Tag: nursing

Simultaneous Breastfeeding (Photos Included)

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Did you ever think you’d ever be considering nursing two babies at once? Probably not. I know I didn’t. Also known as tandem nursing or breastfeeding, simultaneous feeding can be an effective way to get both babies on the same schedule, and save you a significant amount of time in the long run!

Settle yourself in a comfortable spot and have both babies within reach. It isn’t unusual to have one baby who is a better sucker than the other. If this is you, latch Baby A, the “better sucker,” on first. When the Baby B is ready to be latched, take your free arm and place it over, around ultimately underneath Baby B with your palm supporting his head. Lift Baby B to your breast and you an focus on making sure he is properly latched. With practice, you will be able to hold your settled Baby A in place with your elbow to leave your lower same arm free to help latch Baby B. Make sure that you bring the babies to you and not you to the babies or you very soon get a sore back. Good posture is essential.

When nursing triplets, you might have Baby C in a chair on the floor in front with a propped bottle of breast milk simultaneously feeding. OR as an alternative and if that Baby C is not fussing, you may wait until Babies A and B have each nursed at least 10 minutes, then put Baby C to the each breast for 5 MINUTES each side. The demand will quickly increase your supply. Keeping a record of which baby fed where will be essential, and at the following feed, Baby C will be one of the ones to be tandem fed at the breast. In other words, rotate them each feed. The Jumelle Twin and Baby Tracking App will help you easily keep track of which baby fed when, where and for how long.

Ask anyone nursing multiples, and they will tell you that simultaneous breastfeeding is also a challenge, requires focus and patience and everyone practices getting latched and fed. It is worth the effort though and as the babies mature, things get easier. As a mother of multiples, you likely have questions about how to most effectively feed your babies. Sometimes the responsibility of feeding more than one baby can feel overwhelming, and you may worry that you won’t produce enough milk. Despite its many challenges, simultaneous breastfeeding is a great time saver! It will get your two babies on the same schedule, and can therefore be worth the effort. If you plan ahead and receive the support you need, you can certain successfully breastfeed two babies. If at any time you are feeling overwhelmed or worried about your babies’ weight gain, see a certified, registered lactation consultant who is familiar with simultaneous breastfeeding and she can properly assess what is going with you and your precious bundles.

Following are some drawings and photos which demonstrate a variety of positions for simultaneous breastfeeding of two babies/toddlers through a combination of holds: cradle holds, football holds, one lying down and then in a saddle hold while the little ones sit on Momma’s knees. Finding what works for you and your babies will make things run smoothly. Keep in mind that as the babies grow, by necessity, you may need to look trying other positions.

It may be that back-to-back feedings are what works best for your family, even from time to time.

If you find one or both babies are scratching you and pinching your breasts as they feed or maybe poking at each other, this is normal behaviour but it is also painful. A couple of hints to handle such a situation is to either put socks on their hands before each feed (they stay on better than mittens), or wear a nursing necklace for the babies to fiddle with. Some Moms wear two necklaces in case of competition. The idea is to provide some distraction to stop the painful behaviour.

 

11 Breastfeeding Tips

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NOTE: The following suggestions on breastfeeding multiples are provided as information only. If you have any concerns about your particular situation, please check with a Lactation Consultant or your doctor.

Your breasts are going to make milk anyway, so why not give it a try and see where it leads? You may be pleasantly surprised!

