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Breastfeeding Twins is Possible
from: Maxx Family LifeMothers of multiples know that there is nothing more frightening and exciting at the same time than finding out that you’re going to give birth to twins. However, breastfeeding twins is not always easy. Breastfeeding one baby can be challenging; breastfeeding more than one is just plain hard.
As difficult as breastfeeding twins can be, it is something that every mother of multiples should try to do. The benefits of breastfeeding your twins outweighs any difficulties that may arise while attempting to breastfeed them.
Every mother of multiples knows that breastfeeding twins can be overwhelming. The responsibility of feeding more than one baby can be scary. You probably worry all the time, wondering if you will produce enough milk to nourish both of them. You may also wonder whether nursing will take too much time, leaving you with nearly no down time. This is not an unrealistic fear. Your twins will likely need to nurse every half hour during the first few weeks.
Once you begin breastfeeding twins, you may feel that your life consists of nothing but feedings and exhaustion. You may experience sore or cracked nipples, engorgement, and a low milk supply.
Worrying about your own diet can get lost in the fray when a woman is breastfeeding twins. However, this is one of the most important things a woman who is breastfeeding twins can do to ensure that her milk flows and her babies are nourished properly.
A nursing mother produces 23 to 27 ounces of milk per day. This burns around 500 calories per day. The quality of milk depends on the quality of the mother’s breastfeeding diet. If a mother lacks nourishment, the body makes milk production the highest priority and the mother’s own health will suffer.
A breastfeeding mother should have up to 3 quarts of water per day, but should be careful not to overdo it as too much liquid can reduce milk production.
A breastfeeding mother’s breastfeeding diet should include 2,500 calories per day. Mothers can eat even more than this if they are planning on breastfeeding for many than three months, up to 2,800 calories per day.
Breastfeeding mothers should include five small meals in their breastfeeding diet. Each meal is an opportunity to drink water, eat low fat dairy products, and a piece of fruit. The caloric intake needs to be regular, so try to keep to a schedule.
If a mother of twins can take care of herself, breastfeeding twins will be a lot easier.
Mothers expecting twins should consider consulting their babies’ doctors, lactation specialist, and family and friends shortly after the babies are born.
Knox Breastfeeding News