With the growing accessibility of IVF treatments and fertility medications, the birth rate of multiples has surged by a staggering 200%. In fact, by 2009, one in every 30 infants born was a twin. Given the well-documented advantages of breastfeeding, it raises the question: why are there so few resources to support mothers nursing multiples? As a mom of two sets of twins, I can confidently say that mothers of multiples require better assistance when it comes to feeding their babies.
My first set of twins was part of the 60% of twins born prematurely, often ending up in the NICU. Premature births can present unique challenges regarding nursing and feeding. Since my twins were in separate NICU rooms, I never got the opportunity to practice tandem nursing during their six and nine-day stay, which affected both my emotional well-being and my nursing abilities. Once we got home, I realized I was ill-prepared for tandem nursing, leading to an early end to my breastfeeding journey due to a lack of support and knowledge.
Lactation consultant, Sarah Thompson, points out that this gap in education is a significant reason why mothers of multiples often stop breastfeeding sooner than they wish. “Misinformation and insufficient emotional and physical support can push twin moms to quit nursing before they’re ready,” Thompson explains. “They require extensive assistance with breastfeeding and beyond.”
During my initial experience with twins, I felt a void of support. Most people, aside from my lactation consultant, subtly nudged me toward quitting breastfeeding altogether, leaving me feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Despite the common mantra that “fed is best,” I longed to meet my breastfeeding goals. Ultimately, I succumbed to using formula because “no one expected me to nurse twins.”
When my second set of twins arrived, I was overjoyed to nurse them just hours after birth, as they only needed a brief 12-hour NICU stay. They latched on beautifully, making tandem nursing much easier thanks to their smaller size.
However, that experience came with its own set of challenges. Once my milk supply kicked in, I found myself producing an overwhelming amount—enough to fill two nine-ounce bottles after nursing both babies! According to Thompson, this overproduction is common among twin moms due to additional breast tissue developed during pregnancy.
At times, I felt like I was drowning in my own milk. I struggled to manage my supply without affecting my overall production. After a late-night feeding, I often woke up completely soaked, despite nursing pads. My ingenious solution? Taping diapers inside my shirt to stay warm and dry at night—thankfully, it worked like a charm!
While I cherished those early days, they often felt like a never-ending cycle of milk production. Whenever one baby latched well, the other would disconnect, forcing me to start over. I attempted to nurse them separately, which resulted in chaotic cluster feeding and sleepless nights, with each twin developing their own schedule. If you’re a mom of multiples, you know the struggle of juggling two different routines!
To be frank, nursing multiples is an entirely different ballgame than nursing a single baby. With a singleton, you can often find a comfortable position, but with multiples, comfort is elusive. In public, early days are spent nursing one while the other cries in someone else’s arms, and the cycle repeats indefinitely. If you ever manage to nurse both at once, you might as well wear a sign reading, “MAMA COW FEEDING A LITTER. PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB.” It’s exhausting.
As I grew more overwhelmed, I started to shorten my children’s feeds to protect my mental health. Thompson advises, “If breastfeeding is taking a toll on a mom’s mental well-being, it’s time to reassess. Every case is unique, and moms should know every drop counts. Combining breastfeeding with formula or reducing nursing without fully weaning is completely feasible.”
I made sure my twins were well-fed but began supplementing with stored breast milk instead of direct nursing. This, along with my reluctance to maintain a full pumping routine as they grew, led to a swift decrease in my milk supply.
There are countless breastfeeding support groups across America, but those tailored specifically for twin mothers are almost nonexistent. Online, you’ll find shelves of nursing pillows for single babies, yet only a handful designed for multiples. Even my hospital seemed unprepared for a mother wishing to effectively nurse twins, setting me up for failure from the outset.
Had I received the right information and support, my journey with tandem nursing could have been much smoother—not easy, but easier. Unfortunately, I felt like I was destined to fall short of my nursing goals from the beginning. With twin births on the rise every year, if we truly believe that “breast is best,” we must create more resources to help mothers of multiples achieve their breastfeeding aspirations.
For additional insights into pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource from the CDC. If you’re interested in exploring self-insemination options, visit Make A Mom for a variety of helpful kits!
In summary, nursing multiples presents unique challenges that are often overlooked. With proper guidance and resources, mothers can find the support they need to successfully navigate their breastfeeding journeys.
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