  • If you run into any difficulties breastfeeding, get help right away. Don’t wait. Sometimes the answer(s) is very simple and a consultation with a Lactation Consultant may identify the problem and have everyone back on track very quickly.
  • Yes, enough milk can be produced for two or even three babies. Milk production is based on demand and supply. Frequent nursing stimulates breasts to meet nursing demands. Three things postively impact milk supply and production: a) frequent feedings of the babies; b) healthy eating, drinking and snacks; and c) keeping stress levels as low as possible.
  • Simultaneous feedings help get babies on the same schedule and saves an enormous amount of time. Most mothers of multiples feed simultaneously or one after another. Your babies will let you know which method works best for them.
  • Breastfeeding twinsAlternate breasts at each feed. It will be necessary to prepare a schedule so that you can remember who ate at which breast and when. By alternating breasts two important issues are addressed: a) one baby may be a better (stronger) sucker than the another thus stimulating the breast differently. Therefore, alternating breasts encourages both breasts to produce enough milk; b) when a baby only nurses at one breast, the lower eye doesn’t get equal opportunity to focus, look around and strengthen (an older nursing baby [i.e 6 months or so] will always look up, make eye contact and smile at you – it makes one’s heart turn over with love). Alternating breasts gives each of the baby’s eyes a chance to perform properly.
  • It isn’t unusual to have one baby who is a stronger sucker . When settling down for a simultaneous feeding, put the stronger sucker to the breast first then spend time settling and arranging the second baby. Keeps everyone happier.
  • For triplets or more , it may be necessary to introduce some formula before the milk supply is fully established. There are a couple of choices within this situation: a) top up each baby after a breast feed; b) feed two by breast and one by bottle, alternating who gets which at each feed (a schedule will need to be kept for equal opportunities). A helpful idea for increasing breast milk with triplets is to feed two babies, at each breast, followed by the third one on each breast. S uch a routine provides optimum opportunity to increase milk supply to meet the demand.
  • If you can, pump after each feed , collecting and freezing pumped breast milk for bottle feeding. Label and date the bottles. Following is a guide for storing breast milk:
    At room temperature – 10 hours
    In the fridge – 8 days
    In a fridge freezer – 2 weeks
    In a deep freeze – 6 months or longer

    Previously frozen breast milk can be kept in the fridge for 24 hours. Do not refreeze previously frozen breast milk.*

  • Never microwave breast milk . The high temperature affects its nutritional value. Breast milk defrosts very quickly in a bowl of hot water in the kitchen sink. The milk itself need not be hot, room temperature will do.
  • Using a twin nursing pillow is a real advantage. This larger pillow can comfortably cradle two babies at a time and allows burping/changing one while the other continues to feed.
  • Breast feeding is a learned art , for both mother and babies. Be patient, give it time and, if necessary, get some help.
  • Babies hit a growth spurt at about 6 weeks. As a result, they may feed more often. Many Moms interpret shorter times between feeds as they don’t have enough milk. Consequently, they become discouraged and quit nursing. Continuing to nurse will soon rebuild the milk supply to meet the demand. Don’t give up too soon.

* Mothering Multiples: Breastfeeding & Caring for Twins & More, by Karen Kerkhoff Gromada, La Leche League International, 1999

Other Resources

Breastfeeding Premature Multiples

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A singleton gestation is based on 40 weeks, twins on 38, triplets on 36 and quads on 34. Many multiples are born prematurely, from days to weeks early.

For parents of multiples wishing to breast feed their babies, the extent of the babies prematurity can impact breast feeding success. Mother’s milk provides superior nutrition, protects against disease and enhances infant development. In short, it is perfectly made for babies, especially when they are premature. While premature birth complicates the breast feeding of these infants, with knowledge, patience, perseverance, and good support systems in place, breastfeeding can be successful and any amounts of breast milk they can receive is beneficial. Following are some ideas and suggestions to help you, your partner and premature infants successfully breast feed.

