Breastfeeding twins

Feeding two babies is a big task. Here you'll find information and advice on breastfeeding twins.

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Breastfeeding twins — how do we do it, and will I have enough milk?

If you are expecting twins or have had twins, feeding two babies is an is an extra big task for both of you. This applies whether you are bottle feeding or breastfeeding. With good support in the beginning, most families can establish breastfeeding. Swipe for helpful advice on breastfeeding twins.

 

Do I have enough milk for our twins — or triplets?

Yes, you do. Your body can produce exactly the amount of milk — and the right composition of milk — that your babies need. This also applies if your babies are born prematurely.

At the same time, having twins is a major change and a big task. Establishing breastfeeding takes extra effort from both parents.

How can we best prepare for breastfeeding twins?

If you are expecting twins and would like to breastfeed, it is especially helpful to prepare during pregnancy.

This is how you can prepare:

  • Learn about the breastfeeding position called the twin hold, and practise it at home if you wish.
  • Set up a breastfeeding space where you can sit comfortably and have food, drinks, extra pillows and blankets within reach.
  • Consider buying a breastfeeding pillow — although ordinary pillows can also be used.
  • Be prepared for breastfeeding to take time and sometimes feel demanding while you are getting started — but it usually becomes easier over time.
  • Be prepared for your babies to have different breastfeeding needs. They may not feed equally often or for the same length of time.

During admission

If your babies are born vaginally, they can be placed on your chest straight away. If they are born by caesarean section, they can be placed on your chest as soon as possible. Here, they can lie together and have time and calm to find the breast and start sucking. Some twins are born prematurely and cannot be put to the breast straight away because they need to be admitted to the neonatal unit. In that case, they will need expressed breast milk, and the staff will help you with this.

As first-time parents

Some mothers who have twins as their first babies choose to breastfeed both twins at the same time from the beginning. However, most start by breastfeeding one baby at a time. In the beginning, when you are learning to breastfeed for the first time, it may be easier to focus on one baby at a time. The babies may also need different kinds of help, and one baby may feed more often than the other. This is completely normal. Feeding them one at a time also helps you get to know each baby’s needs. The father or partner has a very important role in looking after the mother and helping to position the babies at the breast. Breastfeeding twins is a big task and requires a shared effort.

When breastfeeding is established

Once breastfeeding is going well, you will find that there are many ways to breastfeed twins:

  • Some parents choose to breastfeed both babies at the same time from the beginning, but most start doing this once breastfeeding is well established. It usually takes some help to find good breastfeeding positions.
  • The twin hold and laid-back breastfeeding are both good positions for breastfeeding twins. One of the advantages of the laid-back position is that it may feel more relaxing, and it may be easier for the babies to latch on well.
  • Some continue breastfeeding one baby at a time, while others breastfeed both babies at the same time.
  • Some give each baby their own breast, while others switch sides. Switching sides can be especially helpful if one baby sucks more strongly than the other, for example because of differences in weight, condition after birth or temperament. Letting the babies switch sides helps stimulate milk production evenly in both breasts.

It takes time to find out what works best for you. Talk to your health visitor, who can also help you find a way to breastfeed your twins that suits your family.

Breastfeeding positions

As a mother of twins, you will spend a lot of time breastfeeding, especially at the beginning, when most mothers breastfeed one baby at a time. Even if you later breastfeed both babies at the same time, breastfeeding will still take many hours.

It is therefore important that you set up a space together that feels pleasant and comfortable, where you can have food and drinks within reach. It is also useful to have different pillows and loose blankets nearby

Good to do

 

  • Prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy, and discuss your wishes and expectations with your midwife.
  • Make sure you have a comfortable place to breastfeed and plenty of support close at hand during the first few weeks after the birth.
  • Keep in regular contact with your health visitor if you have any questions or need support with breastfeeding your twins.

Who can you contact?

If you experience challenges with bottle feeding – big or small – do not hesitate to seek professional advice. Swipe to see whom you can contact and when.

Who can you contact at the maternity ward?

You can contact the maternity-ward staff both during pregnancy and after birth.

Before birth, your midwife is the person to speak with about the early time with your baby and your thoughts about feeding – whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. If you have had previous breastfeeding problems, you can create a plan together.

Most maternity wards also offer antenatal classes, and your midwife can inform you about these.

After giving birth, you can receive help with breastfeeding from staff on the delivery or maternity ward while you are admitted.

All parents can also contact a breastfeeding hotline at their maternity ward within the first week after birth if they need help or guidance.

You can contact your municipal health-visitor service

The health-visitor service is available to all pregnant and new parents in Denmark. After birth, you will be offered free home visits with support and guidance to help you get a good start with your baby. Depending on your municipality and your stage in the process, different services and contact options may be available.

Some municipalities offer prenatal visits from a health visitor, where you can discuss breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and preparing for life as a new family. Check your municipality’s website to see whether this is available where you live.

If you have special needs, you can contact the service to ask whether prenatal visits are offered to you.

Your health visitor will contact you and offer the first home visit. You can always call your municipal health visitor service for advice or guidance.

You can contact your GP if needed

Always speak with your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and need medical treatment. In most cases, there is a medication that is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Contact the on-call doctor or call 112 in an emergency

For sudden illness or worsening symptoms that cannot wait until your GP is available, or for minor injuries, you can contact the on-call doctor – or call 1813 if you live in the Capital Region.

In emergencies, if something is life-threatening or dangerous, call 112.

Contact volunteer breastfeeding counsellors

You can also contact volunteer breastfeeding counsellors if you need advice or guidance. Denmark has two support organisations: Forældre & Fødsel and Ammenet. The volunteers are mothers who have breastfed themselves, and both organisations provide guidance based on the recommendations of the Danish Health Authority.

Get help from Forældre og Fødsel

Get help from Ammenet

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