Breastfeeding twins and multiples
Breastfeeding works on a principle of supply and demand - the more milk your baby (or babies) take, the more you will make.
Having newborn twins is going to be challenging - many mums of twins who have successfully breastfed have told me that they expected that in the early days they would do nothing other than sit (or lie) and feed their babies, allowing others to help by taking over the household jobs and general baby care.
Allowing your baby to set the pace is crucial to ensuring that you make enough milk in the beginning so with twins or more this is extra important. Ensuring you have skilled help from a breastfeeding counsellor or lactation consultant can help you to find positions that allow you to feed your babies in comfort, wether you choose to feed them individually or two at a time. Good attachment to the breast will help your babies to feed effectively and efficiently, minimising feed times and maximising weight gain whilst stopping you from becoming sore.
Of course, all babies are individuals and twins are no different. You may find that one baby is more efficient at breastfeeding than the other, this is perfectly normal! If feeding together (sometimes called in tandem) you may find it easier to get the baby who is more difficult to latch on first and then the one who is easier. The more efficient twin will also help to keep the milk supply up for their sibling.
Below are a collection of links focusing on breastfeeding twins - let me know what your favourites are!
Website by Karen Kerkhoff Gromada, author of "Mothering Multiples - Breastfeeding & Caring for twins and more" Particularly worth a look is her collection of photographs of positions for nursing twins
Information on breastfeeding twins from ABM They also have more detailed information booklet you can purchase.
Breastfeeding information from Twins Online Worth exploring their site for other twin related parenting information.
Breastfeeding twins, dispelling the myths
Information on breastfeeding twins from the Australian Breastfeeding Association Lots of other good breastfeeding information on this site as well.