Breastfeeding Twins: 10 Simple Tips to Successfully Breastfeed Twins at The Same Time
The surprising news finally starts to sink in – you’re pregnant. With TWO babies! You’re excited, awe-struck, maybe even speechless.
You’re likely a jumble of feelings and a FLOOD of questions.
❔How do I FEED them?
❔What if they get hungry at the same time? Yikes.
❔What happens then?
Don’t panic. I’ve been there. All parents of multiples have. I’m here to help you handle that dilemma.
I’m Lakia. I’m a parenting copywriter and mother of 3 adorable little girls. As I’m expecting my fourth child (yes, it’s a BOY), I can’t help but reflect on how fundamentally different this pregnancy is from my most previous pregnancy with twins.
So, I’ve been where you are.
Well, not exactly, because each pregnancy and mother’s experience is unique and different. What I mean is, I’ve been in the stage of questions, and research, and doubt, and – whew – double hormones. 🥵
Through it all, I learned a thing or two – well, 10 in this case — that I’d like to pass along to you.
In this article, you’ll find simple tips to ease your concerns and anxieties about breastfeeding your two babies, like:
✔Information to prepare for or get started nursing your little ones.
✔Alternatives to traditional advice, based on my experience, because #everyone’s journey is different, unique, and valid.
✔Tips to avoid common roadblocks, because it pays to be proactive.
Let me take some of the mental burden off by offering you these simple tips to demystify this whole ‘feeding your multiples’ thing.
Breastfeeding Two Babies
Twin pregnancy, birth, and parenting involve unique challenges and you may be in the thick of it right now. Especially if you’re expecting twins!
Hard to believe it’s been 5 years since my husband and I found out, like you, that I was carrying not one, but two babies.
To say we were surprised, doesn’t capture the shock, excitement, and wonder we experienced those first months, as we processed what this would mean for our young family. Our toddler was around 16 months old at the time we found out we were expecting identical twin girls.
As a momma who’s been where you are, I’m so excited you get to experience this journey and to give you my effective tips and tricks.
You. Got. This.
Tips for Breastfeeding Twins
1. Research – you’re doing that right now. Yay!
My favorite resources are
This Book: When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets, & Quads by Dr. Barbara Luke, Tamara Eberlein, and Dr. Roger B. Newman
This website: Twinsiversity
This organization: La Leche League
My favorite nursing pillow is the My Brest Friend pillow. I actually used this pillow with my first baby too!
It’s excellent for supporting you while you feed, because it wraps all the way around your back and buckles closed.
The adjustable straps make it ideal for customizing it to fit your unique size and position.
AND the outer pillow case is removable and washable! Germs be-gone. 🙅🏽♀️
*The twin pillow is the same, just bigger and sturdier. Yes, I’m in love and you will be too, if you decide on investing in this GAME changer.
2. Get your station set up.
*I recommend you have a designated place (or places) in your house for feeding.
Whether you’re traveling or nursing at home, you’ll need:
A seat large enough to set your babies on either side of you while you get yourself comfortable before each feeding. I preferred a loveseat or bigger. Once my body got stronger and my girls got bigger, I would even sit on the floor most times, which gave me maximum space.
Two Boppy pillows or two pillows to sit the babies on while they wait their turn to be put into position for feeding. The pillows don’t have to be Boppys, but just something that will keep the babies stationary and safe while you’re getting into position.
Water and high protein snacks, like nuts, granola, or a protein bar
Accessories, like breast pads, nipple ointment, wipes, and burp cloths
Breast pump or Hakaa (a Hakaa is a silicone pump that uses natural suction.)
3. Practice beforehand with dolls or stuffed animals. 🐻
This is a life saver for any new parenting skill. The muscle memory that develops from this type of role play is totally worth how silly you may feel. 😉
4. Get comfy (good posture).
Feed in a love seat or bigger couch 🛋️ (I fed on the floor sometimes. The takeaway is that it may be uncomfortable to nurse your babies in a traditional glider, like you would with a singleton).
Use at least three pillows for support — one for your back and two to support the babies
Bonus: have some relaxing music, tea, or faux candle “burning” to create an ambiance 🕯️
5. Relax and enjoy the feedings.
Relaxing while you feed your babies is really going to make this experience enjoyable, bonding, and calm.
*Pro-tip: Learn the basics of breastfeeding one baby at a time first. Then, once each of you is comfortable feeding, try feeding both babies at the same time.
Have support people around you – this helps so much! You don’t need to do this alone. I’ve literally had strangers ask me if they could give me a hand when out in public, so you’ll likely find that help is around more often than not.
