How to Succeed in Nursing Multiples

How do I know if my babies are getting enough to eat?
After the first couple of days, they saturate six to eight diapers per day and have from three to five bowel movements. With multiples, it is helpful to keep notes on who nursed at which breast, for how long, and the number of wet and soiled diapers. An electronic scale help your confidence. Once your milk and their weight gain are established, tracking the nursing schedules and diapers is not essential.

Why are my twins suddenly starving all day and night?
Growth spurts occur periodically; the first may come as early as 10 to 14 days after birth. The next one may surface around four to six weeks and another one around three months. Prop your feet up and nurse, nurse, nurse on demand. Your milk supply will quickly catch up with your twins' needs. If, however, you respond with supplemental bottles, your milk supply may not increase to meet the rising demand.

Can I nurse my preemies in the NICU?
Babies develop the ability to swallow when they are 11 to 16 weeks in utero. The ability to suck follows a few weeks later. The ability to coordinate both actions and breathing comes later still. If your babies are very low birth weight, you may have to express your breast. Expect to pump for a total of 100 to 120 minutes a day. The NICU will watch for signs that your preemies are ready for nutritive sucking.