Multiple Infants and Breast-Feeding
Most mothers can produce enough milk to breast-feed two or more babies. If you have twins or triplets, breast-feeding becomes more physically and emotionally challenging. But with support and guidance, you can be successful.
Breast-feeding fosters the bond between you and each baby. Since multiples often are born prematurely, the protective factors (antibodies) in breast milk are especially important for them.
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Get assistance from a health professional, a breast-feeding specialist (lactation specialist), or another person with expertise in breast-feeding multiple-birth babies. Special techniques often are recommended for multiples. These may include:
- Feeding the babies one at a time until they learn to latch on to the breast.
- Feeding two infants at the same time
after you are comfortable feeding one at a time. The
cradle hold
or the
football hold often are advised. (You may also choose to feed the infants one at
a time.) - Pumping breast milk after your milk supply is established so that others can help you feed the babies.
- Using formula to supplement breast milk feedings.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
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