Breastfeeding Twins: Tips, Challenges, and My Go-To Position

This is a guest blog post written by our friend Allegra Gast, IBCLC, RDN. You can follow her on Instagram at @aloha.nutrition. 

As an IBCLC lactation consultant, I’ve had the privilege of helping many twin families successfully breastfeed. But it wasn’t until I had my own twins that I truly understood just how much work it takes. Breastfeeding twins is a whole new level of effort, learning, and patience! Two babies learning to breastfeed. Two babies who need to be fed. Two babies needing full head and body support. It’s a lot to juggle—and mastering it takes time (sometimes, lots of time!).

Things to Consider When Breastfeeding Twins

There are a few key factors to keep in mind when breastfeeding twins:

• Gestational age (how many weeks they were at birth) 
•  Separation at birth, such as time in the NICU
• Individual breastfeeding competency 

Even though you have twins, it’s essential to see each baby as their own unique individual. They may each have different abilities when it comes to latching and feeding. My twin boys were born at 39 weeks and 4 days, weighing 7 lbs 9 oz and 6 lbs 3 oz. Twin A had a strong latch and took to breastfeeding right away, while Twin B had a weaker suck and needed much more support. So even though they were healthy weights and ages, they still had their own set of challenges.  

Tips for Breastfeeding Success

Master Individual Latching: Although your babies are twins, they should still be treated as individuals when it comes to feeding. Start by working with each baby one-on-one to ensure they have a good latch and are transferring milk well—and that you're not experiencing pain. Establishing a solid foundation individually will make tandem feeding easier.

Start with the Stronger Nurser: When you're ready to try tandem feeding, begin by latching the more proficient nurser first. This baby will likely maintain their latch more easily while you work on positioning the second baby. Remember to maintain good positioning—lean back slightly and aim for a tummy-to-tummy alignment to encourage a deep latch.

Ask for Help or Use the “Scoop” Technique: Latching both babies can be tricky, especially early on. Don’t hesitate to ask your partner or a support person to hand you the second baby while you hold the first. You can also try the “scoop” technique to lift the second baby into position yourself. It’s totally normal for one baby to unlatch while you’re adjusting the other. Stay calm, re-latch the first baby, and try again with the second. Practice makes progress!

Use Plenty of Pillows: Support is key. Keep pillows nearby to prop up your arms and elbows during feeding. This will help prevent discomfort and strain, especially during longer sessions. I definitely relied on the Twin Breast Friend pillow those early days and weeks for a little more support, but I tried to lean back and use my own body as a natural pillow, then used pillows to prop my elbows vs the babies.

Find your favorite position: One position that became my go-to for both comfort and efficiency is the Twin V Hold. While it may feel overwhelming at first—especially when your babies are still developing head control—it becomes much easier with practice. In the Twin V Hold, each baby’s head rests in the crook of your elbow, and their bodies form a V shape angled toward your torso. Once both babies are latched, many parents find this to be one of the most comfortable positions for extended tandem feeding.

In the early days, when your babies are still small and adjusting to life outside the womb, don’t stress about doing it all at once. It’s absolutely okay to nurse one baby at a time. In fact, that might be best in the beginning. My husband was instrumental in helping me find our rhythm—handing me a baby, adjusting pillows, and keeping everyone comfortable and calm. Teamwork truly makes the dream work! Tandem breastfeeding can feel overwhelming at first, but with time and practice, it gets easier—and even enjoyable. 

As your babies grow and gain head and neck control, feeding sessions often become smoother and more efficient. So give yourself grace, celebrate small wins, and never hesitate to reach out for support when you need it. Reach out to an IBCLC lactation consultant, especially one that has experience with twins for more support! We certainly had our challenges but we just completed one year of breastfeeding and we’re still going! You’ve got it! Have you tried tandem feeding twins? What position do you use? Share your experiences and tips in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you! 

Allegra Gast, IBCLC, RDN Bio: Allegra Gast is a functional registered dietitian and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) dedicated to supporting families through their postpartum health and breastfeeding journeys. She leads a team of five experienced registered dietitians and lactation consultants, providing virtual consultations to families worldwide. Allegra founded her practice, Aloha Nutrition, during her time in Hawaii but now resides in Texas with her husband and four children, including twins. She shares valuable educational content on nutrition and breastfeeding on her Instagram page, @aloha.nutrition.