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Most Asked Questions About Breastfeeding Multiples Answered!

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Congratulations mom! You are one of the lucky ones to have double (or triple) blessings. We know that at some point it can be overwhelming for you, and many issues will make you worry; you will wonder whether your milk supply will be sufficient to nourish more than one baby, and if feeding twins will take too much time especially that babies get hungry frequently during the first few weeks.

Dealing with common problems like sore or cracked nipples, breasts engorgement, and insufficient milk supply, will look like a lot to handle when you have two or more babies to care for at first.

But there is a key solution that would help you overcome these obstacles; Planning for breastfeeding in advance and building a proper support system by contacting a Lactation Specialist or a family member or even a friend can help you successfully breastfeed your babies.

 

Which is more time consuming? Breastfeeding or Bottle-feeding?
Bottle feeding requires additional preparation time in washing and sterilizing the needed equipment, plus feeding using the bottle is more time consuming than the time needed to breastfeed twins at the same time. However, one twin may want to nurse every three hours, while the other may want to nurse in a different pattern of hours, hence there is no certain timeline for feeding the babies since some mothers nurse on demand during the day and follow a schedule at night, and others may tailor the feeding times depending on the cues of the hungrier baby.

Now, how can you manage holding and nursing the babies at the same time?

There is a nursing pillow that is specifically designed for nursing twins. It can help you support your babies. Using it can allow you to vary your nursing positions and you can rotate the babies from the Cradle Hold to the Football Hold easily.

It is also recommended to alternate between breasts, after every feed or every 24 hours. Switching regularly will help your breast to produce equal amounts of milk in both sides and decrease the possibility of blocked milk ducts. It also helps your babies’ eyes to get equal stimulation.

Most Asked Questions About Breastfeeding Multiples Answered!Most Asked Questions About Breastfeeding Multiples Answered!

Would you be able to produce enough milk supply?

Breastfeeding on demand will provide you with sufficient milk supply. You can trust your body to produce enough milk for your babies. But keep in mind that low milk supply can be corrected by frequent breastfeeding in most cases.

In case your babies were not willing to empty your breasts then you need to pump after the feedings. Or if your babies need to be cared for in the hospital and you are unable to nurse right away, start pumping your milk on the first day.

  

How would you know if your babies are getting enough to eat?

Your babies’ Pediatrician or the Lactation Consultant can tell you whether your babies are getting enough milk by measuring how much weight they are gaining.

Newborns normally lose 5% – 7% of their birth weight before regaining it by the second week of age. Babies start gaining at least 25 gm/day by the fifth day after birth. But If you have any concerns, it is always recommended to have your Pediatrician to check your babies’ weight.

 

Will your nipples be unbearably sore from nursing two or more babies?
Soreness is caused by incorrect latching on or positioning, not the number of babies you are nursing. If you do get sore nipples, treat them with a combination of breast milk and purified lanolin. It is done by expressing a couple of drops of milk after a feeding and then letting it dry on the nipple for five to ten minutes. The milk will help heal cracks and kill bacteria. Then apply Lanolin, in which it doesn’t need to be washed off, to keep the nipple soft.

 

The question that you may ask yourself is, “Will I ever have a break?”

The answer to your question is, “Yes”, taking some time off is possible and it can be done in many ways. For example, you should sleep when the babies sleep, if you can. Do not hesitate to ask for help when you feel frazzled, starting with your mate. Let him take over while you take off, even if it is for only a short period. Try to zone out of the hearing range of the babies by going out for a walk, taking a hot bath or reading a magazine in another room. And then, once your feeding routine is established, enjoy a night out with your partner or a friend. It’s time to continue your life where you left off.

 

Where can you go for help?
Since you will have enough responsibilities to cope with after giving birth to your babies, you will not be able to handle the added pressure of finding sources of support. So, before your babies are born, build a strong support system for yourself, by:

  • Asking for help from a family member or a friend during pregnancy and after giving birth.
  • Finding a doctor who encourages breastfeeding and supports your ideas about baby care.
  • Getting in touch with a Lactation Specialist who would be able to be with you right after birth to help you get started on breastfeeding your babies.

 

The post Most Asked Questions About Breastfeeding Multiples Answered! appeared first on امهات ٣٦٠.


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