Pat - The LLL publication Mothering Multiples is very good, I know it almost
off by heart from consulting it so often while nursing MY twins.  The
Nursing Mothers Association of Australia pamphlet Breastfeeding Twins is
also excellent. The most challenging aspect for a twin mother is CONFIDENCE
that she will have enough milk for both babies - if meticulous attention is
paid to avoiding any possibility of engorgement as the milk comes in (this
is earlier in a second lactation) and if optimal drainage is maintained from
there on then exclusively breastfeeding two babies is NOT difficult.  I find
that having the mother keep a chart showing which baby fed when and each
baby's wet nappy and stool count helps her to become confident that each
baby is "getting enough".  Remind her that one wet (towelling!) nappy for
each baby on Day l, two on Day 2, three on Day 3 etc up to an average of
7/day plus 3 - 5 stools/24hours at one week are evidence that she is doing
FINE.  The bigger the babies the easier this is.  If they are sleepy or if
the wet nappy/stool count falls mother needs to drain the breasts AT LEAST
every three hours and feed EBM (15Oml/kg/day from the 4th day) instead of
breastfeeds.  Nursing each baby separately until they are latching
competently is a good idea, then nursing simultaneously saves hours of time.
Visitors and well-wishers can be a REAL problem.  What happens in the first
few days can be really critical to future success.  I find it sometimes
takes the mother a few days to get very business-like about the whole thing,
but if this happens it goes well. Written care plans for each baby may be
helpful because she may be so stressed she can't think straight! Daily
contact is good. Best wishes. Working with twin mums is very challenging.

Pamela in Zimbabwe