6. Rotate sides daily (or with each feeding)
*One baby may be a stronger eater than the other. Baby B was more efficient for me. So, lactation specialists will recommend alternating the breast each baby eats from, either after every feeding or at minimum every day.
I’ll be honest, I started off doing this, but I stopped, because every time I gave Baby A the right breast, she was coughing and choking. Baby B never had that problem. She was a much quicker and efficient eater. Since Baby B never had any problems with my left breast, that was her dedicated side.
So, I had them each dedicated to one side. Not pro advice, but just an honest retelling of what this mama did that worked for me.
7. Take care of your mind and body.
Mind care - Practice daily habits to clear and nourish your mind.
Write 3 things you’re grateful for each day.
Spend 2 minutes writing in detail about one of the gratitude items you listed. Use a timer so you actually start and finish this and you don’t sike yourself out of doing it.
Take time to write an email, short note, or text to someone complimenting them on something.
Listen to daily affirmations. I read mine aloud and record them so I can listen to the recording of my own voice saying affirmations daily.
Brain dump at the end of the day for 2-5 minutes. A brain dump involves writing anything that comes to your mind to get it out of your brain and onto the page. This is also a good time to write 1-3 goals or focuses for the next day. Use your timer — it’s a hack that works every time. ⏲️
Body Care - Taking care of your body elevates your mood and builds you up, so you’re able to mindfully and generously care for yourself and others.
Shower first thing in the morning OR the very first chance you get. You may do well to shower at night too, if mornings are too hard.
Stretch daily. Postpartum yoga is great for stretching and strengthening.
Exercise daily for 15-30 minutes once you’re cleared by your provider, (after 6 weeks of postpartum recovery OR when your body says it’s time. You may need more than 6 weeks to recover. Listen to your body).
Drink lots of water-You need 12- 16 cups a day while breastfeeding. That’s about 2.5-3.5 Liters a day (roughly). *Pro tip: drink a full glass of water with each feeding.
Eat enough calories-You’ll need around 3,200 calories a day, according to When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets, & Quads.
SLEEP. This has got to be the most powerful thing you can do for your body. Sleep between 7 and 9 hours a day. Nap while the baby naps is a common saying that is jam packed with homespun wisdom.
Please get your sleep. I cannot emphasize this enough.
It’s needed for healing and recovery after labor
It’s needed for adequate milk supply
It’s essential for regulating your mood with all the hormonal and physical changes you’re going through during this season.
Click here for a FREE printable version of this checklist! 🤗
8. Experiment with different holds to find your favorites.
Okay, so you’ve established a good latch with both babies, individually, and all of you have got the hang of breastfeeding.
Congrats, Mama! ✨
Now, it’s time to move on to feeding both those babies at the same time. This will improve the efficiency of your feeds and may even promote bonding between the three of you.
The two most popular positions for nursing your twins are the:
The Double Football hold
The Double Cradle Hold
Double Football Hold
This hold was my absolute FAV. 😍 It’s beginner friendly and literally the same as the position you’d use with a single baby — just do it on both sides at the same time.
Support the babes on a pillow –one on either side of you.
Position them close to you, under each armpit.
Get those babies latched.
Double Cradle Hold
*The above image is actually a variation — the cradle cross.
Cradle the first baby in one arm.
Get that baby latched.
Cradle the other baby in the other arm.
Get the second baby latched.
Here👇🏾are images of other twin nursing holds to try out.
Try out each hold and choose your top two or three.
9. Collaborate with a lactation consultant.
Whether you’re a veteran breastfeeding mama or this is your first breastfeeding experience, I recommend getting help, insight, and feedback from a professional. You can find lactation consultants in your hospital if you have a hospital birth.
You may also ask for recommendations from your midwife or provider. And if you’re working with a doula, some doulas are lactation consultants or they are able to help you with lactation needs.
10. Completely empty your breasts of milk with each feeding.
Since breastfeeding is about supply and demand, your body will produce only what your babies “demand” of it. Here are a few things to remember, so you’re able to support your babies getting full feedings:
In the beginning of your breastfeeding journey, especially, your body is figuring out how much milk the babies need.
Your body adjusts the amount of milk it supplies you with based on how much milk is consumed (or emptied) from your breasts at each feeding.
So, get into the habit of letting your little ones drain those breasts/making sure they’ve had enough.
