Last updated on September 8th, 2023 at 02:37 pm
Is exclusively pumping your plan when your twinnies arrive? We’ve got some first-hand experience with this. Here are our best tips to successfully and exclusively pump for twins. PLUS be sure to scroll all the way down to enter an amazing Giveaway from our friends at Rumble Tuff.
Exclusively pumping can be intimidating and overwhelming. It is a big commitment, and deciding to exclusively pump for twins is a HUGE commitment. This can be a difficult task, but with some help and some tips and tricks from MoMs that have “been there, done that,” it is not an impossible task!
We are going to discuss some tips and techniques on how to effectively manage exclusively pumping for twins. We are going to talk about the equipment you should have, how to maximize your milk production, and how to take care of yourself so you have the energy and stamina to take care of those twinnies.
So, let’s talk about some tips for exclusively pumping with twins.
Tip #1: Support
One of the most important things when exclusively pumping for twins is having a good support system. It’s not just about having extra hands to hold a baby and bottle, it is also about feeling supported. Now is the time for your RIDE or DIE peeps. Surround yourself and your babies with the people that understand what you are going through or at least the ones that do not question your decisions.
If someone is asking you why you have chosen the method or suggests that it should be done a different way, that person is not needed for this task. Maybe you have a list a mile long, or maybe you have no reason at all for choosing to exclusively pump, but guess what? The reason doesn’t matter. You’ve made a decision for yourself, and you owe no one an explanation or reason for why you choose this.
If a physical support system is possible, online resources like forums and support groups, like the Twiniversity Membership, can provide invaluable advice from others that have been through it or are in the same situation as you. Sometimes the best support is knowing that you are not alone.
Tip #2 Electric Breast Pump
You are going to need a quality electric double breast pump. This type of pump allows you to express milk from both breasts at the same time, which can save a lot of time when pumping for twins. When considering a breast pump, it should be efficient, portable, and adjustable for both suction and speed, all while mimicking a baby’s natural sucking action. A hospital-grade pump is often a go-to for exclusive pumpers, but you might get sticker shock when you see the cost.
The Rumble Tuff EZ Express pump is a hospital-grade pump without a hospital-grade price! This high-performing double breast pump has 4 cycle speeds (2 Stimulation, 2 Expression) and 9 suction levels for each cycle. It is compact and lightweight, weighing in at less than a pound. It is small but mighty, literally giving you powerful pumping in the palm of your hand. This pump also includes a manual collection kit so you can convert it into a manual pump if needed. The EZ Express comes with a 12V AC/DC power adapter but also includes a portable AA battery option for on-the-go pumping.
Breast Pump Parts
Once you have decided on the pump, you will need at least 2 sets of pump parts. This will help ensure that you always have clean, sterile parts available when it’s time to pump.
| Breast Shield Bodies | The breast shield bodies are the main part of the pump. These are the parts that attach to the breast shield/flanges and connect to the tubing. |
| Breast Shield/Flanges | Breast shields are plastic (silicone) pieces that fit over your nipples and help to create a seal between the pump and your breasts. It is important to get the right size breast shield for your body, as this will ensure that you are able to effectively express milk. It is important to make sure that these parts fit properly, as an ill-fitting breast shield can cause discomfort and decrease milk production. To find the right size flange, measure your nipple diameter with a ruler or measuring tape. The flange should fit comfortably over your nipple without causing any discomfort. If the flange is too small, it can cause pain and even lead to decreased milk production. If the flange is too large, it can cause leakage and make it difficult to express milk effectively. Once you have found the right size flange for your body, make sure to replace them every few months to ensure that they are still fitting correctly. |
| Silicone Cushion Inserts | Silicone Cushion Inserts Silicone cushion inserts are soft, flexible pieces that fit inside the breast shield and help to create a comfortable seal. These can be used in place of the breast shield bodies for a more comfortable pumping experience. |
| Tubing | Tubing is an important part of the pump as it connects the motor to the breast shields. It is important to make sure that the tubing is not cracked or damaged, as this can cause a decrease in suction and milk production. |
| Valves and Membranes | Valves and membranes are small pieces that fit inside the breast shield bodies and help to create a seal between the pump and your breasts. It is important to make sure these parts are clean and free of any debris, as this can cause a decrease in suction and milk production. |
| Bottle Adapters | Bottle Adapters Bottle adapters are small pieces that fit onto the breast shield bodies and allow you to attach bottles or bags for collecting your expressed milk. |
| Storage Containers/Bags | You will need bottles/nipples and storage bags for storing and feeding your expressed milk. Storage containers or bags are essential for storing your expressed milk. It is important to make sure that these containers are BPA-free and have tight-fitting lids to ensure that your milk stays fresh and safe. If freezing your milk, storage bags are best (remove excess air before freezing). |
TWINIVERSITY TIP: Pump parts should be replaced every 3-6 months or sooner if they become worn or damaged.
