For the first time, practical evidence-based advice and information on feeding twins, triplets and higher multiples is now freely available to parents. ‘Feeding twins, triplets and more’, a comprehensive guide, is
published by the Multiple Births Foundation (MBF) with funding from the Big Lottery Find and based on research undertaken by the National Perinatal
Epidemiology Unit.

“In the UK, one in 32 babies is born a twin or triplet,” says Jane Denton, director of the Multiple Births Foundation, “and how to feed two or more babies is one of the first questions parents ask when a multiple pregnancy is diagnosed. Yet our research suggests that many mothers want more guidance on feeding.”

“Twins and triplets are more likely to be born preterm and of low birth
weight, requiring admission to a neonatal unit,” she adds. “Many will
not be able to feed directly for the first few days or sometimes weeks.
It can be a very anxious, even dramatic, time for the parents.

“But all mothers with twins, triplets and higher multiples need specific
information and advice to support them, whether breastfeeding, formula
feeding or doing a combination of both.”

The booklet aims to answer questions parents may have before the birth
as well as serving as a practical guide once the babies are born. How
on earth do I breast-feed triplets? Should I feed my twin babies separately
or together? Shall I ever get any sleep at all?

These are among the questions going through an expectant mother’s mind
as she awaits the birth of twins, triplets or more. All too often, mothers
of more than one baby have had too little access to the answers. Among
the myths this booklet dispels is that mothers produce only enough breast
milk to feed one baby. Supply grows to meet demand, it says.

“We do recommend that breast milk is best for all babies, and the booklet
shows how to do it, even with triplets and quads,” says Jane Denton. “Many
mothers with twins and triplets tell us that they would have breastfed
their babies for longer if they’d had more specific help and advice. However,
above all we want mothers to feel supported, confident and happy with
feeding their babies.”

With clear text and informative diagrams, the booklet covers the different
feeding options; how to organise more than one baby; feeding sick or premature
babies, triplets and quads; preparation of feeding equipment; and introducing
solid foods. It also includes useful tips on returning to work, as well
as contacts for support and information groups.

“The MBF booklet provides an invaluable one stop guide to feeding multiples
for parents and healthcare professionals alike,” says Anna O’Donoghue,
mother of two-year-old triplets Kate, Jessica and Holly. “When I was pregnant
with triplets, I could find no definitive resource for information about
breastfeeding, and I instead had to glean what I could from a multitude
of sources and rely on a great deal of trial and error.”

“Most people have little idea just how demanding multiple babies can
be,” says Jane Denton. “And with multiple birth rates rising year on year,
the need for correct care has never been greater.”

Mothers seeking support are encouraged to contact their own midwife or health visitor in the first instance, but may also seek help from the Multiple Births Foundation. ‘Feeding twins, triples and more’ is available free as a download at www.multiplebirths.org.uk or call 020 3313 3519 for a hard copy.

About The Multiple Birth Foundation

The Multiple Births Foundation was founded in 1988 and has become a national
and international authority on multiple births. It is the only charity
internationally that employs healthcare professionals dedicated to supporting
multiple birth families and educating and advising the professionals who
care for them. The MBF is an independent charity and relies solely for
its income on grants, donations and fundraising activities.