*Pro tip: Give them a break for burping and offer them the breast after they burp to ensure they are all fed. But, don’t worry too much about this. Your babies are smart. They know when they’ve had enough and will come off the breast when they’re satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions about Breastfeeding Feeding Twins
Now that we’ve gone over my tips for breastfeeding twins, let’s answer some questions you might have. I want to help bring you as much clarity as possible so you’re confident and ready to breastfeed your little ones. You’ve got this, mama!
How do I get a good latch?
Here’s a sweet mommy rhyme to remember when you’re latching your baby.
“Tummy to mummy,
Nose to nip,
Flex the hips to open the lips.”
Let’s break that down:
Tummy to mummy-align your baby’s body to yours and keep their body symmetrical (avoid twisting)
Nose to Nip: Line up your baby’s nose to your nipple.
Flex the hips: flex your baby’s hips to keep them from having to turn their head to latch onto your breast
To open the lips: When your baby’s mouth is wide and their tongue has moved over their bottom gums, move your baby’s head toward your breast to help them latch.
*Pro tip: Gently touch your nipple to your baby’s upper lip, then the lower lip to encourage your baby to open their mouth wide. A wide mouth is a key to a deep latch.
You know you’ve got a good latch when:
Baby’s chin is the first thing to touch your breast.
Baby’s mouth covers your nipple and a good portion of your areola
Baby’s lips are flanged
Baby starts sucking fast initially
Baby’s sucks deepen and slow down after the initial few sucks
You feel no pain 🙅🏽♀️
Check out the image below for a visual of what this looks like. 👇🏾
2. How do I know my babies are getting enough?
📈 Baby’s gaining enough weight at follow up appointments (about ½ to 1 ounce per day)
👩🏽🍼 Baby seems content during and after the feeding
👶🏼 Baby comes off the breast on their own
💩 Baby has at least one poopy diaper in a 24 hour period
🍼 Baby has 6 or more wet diapers a day
Your child’s healthcare provider will let you know if formula supplementation is recommended.
Story time : My babies used a teaspoon of formula per bottle of breastmilk until they were about 4 months. (They had bottles of pumped breast milk during the day, when I went back to work around 3 months). Then their pediatrician discontinued it, because of how nice and chunky they’d become. But, my girls were pretty tiny when they were born – 4 lbs., 2 oz. and 3 lbs., 8 oz., so this may or may not be suggested for your babies.
3. What do I do about sore or cracked nipples?
✔Rub leftover breast milk on your nipples after feeding.
✔Use a nipple balm in between feedings like Earth Mama Angel Baby or Mother’s Balm.
✔Ensure your baby has a deep latch.
✔Seek help, sooner rather than later, if you notice your nipples aren’t improving or they start to bleed or have signs of infection.
4. Is breastfeeding supposed to hurt?
✔ No, breastfeeding should not hurt. It may be uncomfortable at first as your skin gets used to nursing and as your baby learns to get a deep latch.
✔ Using nipple balm between feedings and rubbing breast milk around your nipples and areola will reduce drying and soreness of your nipples.
5. How many calories do I need per day to breastfeed twins?
A good rule of thumb is to aim for around 3,200 calories. Also, this varies from person to person, so speak with your provider about your specific needs.
You’ve Got this, Mama!
Well, my friend now that you’ve gotten a glimpse into the world of breastfeeding multiples, I hope your nerves are more calm and that you’re feeling excited & equipped with this knowledge.
🤱Use these tips as a reference/checklist to come back to in the weeks and months to come.
🤱🏽Keep practicing and craft your own strategy for how you’ll feed your babies.
🤱🏻And always always with motherhood – K.I.S.S– Keep It Simple Sweetie. Simple is best.
Kudos to you for doing your research ahead of time. Planning ahead — getting your station ready, having all needed supplies, and practicing — does wonders for you, because you’ll be getting ahead of the post-delivery baby brain phenomenon.
You’re not alone. You’ve got a host of other rockstar mamas who’ve gone before you. You’ve got community resources, like La Leche League, your doula, and your family members and friends.
AND you’ve got me! If you haven’t already, download your free guide to caring for yourself while breastfeeding. Making sure you’re well fed, watered, and rested during this adventure is the number one priority. Because, happy mama = happy babies.
Monochoriotic, Diamniotic Twins - Columbia University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Avoiding Breastfeeding Problems In the First Month (Or How I Learned to Love the Boob)
Jeff Olson, The Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciplines Into Massive Success & Happiness
When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets, & Quads. 4th Edition. 2017. Dr. Barbara Luke, Tamara Eberlein, and Dr. Roger B. Newman.