Pumping for Twins vs. Singletons: What You Need to Know
If you’re a mom of twins, you already know that everything comes in twos: double the diapers, double the feedings, and, of course, double the milk supply. But does pumping for twins differ significantly from pumping for just one baby? How does returning to work look for mothers of twins? Let’s explore these questions and dive into some of the unique challenges and strategies for pumping moms with twins.
(This post was originally a video. Check it out here!)
The Unique Challenges of Pumping for Twins
When you’re pumping for two babies, the stakes are higher, and the demands are greater. Here are some of the key differences and challenges that twin moms face:
Earlier Births, Earlier Pumping
Twins are often born earlier than singletons, which means you may need to start pumping sooner than you would with one baby. Early births often lead to stays in the NICU or extended hospital time, which increases the likelihood of needing to pump to establish your milk supply. Pumping in those early days looks different from long-term pumping, and twin moms often have to navigate this right from the start.
Double the Milk Supply
Your body is capable of producing enough milk for two babies, but the margin for error is slim. Twin moms need to aim for about 55–60 ounces a day, which is a lot! While it’s possible to reach this goal, everything must be done correctly from the beginning to ensure a strong, sustainable supply.
Double the Feedings
Even though you can pump for two babies simultaneously, there’s still double the bottle feeding and double the cleanup. Whether you’re tandem nursing or bottle-feeding, feeding two babies requires more time, effort, and supplies.
Two Schedules to Juggle
With a singleton, you can more easily follow the baby’s natural feeding rhythm, but with twins, syncing up their schedules can challenging. Getting two babies on the same feeding and sleeping schedule can be hard and you’ll often find yourself balancing both.
Two Different Babies
Twins aren’t carbon copies of each other—they’re two distinct individuals with different feeding preferences, growth patterns, and temperaments. One twin might be a better nurser or sleeper, and it’s important to recognize and manage these differences while navigating their feeding routines.
Smaller Margin for Error
Twin moms have to be extra intentional about maintaining their milk supply because the need is so high. With singletons, moms might be able to get away with less-than-perfect pumping practices if they tend toward an oversupply. But with twins, precision matters—establishing and maintaining a large milk supply requires everything to be working efficiently.
Similarities Between Pumping for Twins and Singletons
Despite the differences, many aspects of pumping are the same whether you have one baby or two. Here are a few similarities that all pumping moms share:
Pumping Efficiency is Key
Whether you have one baby or two, pumping efficiently is crucial. You’ll need a good schedule, the right flange size, and effective pump settings to maximize your letdowns. Pumping is pumping, and if you can do it efficiently, the number of babies doesn’t matter as much.
High-Quality Pumps Are Essential
All pumping moms need a high-quality pump. There aren’t necessarily specific pumps for twins, but when you’re aiming for 60 ounces a day, you’ll need a pump that works well and can handle the demand. Trusting a wearable or small portable pump for your entire milk supply isn’t recommended, especially for twin moms.
Good Bottle-Feeding Techniques
Knowing how to bottle-feed properly is important for every pumping mom. Proper feeding techniques ensure that babies are fed the right amount without overfeeding, which is a common issue for moms. Overfeeding can increase demand unnecessarily, especially for twin moms who are already producing large quantities of milk.
Building a Freezer Stash
All working moms benefit from having a freezer stash before returning to work. Whether you have one baby or two, building a manageable stash of breast milk gives you peace of mind and flexibility. Twin moms may need to build a larger stash, but the process is similar for everyone. Even a little bit of milk can go a long way!
Working Moms of Twins: Special Considerations
Balancing a demanding milk supply for twins with the demands of a career adds another layer of complexity. Here are some additional considerations for working moms of twins:
Sticking to a Pumping Schedule
When you’re back at work, sticking to your pumping schedule is non-negotiable. Missing sessions or pushing them too far apart can quickly lead to supply issues, clogged ducts, or even mastitis—especially when you’re producing high volumes of milk for twins. Wearable pumps can be a solution for some, but you need to be cautious about their efficiency.
Formula Supplementation May Be More Common
Supplementing with formula is more common for twin moms. While it’s absolutely possible to exclusively breastfeed twins, introducing small amounts of formula can relieve some of the pressure, especially if producing large quantities of milk becomes overwhelming. The key is to feel confident in how you’re feeding your babies, whether that’s with breast milk, formula, or a combination of both.
Exclusive Pumping is a Common Choice
Many twin moms end up exclusively pumping because it allows for more flexibility and sharing of feeding duties with a partner or caregiver. While some twin moms continue to nurse and pump, exclusive pumping can simplify things, especially when you’re already juggling so much.
You Can Do This!
Pumping for twins is challenging, but with the right strategies and support, it’s entirely doable. I’ve worked with many twin moms who have exceeded their own expectations, including Elicia, who made it to 14 months of exclusive pumping after returning to work. Every twin mom’s journey is unique, but with guidance and the right tools, you can succeed in feeding your babies the way you want to.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need some help getting started, I’m here to help! Our Pumping for Working Moms coaching program is designed to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re pumping for one baby or two, we’re here to make your journey easier and more efficient.
Good luck, and happy pumping! 💪✨
Meet Allison Tolman, LPN, IBCLC!
She is the owner and founder of New Little Life, a company dedicated to providing objective information and support for pumping mothers. With 15+ years of experience in various pregnancy and postpartum fields including as an LPN, birth doula, childbirth educator, and IBCLC, her current research focuses on testing and exploring breast pumps to find the most practical way to help pumping mothers reach their goals as well as teaching lactation professionals to better understand the complex art of pumping.
She runs a long-term coaching program to support working mothers who are pumping.