Can I feed twins?
Q: I’m scheduled to have a caesarean as I’m expecting twins. So far, everything is going great. If they are healthy, will I be able to feed them soon after the birth as is recommended in so many books? And how on earth does a person go about feeding newborn twins? I don’t think I have enough hands. A: Linda answers: Expecting twins can be quite an overwhelming thought, but as the idea of having more than one newborn becomes a reality, planning ahead for the change in your home and new lifestyle is important, to adjust well into your “new normal”. Preparation and being organised are the best way to meet the challenges that come with this double blessing, and to be as ready as you can to meet any outcome. There is good reason to give birth by C-section for twins; however, there may be a delay in your milk coming in, as your body has not experienced the process of labour, which contributes and helps initiate the movement and flow of the first newborn milk through the ducts to the nipple. Your babies will need to stimulate your breasts often to encourage the milk filling after a C-section birth. Breastfeeding twins is definitely possible. Depending on the gestational age of the babies and the circumstances that surround the birth, there are a number of different scenarios, which will determine the goals ahead with regard to lactation. Should your babies be born early, and are premature and unable to latch, then expressing milk is the next-best option. It’s of utmost importance to initiate and protect your supply. Regular breast care and massage is encouraged and should be continued after birth to encourage drainage and supply. Correctly expressing with an effective hospital-grade electric breast pump is essential, and will generally ensure a full supply and an adequate amount for each baby. Find out about all the options available with regards to breast pumps, so that you’re familiar with the equipment before birth. It may be that one baby is well and with you from birth. You will then need to express milk for the other twin. If babies are both well, then the ideal is to do lots of skin-to-skin contact, as soon as possible after birth, and be guided by each baby. You may choose to express milk on occasion, once you have established your breastfeeding, providing you time to rest, and the opportunity for other caregivers to feed and care for your babies. Each situation is unique and individual. In the first few days and weeks, it’s usually easier to feed one at a time, to ensure that each baby is effectively latching and feeding well. Once you get to know each baby and their individual cues, then you may save time by feeding them together simultaneously. Position is important to make sure each baby and you are comfortable. The most common hold is the “rugby hold”, with each baby under an arm with their legs facing towards your back. Create a breastfeeding station where you can sit comfortably to feed. Have lots of cushions for support. A large pillow or soft mat will provide a safe area to place one baby to rest while you’re busy with the other. Tissues, nipple cream, breast pads and a burp cloth are handy items to have available for use. Store nutritious healthy snacks and water, so your needs are also met readily. Keeping a daily record and details of each baby’s activities and feeds helps you recognise patterns and identify any concerns. Source plenty of physical and emotional support. If you can afford it, get help with housework, a nanny, night nurse, your husband or relatives, to assist you through this challenging season. Make contact with a lactation consultant before birth. This will provide correct guidance, and help build your confidence. Get in touch with people who provide information for multiple births:
■ The South African Multiple Births Association (SAMBA) is a useful source of support, encouragement and motivation. - www.samultiplebirth.co.za/
■ Twin Talk is an online community for parents with multiples.
- www.twintalk.co.za
- www.facebook.com/twintalkcoza
- twitter.com/twintalkcoza
- za.pinterest.com/twintalkcoza.