Breastfeeding Twins: Yes, It’s Possible!
Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful phases of parenting. It’s an arduous journey that a mother undertakes with a lot of nervousness and confusion at the onset, but an equal amount of reward and satisfaction at the end. However, when it comes to breastfeeding twins, this journey becomes even more challenging and requires a double amount of strength and patience on the part of the mother.
For any new mom of twins, this phase could be overwhelming. I was no different! Understanding the hunger needs of two babies, nursing them at different hours of the day and ensuring that they are well-fed wasn’t an easy game. In my initial days, I was intimidated and frustrated. I used to find myself constantly juggling between the two babies, feeding them one after the other (sometimes even together). And it seemed like an ongoing cycle without any stop. With discomfort of cesarean stitches and the accompanying back pain, I used to feel completely drained out after every breastfeeding session. Add to that sleep deprivation and minimum stamina, made things worse for me.
There came so many occasions when I wanted to reconsider my decision of breastfeeding twins and give up on it entirely. Thankfully, I had the support of my family members and friends who motivated me to continue and give my best until the time I can. With their guidance and help, I did manage to find a few ways that facilitated my journey.
I took a few steps, bought a few things that became indispensable throughout the breastfeeding twins phase. Sharing with you all that worked for me and made the entire experience memorable for me and beneficial for my twins.
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1.Meeting A Lactation Consultant:
I decided to meet a lactation consultant in the second month of my breastfeeding twins journey and I think that was the wisest decision of my life. She guided me on various nursing positions, especially tandem feeding positions. Also shared a lot of information on the right latch, how to burp the baby, etc. Most importantly she gave me the confidence to have belief in my self and continue my journey wholeheartedly.
2.Twin Feeding Pillow:
I ignored the relevance of a twin feeding pillow till I started facing excruciating back pain that left me totally disabled to even sit on my own. Feeding pillows help in maintaining the correct posture both for the mom and the baby. Babies can latch well if placed in proper nursing position and can feed properly for a longer time duration. I started using the twin feeding pillow quite late in my journey, but once I did it surely made my experience more comfortable.
3.Breast Pump:
Breast Pump was my constant companion for the first one and a half year. I would always store expressed milk and use it, especially in situations when I couldn’t tandem feed. A good grade breast pump not just saves time but also works best in contingency. Through bottle feeding, other members of my family too got a chance to bond with the babies and enjoy the entire experience of feeding the kids.
4. Feed Frequently & Eat Healthily:
I resorted to various galactagogues in the initial months because I always felt that my supply wasn’t enough to suffice the needs of two kids. But soon I realized that only two things would help to maintain a good milk supply – one, feeding frequently at regular intervals. (The more I fed, the more I produced) . And two, eating a healthy and nutritious diet. One can’t rely on medicines and powders all through breastfeeding twins. So I increased the intake of green leafy vegetables and also a few herbs like fennel, fenugreek seeds etc that helped in lactation. I also ensured to eat at frequent intervals that helped to maintain my energy level.
5. Breastfeeding Support Groups:
I joined a few breastfeeding support groups (like Breastfeeding Support for Moms of Multiples-India on Facebook) and twin mommy group (like Twinderland) that helped to boost my confidence. I got to meet a few like-minded mothers who had so many tips to share their experience and provide quick solutions to various problems that I faced. Reading their stories of success, I got immense motivation and determination to continue with my own journey.
My breastfeeding twins journey continued till 1.5 years. It was a bumpy ride with lots of up and downs. There were moments of exhaustion and there were moments of exhilaration but at the end, it turned out to be the phase that made me aware of my own strengths and capabilities, as a mom and as a woman.
It is usually believed that breastfeeding twins is impossible. But from my own experience, I can easily say it is something totally achievable. In fact with the right support, proper guidance and immense self-determination, it can be made as the most enriching and beautiful experience of parenting twins.
Charu Sareen Gujjal, is an educationist by profession and a writer by passion. Her life revolves around her twin tornadoes who, with their cute little antics, make every moment of her life beautiful. Each day brings a new learning, a new story and a new memory that deserves to be treasured and shared. You can read all of her wonderful parenting experiences and motherhood sagas at The Mom Sagas ( https://themomsagas.com/ )
