Breastfeeding Twins?
Helpful holds when you're feeding two
For all of the twin feeding holds below, you will want to be in a comfortable position and well supported with pillows. Pillows will be especially important when positioning two babies while feeding. There are even nursing pillows specially designed for breastfeeding twins!
Recommendation
In the early weeks of breastfeeding twins, it will help to have extra support from family and friends. This extra support is helpful because learning to position both babies for feeding can be challenging. An extra pair of hands will be very useful for positioning the second baby!
Some moms of twins find it easier to nurse one baby at a time in the first week or so after birth. After the babies get a bit bigger, they start to practice “tandem nursing,” or nursing two babies at the same time.
Front Cross
A comfortable position for smaller babies. Lay one baby closer to your body, so you and the first baby are stomach to stomach. You may want to position your smallest baby first. After your first baby is comfortably in place, position your second baby right behind your first baby. Your second baby may be slightly higher than your first baby. Use pillows to support you and your babies.
Double Football
Useful for babies of all sizes. Hold your first baby at your side with their tummy toward you and their head at the level of your nipple. Support your first baby’s head by placing the palm of your hand at the base of their head. Your first baby’s legs should be behind you. After making sure your first baby is comfortably in place with pillows to support them (and you), position your second baby the same way on your other side.
Football & Cradle
A position easier to do with small infants. Start by placing one baby with their head at your breast and their legs under your arm on the same side. Place your second baby, lying in the same direction, on your other side. Your second baby’s body will be behind the first baby you positioned. Your first baby will be in more of a “Football” hold. Your other arm will be wrapped around your second baby, supporting their head and their body. Use pillows to support you and your twin babies.
Upright Attachment
This position is only recommended for babies who are old enough to sit up on their own. While you are sitting down, place one baby on each of your legs, and have them facing towards you. Use your hands to help hold your babies upright safely as they feed.
If using this hold with newborns, you will need to be in a more reclined position. The reclined position will allow your babies to attach on their own as they will require less support than when sitting completely upright. To do this, lie back on a pillow. Lay your first baby against your body with your baby’s head just above and centered on your breast. As your first baby searches for your nipple, support their head and shoulders, but do not force the latch. Then, do the same for your second baby.
