Practical advice from parents who’ve been there – in partnership with Ardo
Breastfeeding one baby can be challenging – so what happens when there are two, three, or more? We’ve gathered powerful advice from mums of multiples who’ve been there, done it, and lived to tell the tale.
This special feature, in partnership with Ardo, brings you practical, tried-and-tested tips from parents of twins and triplets to help you feel more prepared and supported in your breastfeeding journey.
Whether you’re pregnant with multiples or already navigating those early days, this is your reminder: you can do this — and support is out there.
1. Start with Self-Belief
“Believe in yourself and trust that it is possible to breastfeed multiples if you want. Preparing during pregnancy with antenatal breastfeeding multiples webinars or sessions will help with this and helps to understand what to expect, depending on gestation and at different stages. This will also help you to be more informed to advocate for you and your babies when needed as you might experience doubt or negativity about breastfeeding multiples.” — Tracey Rountree, mum of triplets
“You can do it – if you truly want to ensure your support is behind you. I said to my husband, ‘don’t let me quit on a hard day’ because I knew after the first 9 weeks it would get so much easier. It truly does and I could not imagine finding time to wash bottles, make formula and ensure everything I needed to feed was in the nappy bag.” — Jade Ticer, mum of twin girls
“Tell your medical team if you plan to breastfeed and plan how your babies will have skin-to-skin immediately after birth. This is relevant whether you are planning a vaginal birth or Caesarean section. If you know you’re having a Caesarean birth, speak to your partner about them having skin-to-skin straight after the birth while you’re in recovery. Skint-to-skin helps promote oxytocin production and supports breastfeeding hormones.” — Rachel Murray, mum of twin boys
2. Consider Antenatal Hand-Expressing
“Consider antenatal hand-expressing of colostrum starting from 36/37 weeks. Twins and multiples are more likely to need time in NICU and so if you can give them your milk while you’re separated from them this can help breastfeeding get off to a good start. It’s a good idea to speak to your midwife or consultant before going ahead. Watch this video from lactation consultant Kathryn Stagg on the technique of hand expressing and storing your colostrum.”— Rachel Murray
3. If NICU Is Involved, Pump Like It’s Your Job
“If your babies are in NICU prioritise pumping as your job. Do it regularly, even getting up at night. It’s hard when your babies aren’t home, but it’s so worth it when the milk flows and your stash builds!” — Bex Oxtoby, mum to triplets born at 29 weeks
If your babies are in NICU prioritise pumping as your job.
4. Look Into Getting A Feeding Pillow
“Get a feeding pillow as these are so helpful with twins” — Sarah Gibson Barlow, mum of twins
“Think about getting a twin breastfeeding pillow to make tandem feeding easier. If you have a local twins club, ask them if one can be borrowed or bought second-hand. You can read this article on choosing the right nursing pillow for your body shape.” — Rachel Murray
5. Think About Tandem Feeding
“Work one-to-one with your twins to ensure they have a good latch and are transferring enough milk before attempting tandem feeding.” Jade Ticer
“Tandem feeding can save a lot of time and make breastfeeding multiples more manageable (check out this video on tandem breastfeeding positions for multiples). Having said all that…you don’t HAVE to tandem feed to successfully breastfeed multiples! Some can find the sensation or logistics of tandem feeding overwhelming. So do what works for you. Many mums successfully breastfeed twins or triplets by feeding one at a time.” —Rachel Murray
Tandem feeding can save a lot of time and make breastfeeding multiples more manageable
6. Join A Specialist Facebook Group
“Join the Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets UK group on Facebook as early as you can in your pregnancy. Sit in the background and see the sorts of things being asked as this may give you a guide about things to prepare for. There is a series of videos in the Files section of the group called Preparing to Breastfeed Multiples which is so informative.” — Sarah Gibson Barlow
“Join the Facebook group of the charity Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets UK for fantastic support from pregnancy onwards…and consider doing their “Preparing to Breastfeed Multiples” online course, designed by charity founder and IBCLC Kathryn Stagg. Alternatively, Twins Trust is another respected charity for supporting families of twins and triplets and also have an online course for breastfeeding that can be found here.” — Rachel Murray
7. Build Your Support Network
“Find your local breastfeeding support group and try to go along while you’re pregnant so you’ve started building a support network. Local groups are run around the UK and welcome mums-to-be. Groups are run by the following organisations, and you can click on these links to use your postcode to search for your nearest group:
- NHS (speak to your midwife about your nearest group)
- The Breastfeeding Network Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
- NCT
- La Leche League GB
— Rachel Murray
“Create a list of phone numbers, local breastfeeding groups and advice lines that you might need if things aren’t going to plan. Put them somewhere your partner has access to so they can contact someone if needed.” — Sarah Gibson Barlow
8. Don’t Forget to Capture the Magic
“Take photos – you will treasure them and look back on them with such pride and appreciation for your body.” — Sarah Gibson Barlow
