Getting ready to welcome your sweet babies and wondering what to know about colostrum with twins? Check out this quick guide to feel more prepared for twin lactation topics like colostrum!
If you’re expecting twinnies and these are your first babies, you may be new to understanding all the breastfeeding and lactation lingo like colostrum.
And even if your twinnies aren’t your first little(s), you may be curious to know how your lactation journey will be impacted by having two at once.
Keep reading! In this quick guide, you’ll learn the basics of colostrum with twins. We’ll also point you to other helpful resources for breastfeeding twins and pumping for twins.
What is colostrum?
When you first give birth, before your milk comes in, your body will produce a thick liquid called colostrum. Colostrum is extremely nutrient-dense.
Even though it won’t seem like you’re producing that much of it, it has plenty of calories and nutrients to keep a newborn well-nourished.
What does colostrum look like?
When you first start producing colostrum, it will appear golden, yellowish, or even orange in hue. (Hence the term liquid gold.) Prior to that, it’s possible for it to look more clear and watery before it officially comes in.
Then as your body begins producing “transitional milk,” the color will change to a more whitish, creamy color. That’s your sign that your mature milk is on its way!
How much colostrum will I make?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, around 1 to 4 teaspoons of colostrum per day is typical. Of course, with twins, this amount could be slightly increased since you’re producing for two babies.
If it feels like that’s not enough, don’t be alarmed! Babies have tiny bellies at first (about the size of a marble).
When does colostrum switch to milk?
The typical amount of time it takes for your “regular” milk to come in is anywhere from 2 – 8 days, with the sweet spot being more in the 3 – 5 day range.
That said, some factors can impact the timing of milk coming in like how early your twins were delivered and whether you had a C-section or vaginal birth.
If you have concerns about when your colostrum or milk will come in, that’s totally understandable. Especially with two tiny babies to nourish. If you haven’t already, be sure to ask your hospital or birthing center about seeing a lactation specialist. Most places that deliver babies will have a lactation consultant on site.
And if you want to consult a lactation counselor who specializes in supporting twin parents, book a consultation with Natalie Diaz—founder of Twiniversity and best-selling author of What to Do When You’re Having Two. Nat is an IBCLC who is passionate about supporting twin parents with their breastfeeding journey.
What about colostrum with twins?
Colostrum production with twins isn’t all that different than with a singleton other than the amount and the timing.
You may produce slightly more colostrum since your body is producing for two babies. But colostrum comes in small amounts (newborns have tiny tummies!), so it may not be all that noticeable.
As mentioned earlier, the nature of your delivery can impact colostrum and milk production. If you deliver much earlier than your due date or have a complicated delivery
If you’re curious about what other twin moms experienced with their milk coming in after a preterm delivery, check out this article!
How do you collect colostrum for twins?
It depends on your unique journey! But if your twins are able to latch, breastfeeding will allow them to suck down the colostrum you produce.
But you can also hand-express colostrum or use a hospital-grade breast pump to extract colostrum from your breasts.
Want more pumping and breastfeeding guidance as an expecting twin parent?
Join us for one of our live (and free) classes with twin expert and IBCLC Natalie Diaz:
Prefer on-demand support?
Check out our complete Breastfeeding Twins on-demand class!
Want more guidance on twin lactation topics? Check out these articles too!
- Top Pumping and Breastfeeding for Twins Resources
- Storing and Reheating Breastmilk: What You Should Know
- Breastfeeding Twins: A Step-By-Step Guide for New Twin Moms
Paige Figueroa is a mom to fraternal twins. After teaching English for 9 years, she now works from home as a content marketing strategist and entrepreneur so she can spend more time with her children. She loves helping other moms and women enjoy more freedom in their lives by monetizing their passions. You can follow her on IG and TikTok @mombossfreedom.
