Question: Breastfeeding Multiples FAQ: Is It Possible to Breastfeed Triplets or More?
Answer: Although challenging than twins, it is possible to breastfeed higher order multiples like triplets, quads or more. With three or more babies, you obviously won’t be able to nurse them all at the same time but with some organization and perseverance, it can be done.
Many triplets and higher order multiples spend time in the hopsital after birth. Depending on their condition, it's possible that you may not be able to nurse them, but you can pump breastmilk for them to receive by bottle or feeding tube. Once they come home, you may spend nearly every waking moment with a baby or a pump on your brasts.
A rotation feeding schedule is one way to feed triplets or more. Babies A and B will nurse at the breast while Baby C receives a bottle of expressed breast milk. At the next feeding, Babies B and C are breastfed and Baby A receives a bottle. At the third feeding, Babies A and C are at the breast while Baby B takes the bottle.
Another approach is tandem breastfeeding, or feeding each baby one after the other. It requires a lot of time and patience but allows each baby to have some individual time with mom and also ensures ample milk production. Feed each baby from an alternate breast so that both sides will produce an equal supply.
