How to Succeed in Nursing Multiples

It takes time to learn

While still in the hospital, talk to your lactation consultant about your goals, concerns and lifestyle. Ask that she be there when you first nurse and ask for a home visit if you have preemies. She will guide you through the first sessions; they are the learning times for you and your babies. Your newborns are trying to latch on and you are establishing your milk supply. "With twins in the football hold position, you can really watch what they are doing with their mouth," Huotari explained. As they grow you may find more comfortable positions.

Preemies may take a little longer to latch on since their sucking instinct may not be fully developed. In that case, you may need to pump your breasts to get the milk flowing.

You will have milk
When your twins latch on well and nurse effectively, your milk supply will quickly build. It is a case of demand and supply. The greater the demand, the more milk you supply. Expect to nurse your newborn twins about 10 to 12 times in a 24-hour period.

Until your twins learn to latch on, it may be a good idea to nurse them one at a time. "It really helps mothers to individualize their twins and see who's who. Each baby has a different nursing style," Huotari said.