  • Whether or not you have decided to breast feed your infants, your breasts will produce milk. This early milk is called colostrum and it contains high levels of antibodies and other substances that protect babies against infection. Therefore, pumping this colostrum and feeding it to the babies makes a lot of sense, and will ensure that they benefit from its important life-supporting properties.
  • One of the last things to develop in the few weeks before birth is the sucking reflex. Thankfully babies can learn how to suck and swallow and that is one of the reasons you will sometimes see some babies in the nursery with a soother. They are practising sucking and swallowing. If the babies are a few days or even weeks premature, you may be able to put them to the breast right away and with a little coaxing, trials and patience, they will learn to latch on and suckle. If the babies are very premature (4 or more weeks), you will have to pump as they will be too tiny and weak to take the breast.
  • At the beginning of each feed a baby gets the foremilk. This stimulates and releases the hindmilk, which is higher in fat (for growth) than the foremilk. It is important that either nursing or pumping lasts long enough to stimulate the let-down of the fat rich hindmilk.
  • When expressing breast milk, expect to pump 8 to 10 times in a 24-hour period. It is helpful to also pump during the nights, as if you were getting up to breast feed term babies. This round the clock pumping will help you establish your milk supply.
  • Once nursing or pumping has been established, supply and demand keeps breast milk forming and flowing. The more the babies feed, or you pump, the more milk your breasts will produce to meet the demands of your growing babies. Remember: make sure you pump frequently, drink lots of fluids and keep your stress levels low. All of these affect the quantity of milk available for your babies.
  • Your doctor, healthcare provider, lactation consultant, doula or midwife can help you decide when to transition from expressed breast milk to putting your babies to the breast. Factors that can help decide when the time is right, will depend on each babies’ ability to suck, breathe and swallow. Each baby will reach this goal at his or her own rate.
  • Premature infants are notorious for falling asleep before their wee tummies are full. While it is wonderful to hold and cuddle each baby, it is important that their tummies be full. You may need to encourage them to continue feeding by undressing them, holding one outstretched in front of you to encourage burping in case that is giving him the feeling of being full or moving them around in your arms to discourage sleep.
  • Initially breast feeding may be a challenge with your premature infants. Don’t give up! Take your time, choose a relaxing place to feed, stop and begin again if need be, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Talk to the nurses in the NICU unit, check in with a lactation consultant. Babies aren’t born knowing how to breast feed and sometimes with a small adjustment from a knowledgeable source you can all be back on track very quickly.
  • You may wish to begin feeding your babies one at a time until you feel comfortable. If you take this route, the milk stimulation in one breast may also cause a let down in your other breast. Having a sterile container nearby to catch any let-down will make sure that not one drop of your milk is wasted.
  • This double let-down can have a silver lining when feeding two babies simultaneously. It isn’t unusual to have one baby be a stronger sucker than another. Put your best sucker to the breast first then you can spend a little more time adjusting your second baby, plus s/he gets the benefit of the simultaneous let-down without even working hard for it.

Resources

Breastfeeding Your Premature Baby, La Leche League International

Web Sites

Multiple Births Canada, Breastfeeding Support Network
Breastfeeding Online
Dr. Jack Newman, The Newman Breastfeeding Clinic
La Leche League International

Breastfeeding Multiples: Pumping Tips

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There are a variety of reasons why a mother might want or need to pump: for preemie or sick infants; to increase her milk supply; to maintain her supply; for when she goes back to work, to name some.

The purpose of this article is to address some of the situations when Mom may need to pump for her babies, and to offer pumping tips.

  1. Begin regular pumping as soon as is possible after their births. Short, frequent sessions are better than long, infrequent sessions.
  2. Choose a quiet, private spot with comfortable seating.
  3. Moms of multiples will usually double pump for efficiency and because they are typically set for simultaneous letdown. Using a double pump will allow you to take advantage of the simultaneous letdown. In addition, double pumping saves a lot of time rather than pumping one breast at a time.
  4. When nursing one baby, pumping the other side takes advantage of the simultaneous letdown. This may help with better milk production so that one multiple, who may be having difficulty breastfeeding, also has enough milk available. Getting organized for such a scenario may take a little practice.
  5. It may be helpful to establish the proper ‘mood’ for expressing, have photos of your babies around you, perhaps listen to a tape of soft music.
  6. Dad/Partner can massage Mom’s back, shoulders and neck to help with relaxation. Bring her a drink, keep Mom company, wash, sterilize pumping bottles/tubing so they are ready for the next pumping session.
  7. It is important to surround Mom with proper support to ensure a successful pumping session.
  8. Eat nutritiously, rest, minimize stress levels and drink plenty of fluids.
  9. Typically newborns breastfeed 8 times or up to 12 to 14 times in 24 hours. Simulating a newborn’s feeding routine helps produce more milk. While each pumping session may take 10-20 minutes, the length of time will vary with each woman. Continue to pump as long as you have a good flow.*
  10. The opposite will also help with milk supply: pumping when there is low or no flow, helps stimulate the breasts for the next day.*
  11. Keep a record of the date and time of pumping and how much is collected. This will clarify if pumping is occurring often enough to keep the breasts stimulated to produce.
  12. To keep on a newborn’s nursing schedule, set a timer during the night to ensure that you wake up and pump at appropriate intervals.

Storing and Handling Expressed Breast Milk

Most Neonational Intensive Care Unit’s (NICU) have procedures in place for storing and handling expressed breast milk. If your babies are in the NICU, you will need to acquaint yourselves with their regulations. Ask the staff if the hospital provides sterile containers for expressed milk. Your hands will need to be thoroughly clean as will all parts of the pump that come in contact with your milk. Sterile containers will need to be clearly labeled with each baby’s name, date of expression, and perhaps a hospital identifying code prior to being placed in the refrigerator. If you are on any medications at all, you may need to also note what they are on the container label.

