A lot of moms with multiples make a commitment to give their babies only breast milk, either directly from the breast or from a bottle. And a commitment it is to stay in sync with the needs of more than one baby and schedule pumping time as well!

If your twins are born early they will really benefit from your milk whether you are able to feed them directly from the breast or not. If you have a cesarean birth, which is more common with multiples, you will likely not be able to initiate breastfeeding immediately. In any situation where you are separated from your baby you will be using the pump to initiate your milk supply so will want a really good pump from the outset-either a Hospital Grade or a Daily Use electric model and you will be encouraged to pump frequently. Don't forget that breast milk production is based on supply and demand so frequent pumping will help bring your milk in if you are not able to put the baby to the breast right away. Of course the sooner you put the baby to the breast, the better. You will most likely be working closely with a lactation consultant and your pediatrician to ensure that your babies are being well fed.

One of the things that can really help you stay organized and sane with your pumping schedule is to breastfeed your babies at the same time. If they nurse together, then you can set up pumping sessions around their feeding schedule. Some moms who end up feeding their twins one at a time have told me that they pump the other breast while the baby is nursing. Try a few different things- you will find the system that works best for you. Remember that with pumping and breastfeeding often, you should be able to produce a great milk supply for your babies. If for any reason you end up needing to use a supplement it doesn't mean that you need to give up breastfeeding or pumping. Just try to give your babies as much breast milk as possible.

You may find with twins that you are introducing a bottle earlier than you had ideally planned. This is bound to happen when feeding two hungry mouths.

Pillows are a godsend when nursing twins. Put them all around you for comfort and support. Check out our Nurse EZ Plus pillow- totally amazing for use with twins.

You are bound to feel like you are spending all your time balancing nursing, sleeping and pumping when you have more than one baby. The exhaustion factor really is intense and finding time for yourself is nearly impossible. Try to take things one day at a time and remember to ask others for help. When nursing and pumping for twins or multiples, more than ever it's about staying calm and organized. This will keep you from over-exhausting yourself and allow you the pleasure of enjoying this phase of your babies' lives.