20th June 2019
As part of National Breastfeeding Celebration Week 2019, we are publishing a series of blogs to #CelebrateBreastfeeding. Today’s blog is from Kathryn Stagg, Breastfeeding Counsellor/IBCLC, Association of Breastfeeding Mothers. Kathryn, together with Alison Spiro , Independent Specialist Health Visitor, presented a poster on breastfeeding more than one at our recent evidence-based practice conference in Manchester.
Breastfeeding more than one baby is very possible with good postnatal support and antenatal information, even if babies are born prematurely. Challenges include higher rates of prematurity, early delivery and medical intervention at birth, greater chance of early supplementation due to jaundice/hypoglycemia, and lack of confidence in adequate milk supply.
Antenatal preparation for breastfeeding is key. Supporting mothers to harvest their colostrum can give them confidence that their breasts are already producing colostrum and they will be able to give their babies this, if supplementation is necessary. Couples can have the chance to discuss normal baby behaviour, benefits of tandem feeding positions, recognising the signs of good positioning and attachment and good milk transfer. Health Visitors can signpost mothers to postnatal breastfeeding support.
For further information for parents and health professionals, our Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets UK website has articles and blogs to support multiple birth families with breastfeeding.
We also have a very active facebook group where mothers can access support 24/7 and it is fully moderated by trained breastfeeding supporters. Mums are supported to fulfil or exceed their feeding goals. Many find they can move from supplementation to exclusive breastfeeding. This is a closed Facebook group to support multiple birth mums in the UK with breastfeeding. This is a closed group to protect privacy.
We also have a public facebook page – Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets UK Public Page
And Twitter/Instagram @BfTwinsUk