Breast Milk can be stored in clean, sterile containers:

  • At room temperature (25C or 77F) for 4 hours
  • In a refrigerator (not the door) for 48 hours [fresh]
  • In a refrigerator (not the door) for 24 hours [frozen]
  • In a refrigerator freezer compartment for 2 weeks
  • In a freezer compartment with a separate door for 3-4 months
  • In a deep freeze for 6 months

Frozen breast milk takes no time at all to thaw in a saucepan filled with warm water. Do not heat breast milk on a stove or in a microwave. Do not refreeze breast milk.

Sore Nipples

If nipples become sore during pumping, make sure that your nipples are properly centered within the suction cup. It is easy to become distracted during pumping and inadvertently shift the equipment. Some mothers report that applying a small amount of modified lanolin cream is helpful. If problems continue, contact a Lactation Consultant or La Leche League member. Don’t wait for the pain to become severe.

Types of Pumps

  1. Electric: efficient, thorough, expensive, can be rented by day, week or month
  2. Battery: good for occasional pumping or not near electrical outlets, not as efficient as electric
  3. Manual: takes a long time to pump, not practical for women who pump often, inexpensive
  4. Hand Expression: difficult for some to master, inefficient, helpful for emergency such as engorgement.

Available Pumps

Medela double pump, lactina, the Avent is is a good manual pump for double pumping.

Some considerations: Find out about the level of suction of the pump. Some can be very strong and some inefficient. Are the instructions for using it clear? Does the company have a 1-800 number if you need to ask questions? Some drugstores and hospitals rent pumps, which can be quite expensive. Some Lactation Consultants offer rentals. Check out the Yellow Pages. Do your homework to find out what works for you.

With input from: Erin Shaheen, Child Birth Educator and Mom of 4 breastfed babies, including twins; and Valerie Lavigne, Chiropractor and Mom of 3 breastfed babies, including twins.

Bibliography

*Mothering Multiples: Breastfeeding & Caring for Twins or More!!! by Karen Kerkhoff Gromada, La Leche League International

Resources

Multiple Births Canada, Breastfeeding Support Network

Multiple Births Canada’s Breastfeeding Multiples Fact Sheet Series
–Guidelines for Transporting Breast Milk to NICU
-Breastfeeding Multiples: Fathers/Partners
-Breastfeeding Multiples: Nipple Pain & Vasospasm
-Are My Babies Getting Enough Breast Milk?
-Breastfeeding Multiples: Resources
-10 Tips to Successful Breastfeeding

La Leche League International

Additional Reading

Multiple Blessings, Betty Rothbart, Hearst Books, 1994
Your Premature Baby, Nikki Bradford, Firefly, 2003
The Joy of Twins and Other Multiple Births, Pamela Patrick Novotny, Crown Trade Paperbacks, 1991
Feeding Your Baby the Healthiest Foods: from breast milk to table foods, Louise Lambert-Lagacé, Stoddart, 2000

Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets

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Breastfeeding twins and triplets? Yes, you can! Many women have successfully breastfed their twin babies, some for over two years.

We are all well aware of the benefits of breastmilk for babies and many wonderful and supportive ‘how to’ books have been written on the subject (some of those books are listed after this article). Even if your babies are premature, you can still breastfeed them. You can pump and take your milk into the hospital for feeding to your babies’. The nutritional content of each mother’s breastmilk is best suited for her babies’ needs. (Source: Side by Side, Breastfeeding Multiples – video, Calgary Foothills Pipeline Hospital).

Check lower down this page for some hints on breastfeeding triplets.

When preparing for breastfeeding, here are some helpful hints:

