Double Breasted: How Did I Became A Master Tandem Breastfeeding? 💪💪💪

It’s intimidating at first to try to breastfeed your twins at the same time, but once you master the tandem breastfeed, it’ll feel like you’ve won the lottery 🤩🤩🤩. It makes an already hectic day of twin life a bit simpler because you can take care of a big task in one sitting 💪💪💪.

When I first tried tandem breastfeeding my six-week-old twins, I’d latch Chloe on and then Claire would pop off. I’d get Claire back on and Chloe would unlatch. It was like patting my belly and rubbing my head at the same time 🤣🤣🤣.

My advice: twin moms are recommended to start with breastfeeding one baby at a time and then, after a few weeks, transition to tandem feeding.

First, let’s choose where to set up:

Your bed is the best place to feed your twins, because there’s room to lay out everything you’ll need. Rest your back against the headboard in the middle of the bed.

Next, a twin breastfeeding pillow should be wide, flat and big enough to accommodate two babies at the same time. In addition to your pillow, you’ll want some receiving blankets rolled into bolsters. The bolsters can be used to position your 𝔟𝔯𝔢𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔰 or support your twins’ heads and bodies. If you’re using formula or pumped breastmilk to supplement, have those bottles ready to go. And if you’re using 𝔫𝔦𝔭𝔭𝔩𝔢 shields to help the babies’ latch, make sure to have them handy.

Ninety-nine percent of the time, you are going to do what called a ‘double clutch’ or ‘double football: both babies will be tucked on either side of you, with their heads in front of your breasts; their bodies parallel to your chest and their legs pointing behind you.

After all are ready, centre yourself in the middle of the bed with your back against the headboard and put on your breastfeeding pillow. Latch the baby who is better at breastfeeding first and then latch on the second. Scoop up the first baby and use a blanket bolster to tuck behind his back to keep him in place. Then pick up the second baby and prop him up with a second bolster.

👉 Keep in your mind: Although your body will respond to the demand for double the milk, most moms usually need a little help building their supply. Work with a certified lactation consultant to figure out if your milk supply needs a boost 😉😉😉.