There always seems to be a lively debate about whether you should breastfeed or bottlefeed babies. The advances in formula have made the health questions behind that decision a pretty even trade off.
As a father of twins, what to feed your babies is more of a logistical question: how will you physically be able to feed two babies at the same time?
Benefits of Breastfeeding
With our first two kids, my wife breastfed and we were happy with that decision.
I think Dads should be big fans of breastfeeding. Why?
- You don’t have to do anything. Unless your wife pumps milk to be served later, you aren’t going to be feeding any babies.
- You don’t have to buy baby formula and thus you save tons of cash
- You don’t have to wash out bottles and related supplies all the time
All this sounds great when you have a single baby. But what about twins?
Sorry guys, twins are a game changer. As much as you’d love to reap the benefits described above, the decision on whether to breast- or bottlefeed twins is simple:
Do whatever your wife wants.
Why?
Logistics.
Breastfeeding Option
Breastfeeding twins is not a simple feat. How do you feed them at the same time? Imagine getting the babies positioned and latched and feeding all at the same time, alone or even with help.
Even if Mom breastfeeds the babies one at a time, she faces the reality of always feeding a baby, non-stop, almost all day. This violates the idea of keeping your twin babies on the same schedule.
Breastfeeding is a physical and emotional burden, so I reiterate: only do this if your wife wants to.
My wife wanted to and it ended up not working so well with twins. They had trouble latching on and getting a good suck due to short frenulums. This made them frustrated and even more hungry. So we switched to bottlefeeding the twins.
Even if you as parents decide to breastfeed the twins, be flexible and remember it is OK to change your mind.
Bottlefeeding Option
If your wife wants to bottlefeed the twins, roll up your sleeves and prepare to get to work. You will become the master of making bottles with one hand while holding a baby with the other.
Save some money for formula ahead of your twins’ arrival (just in case), ask for it for baby gifts, and get some coupons and samples from your Pediatrician to help with the financial burden.
When we switched to bottle feeding, the first thing I noticed was that there was a lot of overhead in terms of preparing and cleaning. But it gave me a chance as a Dad to hold my twin daughters while I fed them. It does provide a great bonding moment for a Dad. (Yes, even in the middle of the night!)
With enough practice, you’ll be able to feed both twins simultaneously with bottles.
You Choose
Whatever your choice, be prepared to help and support your wife. If she carries the burden of breastfeeding, you need to be her assistant, helping her position babies, bringing burp clothes, making sure she has plenty to drink, etc., until everyone gets the hang of it.
If you choose to bottlefeed, you’ll both have your fair share of feeds both night and day.
Either way, take heart. The twins won’t need help eating forever! In just a few months, they will be feeding themselves.
 | Are you expecting twins? Be ready. Be prepared. Be confident. |