  • Properly prepare for breastfeeding by reading a general information book on breastfeeding.
  • Discuss your wishes with your partner before birth. It is important that you both have a commitment to breastfeeding and your partner be fully supportive.
  • Get together with other women who have successfully breastfed twins and triplets. Compare notes, pick up hints, ideas and shortcuts. Your local community may offer a breastfeeding class geared towards multiples. Check with your local Health Unit. You may also connect with your local La Leche League Group for support both before and after the babies’ birth.
  • If possible, put your babies to the breast immediately after birth. If you are unable to do so, make sure you have made prior arrangements with your doctor and hospital nurse staff and that they are fully aware of your commitment to breastfeeding. Make your intentions to breastfeed clear and make arrangements to pump and collect milk until such time as you will have the babies with you and can feed them yourself. A double pump is a great investment and can save you a lot of time. Remember: Both you and the babies are learning about breastfeeding. Babies are not born knowing how to suckle. You will need to work together (perhaps with the assistance of a Lactation Consultant while in the hospital) to learn how to breastfeed successfully.
  • It is very common to have one baby who latches on quicker or more easily than the other. Put that baby to the breast first and then you will have ample time to work with settling the other baby who may need a little more coaxing and attention with latching. Another excellent investment is a horse-shoe shaped nursing pillow. Make sure the pillow you purchase is large enough to hold the two babies together. Some of the pillows available in stores are smaller and made for nursing only one baby at a time.
  • Your milk supply will be influenced by several factors: 1) how often you feed the babies (and/or pump); 2) how often you rest; and 3) the stress levels you are experiencing. You will produce an appropriate volume of milk to meet the babies’ demand (the supply meets the demand) and it is equally important to be sure and get enough rest and to limit the stress levels in your day in order to assist you in producing milk (if the beds don’t get made today, so be it!).
  • If you arrive home and have difficulties latching a baby or you or your babies are having difficulties, don’t be shy. Call your local Health Unit and find out where Breastfeeding Support Clinics are held, call your local Twin/Triplet support Chapter, Lactation Consultant or La Leche League Group. Get the help you need to assist you and your babies.
  • It may be that you will experience some nipple soreness when nursing two babies. If you stop nursing, the soreness will only return after the babies begin nursing again. Try nursing for shorter periods of time, but more often. If you are experiencing some pain, it is usually associated with poor positioning. Remove your baby, reposition him and try again. If you continue to experience nipple soreness, seek out some guidance from one of the groups mentioned above.
  • Babies hit a growth spurt any where from 3 to 6 weeks of age (and not necessarily each at the same time) and then at regular intervals of about 6 weeks each after that, depending upon each individual baby. Don’t worry if it appears that you are ‘running out of milk’ as it is more likely the babies are feeding more often due to a growth spurt. Soon the increased demand will meet up with the supply and regular feeding intervals will again develop. Their growth rate slows down at about 3 or 4 months.
  • Do not assign one baby exclusively to a breast because: 1) they may be uneven suckers and very shortly you will have a lopsided shape due to their uneven sucking patterns. Alternating the babies on each breast will even out any different sucking patterns; and very importantly 2) when a baby is assigned to only one breast, the baby’s upper eye gets over worked, while the one below can become lazy and not react properly to stimulous.
  • If you find that one or both of your babies is having difficulties with one feeding position, try a different one. One Mom of twins reported that her son would not breastfeed if he was ‘under’ his sister. The weight of his sister, while using the cradlehold position, was something that he would not tolerate. When she switched to the football hold, which allowed each baby to be free of touching one another, he settled right down and breastfeeding went extremely well.
  • Your babies should eat initially every 2-1/2 to 3 hours and you will need to nurse at least 8 times a day for several weeks. Some babies need to nurse more often.
  • Triplets – For Moms wishing to breastfeed triplets, a suggestion to assist in building up your milk supply is to put two babies each to a breast for 10 minutes and the third baby on each breast for five minutes, at each feed. At the next feed, rotate the turn of the third baby so that each baby has a turn being on the breast within the first 10 minutes. Some Moms have reported a reasonable amount of success in building up their milk supply by using this rotating system. It is agreed that it is difficult to exclusively breastfeed three babies and I know of only one family who successfully did so exclusively for nearly two years. However, I am aware of several triplet families who have very happily partially breast-fed their babies for different durations of time.

Breastfeeding Multiples – Positions

You can be assured that your babies are feeding well if:

  • there are 6 to 8 soaking wet cloth diapers or 5 to 6 wet disposable diapers per baby in 24 hours during the first six weeks;
  • each baby is having 2 to 5 bowel movements in 24 hours during the first six weeks;
  • they are feeding at least 8 to 12 times a day for a duration of 10 to 40 minutes. Duration and number of feeding times per day will vary with each baby.

Breastmilk can be stored at room temperature for about 10 hours; in a refrigerator for about 8 days; freezer compartment with a separate door for 3-4 months and in a separate deep freeze for 6 months.*

Other Resources for Breastfeeding Your Multiples

I love the drawings in some of these books. It is very helpful to actually ‘see’ the positions so they can be interpretted correctly and find the ones that will work best for you and your babies.

