Info on tandem feeding?

CruisingChica

The breastfeeding book I bought before we knew we were expecting twins doesn't even mention tandem feeding.  And google is not really getting me anywhere.  Any book recs? 

Will I just learn with the LC in the hospital or at a breastfeeding class?  I'm curious about some of the basics, like how do I burp two babies by myself?

MrsDonnelly2007

The breastfeeding class most likely won't go into tandem nursing, the LC will be the best resource and of course the ladies on here.  Tandem is very do-able, need a twin nursing pillow to start - helps a TON. Burping, I would just burp one at a time while the other was still laying on my EZ 2 Nurse pillow.  For me to tandem by myself I'm either on the couch - lay the babies on either side of me as I get set up, or on the floor in their nursery sitting w/my legs crossed and leaning up against the arm chair that's in there. GL!!

MrsDonnelly2007

Oh sorry, as for a book, I've heard "Mothering Multiples" is very helpful, although I haven't read it yet.

MamaCrystal

There are some books out there that address tandem feeding (Mothering Multiples, Adventures in Tandem Nursing).  I had a book that I used with my singletons that also gave tandem info (can't remember the name now, and I gave it to my SIL).  I mostly learned positioning, etc. from our LC in the hospital, but it's nice to have a book to help with the more detailed issues of latching, etc. and info about storing pumped milk.

gumiberg

get a twin nursing pillow, like the EZNurse.  Then you can leave one baby laying on the pillow while you burp the other baby.

A good pillow is crucial, IMO. 

CruisingChica

I have the EZ2Nurse on my list to buy and Mothering Multiples looks like exactly the type of book I was trying to find.  Thanks!

efhoping2010

I loved Mothering Multiples, as a pp mentioned and also, Yes You Can Breastfeed Twins.  A very good LC is also crucial, especially if you have preemies or one baby who does not latch so well.  I either burp one while the other is still nursing, one of mine is a slower lazier nurser, or burp them both after they have finished.  A good latch is key to tandem nursing I have found.  Also putting the stronger nurser to breast first works well so then you can position and work with the fussier or more difficult nurser while the other is happily feeding.  The first few times have someone help you position the babies to tandem it is less stressful until you get the hang of things, good luck  

Hilarigh

one tip that took me a while to learn was to position both babies on the ez2 nurse pillow and then latch them. i don't know what i was thinking but i would get DS on the pillow and latch him then reach over for DD to pull her onto the pillow and latch her. DS just abour ripped my nipple off every time. finally it dawned on me that i should position the kids first and then latch. much easier.

good luck