How I combi-fed twins: breastfeeding, pumping, formula and support

For Shellie, the journey of breastfeeding her twins, though ultimately successful, was filled with self-doubt and moments of anxiety. She admits that before her twins were born, she worried about the challenges of breastfeeding, wondering how she could possibly feed two babies at the same time. “I kept telling myself it would all be okay,” she shared, though secretly she felt she had a “get out of jail free” card if things didn’t work out. This mix of hope and pressure is a common experience for many parents, especially those facing the added complexity of breastfeeding twins. Shellie’s story highlights a common theme for many parents of multiples—feeding twins often feels overwhelming, and it’s hard to know what’s “normal” when everything seems doubled and you’re running on little sleep.

Thankfully, Shellie found that support and information, particularly from Twins Trust, helped her build confidence in her feeding journey. Twins Trust offers resources for parents navigating breastfeeding, expressing, and combination feeding, helping to alleviate some of the uncertainties parents face.

Early support and guidance

In the early days, Shellie was fortunate to have the right guidance. She felt comfortable breastfeeding from the start, but she needed some initial support in the hospital, particularly with finding the right positions and techniques. One of the most valuable forms of support was her midwife’s weekly milk club, where she learned critical skills such as tandem feeding. While tandem feeding (feeding both twins at once) was often challenging, Shellie learned not to panic when things didn’t go as smoothly. Instead, she focused on keeping calm and steady, which helped her gain confidence with each attempt.

Shellie found that persistence paid off: “The more I practised, the more I trusted that we’d get there.” This is an important lesson for any parent of multiples—the first few attempts may not be perfect, but with practice, confidence grows. In addition to the guidance of healthcare professionals, Shellie’s experience underscores how valuable it is to take the time to learn and practice the necessary skills for breastfeeding twins, such as finding the right position and staying calm during challenging moments.

Creating a feeding rhythm that works

Shellie’s feeding journey wasn’t about achieving perfection, but about finding a routine that worked for her family. She and her partner decided to combi-feed from the start, incorporating breastfeeding, formula, and pumping. The goal was not to chase perfection but to ensure that both babies were fed and that Shellie had some relief from the constant demands of breastfeeding. "It wasn’t about chasing perfection. It was about keeping everyone fed and keeping me going too," Shellie explained.

Over time, Shellie proudly breastfed her twins for six months. However, as the twins grew, they gradually lost interest in feeding directly from her, which, although it initially bruised her ego, ultimately became a more practical solution. This shift allowed for more flexibility, as pumping, bottle-feeding, and formula gave her partner the opportunity to share in the feeding duties, while still ensuring the twins received nourishment.

Flexibility and being open to different feeding methods—whether it’s breastfeeding, pumping, or formula—can help parents find a rhythm that works for their family.

Embracing support

A major lesson Shellie learned was the importance of asking for help and accepting advice from others. As a new mum, she initially struggled with the internal pressure to “do it all” and not ask for help. However, she realised early on that it was crucial t o overcome that voice of doubt and ask questions. She acknowledged that seeking help didn’t mean she wasn’t capable, but rather that she was taking an active role in learning and improving.

This shift in mindset allowed Shellie to learn as she went along, without feeling like she was failing. In her experience with breastfeeding her singleton baby later, Shellie found the difference in her confidence was striking. Feeding became a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, without the constant pressure of “racing against the clock” to care for two babies at once. This change in perspective highlights the importance of leaning on others for support and guidance, especially in the early days. It’s okay to not have all the answers, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a strength that allows you to be the best parent you can be.

Shellie’s story is a powerful reminder that every feeding journey is unique, and there’s no one “right” way to care for your twins. The most important thing is finding a system that works for you and your family, whether that means breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both. And, as Shellie discovered, it’s okay to ask for help and lean on support networks to make the journey a little easier.