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Breastfeeding Multiple Infants
Overview
You may choose to breastfeed. This can be more challenging with multiple babies. But support and guidance can help you be successful. Talk to your doctor, your midwife, or a lactation consultant if you need help. Support can also come from a trusted friend or family member or another person with expertise in breastfeeding multiple-birth babies.
Special techniques often are recommended for multiples. For example:
- Feed the babies one at a time until they learn to latch on to the breast.
- When you're comfortable feeding one baby at a time, you may try to feed two at the same time. The cradle hold and the football hold may be helpful. (You may also choose to feed the babies one at a time.)
- After your milk supply is established, it may help to pump your breast milk. Then others can help you feed the babies.
Breastfeeding can help you bond with your babies. Multiples often are born prematurely, so the protective antibodies in breast milk are especially important for them. And breastfeeding has benefits for you too. It may lower your risk for diabetes or certain cancers later in life.
Related Information
Credits
Current as of: February 23, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Related Information- Top of the page
Current as of: February 23, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
