Four Most Popular Tandem Breastfeeding Holds

October 14, 2014

Here are the four most popular tandem breastfeeding positions with an accompanying Pinterest board to further illustrate how. As the first image demonstrates, the great thing about twins is that they are used to being close to each other so don’t worry about crossing limbs or bodies! Creating a good latch and position is key.

1) Double Cross Cradle - each baby’s head rests in the crook of each arm (opposite directions to each other) and their legs will cross over in front of you like an x. Lie the first baby across your body, baby facing you, supporting their head in the crook of your arm from the side you're about to feed from. Place baby’s nose level with your nipple, wait for their gaping mouth and bring baby towards breast to latch on. Repeat for second baby latching onto your other breast and gently cross any overlapping limbs. 

2) Double Cradle: using the cradle position, both babies’  feet and heads point in the same direction. Lie the first baby across your body, baby facing you, supporting their head in the crook of your arm from the side you're about to feed from. Place baby’s nose level with your nipple, wait for their gaping mouth and bring baby towards breast to latch on. Now bring the second sibling to your free breast, the back of their head almost level with their twin’s tummy, and latch on. Wrap the first sibling around the back of the second. 

3) Double rugby ball/football/bagpipe hold - each baby will lie underarm with their head level with the breast. Having a semi circular cushion greatly helps support the babies in this position. Sit in an upright position and lie the first baby alongside you, tucking them under your arm facing towards you. Their feet may be touching the chair back or wall behind you. Tuck your arm around them, keeping them rolled towards you. Place baby’s nose level with your nipple, wait for their gaping mouth and bring baby towards breast to latch on.  Be sure that the baby does not drag on the breast – if you find that they are, try sitting in a more upright forward position, reposition the support under baby and possibly even swing baby's bottom away from you a little. Repeat with the second sibling on the other breast. This position works really well if you've had a c section or if you need to correct any latching-on issues as it gives you a clear view of your baby.

4) Rugby-Cradle combination hold - Place one baby in the underarm rugby hold then latch on the sibling into the cradle position supported by the crook of your arm. Gently wrap any overlapping limbs around each other. Use the above guides to help you achieve both positions.

Also in Blog