Welcome to week 28 of your twin pregnancy! How are you feeling mama? Can you believe you’re officially in the third trimester? It’s a big milestone as you’re now on the home stretch, and your babies are rapidly growing. But as you get closer to meeting your twins, a new set of questions is probably coming up—especially when it comes to feeding two babies at once.
This week, we are talking about how you are going to feed those delicious cherubs of yours. We know feeding newborn twins can feel overwhelming to think about. Is it even possible to breastfeed twins?
Whether you plan on breastfeeding, formula feeding, pumping, or doing a combination of all three, it’s all about finding what works best for you and your babies. If you are set on breastfeeding your twins, then it is definitely a great idea to spend some time reading about it first. Being prepared can greatly improve your chances of success.
In this post, we’ll walk through some practical tips and advice on feeding your newborn twins so you can feel prepared when the time comes.
Read on to find out what those twins of yours are up to this week.
How are you feeling mama?
Twin Pregnancy Symptoms at 28 Weeks
By now, you’re likely to be feeling heavy and sluggish, and you may be suffering from backaches because of the extra weight you’re carrying. Sorry! We promise it will all be worth it in the end.
You are nearly the size of a full-term singleton pregnancy so it’s no wonder you are feeling the need to slow down a bit.
If you’ve noticed any puffiness or swelling of your feet, hands, or face, be sure to tell your doctor, as this can be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
Breathing can be difficult as your uterus is taking up a lot of room in your abdomen, and constipation is also very common.
Braxton Hicks are continuing, but preterm labor is now also a huge concern. Any labor signs should be reported to your doctor immediately.
The position your twins are in is also checked around now before they completely run out of room to turn. Your doctor may even have them manually turned if they are breech.
As your belly grows and the babies are more squished you may begin to feel less movement. Some days, they’ll move more and others less, so it pays to keep a kick chart to share with your doctor at your next appointment.
READ MORE: Twin Pregnancy Questions to Ask Your Doctor
What are your twins up to this week?
Your Twins at 28 Weeks – Height & Weight
At week 28, your babies are each about the size of an eggplant. On average, they weigh around 2.2 to 2.5 pounds (1-1.13 kg) and measure about 14.8 inches (37.6 cm) in length.
Your Twins Fetal Development at 28 Weeks
At 28 weeks, your twins are continuing to grow and develop in remarkable ways. One of the key milestones this week is the maturation of their immune systems. They are now starting to receive important antibodies from you through the placenta, which will help protect them from infections and build up their immune defenses. This is a crucial development, as it will help your babies fight off illnesses once they are born, especially during their early months of life.
Another exciting change happening this week is the development of their sleep-wake cycles. Your babies are beginning to establish more regular patterns of sleep, including periods of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is important for brain development and is the stage where dreaming occurs. You might notice that their movements are more rhythmic, with times of activity followed by longer stretches of rest. These sleep patterns will continue to evolve and become more consistent after birth.
Their digestive systems are also preparing for the big day. While they’re still not digesting food, they are swallowing amniotic fluid, which helps mature their digestive tract. This practice is crucial for preparing their stomachs and intestines for processing breast milk or formula once they’re born. Their taste buds are fully developed too, and some research suggests they can start to taste different flavors from the amniotic fluid based on what you eat!
Lastly, their bone marrow is now fully taking over the production of red blood cells, a job that was previously handled by the liver and spleen. This shift is an important step toward your twins’ independence in managing their own blood supply after birth. With these developments underway, your babies are making incredible progress as they gear up for the outside world!
What you might be wondering about this week
Feeding Your Newborn Twins
To breastfeed or not…… Deciding on how or what you want to feed your newborn twins can be quite a controversial decision. And one that is often fraught with emotion.
MANY twin moms are told that it is impossible to breastfeed twins, which is just not true.
Plenty of twin moms successfully breastfeed their twins for 6, 12, 18 months or more. Yes, it can have its challenges. But with the right tools and support, you can get there.
Helping mamas to breastfeed their twins is something I am really passionate about. This probably stems from my own challenging breastfeeding journey with my girls. I have a few blog posts on breastfeeding twins and lots of great twin breastfeeding pillows, breast pump options, and supplements to help.
You may also decide (or your babies decide for you) that breastfeeding is not for you. And you need to give them either part or 100% formula. If you are a member of your local Twins Club, you may get a discount on formula purchases, so check with them.
It can also get very confusing about which type of formula to buy, as there are so many. We have an article covering the various types of formula available, but sometimes it’s a case of trial and error to see which one your babies tummies prefer. And remember, they may need different ones. If you have any questions, it is best to talk with your pediatrician or doctor.