Tip #3 Maximize Milk Production
When exclusively pumping for twins, it is important to maximize your milk production. To do this, you should aim to pump 8-10 times a day for 15-20 minutes each session. It is also important to make sure that your breasts are emptied completely during each session. This can be done by using different techniques, such as massage and hand expression before and after pumping.
Also, make sure you are achieving a good let-down. This is important while pumping because it ensures that your breasts are being emptied. How to stimulate let-down when pumping:
1. Make sure to relax and take deep breaths while pumping. This will help your body let down and make it easier for you to express milk.
2. Massage your breasts before and during pumping to help stimulate the letdown reflex.
3. Apply a warm compress. Use before pumping to help the milk flow more easily, or use heat during pumping (around the outside of the flanges) for a more efficient and comfortable pumping session.
4. Try different positions while pumping, sitting up, leaning forward, or even lying down to see which one works best for you.
It is also important to make sure that you are getting enough rest and eating a balanced diet with plenty of fluids. Dehydration can lead to decreased milk supply, so make sure that you are drinking enough water throughout the day. Eating foods high in protein and healthy fats can also help increase your milk supply.
Tip #4 Take Care of Yourself
Exclusively pumping for twins can be exhausting both physically and emotionally, so it is important to take care of yourself too! Make sure that you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and taking time for yourself. It is also important to remember that it is ok to ask for help from family and friends. Having someone else take care of the twins while you take a break can make all the difference in the world.
Tips for Making Pumping for Twins Easier
1. Pump while you’re feeding your babies. Exclusively pumping can make you feel like that is all you do, day in and day out. Pumping while the babies eat is one way to maximize your time. This way, you aren’t trying to figure out how to make time to feed the babies, burp the babies, change the babies, and pump before the next feeding.
Stressing out with your infant twins? Let us help! Learn what to expect in the first year with twins, including tips, tricks, and advice from real twin parents who have been there. Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our twin parent coaching services and Twiniversity shop!
2. Use hands-free pumping bras or other accessories to make it easier to pump while multitasking. There are a lot of hands-free pumping bras to choose from. When using a Rumble Tuff breast pump, you can actually get an exclusive Rumble Tuff hand-free device (at an additional cost). Instead of a bra-style, the Rumble Tuff Hands-Free Device features a neck strap for stability and comfort, along with a chest strap that attaches to the neck strap, holding the pump units in place.
3. Pump at least 8 times per day, every 3-4 hours, including overnight sessions if possible.
4. Take advantage of any help that is offered by family and friends – having someone else take care of the babies while you pump can
4. During the day, keep all pump parts in the refrigerator in a zip-top plastic bag in between uses. Wash nightly.
7. Power pump when necessary. Power pumping is when you pump for short periods of time at regular intervals throughout the day. This mimics how a baby would nurse and helps to increase your milk supply. To power pump, try setting an alarm every two hours and then pumping for 10-15 minutes each time. This will help ensure that your body is producing enough milk to keep up with your babies’ needs.
8. Use available support services, such as a lactation consultant or online support groups. Included with every Rumble Tuff breast pump purchase is FREE Pumping Support. Their Director of Lactation will help you learn to use the pump most effectively so you can maximize your pumping sessions and ease pumping into your daily routine. She can also assist you with minor breastfeeding concerns and connect you with a local lactation professional.
Exclusively pumping for twins can be a daunting task, but it is also incredibly rewarding. With these tips in mind, exclusively pumping for twins doesn’t have to be overwhelming or impossible. And do not forget to give yourself the credit you deserve. You are providing your babies with the best nutrition possible, and that is something to be proud of.
Twiniversity Staff Writer
