Breastfeeding Twins

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By Jacque Ordner BSN, RN, IBCLC

Many moms feel a bit of anxiety at the thought of breastfeeding as a first time mom.  That anxiety is often amplified for moms who are expecting multiples!  It’s true that breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. We’ve got six tips to help you get prepared for breastfeeding twins.

 

#1  Know that it’s possible! Yes, moms can make enough milk for multiples!  Frequent milk removal and stimulation are the keys to building and maintaining milk supply.  Feeding your babies on demand is the best way to encourage an adequate supply. Skin to skin is also vital to incorporate as much as possible.  If nursing isn’t possible,frequent pumping is essential. Because multiples are at higher risk for being born prematurely, make a plan for how to pump if your babies are in the NICU or aren’t able to nurse. Communicate your desire to provide breastmilk for your babies to your healthcare team. 

 

#2 Learn as much as you can BEFORE your babies are born! This tip can apply whether you’re expecting one, two, or more babies.  It’s so important to take a breastfeeding class and to connect with an IBCLC before you’re overwhelmed with all that comes with the early days postpartum. Connect with an IBCLC who is experienced in supporting moms of multiples and consider joining a support group (in person or online) for moms of multiples as well.

 

#3 Enlist help! Newborns need us for EVERYTHING!  Multiply that by two (or more) and it’s a recipe for exhausted and even exasperated parents.  Identify friends and family members who are willing to help out with things like laundry, running errands, cooking, and even sitting with the babies so you can get some much needed rest.  It is not weak or selfish to ask for help!  Mamas, you are amazing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t ask for help sometimes!  Make a plan, before the babies arrive, for who can help with what. 

 

# 4 Supplementing doesn’t mean failure!  It’s important to know that breastfeeding doesn’t have to be “all or nothing”.  If your babies require a supplement of donor breastmilk or formula, that doesn’t mean you have failed! Breastfeeding multiples often comes with unique challenges, and many multiples require supplementation in the early weeks.  Often, this supplementation is temporary. 

 

# 5 Positioning is key!  It is beneficial to practice positioning even during pregnancy.  Try different holds with two teddy bears or two dolls. Practicing can lead to greater confidence in positioning once your babies are born. Investing in a breastfeeding pillow that is specifically designed for twins can be a game changer!

 

#6 Consider feeding both babies at the same time! It may take a few days to get accustomed to each baby’s feeding behaviors and preferences.  Once you get the hang of feeding each of them, consider nursing them at the same time.  Many twin moms report that feeding their babies simultaneously results in much more rest. Ultimately, you get to decide what works best for you and your babies!

We know that welcoming twins can feel a bit overwhelming, but we hope these tips help you feel a bit more prepared!  We’re here to help as well.  Schedule a free consultation with one of our IBCLCs here .  Congratulations times two!

Self Care While Social Distancing

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By Melissa Portunato MPH, IBCLC, RLC

Finding time for self care as a new mom can be hard enough. Throw in a global pandemic and life can get pretty intense. While the majority of the country continues to remain with stay at home orders, stress levels are at an all time high for everyone. Maybe the end of your maternity leave now means transitioning to working virtually or maybe you have found yourself home with older siblings and your new baby since most daycares have closed their doors. Self care doesn’t need to be fancy or always involve a spa or nail salon but we know those things can definitely be a sweet treat! Stress from the pandemic and everything else that comes along with being a new mom can start to get taxing mentally, physically and spiritually. If you’re not feeling well, truth is no one at home will. Let’s start with being mindful and kind to our perfectly created bodies. You just birthed a baby and with that a new mother was born too. Let’s nurture her and treat her right. 

 

Read on for 3 tips to practice Self Care while Social Distancing:

 

Get More Zzzzzzz

Sleep? Yes please! The lack of sleep that comes along with having a newborn can be the biggest life transition. No matter if you’re a first time mom or if it’s your 5th baby, you’re never really prepared for the lack of sleep you’re going to experience. Frankly, you will never sleep the same again. Good news is eventually it will get better, but how can you get more sleep during the newborn phase? Here’s how! Research shows moms who bring baby to their beds to nurse get more sleep. Co sleeping can be safe when proper guidelines are followed. And if you are exclusively pumping it’s still important to keep your baby close! The AAP recommends keeping your baby in the same room with you at least until 1 year. You’re able to respond faster to your baby, allowing you both to peacefully nod back into dreamland.

 

Get Moving 

With most public parks remaining closed, more moms are finding a neighborhood walk soothing and relaxing. A breath of fresh air can do wonders for your mood and boost your immune system. Vitamin D, which we mainly get from the sun, is critical in keeping your immune system up and running to help fight off viruses. How much Vitamin D should you be intaking? For nursing moms, the recommendation is to intake 6400 IUs per day in order to have adequate supplementation for both mommy and baby.  Is it impossible to get outside? Try a quick 7 minute workout like these with the 7 minute workouts (app). Quick easy to follow workouts and even some yoga poses you can incorporate. Namaste! 

 

Kick The Sugar 

We’ve piled our pandemic emergency stash with all the essential items cookies, cakes, and chips! But why does everything non perishable seem to always have to be unhealthy? Not true! Some easy non perishables to add to your daily diet that help with sugar cravings are nut butters like almond and cashew, dried fruit or trail mix, coconut flakes or cocoa bits can curb hunger and keep you fuller longer. Add in healthy fats like olive oil and avocados too! Breastfeeding moms gotta eat! You’re burning between 300-500 calories just by making milk. Limit sugar to have more energy to keep up with all the new normals going on. Make sure that you are compensating for those extra calories with real food. 

The life of a new mom revolves around breastfeeding, diaper changes, rinsing and repeating. It’s pretty easy to forget about yourself. But it’s especially important now, more than ever to practice healthy self care habits. Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation mamas. Be sure to connect with your family and friends during this time. Schedule a virtual happy hour with friends, have family drive by to see the baby through the window, or even host a celebration parade to welcome your new bundle of joy. Always remember your doctor is only a call away. Don’t isolate yourself and confide in a trusted professional. Schedule a virtual consultation with one of our IBCLCs and we can help talk it over. We’re for you mamas and we support you!