I won’t lie, breastfeeding multiples is an enormous commitment, demanding of both your time and your energy.  There were times when it was quite difficult and I thought about calling it quits, but I stuck with it and the experience turned out to be quite fulfilling to both myself and my babies.

I was able to successfully breastfeed my triplets for 14 1/2 months and I learned a few things along the way…

1. Invest in a good quality pump, preferably a hospital grade pump. If you cannot afford to purchase a hospital grade pump, they are available to rent through your hospital or other locations such as medical device stores. They are often covered by insurance, so check with your carrier prior to renting or buying one. It is very important to have a good quality pump to help keep your supply up during those early months!
2. Pump or nurse regularly (and avoid supplementing as best you can) in the beginning. If you nurse, do so on demand and put the babies to the breast each and every time they are hungry. It will likely be rough with constant feedings, but that is your babies’ way of increasing your milk production so if you stick with it, it will be over in a few days! If you pump, do so every 2-3 hours around the clock for the first few weeks; and then every 2-3 hours during the day, with 4-5 hour stretches at night. Make sure you vary the times that you pump as well. The body operates on a supply and demand schedule, so the more you pump or nurse the more milk you will make.
3. A baby is far more effective at extracting milk from the breast than a pump, so put the babies to the breast as often as possible!
4. Drink plenty of liquids. Seriously, this is probably one of THE most important things you can do. If you are dehydrated, logic would indicate that you will not be able to make as much liquid.
5. And eat plenty of calories. This is also one of THE most important things you can do. Your body needs the energy provided by calories (and fat) to make the milk your babies need.
6. Get plenty of rest. I know, something that is so difficult in those first few months, but your body is working hard to make milk so you need to let it rest. Let things go (it is only temporary) and sleep when the babies are sleeping.
7. Ask for help…with feeding and changing the babies, the meals, the laundry, the cleaning. If someone offers to help, accept it! Let them come cuddle the babies while you get some shut eye. Or help pitch in around the house. Whatever you do, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can do it all, or you will be overwhelmed and exhausted in no time at all!
8. Preemies can nurse. Although it is usually a more difficult beginning, they will likely eventually get the hang of it around their original due date. Persistence is key! Keep putting your preemies to the breast, starting slowly at first and gradually adding in more sessions as they get stronger. Also, until your babies are nursing like pros, make sure that you pump after each nursing because it is likely that you will need to help stimulate your milk production.
9. Be willing to be flexible. There may come a time when you realize that your body just isn’t able to produce enough milk for your growing babies’ needs. If you reach that point, don’t be discouraged. You can continue to pump and give your baby a mix of breast milk and formula.
10. If you decide to call it quits, there is no shame. Both you and your baby have to enjoy the experience for it to be worthwhile!

Rachael writes about her adventures with the toddler triplets and teenage daughter she successfully breastfed at Little Bites of Heaven.

(photo by Daquella Manera)