Twin babies must be breastfed from the moment they are born. Many of us wonder whether breast milk will be enough for two babies. On the other hand, mothers are twice worried about whether milk will be enough for a baby. Although the medical literature says that milk is enough for two babies, it becomes milk if the mother receives a warning from the twin baby and the babies are strong. However, if the baby’s weight gain is not enough, some supplements should be made.
Gülnihal Şarman, medical doctor at Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, said that only 3-4 of 100 mothers of twin babies could feed their baby without the need for nutritional supplements besides milk.
Ms. Şarman said that home care program should be organized very well because the mother is exhausted. She point out that this fatigue also negatively affects milk production. For mothers to have enough milk, it is necessary to plan twin baby care at home.
Click the link to find more information about breastfeeding twins: https://www.bebek.com/en/breastfeeding-twins/
Twin Babies Don’t Know Each Other for the First 5-6 Months!
The behaviour of twin babies is also becoming the most important topic of daily conversation between families. Parents are very surprised in the first 5-6 months after babies are born; because babies act like they don’t know each other. But in the sixth and ninth months, they discover their hair, ears and catch each other. By the age of one, they become very interested in each other. Good communication between twin babies gets stronger and turns into serious teamwork at two. They are developing a language called twin talk, which they use among themselves and which only they understand.
What are The Home Care Tips for Twin Babies?
- Prepare very practical meals.
- Stick the phone numbers of places where you can order ready-made food on the refrigerator.
- Save time by shopping online.
- Shop in bulk.
- Help mom gets out and seek support from someone you trust to take care of the babies.
- Make a plan and division of labour among people who support the baby’s care, such as mom, dad, grandparents, grandparents and aunts.
- Keep a logbook for the first 3-4 weeks. Sometimes the same baby is always fed, and the other baby cannot show his hunger. For this reason, the number of feedings, defecation times, urine, whether they are fed orally or with a bottle should be noted.
Why Twin Babies Need to Be Watched Carefully?
Stating that there are other important points about the care of twin babies, Ms. Şarman underlines that families should closely monitor the development of babies:
- From time to time, families can compare whether one of their babies is smaller than the other. Babies should be considered as two separate personalities from the moment they are born. Making comparisons can damage family relationships.
- Suppose that one of the infants has a retardation in development compared to the other. In this case, these should be recognized early and necessary interventions should be initiated without delay:
- If a one- or two-month-old baby has a rigid body, the risk of brain damage is high.
- If the baby is unable to hold his head by three or four months of age, you should consult a doctor immediately.
- Some babies may be born prematurely. For example, an eight-month-old baby born two months early is actually six months old. If this baby cannot reach and hold the toys around and does not show interest, it is necessary to try again.
Do Families Need to Have a Plan B for Themselves If the Risks Start to Increase During Pregnancy?
- A full-fledged hospital with infant intensive care should be determined where twin births can take place. The choice of the hospital becomes even more important, especially if the birth will occur below the 32nd week.
- If the medical doctor determines it that serious warnings have started, the mother should meet the intensive care team, see the centre/hospital where she will give birth, and introduce herself to the team.
- The team must organize the organization according to the babies to be born. If it is going to be a very risky birth, experts need to adjust themselves to work at the highest level, the number of nurses must be adjusted, and open heaters must be reserved for babies. Babies born extremely prematurely stay in those beds for weeks.
- Communication with family members is also essential. It is important to talk to family members every 15 days. Neonatal medicine begins before babies are born.
- Families also need to be prepared financially and have an idea about the costs. If the hospital they choose is too expensive, families need to make other plans themselves.
Would you like to share your questions and experiences as a comment?
Have a nice and headlthy day!