Breastfeeding is no easy task, especially if you’ve got all your hands full with twins or multiple babies. If you’re a parent with twins or multiples, then you must be in a very confusing position. Having to cater to the breastfeeding needs of not one but more babies can be quite difficult. So, it is best to start preparing for them rather than waiting for the last moments when you have got your babies home.
Try to make sure that you are well-equipped when it comes to giving your babies their meals on time. To help make sure that you have got all the basic things covered, here is a list of all the things that you need as you go about breastfeeding twins or multiples.
- Nursing Bras
People underestimate the use of a nursing bra and opt for a cheaper alternative that might irritate over time. Nursing bras can prove to be extremely beneficial to you as they help ease the process of breastfeeding. You do not want to have to go through a difficult time trying to breastfeed your babies using a regular bra. It requires more effort, and a nursing bra can make all the difference to make things easier for you.
To make your life easier, invest in a hands free nursing bra. This will help ensure that your baby is fed properly and you are comfortable throughout the process. Hands free nursing bras can improve your experience breastfeeding more than one baby exponentially, so make sure that you don’t miss out on this essential during your planning.
- Nursing Pillows
Nursing pillows can make a lot of difference to your breastfeeding time. Since you have two or more babies to cater to, you will need to ensure that they latch on to your breast properly. With a nursing pillow, you can make sure that your babies have the right support under their neck to breastfeed.
You will surely feel at ease once you start using nursing pillows as it will make back-back nursing much easier for you. You will get to give your babies a comfortable breastfeeding experience while making sure not to strain your arms as well!
- Breast Pumps
One of the most important things that you will need to get your hands on are breast pumps. Getting quality breast pumps should be your goal if you know that you are expecting twins or multiples. It is the best option for you when it comes to breastfeeding.
While breastfeeding is a beautiful thing, you don’t want to suffer too much because of it. If you have twins or multiples, they will have different feeding timings. This might not give you enough space in the middle for your breasts to relax. What you can do is get your hands on a hospital grade breast pump that will help ensure that your breastmilk stocked up for your babies.
This means that you no longer will have to worry about running out of milk or producing less milk as hospital-grade pumping bras ensure the production of milk as well!
To go with the breast pump, you should make sure that you have the right kinds of pumping bras on hand. You do not want to do the physical labor of pumping out your breastmilk using a handheld pump unless it is necessary. Just like that, you also want to make sure that you have the right bra for your pumping needs.
Hands free pumping bras are great as you don’t have to hold on to your pump as you go about the process. These pumping bras ensure that you attach the pump to the nipple without much work. If you’re a mother of twins or multiples, then this works great for you as you can easily stock up breastmilk for your babies with the help of the pump and pumping bras.
- Nursing Pads
It is common to find yourself in a situation where your breasts leak. Whenever it is time for your baby to feed or if you feel anxious, your breasts are more likely to leak. The best thing to do is ensure that you have nursing pads on hand so that you can avoid staining your shirts.
There will be times when you will need to head out in public. While it is best to wear darker colors, it isn’t always possible. Nursing pads can ensure that everything runs smoothly as that you don’t have any visible leaks on your clothes from your nipples. They’re easy to place and you’ll be more comfortable going out with nursing pads in place.
- Nipple-Like Bottles
There will be times when your babies might not latch on. If your babies have been at the hospital for any given reason for the first few days, then they will be bottle-fed. Once you bring them home, they will have a difficult time latching on to your breasts. The best thing for you to do is invest in nipple-like bottles that will help ease your babies into latching on to your breast.
These bottles also work great to share feeding responsibilities as both of the parents can take turns feeding the babies. Since they are shaped like nipples, your babies won’t have an issue about who feeds them!
- Nursing Covers
Nursing covers are essential when you’re outdoors and your babies need feeding. You can cover yourself up with them and let your babies feed easily, without any discomfort. This helps make sure that you’re able to feed your babies on time rather than waiting to get home to feed them. Otherwise, they might become fussy and make things difficult for you. Nursing covers come in all shapes and sizes, so you will be able to figure out a good size for your needs as well.
Make sure that you are well-equipped when it comes to taking care of your twins or multiple babies’ breastfeeding needs. You do not want to come back home unprepared as it can get messy! Plan ahead, and stock these items so that you can focus on developing your bond with your babies.
