With the advancements in IVF and fertility medications, the birth rate of multiples has surged by 200%. In 2009, it was reported that one in every 30 newborns was a twin. Given the well-documented advantages of breastfeeding, it raises the question: why is there such a lack of support for mothers nursing multiples? As a mother of two sets of twins, I strongly believe that mothers of multiples require better resources to successfully breastfeed their babies.
My first set of twins was part of the 60% who arrived prematurely, often requiring time in the NICU. The early arrival of infants, whether multiples or singletons, can lead to various challenges in nursing. My twins were placed in separate NICU rooms, preventing me from practicing tandem nursing during their six and nine-day stays. This experience not only affected my emotional well-being but also hindered my ability to nurse effectively. When we finally got home, I felt lost and overwhelmed and ultimately ended my breastfeeding journey prematurely due to a lack of support and knowledge.
As lactation consultant, Sarah Thompson, points out, this gap in education contributes to many mothers of multiples ending their breastfeeding experiences sooner than planned. “Misinformation, combined with insufficient emotional and physical support, can lead twin moms to stop breastfeeding before they’re ready,” Thompson explains. “Moms of multiples require significant support in breastfeeding and various other areas.”
During my first experience with breastfeeding twins, I felt the absence of that essential support. Most individuals, aside from my lactation consultant, encouraged me to abandon nursing altogether, which was disheartening. While I appreciate the “fed is best” mentality, it wasn’t my personal goal. Feeling overwhelmed and hopeless, I resorted to formula because everyone assumed nursing twins was unrealistic.
When my second set of twins arrived, they only required 12 hours in the NICU, and I was thrilled to nurse them on their first day. They took to it quickly, and their smaller size made tandem nursing feasible. However, even this experience came with unforeseen challenges once we left the hospital.
When my milk supply increased, I found myself producing enough to fill two nine-ounce bottles after nursing both babies. According to Thompson, this overproduction is common among mothers of multiples due to the additional breast tissue developed during pregnancy. The sheer volume of milk was overwhelming; I felt as if I was drowning in my own liquid gold. I struggled to manage this excess without completely compromising my supply. After feeding them, I would wake up soaked from my chest to my pants, despite using nursing pads. My clever solution? I taped several diapers inside my shirt to stay warm during those long nights.
While I cherished the moments of nursing, I often felt my entire day revolved around milk production. When one baby latched well, the other would typically come unlatched, forcing me to start all over again. I tried nursing them separately, which resulted in long hours of cluster feeding and little sleep. As any mother of multiples can attest, having two babies on different schedules is a daunting challenge.
In all honesty, nursing multiples is a vastly different experience than nursing a single baby. With a singleton, you can comfortably lay on your side and nurse once you both get the hang of it. However, for twins, it’s often uncomfortable, and safely nursing both while lying down is nearly impossible. When out in public, you find yourself nursing one while the other cries in a family member’s arms, and the cycle continues. If you do manage to nurse both at once, you might as well wear a sign saying, “MAMA COW FEEDING HER LITTER. BACK OFF!”
It can be exhausting. I eventually began to shorten their feeds to maintain my mental health. “If it begins to impact a mother’s mental health, that’s a sign to reassess,” Thompson advises. “Every situation is unique, and every drop counts. It’s also okay to mix breastfeeding with formula or cut back on nursing without fully weaning.” While I ensured my twins weren’t hungry, I started supplementing with stored breast milk instead of direct nursing. This, coupled with my reluctance to continue pumping regularly, led to a rapid decline in my milk supply.
Despite the numerous breastfeeding support groups across the country, few cater specifically to mothers of twins, particularly in states like mine. Online, there are countless products for singletons, but options for mothers nursing multiples are severely limited. Even the hospital where I delivered seemed unprepared to support a mother nursing twins effectively.
If I had received the right information, support, and preparation, my nursing journey could have been easier. Although twins are not the norm, their birth rates continue to rise annually. If we genuinely advocate for breastfeeding as the best option, we must create better support systems to help mothers of multiples succeed.
For more information on navigating pregnancy challenges, check out this insightful resource on prioritizing mom and baby’s well-being.
Summary:
Breastfeeding multiples presents unique challenges that many mothers face, including a lack of support and resources tailored specifically for them. The journey can be overwhelming, but with the right information and encouragement, mothers of twins can find success in their breastfeeding experience.