Yes. People sometimes doubt it's possible to make enough milk for two or more babies. Knowing how breastfeeding works will help you understand how this is possible.
Whether you breastfeed or formula feed, you'll need to create a routine that suits you and your babies. Some mothers can feed 2 babies at the same time, while some prefer to feed 1 after the other. Others feed whenever their babies seem hungry (on demand).
There are various twin breastfeeding positions you can try, such as the double rugby ball (with a baby under each arm), the parallel hold (with your babies lying across your body in the same direction), or the laid-back position (with both babies lying on your tummy).
(2010) found that about 80% of mothers of twins had breastfed for 2 months. Despite this rate of breastfeeding during the first months of life, a large number of the preterm and term twins were weaned before 6 months (1). Early cessation of breastfeeding in twins may occur for several reasons.
Your body will produce more than enough breast milk for your babies if you have twins, triplets or more. But finding time to breastfeed and manage life's demands can be daunting. Arrange plenty of help and support from family and friends.
The breastfeeding initiation rate for twins ranges from 38 to 80%, and the rate of any breastfeeding at 6 months from 10 to 50%, with 8–22% of twins breastfeeding exclusively [8, 9, 12,13,14,15,16,17].
For twins, formula-feeding may make it easier to feed both of them at the same time. Your partner can help out with night-time feedings and share the bonding experience with your babies. Scheduling feedings may be easier.
Dangle feeding
Lay your baby on their back with their face towards the ceiling. Kneeling up and resting on your elbows, lean over your baby and position your nipple directly above their mouth. Feed in this position with your breast dangling. Gravity can help release the blockage.
Despite views to the contrary, breasts are never truly empty. Milk is actually produced nonstop—before, during, and after feedings—so there's no need to wait between feedings for your breasts to refill.
1. At three months: The three-month stage marks the end of the “fourth trimester” and your twins can better adapt to life outside the womb. For one thing, they'll sleep in longer stretches of about three- to four-hour chunks.
M others of twins may have double the trouble but they live longer and are physically stronger than women who have single babies, according to a study of almost 59,000 women. It also shows they have longer reproductive life spans, have more children overall and need less time to recover between pregnancies.
Smith adds: "The prevailing view is that the burden of childbearing on women is heavier when bearing twins. But we found the opposite: women who naturally bear twins in fact live longer and are actually more fertile."
The hardest thing about having twins is...
“Managing the movement of two babies. Carrying them both up and down the stairs, getting them into the car, etc.” —Simeon R. “Often having to make one baby wait!” —Catharine D. “Being outnumbered—the logistics of two on one is definitely the hardest.
However, for a given pregnancy, only the mother's genetics matter. Fraternal twins happen when two eggs are simultaneously fertilized instead of just one. A father's genes can't make a woman release two eggs.
Enjoying the fun of choosing two baby names that fit together perfectly. 3. Being able to hold one baby in each arm while feeling a huge rush of love and pride.
Twins are usually born before the usual 40-week due date. For the mother, carrying twins can be more difficult than carrying a single baby. And her risks are higher for pregnancy problems. That's why keeping up with prenatal checks and tests is especially important.
You shouldn't share the same bed with your twins because it increases the risk of SIDS. But the AAP does recommend that you room-share — having your twins sleep in your room, each in their own bassinet or crib — ideally for the first six months.
The longest interval between the birth of twins is 90 days, in the case of Molly and Benjamin West, dizygotic (fraternal) twins born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA to parents Lesa and David West (all USA) on 1 January and 30 March 1996.
Age. People over 30, and particularly those over age 35, are more likely to conceive twins. 4 This is because the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) rises as birthing parents get older. FSH is responsible for the development of eggs in the ovaries before they are released.
Adequate hydration also is important for breast milk production. The amount of liquid you put into your body affects how much breast milk you can produce. I encourage women to carry a bottle of water for themselves in their diaper bag.
Some might feed every 90 minutes, whereas others might go 2–3 hours between feedings. Newborns should not go more than about 4 hours without feeding, even overnight.
Many moms get the most milk first thing in the morning. Pump between breastfeeding, either 30-60 minutes after nursing or at least one hour before breastfeeding. This should leave plenty of milk for your baby at your next feeding. If your baby wants to breastfeed right after breast pumping, let them!
It is common for breastfed babies to not sleep through the night for a long period of time. On the other hand, some breastfed babies start sleeping through the night when a few months old. Both of my children nursed once (occasionally more) at night through their second year.