Breastfeeding Twins: Is it Possible?
Absolutely, mama—breastfeeding twins is definitely possible!
Your body is incredible and can produce enough milk for both babies. While the idea of breastfeeding two little ones at once might seem overwhelming, many twin moms do it successfully.
The key is getting the right support early on, learning how to establish a strong latch, and working on building a solid milk supply.
In the first few days after delivery, your body will begin producing colostrum, a nutrient-rich “first milk” packed with antibodies. Once your milk supply comes in fully (usually around day three or four), you may notice an increase in your milk production.
A great tool for breastfeeding twins is a twin nursing pillow. This specialized pillow allows you to position both babies comfortably for tandem nursing (feeding both at once), which can save you a lot of time and help establish a routine.
Keep in mind that feeding both babies simultaneously isn’t required—some moms prefer to feed one at a time.
Lactation consultants can also be a great resource, offering guidance on positions, latching, and troubleshooting any challenges. Remember, whether you breastfeed exclusively or supplement with formula, what matters most is that your babies are fed and happy!
Establishing a Breastfeeding Routine with Twins
Getting into a breastfeeding routine with twins may take a little time, but once you’ve found your groove, things will become much smoother.
In the early days, you might feel like you’re constantly feeding—newborns typically eat every 2-3 hours, and with two babies, it can feel like an endless cycle! But don’t worry, with a bit of patience and persistence, you’ll soon develop a rhythm that works for both you and your twins.
Many twin moms find tandem nursing to be a game-changer. This allows you to feed both babies at the same time, cutting feeding time in half and helping you synchronize their schedules. A twin breastfeeding pillow can help with positioning and give your arms a break.
If tandem feeding feels tricky at first, you can always start by feeding one baby at a time until you’re more comfortable.
And sometimes it is quite nice to have the one-on-one time if you feed them one at a time. It can help you to focus on one baby if they are having a bit of a harder time getting established with feeding or needs more help to latch properly.
Try to keep track of which baby fed from which breast, as alternating sides helps balance your milk supply. Apps or feeding logs can be helpful in the early days.
It’s also important to remember that each baby’s needs might be slightly different, so don’t stress if one twin feeds longer or more often than the other. With a bit of practice and support, you’ll find your routine and feel more confident in feeding your little ones.
Combination Feeding with Twins: Breast and Bottle
Combination feeding is a flexible option that allows you to breastfeed and bottle-feed, whether with expressed breast milk or formula.
This can be especially useful for twin moms, as it gives you the opportunity to share feeding duties with your partner, take a break, or manage your time more efficiently.
Some moms choose combination feeding from the start, while others transition to it over time as their twins’ feeding needs evolve.
If you’re breastfeeding, introducing bottles can be a gradual process. It’s recommended to wait until breastfeeding is well-established (usually after 3-4 weeks) before offering a bottle as it can cause nipple/teat confusion and can make them more fuss on the breast as they get used to the easy feeding that a bottle teat can provide. Using a chu-chi teat or cross-cut teat can help with this.
When you’re ready, you can start by pumping and offering the bottle for one or two feeds a day, which can be a great bonding opportunity for your partner or other caregivers and give you a bit of a break.
The key to combination feeding is finding the right balance between breast and bottle.
Make sure to pump regularly if you want to maintain your milk supply, especially if you’re skipping a breastfeeding session in favor of a bottle feed.
Combination feeding can offer the best of both worlds, giving you the flexibility to adapt to the needs of your twins and your lifestyle while ensuring they are well-nourished.
Pumping for Twins: Getting Started and Staying Organized
Pumping for twins can be a lifesaver, whether you’re pumping to build up a freezer stash, offering expressed milk in bottles, or exclusively pumping.
A high-quality double electric breast pump is essential for efficiency, as it allows you to pump from both breasts at the same time. Pumping can also help maintain or boost your milk supply, especially if your twins aren’t latching well or if they spend time in the NICU.
In the early days, it’s recommended to pump frequently—around 8-12 times a day—to establish and maintain your milk supply. Pumping right after feeding or at regular intervals throughout the day can help you build a good stash.
Staying organized is key to making pumping work for you. Label your milk with the date and time so you always know which bottle to use first, and invest in a good cooler bag if you need to pump on the go.
Having a pumping schedule can also keep you on track, especially as you juggle the demands of newborn twins.
