Having twins can be a wonderful, but also challenging experience, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. One common issue that many mothers of twins face, is that their babies have a hard time staying awake while breastfeeding, and as a result, they may not be able to get enough milk.
One reason for this is that preterm twins may have weaker sucking reflexes and may tire easily while breastfeeding. This can make it difficult for them to effectively stimulate milk production and may lead to a low milk supply.
Another factor that can contribute to this problem is the use of pacifiers or bottles, which can interfere with breastfeeding and reduce the amount of milk that the babies are able to consume. It’s important to avoid giving pacifiers or bottles, at least until breastfeeding is well established and the babies are able to stay awake and feed effectively.
To help prevent your twins from falling asleep while breastfeeding, there are a few things that you can try.
Breastfeed in a well-lit room
Breastfeeding in a bright, well-lit room can be beneficial for several reasons. First, it can help to keep your babies awake and alert while they are breastfeeding. Darkness and low lighting can make it easier for babies to fall asleep, which can interfere with breastfeeding and reduce the amount of milk that they are able to consume.
In addition to keeping your babies awake, breastfeeding in a well-lit room can also help to promote milk production. The hormone that stimulates milk production, called prolactin, is produced in greater quantities in the presence of bright light. This means that breastfeeding in a bright room can help to increase your milk supply and ensure that your babies are getting enough milk.
Another benefit of breastfeeding in a well-lit room is that it can help you to see what you are doing. Breastfeeding can be challenging, especially for mothers of twins, and having good lighting can make it easier to position your babies correctly and ensure that they are latching on properly.
Overall, while breastfeeding in a dark room is not necessarily harmful, breastfeeding in a bright, well-lit room can be beneficial in helping to keep your babies awake, stimulate milk production, and make the breastfeeding experience easier and more successful.
Stimulate your baby’s senses
Stimulating your baby’s senses can be a helpful way to keep them awake and engaged while breastfeeding. This is especially important for preterm infants, who may have weaker sucking reflexes and may tire easily while breastfeeding.
There are many different ways to stimulate your baby’s senses while breastfeeding. Gently rubbing their back or tickling their feet can help to keep them awake and engaged. Singing to them or playing soft, soothing music can also be soothing and can help to promote relaxation and milk flow.
Another way to stimulate your baby’s senses is to use a soft, stimulating breast massage. This involves gently massaging your breasts with your fingertips, starting at the outer edges and working inward, to help stimulate milk flow and encourage your baby to latch on more effectively.
Overall, stimulating your baby’s senses while breastfeeding can be a helpful way to keep them awake and engaged, and can help to promote successful breastfeeding. It’s important to be gentle and to avoid overstimulating your baby, however, as this can have the opposite effect and make it harder for them to stay awake and feed effectively.
Take breaks during feedings
Taking breaks during feedings can be a helpful way to keep your baby awake and engaged while breastfeeding. This is especially important for preterm infants, who may have weaker sucking reflexes and may tire easily while breastfeeding.
One way to take breaks during feedings is to change your baby’s diaper. This not only helps to keep them clean and comfortable, but it can also help to stimulate their senses and keep them awake. You can also try burping your baby during breaks, which can help to release any air bubbles that may be making them uncomfortable and causing them to fall asleep.
Taking breaks during feedings can also give you a chance to reposition your baby and try different breastfeeding positions, which can help to keep them more engaged and interested in feeding. It can also give you a chance to take a break and rest, which can be helpful if you are feeling tired or overwhelmed.
Overall, taking breaks during feedings can be a beneficial way to keep your baby awake and engaged, and can help to promote successful breastfeeding. It’s important to be patient and understanding, however, and to avoid placing too much pressure on your baby to stay awake.
Positioning your Preterm Twins
Positioning your preterm twins slightly upright while breastfeeding can be a helpful way to keep them more alert and engaged. This is especially important for preterm infants, who may have weaker sucking reflexes and may tire easily while breastfeeding.
When your baby is lying flat on their back, it can be easier for them to fall asleep, which can interfere with breastfeeding and reduce the amount of milk that they are able to consume. By positioning your baby slightly upright, you can help to keep them more alert and engaged, and make it easier for them to feed effectively.
There are several different ways to position your baby slightly upright while breastfeeding. One option is to use a nursing pillow or breastfeeding cushion, which can help to support your baby and keep them in an upright position. You can also try breastfeeding in a semi-reclined position, with your baby lying on their side or stomach, which can help to keep them more awake and engaged.
