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Breastfeeding more than one child

Breastfeeding more than one child can feel rewarding, but it can also be tiring and sometimes overwhelming. Whether you are feeding twins, triplets, a premature baby, or children of different ages, it is normal to have questions or find some days challenging. You are not alone, and help and support are available to help you and your children thrive.

More about breastfeeding more than one child

Breastfeeding more than one baby whether that be twins or triplets, a baby and a toddler (sometimes referred to as tandem feeding) and breastfeeding a baby who was born prematurely is possible.

However, it might take patience and time there may be some challenges that you and your babies might need to work through. With the right support from the health visiting service and information from the health visiting services there should no reason why you and your baby or babies cannot go on and have a very successful breastfeeding journey.

Breastfeeding exclusively offers yourself and your babies so many health benefits, which increase the longer you are able to breastfeed for. However, any amount of breastmilk you are able to offer your baby or babies is amazing.

Breastfeeding not only offers you and your baby or babies lots of health benefits, but it also supports your babies growing brain, provides comfort for your baby or babies, and supports bonding and connecting with your baby. This section also explores the benefits of breastfeeding after your baby or babies turn 1 years old.

Questions and answers

Will I have enough time to feed my baby and spend time with my toddler?

In the early days, feeding can feel overwhelming, especially when it seems like your baby wants to feed all the time. This is very normal, and feeding usually becomes easier and more efficient as time goes on. Your toddler can also be part of this time - you might read a story together or play a game nearby - so feeding can still feel special for both of you. It’s also helpful to remember that, as you become more confident, breastfeeding often becomes less time-consuming, unlike bottle feeding, which tends to stay the same.

How long should I feed my baby for?

The health benefits of breastfeeding continue as your child grows, as your milk is constantly changing and adapting to meet your child’s needs. The World Health Organsation (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods for 2 years and beyond. Globally, the average age of children weaning from the breast is around 3 years and 6 months. Ultimately, this is your and your baby’s journey, but the longer you continue to breastfeed, the greater the potential health benefits for both of you.

Is it difficult to breastfeed twins and triplets?

Breastfeeding more than one baby can bring a different set of challenges compared to feeding a single baby. Your body is more than capable of producing enough breast milk to support the growth of two or even three babies. However, it’s helpful to be aware that twins and triplets are often born a little earlier and may be smaller, so they might need some extra support in the early days while feeding is established. You may find that expressing is needed at the beginning while you and your babies are getting the hang of feeding, but it is very possible to successfully breastfeed twins and triplets with the right support and guidance.

Is it ok to tandem feed?

Can I successfully breastfeed my premature baby?

Yes, you can. It takes time, patience, and support. In the early days, you will need to spend some time expressing to help protect and build your milk supply, but this will vary depending on how premature your baby is. Babies usually develop a more coordinated suck–swallow pattern from around 37 weeks, although many will begin to nuzzle at the breast much earlier. Some babies may start breastfeeding successfully before this, while others may take a little longer to get going. The key is to begin expressing early and regularly to support your milk supply, and to spend as much time as possible in skin-to-skin contact with your baby until they are ready to learn to feed at the breast.

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Breastfeeding more than one child

More about breastfeeding more than one child

Questions and answers

Upcoming events and sessions (showing 1–6 of 122)

Breastfeeding Support Eastwood

Breastfeeding Support Hersham

Breastfeeding Support The Lighthouse

Breastfeeding Support Mole Valley

Breastfeeding Support Nuffield

Child Health and Breastfeeding Support Merland

Useful links

Services that can help

Health Visiting 0-5 Years

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