*Source: Mothering Multiples: Breastfeeding & Caring for Twins or More!! by Karen Kerkhoff Gromada, La Leche League International (a great book, easily understood and takes you through the steps of breastfeeding, what ‘problems’ to look for and how to correct them, the important role of partner and lots more!)

The Joy of Twins and other multiple births by Pamela Patrick Novotny, Crown Trade Paperback Inc. (includes excellent diagrams of possible positions for simultaneous feeding)

Double Duty by Christina Baglivi Tinglof, Contemporary Books (also has some great illustrations for feeding positions. Walks you clearly through the steps of breastfeeding and has a list of ‘5 Top Breastfeeding Boo Boos’.)

Multiple Blessings by Betty Rothbart, M.S.W., Hearst Books (Has a Chapter devoted to breastfeeding, including feeding the babies simultaneously or back to back, creating a peaceful environment for breastfeeding and more! Also has excellent drawings showing different breastfeeding positions.)

Guidelines for Storage and Sterilization at Home

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Storage and Sterilization

  1. Purchase some bottles and labels to store the milk. The bottles need to be boiled and sterilized before each use
  2. Clearly label each bottle, including date and time that the breast milk was collected so that you know the age of the bottle of milk.
  3. Do not overfill the bottles as breast milk expands when it is frozen.
  4. Make sure all pump material is properly cleaned and sterilized between uses.

Storage Times of Breast Milk for Preterm Infants

Storage time
Freshly expressed milk Room temperature 25C or 77F 4 hours
Refrigerated milk (Store at back of fridge, not in door)4C or 39F a) Refrigerator (fresh milk)b) Refrigerator (thawed milk) a) 48 hoursb) 24 hours
Frozen Milk (Store at back of freezer, not in door. DO NOT REFREEZE) a) Freezer compartment inside refrigeratorb) Freezer compartment with separate doorc) Deep freezer, not attached to refrigerator a) NOT RECOMMENDED
b) 3 Monthsc) 6 months
Transporting Milk (Fresh, refrigerated or frozen)15C or 60F Packed in insulated cooler with ice or “blue ice” 24 hours

Do not microwave breast milk. Microwaving changes the nutrient content of breast milk. To defrost frozen breast milk, run it for a few minutes under hot water, or stand the bottle in a pot of hot water where it will quickly defrost. If you have any questions regarding pumping or storing breast milk, do not hesitate to discuss them with a lactation consultant, doula or midwife.

Your breast milk is important to your babies.

*Reference

  1. www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkstorage-preemie.shtml
  2. www.preemie-l.org/bfaq.shtml
  3. Hamosh M, Ellis LA, Pollock Dr., Henderson TR and Hamosh P. Breastfeeding and the working mother: effect of time and temperature of short-term storage on proteolysis, lipolysis, and bacterial growth in milk. Pediatrics Vol. 97, issue 4 pp. 492-498
  4. www.cpqcc.org/
  5. Lauwers J, Shinskie D., Counseling the Nursing Mother: A Lactation Consultant’s Guide, 3rd edition p.351
  6. Riordan Jan, Breastfeeding and Human Lactation, 3rd edition. p.378-382

Multiple Births Canada Resources

  • Breastfeeding Multiples Fact Sheet Series (includes Pumping Tips Fact Sheet)
  • Breastfeeding Twins Pamphlet
  • Breastfeeding Triplets & Quadruplets Pamphlet
  • Nursing Your Infant Twins Booklet
  • Special Delivery: The Handbook for Parents of Triplets, Quadruplets & Quintuplets Booklet
  • Twin Care: Prenatal to Six Months Booklet
  • Expectant & New Parent Support Kit

Additional Resources

Finding Our Way: Life with Triplets, Quadruplets and Quintuplets , Triplets, Quads & Quints Assoc., 2001
Mothering Multiples: Breastfeeding & Caring for Twins or More , Karen Kerkhoff Gromada, La Leche League Int’l, 1999, ISBN 0912500514
When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy , Barbara Luke and Tamara Eberlein, Harper Collins, June 2004, ISBN 0060542683
The Joy of Twins and Other Multiple Births , Pamela Patrick Novotny, Crown Trade Paperbacks, Inc., 1994, ISBN 0517880717
Double Duty , Christina Baglivi Tinglof, Contemporary Books, 1998, ISBN 0809230194

