Breast-Feeding Multiple Infants

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Topic Overview

Most mothers can produce enough milk to breast-feed two or more babies. If you have twins or triplets, breast-feeding becomes more physically and emotionally challenging. But with support and guidance, you can be successful.

Breast-feeding fosters the bond between you and each baby. Since multiples often are born prematurely, the protective factors (antibodies) in breast milk are especially important for them.

Get assistance from a health professional, a breast-feeding specialist (lactation specialist), or another person with expertise in breast-feeding multiple-birth babies. Special techniques often are recommended for multiples. These may include:

• Feeding the babies one at a time until they learn to latch on to the breast.
• Feeding two infants at the same time after you are comfortable feeding one at a time. The cradle hold or the football hold often are advised. (You may also choose to feed the infants one at a time.)
• Pumping breast milk after your milk supply is established so that others can help you feed the babies.
• Using formula to supplement breast milk feedings.