Frequently Asked Questions


Breastfeeding

Can you breastfeed twins?

The simple answer is yes, your body acts on a supply and demand mechanism, the more a baby is attached to the breast and allowed to suckle, the more milk your body will make, so with two babies, the breasts are stimulated twice as much as with a singleton, so twice as much milk is produced.

However although breastfeeding is completely natural, it is a skill that needs to be learnt, both for the babies and the mother. Some people this comes easily for whilst for others it can take a few months before it becomes second nature. There are a few golden rules to help you breast feed:

There are varying ways to breastfeed, some people find it easier to feed the babies seperately whilst others feed them together, how you do it, is your decision and you will work out what is best for you and your family. A twin breastfeeding pillow is essential as it allows you to breastfeed whilst freeing your arms to do other things, like eat, drink, use the remote control etc. In the beginning breastfeeding can take up to 40 minutes but don't worry this does get quicker as the babies get more efficient at draining the breast and an older baby can drain a breast in a few minutes.

If your twins are premature they may be unable to breastfeed in the beginning but do not worry, by expressing milk at regular intervals through the day and night you can build up and maintain your supply and when they are strong enough you can begin your breastfeeding relationship. The expressed milk can be fed to the babies through their nasal gastric tubes or via a bottle.

The Australian Breastfeeding Association have a breastfeeding helpline that runs 24 hours a day the number is 1800 Mum 2 Mum (1800 626 2 626) and a breastfeeding counsellor can help you with any breastfeeding problems.


Crying

What do you do when they both cry?

There will be a time when your babies are crying at the same time, you may be able to hold them both and settle them or you may not. Having a bouncer to put them in so that you can hold one and rock the other at the same time will help. You will get used to it ,as will the babies and they will learn patience from an early age. Remember that a crying baby is a breathing baby.


Pregnancy

Will I get to full term?

Full term for twins is usually classed as 38 weeks compared to 40 weeks with singletons. Multiple pregnancies are classed as high risk and whilst many twins do get to full term others are born early.
The reasons that multiples are born early are numerous and your doctor or obstetritian can explain these further. If you are prepared for the chance of a premature birth then you will be in the right mind set, it helps to have a tour of your hospital and look at the special care nursery, chat with the nurses, so that if your babies have to spend time in special care, it doesnt come as a shock. Some people will have to come home from hospital without their babies, as they may need a few weeks in special care, this is hard, you will spend your time travelling to and from the hospital and will feel a little lost. It will feel like a lifetime but when you look back on it months later, whilst you dont forget this stressful time, it will seem less.


Sleeping

Can I sleep them together?

Consideration should always be given to the SIDS and Kids guidelines for sleeping babies. However, many multiples like to be close to their siblings, there is a number of ways that this can be achieved. You can have both ends of the cot made up and sleep them head to head, you can have bedding just in the middle and sleep them feet to feet or you can sleep them side by side. There isn't a need to buy two cots until they start to disturb each other by moving and touching each other. Remember though that your children are individuals though and not all multiples like to sleep together, some dont even like sleeping in the same room.