Breastfeeding Multiples

Moms of multiples: You are not alone! With time, patience, and practice, breastfeeding your babies can be a great choice for your family.

BReastfeeding benefits for multiples

The benefits of breastfeeding are just as important for multiples as they are for one baby. Multiples, like twins or triplets, are more likely to be born prematurely and with lower birth weights. Breast milk provides essential nutrients and immune support that are crucial for premature infants and low birthweight infants.

HOW YOUR BODY ADAPTS

Your body can adapt to meet your babies’ needs. Many mothers can make enough milk to feed their multiples.

Your body begins preparing for breastfeeding while you are still pregnant. Once your babies are born, your breasts make milk based on supply and demand. When demand is high, your breasts produce more milk. Frequent breastfeeding, especially in the first hours, days, and weeks after delivery, helps establish and maintain a strong milk supply. If one or more of your babies are in the NICU, work with your WIC and hospital staff to start pumping and feed your pumped breast milk to your babies.

Strategies for MULTIPLES

Breastfeeding more than one baby may seem overwhelming at first. Some moms may worry about getting a comfortable latch or about producing enough milk for multiple babies. However, WIC is here to help! Here are some strategies for breastfeeding multiples that can help you be successful.

BEFORE YOUR BABIES ARRIVE

Talk to your WIC staff, health care provider, and family about your breastfeeding plan.
Take a breastfeeding class at your local WIC clinic.
Ask if your WIC clinic offers a Buddy Program or ask WIC staff for help finding a support group for parents.
Connect with your WIC Peer Counselor or a WIC designated breastfeeding expert.

sOON AFTER BIRTH

Breastfeed and do skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible after birth.
Breastfeed based on your babies’ feeding cues to encourage milk production.
Pump if you are unable to directly breastfeed. For example, if your babies are born early or are in the NICU, pumping can help build your milk supply so there will be plenty of milk available for the babies when they are ready to directly breastfeed.
Talk with a WIC designated breastfeeding expert about pumping and breastmilk storage safety tips.

WHILE YOU'RE BREASTFEEDING

Try various breastfeeding positions to find what works best for both you and each baby. Each of your babies may prefer different positions.
Alternate which breast each baby feeds from.
Test out different approaches, like nursing two babies at once or one baby after the other.
Concerned about milk supply? Learn how to tell if your babies are getting enough milk.

STILL HAVE CONCERNS?

If you have concerns or need help, seek support from a WIC breastfeeding peer counselor, lactation consultant, your healthcare provider, or a support group for parents of multiples.