Video: Side By Side: Breast Feeding Multiples – a 16 minute video by Calgary POMBA and the Foothills Hospital; available from Foothills Hospital, Public Affairs Office AGW5, 1403-29 th Street, NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2T9 Telephone: (403) 670-4853

Web Sites

La Leche League of Canada
Tel: 1-800-665-4324 www.lalecheleague.org

From Valerie Lavigne – Mom of three breastfed babies, including twins. Adapted by Lynda P. Haddon – Multiple Birth Educator – www.jumelle.ca

 

Breastfeeding Resources

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Yes, it IS possible to successfully breastfeed your twins, triplets or more!

This list is a great place to start learning and researching about breastfeeding your babies. Learning about breastfeeding twins or more and practice, practice, practice once they arrive ensures a satisfying experiences for the whole family.

The following in no way constitutes a complete list as there are many wonderful breastfeeding resources available other than these listed. Don’t limit yourself to just books on breastfeeding multiples. Please feel free to let me know if there is something special you feel that needs to be included.

Booklets

  • Nursing your Infant Twins, booklet, Multiple Births Canada
  • Special Delivery: The Handbook for Parents of Triplets, Quadruplets & Quintuplets, booklet, Multiple Births Canada
  • Twin Care: Prenatal to Six Months, booklet, Multiple Births Canada
  • Expectant & New Parent Support Kit, Multiple Births Canada

Books

  • Finding Our Way: Life with Triplets, Quadruplets and Quintuplets ,
  • Triplet, Quads & Quints Assoc., 2001, ISBN 0-780968716007
  • Mothering Multiples: Breastfeeding & Caring for Twins or More, Karen Kerkhoff Gromada, La Leche League International, 1999, ISBN 0912500514
  • Double Duty, Christina Baglivi Tinglof, Contemporary Books, 1998, ISBN 0809230194
  • The Joy of Twins and Other Multiple Births, Pamela Patrick Novotny, Crown Trade Paperbacks, Inc., 1994, ISBN 0517880717 (has great diagrams for positioning the babies for simultaneous feeding)
  • Expecting twins, triplets and more, Rachel Franklin, 2005, St. Martin ’s Griffin , N.Y. , ISBN 0-312-32823-0
  • When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads, Dr. Barbara Luke and Tamara Eberlein, 1999, Harper Perennial, ISBN 0-06-095723-9

Video

  • Side by Side: Breastfeeding Multiples, a 16-minute video by Calgary POMBA and the Calgary Foothills Hospital . Available through the Hospital, Public Affairs Office AGW5, 1403-29 th St. N.W. , Calgary , Alberta , Canada T2N 2T9

Websites

Dad / Partner’s Role

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During pregnancy and childbirth, it is not unusual for the other partner to feel somewhat left out and unimportant. In reality, nothing could be farther from the truth!

Dad’s role as supporter, labour coach, listener, evaluator of when Mom may be in (preterm?) labour, baby handler/changer, cook, cleaner and, did we mention listener? – is not to be underestimated. Children thrive under the guidance and nurturing of both of their parents. However, when children are born two or more at a time, it is imperative that Dad become proactive in the care of the babies. Multiple birth babies can cause a lot of stress in the family and being aware of this ahead of time can be important. Taking the initiative in child care, communication and sharing of thoughts and tasks is essential for the well-being of all concerned.

Note: The following has been prepared in order to assist the partner in being supportive of the pregnant woman. It is acknowledged that not all relationships are composed of a mother and father. For ease of writing, the “partner” throughout this article has been referred to as “dad”.

Night Feedings

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It may take several days before you find a routine which works well for the whole family. One family of twins worked out a system whereby when a baby awoke, Dad would get the baby, change him and bring him to Mom to feed in their bed. He would ‘sleep’ until they were finished, take the baby back to his crib, wake the second baby, feed her and bring her to Mom to feed and then return her to her crib when feeding was finished.

A variation of this style of feeding would be to wake both babies and feed them simultaneously, thus shortening the awake time.

Some families agree that since Dad probably works in the daytime, he needs to sleep the night through. Two possible scenarios could help you if this is your decision:

  1. If bottlefeeding, Dad could do the last night feeding, say at 11:00p.m. and the first morning feeding, say 6:00a.m. Both parents can there get some extended sleep time.
  2. If breastfeeding, Mom could get up to do the night feedings and try to catch up on some of her sleep during the next day when the babies are also sleeping.

