The benefits of breastfeeding for mothers of multiples and their babies are the same as for all mothers and babies — possibly greater, since many multiples are born early. The idea of breastfeeding more than one baby may seem overwhelming at first! But many moms of multiples find breastfeeding easier than other feeding methods because there is nothing to prepare. Many mothers successfully breastfeed more than one baby even after going back to work.
Being prepared
It will help to learn as much as you can about breastfeeding during your pregnancy. Before the babies are born, you can:
- Take a breastfeeding class
- Find Internet and print resources for parents of multiples
- Join a support group for parents of multiples through your doctor, hospital, local breastfeeding center, or La Leche League International
- Let your doctor and family members know that you plan to breastfeed
- Find a lactation consultant who has experience with multiples before your babies are born so that you know where to get help. Ask the lactation consultant where you can rent a breast pump if the babies are born early.
Many twin and multiple babies are smaller or born premature. See the Premature and/or low birth weight section for other tips on caring for these babies.
Making enough milk
Most mothers can make plenty of milk for twins. Many mothers exclusively breastfeed or express their milk for triplets or quadruplets. Keep these tips in mind:
- Breastfeeding soon and often after birth is helpful for multiples the same way it is for one baby. The more milk that is removed from your breasts, the more milk your body will make.
- If your babies are born early, double pumping can help you make more milk.
- The doctor\’s weight checks can tell you if your babies are getting enough breastmilk. For other signs that your babies are getting enough milk, see the How to know your baby is getting enough milk section.
- It helps to have each baby feed from both breasts. You can “assign†a breast to each baby for a feeding and switch at the next feeding. Or you can assign a breast to each baby for a day and switch the next day. Switching sides helps keep milk production up if one baby isn\’t eating as well as the other baby. It also gives babies a different view to stimulate their eyes.
You can get more information on Breastfeeding and related subjects on Women’s Health.gov