Q: I’m pregnant with triplets and want to offer my children breastfeeding rather than formula. Can a woman breastfeed three babies (I’m of medium build), and if not, are there milk banks or wet nurses I can also use?
A: Congratulations! How lucky you are to have three babies! Many women have successfully breastfed three babies. Of course, it is helpful to learn as much as you can about nursing three, by reading and talking to other moms who are nursing three.
You will be very busy, breastfeeding each baby eight to 12 times a day. The key is in nursing often and effectively, especially in the early weeks. Sometimes triplets come early and are not able to nurse effectively for a while, so if that is the case, it would be important to use a hospital grade electric pump to assure a good supply is ready for them when they are bigger and hungrier. Also, keeping records of who eats when and for how long and have many wets and BMs each baby has is very important, in order that one little supertwin doesn’t feed much more than the others. There are many tips for success, and you will have fun reading good information in order to be ready for the very intense first months of feeding and feeding and feeding!
Contact your local La Leche League about finding a mother of triplets you can talk to about your concerns. There are several books that are recommended for you to read:
- Mothering Multiples by Karen Gromada
- Having Twins by Elizabeth Noble
Other Resources:
- The Triplet Connection – (209)474-0885
- Center for Study of Multiple Births – (312)266-9093
- National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs – (800)243-2276
If you have not done a lot of reading about nutrition during multiple pregnancy, it would be very helpful to do so, or to consult a dietitian about eating well during your pregnancy. Many mothers who have been very careful to eat the right things during pregnancy are able to carry their babies closer to full term. During nursing it is also important to pay careful attention to your diet in order to keep your energy stores high and assure that you will remain strong and healthy while maintaining yourself and three little people.
Surround yourself with friends and family and health care providers who are helpful. You will need to be around folks with a positive attitude in order to stay confident in your decision and be successful. During your pregnancy, find a LLL meeting to attend so you can learn the art of breastfeeding and all the basic breastfeeding information you are going to need. Read a good basic breastfeeding book like The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, or The Nursing Mothers Companion. Consult with an IBCLC at your hospital and let her know your plans so that she will be available to assist you after the babies arrive.
I have no information about wet nurses – this would have to be something you would explore yourself. Probably it would be best to plan on providing the milk yourself, since your body will know just what your babies need. Milk banks are a wonderful resource, but the milk must have a doctor’s prescription and unless your insurance will pay for it, would be expensive. I have read that it costs $2.50 per ounce.
All babies need the gift of breastfeeding. It is important for building a healthy immune system. There is nothing better,or that even comes close. The need for the lifelong gifts only breastmilk can provide remains, even if all your children have the same birthday!
By Ann Calandro
BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant
