
• Find out what breastfeeding support is available to you in your area.  There may also be an NHS breastfeeding clinic or baby café; ask your midwife for details.
• Visit the special care unit at the hospital and ask how they would support you to breastfeed if your babies are born early (this is especially helpful for triplets or more as 

most will spend time in SCBU).

If you feel the need to talk to someone, please call Twinline, Tamba’s confidential listening and emotional support service (0800 138 0509 – open every day from 10am-1pm and 7pm-10pm).

We would love to hear your breastfeeding stories....