Basic Information
Breastfeeding your twins and triplets exclusively is quite possible. With larger "groups" such as quads or quints, you will likely need to supplement breastfeeding with formula.

Just as with a single baby, milk production is based on a simple concept: supply and demand. Even if you don't feel like you will be up to the task of exclusively breastfeeding your multiples, please give breastfeeding a try. Even a few short weeks or months of breast milk, or even a combination of breast milk and formula can give your babies a real health boost. Since multiples often are small and/or premature, they need the benefits of breast milk even more. In the rest of the information about nursing multiples, I will be refering to twins. Please apply this information to other groupings as well.

I would strongly suggest working with a breastfeeding professional if you are planning to nurse your twins. Make sure the pediatrician you have chosen knows you plan to breastfeed, make sure she is supportive of this decision and ask her help in finding a lactation consultant. (see: breastfeeding help resources)

You should talk to the LC before you give birth so that she can help you be informed and prepared when your babies are born. Arrange for her to visit you within a couple hours of giving birth to assist you with positioning. If your babies are premature or ill, she can help you pump to establich your supply as well as providing your babies with your colostrum and mature breastmilk. Ask her if she does home visits - if your babies are full term and healthy, you may go home quite soon. She should be available to help you until your milk supply is established and you feel comfortable breastfeeding.

Also consider attending La Leche League meetings in your area before and after the birth of your babies. You may find this mother-to-mother support invaluable.

Advantages of Breastfeeding Multiples
All of the regular benefits of breastfeeding apply to your multiples. In addition, there are some special benefits for your babies.

If your twins are pre-term, they especially need the protection of your breast milk. Your body actually produces special pre-term milk that has additional infection-fighting antibodies and specific nutrients.

Once nursing is established, breastfeeding multiples can save time. The preparation, feeding, and clean up of bottles for two is much more time consuming and stressful.

Formula for twins will cost you at least $1500 in the first year, and much more if special formulas are needed.

Actually, it has been calculated by Dr. Miriam Labbok, of the Institute for Reproductive Health at Georgetown University Medical Center, that families who formula feed spend an average of $1,200 more than breastfeeding families in the first three months of the baby's life for 1 child. (Including formula, equipment, additional medical expenses, etc.) That works out to be a savings of $2,400 for twins, and $3,600 for triplets in the first 3 months alone!

Breastfed babies are generally healthier, resulting in a large savings on your medical bills.

Breastfeeding your multiples allows you special time with each baby and enhances the attachment and bonding process.

For more information see:

Frequently Asked Questions about Breastfeeding Multiples

The Ins and Outs of Nursing Multiples:
How to Stay Sane in a Crazy World
by Rachael Martin

Breastfeeding Triplets
by Jeanette Niebler (pictured above)

Breastfeeding Your Premature Baby
Helpful information if your multiples are premature or ill.

Breastfeeding your Hospitalized Baby
by Cyndi Egbert

Discuss Breastfeeding Multiples in the Parentingweb Forums

On the internet: (Use your browser back button to return)
Tandem Nursing/ Nursing Multiples
Information from L.L.L.I.

More information is on the way!

You might find the following information and links helpful until I get this topic area finished.

Nursing Toddlers

Discuss Tandem Nursing in the Parentingweb Forums

Internet Resources:
(Use your browser back button to return)

Tandem Nursing/ Nursing Multiples
Information from L.L.L.I.

FAQ on Breastfeeding During Pregnancy
Also from L.L.L.I.

Tandem Nursing Support Association

Tandem Nursing, What is it? Is it for you?

Tandem Nursing
A mother who was considered high risk for premature labor tells her story about successfully nursing through the pregnancy and offers suggestions.

Guide to Tandem Nursing
Helpful Information from Nurturing Online Ý