Will I be able to breastfeed twins?

Your questions answered by Emma Mahony of Greatvine.com

Will I be able to breastfeed twins?

Yes and double yes. There are a number of different positions to help mothers of twins with breastfeeding, so she may feed them together (the Double Football Hold where you hold both the babies heads at your breasts while their bodies lie either side of your body for example). Many mothers choose to breastfeed the babies separately in the early days in order to spend special time with each and to help get the hang of breastfeeding. The principles of latching on are the same as a single baby, it’s just the business of feeding takes twice as long.

Once you have got the hang of breastfeeding twins – and you will need extra support from family to feed yourself enough because it is recommended that you eat up to 4,000 calories a day – then you will learn to wind one baby over the shoulder while feeding the other. The most vital piece of equipment you will need is the V-shape pillow. Makes sure a large glass of water and the tv remote are within reach.

Emma Mahony

Emma Mahony has over eight years of experience writing for The Times on parenting issues and specialises in twins. A twin herself, and having given birth to twins, Emma also published the successful ‘Double trouble – twins and how to survive them’. For individual advice you can trust, book a private call with Emma at www.greatvine.com/emma_mahony.