Some families have hired a night time nanny instead of a daytime nanny. This could be especially helpful for parents of higher order multiples.

Another breastfeeding twin family used this idea, which worked for them. Mom would continue pumping her breasts after each feed during the week, collect and freeze the milk. Friday and Saturday nights, each parent would take a child to a different part of the house and Mom would breastfeed while Dad bottlefed the baby the expressed breastmilk. This guaranteed each parent longer periods of sleep time at least two nights a week.

You will need to communicate often with each other and establish a routine which works not only for you but for your babies too. It may take some time to work out, but don’t give up. Ask other parents of multiples how they worked out the night feedings and be creative with what will work for all of you.

Some Things Dads Need to be Aware of

Father with twinsIt is important that each parent remember that in times of stress and sleep deprivation, things may be said to one another that are unintentionally hurtful. If Dad is the main source of family income, he has the opportunity to leave the home, engage in adult conversation, have uninterrupted bathroom and coffee breaks and he receives positive feedback for achievements. Mom, at home, doesn’t have these small, but important, luxuries. Further, Dad leaves his work and comes home to a new routine. As the stay-at-home Mom, she is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is not unusual for Mom to be waiting at the door for Dad and to thrust a baby into his arms. Getting away to shop for groceries or run errands can provide a much needed change of scenery for Mom.

Sick, cranky or colicky children can cause tears, anger or venting by Mom when Dad returns home at the end of his workday. If you find yourself in such a situation, please remember not to take it personally. An acknowledgement of the situation: “It sounds as if you have had a long and tiring day” or “My how did you manage to do all of that?” is an important validation of what Mom has been dealing with all day. Nothing is going to change, the children aren’t going to “be returned”, but sometimes a validation of our exasperated feelings and a realization that we are together and not facing the situation alone, can make a huge, positive world of difference to all. Listening and acknowledging another’s business in any situation can never be the wrong thing to do.

Remember that each of you are learning how to take care of children from Day One. Women are not born knowing how to look after children and babies don’t arrive knowing how to suckle. Child rearing is an on-going learning situation and Dads are learning too. He needs to learn to diaper, bathe and dress babies. While of course you are assisting your partner in taking care of your children, you are also developing a close rapport with your babies. This is an extremely important and beneficial side effect for all of you.

Little Things Mean a Lot

  • If your partner has had a cesarean section, you may need to do all of the shopping and carrying for the first few weeks;
  • This may be the time to hire someone to cut the grass or shovel the snow. Make your life as simple as possible over those first few weeks;
  • If there is another child(ren), take her grocery shopping with you. This changes the dynamics at home and provides quality time with your other child(ren);
  • You might take one baby grocery shopping. Strap him on into a baby Snuggli and away you go. This is helpful for everyone and allows for important one-on-one time with each child plus encourages each child to become independent and separate from the others;
  • Bring home supper once in a while;
  • Hold/pick up a baby whenever necessary. Don’t wait to be asked to do so;
  • Give Mom a chance to bathe or take a shower, uninterrupted and at her leisure;
  • Learn how to work the washer and dryer and throw in a load of laundry;
  • After the babies are in bed, take some time to be together. You can talk, cuddle, share a glass of wine, offer a back rub to each other or simply sit together. It is important to remember how you got to this place and to take time and space for each other as well;
  • Listen to each other! This cannot be emphasized enough;
  • Provide time for your partner to go out somewhere with friends, alone or to a multiple birth support Chapter meeting;
  • Bring home flowers once in a while;
  • Keep a sense of humour;
  • Join a fathers of multiples support group;
  • Enjoy your children. They will make you feel very special and proud.

Additional Resources

The Art of Parenting Twins by Patricia Maxwell Malstrom and Janet Poland
Twins, Triplets and More: Their Nature, Development and Care, by Elizabeth Bryan, published by the Multiple Birth Foundation, London, England
Twin Care: Prenatal to Six Months, Multiple Births Canada
Finding our Way: Life with Triplets, Quadruplets and Quintuplets, published by Triplets, Quads, Quints Association: http://www.tqq.com
The Joy of Twins and Other Multiple Births by Pamela Patrick Novotny

Written and Developed by Lynda P. Haddon and Sandra Tompkins, 1998