Overall, positioning your baby slightly upright while breastfeeding can be a helpful way to keep them more alert and engaged, and can help to promote successful breastfeeding. It’s important to be comfortable and to find a position that works well for you and your baby.
Use a breast pump to express milk
Using a breast pump to express milk and then offering it to your baby using a cup or spoon can be more stimulating than breastfeeding directly from the breast. This is especially important for preterm infants, who may have weaker sucking reflexes and may tire easily while breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding directly from the breast can be soothing and relaxing for your baby, which can make it easier for them to fall asleep. By using a breast pump to express milk and then offering it to your baby using a cup or spoon, you can provide a more stimulating experience that can help to keep your baby awake and engaged.
Using a cup or spoon to feed your baby expressed milk can also help to prevent nipple confusion, which can occur when a baby is given a bottle or pacifier in addition to breastfeeding. This can interfere with breastfeeding and make it harder for your baby to stay awake and feed effectively.
Overall, using a breast pump to express milk and then offering it to your baby using a cup or spoon can be a helpful way to keep them more awake and engaged, and can help to promote successful breastfeeding.
Avoid using bottles or formula
Avoiding the use of bottles or formula, at least until breastfeeding is well established, can be beneficial in helping your baby to stay awake and feed effectively. This is especially important for preterm infants, who may have weaker sucking reflexes and may tire easily while breastfeeding.
When a baby is given a bottle or formula, they may become accustomed to the faster flow of milk and the different sucking motion required, which can interfere with breastfeeding and make it harder for them to stay awake and feed effectively from the breast. This can lead to reduced milk consumption and decreased milk production, which can be detrimental to your baby’s health and development.
On the other hand, breastfeeding directly from the breast requires a different sucking motion and can provide a slower, more controlled flow of milk, which can help to keep your baby more awake and engaged. This can also help to promote successful breastfeeding and ensure that your baby is getting enough milk.
Overall, avoiding the use of bottles or formula, at least until breastfeeding is well established, can be helpful in promoting successful breastfeeding and ensuring that your baby is getting the nourishment they need.
It may also be helpful to try different breastfeeding positions and experiment with different techniques, such as skin-to-skin contact, to find what works best for you and your twins. Using a lactation consultant or joining a support group for mothers of twins can also be helpful in providing guidance and support.
Additionally, there are certain supplements and herbs that are thought to support milk production, such as fenugreek, fennel, and blessed thistle. It’s always important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, however, to ensure they are safe and appropriate for you and your babies.
1The study is a qualitative research project exploring the experiences and difficulties of mothers who have given birth to multiples, focusing on their breastfeeding experiences. The study used narrative interviews with 10 mothers who had given birth to multiples in a hospital in Turkey. The study found that the mothers were all willing to breastfeed their twins, but found it difficult to manage breastfeeding and to obtain appropriate advice and support from healthcare providers. The study concluded that mothers of multiples need more support and guidance on breastfeeding and daily care for their infants.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about breastfeeding, whether you have preterm twins or not. In particular, it’s important to seek medical advice if:
- Your baby is not gaining enough weight or is losing weight despite breastfeeding
- Your baby is not producing enough wet or dirty diapers
- You have concerns about your milk supply or your baby’s ability to breastfeed effectively
- You have any other concerns or questions about breastfeeding
Your healthcare provider can provide guidance and support, and can help to address any issues or concerns that you may have. They may also be able to refer you to a lactation consultant or support group for additional assistance. It’s important to seek medical advice as soon as possible to ensure that your twins are getting the nourishment they need and to prevent any potential problems from developing.
In conclusion, twins, especially preterm twins, may have difficulty staying awake while breastfeeding, which can lead to low milk production and inadequate milk consumption.
There are several strategies and techniques that can help to keep your twins awake and engaged while breastfeeding, including breastfeeding in a bright, well-lit room, stimulating your baby’s senses, taking breaks during feedings, positioning your baby slightly upright, using a breast pump to express milk, and avoiding the use of bottles or formula. Seeking medical advice from a healthcare provider or lactation consultant can also be helpful in providing guidance and support.
By implementing these strategies and techniques, you can support successful breastfeeding and ensure that your twins are getting the nourishment they need.
References
Cinar, N. D., Alvur, T. M., Kose, D., & Nemut, T. (2013). Breastfeeding twins: a qualitative study. Journal of health, population, and nutrition, 31(4), 504–509. https://doi.org/10.3329/jhpn.v31i4.20049
