A Breastfeeding Diet
When Having Twins

A breastfeeding diet is to ensure you and your twins get all that you need to stay strong and healthy.

When breastfeeding your body’s priority is to produce milk for your twins then you get whatever nutrients are left. For this reason it is important to eat well whilst breastfeeding not only for your babies but also for you.

Your best guide is you, eat healthy foods when you’re hungry and don’t forget to have breakfast, after all it’s the most important meal of the day. Have things in your cupboard like tinned fruit, vegetables and soups, soups are especially great for a quick meal. Dried fruit and sunflower seeds are awesome snacks.

It’s important to include all food groups; often your doctor or midwife will advise you to include some type of nutritional shake to boost your intake of nutrients and vitamins. I would make a shake for breakfast and include things like banana, yogurt, and berries, but you can add in whatever you like.

Super Foods for a Breastfeeding Diet:

• Water
• Peanut Butter
• Unprocessed Red Meat
• Raspberries, Strawberries Blueberries and Cranberries
• Spinach, Beans, Green Pepper, Broccoli and Carrots
• Mozzarella Cheese and Yogurt
• Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Whole Grain Breads and Cereals
• Nuts like Almonds, Walnuts and Hazelnuts
• Seeds like Sunflower, Sesame and Flax Seeds
• A little Dark Chocolate

A Breastfeeding Diet

Things to avoid when nursing twins:

• Fish containing mercury like Shark
• Foods that can cause you babies to have gas like, Cabbage and Brussel Sprouts
• Chocolate can give baby’s an upset tummy
• Foods containing lots of additives
• Excessively spicy, salty and sugary foods can irritate your baby’s tummy
• Cut down on caffeinated drinks especially if you notice your babies becoming irritable on a day you have had lots of coffees (teas, some soft drinks)
• You babies will let you know if you have eaten something that doesn’t agree with them. When I was breastfeeding our twins, I would occasionally cook food with very mild spices which gave my girls a sore tummy. It did take a couple of times for me to realize that it was the spices affecting them. I cut the spices out completely and all was good again with the girls.
• Alcohol should be avoided as it can affect the growth and development of your twins
• Recreational drugs should be completely avoided
• Any type of medication even over the counter unless advised by your doctor

Consult with your healthcare provider with any questions about vitamins and other supplements, and any other concerns you may have regarding your breastfeeding diet.