Breastfeeding Twins Series

Keeping Track of Who, What and When

By Melissa Clark Vickers

During the first few weeks as the three of you learn how to breastfeed and get things settled into more of a routine, you may find it useful to keep a SIMPLE log of feedings and diaperings – especially if either baby is having a difficult time learning to nurse effectively. This is often the case with preterm babies, as they were born before they were developmentally ready to breastfeed efficiently. Preterm babies can and do learn to breastfeed, but it may take a little longer than a full-term baby would.

Don't turn a log into nightmare, however. A simple tally of how many times you nurse each baby (you can include starting times, if you like) and how many wet diapers and BMs in 24 hours will tell a lot about how things are going. A newborn baby needs to eat 10 to 12 times every 24 hours (though not necessarily evenly spaced), and the diapers are a good indication that something is going in. Look for six to eight wet diapers (after your mature milk comes in) and anywhere from two to five or more BMs every day. Wet diapers indicate Baby is getting enough fluid, and BMs indicate Baby is getting enough calories.

"OK, Lilly had the right breast for 10 minutes last time; Lucy had the left for 15 minutes. That means that Lucy had more time, and the right breast needs five more minutes..." Fortunately, it is NOT necessary to deal with such precision timing – and that's regardless of whether you are dealing with one baby or two! Experiment to see what works best for you. Some ideas that have worked for other twin moms:

• Switch breasts every feeding. If Baby A has the left breast one feeding, give him the right breast for the next feeding. Or, if you are nursing one at a time, let him finish with the first breast, burp and change as needed, and then offer the second breast. Then give Baby B the second breast to start with. He'll most likely get hungry first so let him have the fullest breast the next feeding.
• Switch breasts every day. Assign one baby to one breast for every feeding that day, and then switch the next day.
• Assign a baby to a breast. This is probably the easiest method to keep track of. The one disadvantage of this method is that your babies won't have the benefit of switching sides and viewpoints that will stimulate both sides of his brain.

Keep in mind these are two different babies and so their caloric needs and their efficiency at the breast may vary. Timing feedings becomes meaningless! Let your babies be your guide.

Want to see more?

• Breastfeeding Twins: Planning and Prioritizing
• Breastfeeding Twins: Support and Flexibility
• Breastfeeding Twins: Keeping Track of Who, What and When
• Breastfeeding Twins: Sleep and Supplements
• Talk about it!