You might also want to create a comfortable pumping station with everything you need nearby, like snacks, water, and entertainment. There are also hands-free pumping options available, which means you can be pumping while playing with your babies after their feed.
Remember, pumping can take some getting used to, but with time and organization, it can become an effective part of your feeding routine.
READ MORE: Discover why you need a breast pump when breastfeeding twins
Formula Feeding Twins: What You Need to Know
If you decide to formula-feed your twins, know that it’s a completely valid and healthy choice!
Formula feeding can be a practical option for many twin parents, whether from the start or after trying breastfeeding.
It gives you the flexibility to share feeding responsibilities and ensure that your babies are well-fed, even if breastfeeding isn’t working out.
When it comes to feeding twins, you’ll go through a lot of formula! A newborn twin can drink anywhere from 2-3 ounces (60-90 ml) of formula per feeding, typically every 2-3 hours. That adds up quickly, so having a good stock of formula is important. To save on costs, consider buying formula in bulk, signing up for coupons, or looking for twin discounts from formula companies.
You’ll also need plenty of bottles, as you’ll be washing and preparing them often. Investing in a formula dispenser like a Baby Brezza Formula Pro will make all the bottle preparation a piece of cake as it does all the measuring and warming perfectly every time and avoids those late-night mistakes of over-mixing or heating bottles. A bottle sterilizer can help with keeping everything clean and organized.
Make sure to choose a formula that works well for your babies—your pediatrician can help guide you on what’s best for their nutritional needs.
Remember, formula feeding twins is a perfectly great way to ensure your little ones are healthy and thriving.
Feeding Schedule for Twins: How to Synchronize Their Feedings
Establishing a feeding schedule for your twins can make life much easier, especially when it comes to managing the constant cycle of feedings.
Many twin parents find that synchronizing their babies’ feeding times is the key to maintaining some sanity and getting a little more rest. While it might take a bit of effort in the beginning, getting both babies on the same schedule can be a huge time-saver in the long run.
Start by feeding both babies at the same time or waking one twin to eat when the other wakes up hungry. This can help synchronize their hunger cues over time.
A twin feeding pillow can be extremely helpful if you’re breastfeeding both babies at once, or if you’re bottle-feeding, try propping both babies on pillows or using a double feeding system.
Feeding on demand is also an option, especially in the early days when their hunger needs might fluctuate, but try to gently guide them toward eating together. This not only simplifies your routine but also helps keep both babies on the same sleep-wake cycles, which can make your day (and night) much more manageable.
Be patient—it might take a few weeks for a consistent schedule to emerge, but you’ll soon find your rhythm!
Cluster Feeding: What to Expect with Twins
Cluster feeding refers to periods when your babies want to feed much more frequently than usual, often every hour or two, especially in the evening. This is perfectly normal behavior for newborns and typically happens during growth spurts or times when they need extra comfort.
Cluster feeding can be a challenge for any new parent, but with twins, it can feel especially intense. You might feel like you’re feeding one baby after the other non-stop during these cluster-feeding sessions. This can be exhausting, but it’s important to remember that it’s temporary and a natural part of their development.
If you are breastfeeding, it is important to remember that this does NOT mean you don’t have enough milk for your babies. It is how your babies boost your milk supply.
To cope with cluster feeding, it’s essential to take breaks whenever you can, stay hydrated, and ask for help from your partner or support system.
You might also want to plan for these fussy periods by setting up a comfortable space with everything you need close by, like snacks, water, and a good show to watch while you feed.
Hang in there, mama—this phase will pass, and your babies will soon settle into more predictable feeding patterns.
Tracking Feeding Times and Quantities for Twins
Tracking how much and when each baby eats is crucial, especially in the early weeks when your pediatrician will want to monitor their growth closely. You can use a notebook or a baby-tracking app to keep tabs on feedings. Record the time, the amount eaten (if bottle-feeding), and any other details like burping or spit-up.
Staying organized will help you spot any patterns or issues with feedings early on and give you peace of mind.
You’ve Got This, Mama!
Feeding newborn twins can feel like a lot to handle, but with preparation and a good support system, you’ll find your groove. Every family’s journey is different, so don’t be afraid to try different methods until you find what works best for you and your babies. You’re going to be amazing, and before you know it, feeding time will become a special part of your new routine with your twins.
Remember, whether you breastfeed, bottle-feed, or do a combination, the most important thing is that your babies are loved and cared for.
I hope you have found this week’s Twin Pregnancy guide informative and helpful. I look forward to catching up again next week where we talk about your growing twin belly!
Take care and much love.
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