Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding With Twins

An important decision that new mothers have to make regarding the nutrition of their babies is breastfeeding, not formula.

Some people may not feel comfortable around women while they are breastfeeding. However, if you pull out a bottle of formula, there will be those who may accuse you of not giving your children what they consider to be "nature's ideal food" - breast milk.

Whatever you decide, other people will have their own opinion. But in reality, only one thing matters: what choice is right for you and your children?

Breastfeeding twins

Experts recommend breast milk as the best food for babies. Babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months. After the introduction of other foods, experts recommend that mothers continue to breastfeed until their baby is at least one year old, and for as long as the mother and baby want.

Breast milk is good for your babies in many ways:

It provides natural antibodies that help your kids fight off illnesses like ear infections.
Usually easier to digest than formula. Thus, breastfed babies are often less prone to constipation and gas.
It may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome during the first year of your baby's life.
It can enhance the intelligence of your children.
Breast milk may even help your children in the future by reducing the risk of being overweight and developing asthma, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, Hodgkin's disease, leukemia and lymphoma.
Breastfeeding is good for moms too. Breastfeeding women have a reduced risk of developing breast cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and ovarian cancer.

But let's not forget one of the main reasons many new moms choose to breastfeed. This is a wonderful experience with your children. Plus, it's almost free!

But what about the fact that you only have to feed one baby? To give you every chance to successfully breastfeed your twins:

Ask your pediatrician about the best ways to breastfeed twins.
Learn different positions for breastfeeding.
Get a pump and learn how to use it in advance. Twins are more likely to be born prematurely and spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit. So be prepared to breastfeed by expressing if you can't breastfeed right away.
If your children do not need to stay in the intensive care unit, check them in with them and breastfeed on demand if possible.
Until your babies get too big to be taken at the same time, try feeding them both at the same time. Switch sides so that each twin breastfeeds in different positions.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet with frequent snacks.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, juice or milk.
Help line at home: your family and friends. Let them know that you may need their help in keeping the house clean and preparing meals. This way you will be able to hold and feed your little ones for as long as possible.

Expressing breastmilk facilitates public feeding and allows other family members to participate in feeding the twins.

Formula Feeding Twins

Formula feeding is also a healthy choice for babies. If you use formula, your babies will get the best possible alternative to breast milk.

Many moms choose formula for a variety of reasons:

It's comfortable. Formula-fed babies can be fed by anyone at any time.
It is flexible. You don't have to fit pumping into your work schedule. Instead, you can just leave the mixture to your nanny or daycare.
For twins, the mixture can make it easier to feed both at the same time.
Your partner can help you with night feeds and share experiences with your babies.
Feeding planning can be easier. Formula does not digest as quickly as breast milk, so formula-fed babies do not need to eat as often, especially in the first few months.
You don't have to worry about what you eat. Breastfeeding mothers may need to avoid certain foods that their baby cannot tolerate.
From time to time you can have a glass of wine or a cocktail. Alcohol is prohibited for breastfeeding women, as they pass small amounts on to their children.

However you decide to feed your children, the most important thing is that your children are well fed, well cared for and loved.