How to Breastfeed Twins?

Nursing one baby is hard, how in the world is one parent expected to breastfeed twins? Let’s break it down.

Step one: Supply and Demand:

First, check out our breastfeeding 101 blog to understand how breastfeeding works. This is extremely important because breastfeeding successfully is based on supply and demand and your two babies are going to demand a LOT of your breasts.

Both breasts need to be fully emptied by the babies each feeding to tell your breasts to create more milk. If you are pumping, make sure that you are using hand massage during and hand expression after to get out every last drop.

Step two: Getting on twins a feeding schedule:

If both babies are on different schedules, then a parent will find themselves CONSTANTLY feeding one baby or the other, which is exhausting and unsustainable. We strongly recommend the three hour schedule.

Once you have the when down, you have to figure out the logistics. Luckily, you have options.

Step three: Logistics of feeding twins:

There is no one right way to breastfeed twins. You will have to find out what makes the most sense for you.

Both babies at one time:

Most commonly, parents figure out a position that is comfortable for them to feed both babies at the same time. This means that the whole feeding can be over in an efficient amount of time and neither baby has to wait patiently to eat. You may want to look into a twin nursing pillow like the twin-z.

Feeding one twin at a time:

Both babies at one time doesn’t work for every parent of twins. Some women with very large breasts need to have a more hands-on nursing process. And some women just can’t seem to feel safe/comfortable feeding both at the same time. I’ve heard from other women still that they want to nurse each individually to make eye contact and give each baby undivided nursing attention. [This is only possible if there is another caregiver. I guarantee you that the baby not eating won’t sit quietly and wait while their sibling goes first!]

With one baby at a time, the babies are on the same schedule but about 20-30 minutes staggered. So that one baby is always hungry first. You find a favorite play mat or bouncy seat for the waiting baby. Sometimes you can manage the schedule so that the second baby is still sleeping while you feed the first.

Which breast does each baby get?

This varies vastly. Some parents choose to assign a breast to each baby. Some switch off every feeding. And some switch off every day. It’s important to figure out if you have a “powerhouse” breast or if they both produce similar amounts to help you make this decision.

Step 4: Positions for feeding twins

The end answer is any position that gets both babies latched on and keeps the mom comfortable is a good position!