Breastfeeding Twins: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly
If you’re expecting twins (or more), you may be wondering if breastfeeding both babies is even possible. The answer? Yes, absolutely. Will it be easy? Maybe not, but it’s totally doable! I breastfed my twin boys until they were one, and I want to share my journey, including the ups and downs, and how I made it through that first year.
We all know the benefits of breastfeeding: fewer infections, higher IQ scores, and a lowered risk of obesity and diabetes. I could write a whole post on the health benefits of breastfeeding, but you’ve probably heard all of that before. What you might not realize is how breastfeeding can also save you a significant amount of money—especially when you’re raising twins. First, let’s dive briefly into how nursing can be a game-changer for your budget.
Breastfeeding Twins: A Money-Saving Solution
If you’re expecting twins, you’re probably already budgeting for the many expenses that come with raising two babies at once. Diapers, clothes, baby gear—it all adds up. But one area where you can actually save quite a bit of money is by breastfeeding. While formula can be a significant expense, especially for twins, breastfeeding provides a cost-effective alternative.
In fact, breastfeeding is virtually free! You don’t have to worry about buying bottles, formula, or spending extra money on sterilizing equipment. Plus, it can help you avoid the additional medical costs associated with formula feeding, like formula shortages or having to purchase specialized formulas.
For twin moms, it can be tempting to think that breastfeeding two babies is too much of a challenge, but it’s actually a great way to save money while providing your babies with the best possible nutrition. And as an added bonus, breastfeeding also promotes bonding and provides numerous health benefits for both you and your babies.
In this post, I’ll share my journey of breastfeeding my twin boys, the ups and downs, and how you can make it work to save money and nourish your little ones.
The Good: Yes, It’s Possible!
First and foremost, let me reassure you: You can breastfeed twins. If there are no medical reasons preventing you from nursing, go for it! The knowledge that I could do it helped me tremendously after the birth of my twin boys. I won’t lie though—the nurses weren’t all that encouraging when I first mentioned breastfeeding twins. The look they gave me said, “You’re probably not going to make it.” Well, I did, and I proudly have bragging rights for life!
Will I Have Enough Milk? A common concern for many new moms, especially those with twins, is whether there will be enough milk. The good news is: if there’s demand, your body will produce the supply. Don’t stress too much about it.
However, if you’re worried about milk supply, pump after each nursing session to build up your stash. I wasn’t one of those moms who could freeze gallons of milk, but I had just enough. If you feel stressed, offering a bottle of formula isn’t the end of the world. A calm, happy mom makes milk, and your baby will benefit from that peaceful energy.
And if you happen to become engorged in the early days? Bottle up that milk! It’s your golden ticket to a little freedom.
The Bad: It’s Hard—But Worth It
Let’s be real: Breastfeeding twins is tough, especially in the beginning. Newborns feed constantly. A typical day might look like:
- Every two hours
- Every hour
- Every twenty minutes
Yep, all of the above are possible scenarios.
In the early days, you will be a feeding machine. Those first two weeks are exhausting. You’ll likely need support—someone to help with diaper changes, bringing the babies to you, and managing one while you nurse the other. For me, my husband was my lifeline. We worked as a team: I’d nurse one baby while he took care of the other. It was like an assembly line of feeding, changing, and trying to squeeze in a little rest.
You Will Be Sleep-Deprived In those early weeks, I rarely left the living room. It was my new home base, my “command center.” My husband would sleep on the floor, while I’d crash on the couch, and the babies slept in a pack and play. There wasn’t much room for anything else—except diapers, burp cloths, and bottles.
One at a Time, Please At first, breastfeeding one baby at a time felt awkward and uncomfortable. Latching two babies at once seemed impossible. So, I nursed one twin, then turned to the other. Bouncer seats became my best friend, keeping the second baby content while I focused on the first.
The Ugly: Sleep Deprivation and Sore Nipples
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Breastfeeding twins can be downright brutal.
You’ll be up around the clock with no real help from anyone else. Your nipples will be sore from constant feeding, and you might find yourself pumping just to keep up. It’s grueling work, but it’s worth it in the end.
The logistics are tough, too. You’ll need a good nursing pillow. I recommend a My Brest Friend Twin Nursing Pillow—it was a lifesaver. I also used Boppy Pillows to keep each baby in place. Once they got the hang of latching, we transitioned to nursing simultaneously—thank goodness!
You Are Doing Your Best!
Breastfeeding twins can be overwhelming, exhausting, and painful—but you’re doing an incredible thing. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty if you’re struggling, or if breastfeeding doesn’t work out for you. Every mom’s journey is different. The most important thing is that you’re doing your best for your babies.
For me, breastfeeding became easier as the weeks passed. Sure, there were days of frustration, but there were also countless beautiful moments, like when my twins would fall asleep holding hands on the nursing pillow.
The key takeaway? Stick with it. Even if breastfeeding isn’t perfect right away, keep going. The rewards are worth it. And remember: whether you nurse for a few days or a few years, you’re doing great.
If you’re just starting your breastfeeding journey, know that it gets easier. Celebrate the small victories. It will all pay off in the end, and you’ll be so grateful that you stuck it out.
I hope this post helps inspire any twin mama out there who is considering breastfeeding her babies. It’s tough, but you can do it! 💪
