Is breast milk alone enough for infants?
According to research, it has been found that mothers of twin babies produce close to 2-2.5 LT of milk per day for the first 6 months.
However, in some twin babies, the development of the babies can be monitored and formula can be started as a supplement to breast milk if necessary. At this point, we emphasize that the development of your babies should be evaluated by your doctor and your doctor should make the formula decision.
The best way to evaluate whether your milk is enough for your babies is to examine your baby's weight gain. You can visit our article for more detailed information.
Breastfeeding Twin Babies
Breastfeeding twins differs from breastfeeding a single baby in two ways. These are the breastfeeding pattern and the breastfeeding positions.
Breastfeeding Patterns in Twin Babies
In the case of twins, the breastfeeding pattern is different than usual as two babies need breast milk at the same time. There are two techniques: alternate breastfeeding and simultaneous breastfeeding.
We have compared the advantages and disadvantages of simultaneous breastfeeding and alternate breastfeeding for you. You can examine both methods and choose the one that suits you best and that you feel most comfortable with.
Taking turns breastfeeding twins
This is a very common method for breastfeeding twins. With this method, you breastfeed your babies alternately.
Advantages
- Because you breastfeed one baby at a time, it is more comfortable than breastfeeding at the same time.
- You give your babies individual attention and one-to-one time.
Disadvantages:
- It is more tiring and time-consuming, especially if we consider the time newborns spend at the breast, as the number of breastfeedings will increase.
- While one baby is breastfeeding, the other baby will be hungry and may get impatient and cry.
Breastfeeding Twins at the Same Time
It is a method of breastfeeding twins at the same time and in the same position.
Advantages
- It saves time because you breastfeed both babies at the same time.
- While one baby is breastfeeding, the other does not have to wait.
- The milk secretion mechanism works more evenly as both breasts are equally stimulated.
- By breastfeeding at the same time, you promote more skin-to-skin contact, more stimulation of the oxytocin reflex and more milk secretion.
Disadvantages:
- It is physically tiring to hold two babies at the same time.
Things to Consider When Breastfeeding Your Twin Babies
There are some important points to consider when breastfeeding twins.
The first milk from the breast is not the same as the last milk. The first milk has a higher lactose and water content, while the last milk has a higher fat content. It is important for the baby's development that the baby gets both of these milks. For this reason, whether you breastfeed at the same time or alternately, you should give the right and left breast to different babies at each breastfeeding.
For example, if one baby sucks on your right breast during one breastfeeding, you should give your right breast to your other baby during the next breastfeeding. In this way, both babies will receive both milks, which have different nutritional content.
At the same time you do this alternation;
- Both breasts are stimulated by both babies and produce equal amounts of milk.
- If one of your babies has a weaker sucking reflex, by always sucking on the same breast, you will prevent the stimulation on that breast from decreasing.
- You establish a balanced system for both your babies' milk intake and milk production in your breasts.
- Another thing you should pay attention to is to follow your babies' hunger cues. Especially if you are alternating breastfeeding, one baby may get impatient and cry while the other is breastfeeding.
In early signs of hunger, the baby's movements increase and they start to search. In later signs, they stretch and yawn. As the hunger level increases even more, it starts to suck its hands. In late symptoms, the baby goes into a crying crisis and the stress level reaches a high level.
At this point, the baby will not hold the breast even if it is offered. It needs to be calmed down before breastfeeding. At the latest, a baby should be fed at stage 2, the progressive signs of hunger.
Breastfeeding Positions for Twin Babies
There are some special positions for breastfeeding twins at the same time. The most commonly used ones are "Reclining Breastfeeding", "Front Cross Hold" and "Cross Football Hold".
Crossed Football Hold
In this position, you place both babies on your breastfeeding pillow, then position them under your seats and support their heads with your palms.
Front Cross Hold
In this position, after placing your babies on the breastfeeding pillow, you place them diagonally on your chest as shown in the image.
Breastfeeding Upright
This position can be used for breastfeeding twin babies who are slightly older in months. The babies are positioned on the breastfeeding pillow, facing the mother's breasts.
Reclining Breastfeeding (Natural Breastfeeding Position)
In this breastfeeding position, the mother leans back with her back supported by a pillow and breastfeeds with both babies on her breast.
Using a Breastfeeding Pillow for Twin Babies
Oxytocin, the hormone responsible for the release of milk, is strongly influenced by the mother's mood and stress levels. If you are stressed and tense, your baby will also feel it and become restless. Therefore, it is very important that you take a comfortable position and relax during breastfeeding.
This is where breastfeeding pillows come to your aid!
A breastfeeding pillow allows both you and your babies to take a comfortable position during breastfeeding. They support your lower back while breastfeeding and prevent lower back and back pain and help you to adjust the distance between you and your babies while breastfeeding.
In addition, with a breastfeeding pillow, your babies will settle more comfortably on the breast and grasp the breast better. In this way, you will have an effective breastfeeding.
Especially for mothers of twin babies, the use of a breastfeeding pillow is even more important. Because holding two babies at the same time can often be tiring.
With a breastfeeding pillow, you can use your hands and arms more comfortably as you place your babies better while breastfeeding your twin babies. In this way, you get the opportunity to touch your babies more, stimulate your oxytocin reflex and support your milk flow.
How should the mother's nutrition be during breastfeeding in twin babies?
Proper nutrition is very important during breastfeeding. The energy required for the breastfeeding process is met from the food consumed by the mother and her own stores. For both the mental and physical development of the baby, quality and adequate nutrition should be taken during breastfeeding in order not to waste the mother's stores.
