In recent years, the number of multiple births has surged by 200%, largely due to advancements in IVF treatments and fertility medications. Notably, in 2009, one in every 30 infants born was a twin. Despite the well-documented benefits of breastfeeding, resources for mothers feeding multiples remain scarce. As a mother of two sets of twins, I believe that twin moms and other mothers of multiples require more robust support systems for their breastfeeding journeys.
My first set of twins arrived prematurely, joining the 60% of twins who enter the NICU. This early arrival posed significant challenges for nursing, particularly as my babies were placed in different rooms. I missed the opportunity to practice tandem nursing during their six and nine-day NICU stays, which took a toll on my emotional well-being and my ability to successfully breastfeed. When we finally got home, I felt unprepared and eventually stopped nursing earlier than I had hoped due to the lack of support and resources.
Lactation consultant, Sarah Thompson, highlights that many mothers of multiples often quit breastfeeding sooner than they planned due to inadequate education and support. “Twin moms require extensive assistance, both emotionally and physically, while navigating breastfeeding and other challenges,” she explains. During my first experience with breastfeeding, I sensed this lack of support. Most people, aside from my lactation consultant, encouraged me to stop nursing altogether, which left me feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Ultimately, I turned to formula because it seemed no one expected me to successfully nurse twins.
When my second set of twins arrived, I experienced a completely different scenario. They only spent 12 hours in the NICU, allowing me to nurse them right away. They took to breastfeeding like champs, making tandem nursing a more manageable task. However, I soon encountered unexpected hurdles once we returned home. When my milk supply surged, I found myself producing so much that I could fill two nine-ounce bottles after each feeding. According to Thompson, this increased production is common for mothers of multiples due to the additional breast tissue developed during pregnancy.
While some women may view overproduction as a blessing, I felt overwhelmed—drowning in what I jokingly referred to as my “liquid gold.” I struggled to control my milk supply without jeopardizing it completely. After nursing, I often woke up soaked, even with nursing pads. To combat this, I resorted to taping diapers inside my shirt for maximum absorbency—a rather inventive solution, if I do say so myself.
Although I cherished those early days, my life revolved around milk production. Every time one twin latched well, the other would come unlatched, disrupting the entire feeding process. I attempted to feed them separately, but this led to relentless cluster feeding and sleepless nights as they developed their own feeding schedules. If you’re a parent of multiples, you understand the challenges of managing different routines.
Breastfeeding multiples is a vastly different experience than nursing a singleton. With a single baby, you might comfortably nurse while lying on your side. But with twins, finding a comfortable position is a challenge. In public, you often find yourself nursing one while the other cries in someone else’s arms—an exhausting cycle. On the rare occasion when I could nurse both at once, I felt like I should wear a sign declaring, “Mamma Cow Feeding a Litter—Step Aside!”
This exhausting process led me to shorten feedings, compromising my mental health in the name of breastfeeding. Thompson advises that if breastfeeding takes a toll on a mother’s mental well-being, it may be time to reassess. “Every drop counts,” she emphasizes, suggesting that combining breastfeeding with formula or reducing nursing sessions without full weaning is an option. While I ensured my babies were fed, I began supplementing with pumped breast milk, which, combined with my reduced pumping sessions, quickly decreased my milk supply.
Although numerous breastfeeding support groups exist across the country, those tailored specifically for mothers of multiples are nearly nonexistent. In my state, I found only a handful of products designed for mothers nursing twins, while countless options exist for singleton babies. Even the hospital where I delivered seemed unprepared for a mother wanting to nurse twins effectively, setting me up for failure from day one.
Had I received proper education and support regarding tandem nursing, my experience would have been much easier—not easy, but certainly more manageable. The increasing rates of multiple births call for better resources and support for mothers who wish to breastfeed. If breastfeeding is truly the best option, we must advocate for the needs of mothers of multiples.
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Summary:
Breastfeeding multiples presents unique challenges that many mothers are unprepared for due to a lack of resources and support. Personal experiences highlight the struggles, including difficulties with tandem nursing, managing milk supply, and feeling overwhelmed by the demands of nursing twins. As the rates of multiple births rise, it is crucial to create more support systems to help these mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals.