"Fruitful" by T. Fullinwider
I have helped mothers with twins breastfeed and it is a very positive experience. When a mom discovers she is having twins she may feel uneasy about making enough milk for two. She should try to remember, she has two breasts! Most mothers can supply two or more babies with all the breastmilk they need. Breastfeeding after the first few weeks is based upon supply and demand. The more demand, the more she will supply.
Attachment parenting really helps to make breastfeeding twins easier. The basic principles of attachment parenting (from Dr. Sears) are: 1. connect early, 2. interpret and respond to the babies’ cues, 3. breastfeed, 4. wear your babies, 5. share sleep. You can do this with twins! Make sure that you give yourself time to learn how to coordinate their feedings. You can get good at feeding two at once. You can also get good at getting two babies to sleep so that you can also rest. It takes some time and patience.
Another thing that helps is the double dose of oxytocin and prolactin you will get. Oxytocin helps with let-down in nursing. It also helps the mom to bond with her babies. Prolactin is the feel-good and relaxation hormone of nursing. Nursing twins means twice the dose. This will help you chill out! Mothers of twins who nurse them feel good with these hormones. Mothers who formula feed don’t get that benefit. You are going to have to feed these babies anyway, breastfeeding will be easier and feel better in the long run.
Keep in mind that the learning curve to get good at breastfeeding twins will pay you dividends. It will save lots of money on formula. It will also help you sleep better. You will be able to bond with both babies better. They will also bond with you!
