Breastfeeding triplets and more

There are going to be busy times ahead, but the rewards are greater than any sacrifices made.

Advantages of nursing multiples

- Usually there are one or two babies that are vulnerable from birth because of having to share the womb. Breastfeeding can give these babies the needed upper hand and fighting chance needed.

- It can save parents a lot of money. Formula is expensive.

- Mom can lose her postpartum weight quicker.

- Time saving. You don’t need to get bottles ready or clean them afterward, which can be quite a job if you have three or more babies.

Read other advantages of breastfeeding for all babies

Can you produce enough milk for triplets, quads or more?

- Yes, the basic rule of breastfeeding is: The more you breastfeed, the more milk you will produce. In other words… SUPPLY = DEMAND

- The extra stimulation at the breast when three or more babies breastfeed will signal your body to produce the right amount of milk needed.

- This is why moms of multiples should not worry about not having enough milk when the babies seem hungrier or fussier than usual. Your breast milk supply will adapt with the needs of your babies.

- To understand how this is possible…read more on the process of milk production and the anatomy of the lactating breast.

Different schedules that can be used

- If the babies are in hospital on tubes and unable to breastfeed mom can pump breast milk for them until they are capable of breastfeeding. To reduce the occurrence of nipple confusion moms can consider using alternative feeding methods.

- A rotating feeding schedule: Baby 1 & 2 breastfeed at the breast while Baby 3 receives a bottle of expressed breast milk. At the following feeding, Baby 2 & 3 is nursed and Baby 1 receives a bottle. On the third feeding session, Baby 1 & 3 is at the breast while Baby 2 takes the bottle…and so forth.

- Tandem breastfeeding: Breastfeed the babies all after each other and two at a time. This is a good way of increasing milk supply.

Tips on breastfeeding triplets, quads or more

- Drink plenty of fluids and eat well…read more on breastfeeding diet guidelines. If you don’t drink enough water your supply won't be as much as it could be.

- Always make sure you are not breastfeeding from one breast more than the other, this could result in one breast becoming less full than the other one.

- Try keeping a written diary of when you breastfeed each baby, this will ensure that each baby gets the bonding needed on the breast.

- Try to alternate breasts with each baby, this is so that the babies don't become accustomed to only one side and to prevent lopsidedness which will occur if one baby sucks a little stronger than the others.

- Remember each baby should take in a combination of hind milk and foremilk. A baby that only receives foremilk will become fussy, gassy and colicky. Read more on foremilk and hind milk imbalance.

- If one or more of your babies have a weak suck and struggle to get your milk flowing you can

1. Use breast compression

2. Hand express some milk before you breastfeed

3. Read more on how to handle a slow milk let down reflex

Some moms feel that they can’t handle breast feeding multiples, if this is you, you can consider exclusive pumping. Any amount of breast milk is precious…even if it is given in a bottle.

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