Rugby-hold feeds causing mastitis/ blockages?

[Janberryxx]

Will make this quick- babies howling- am breastfeeding my twins together on an ez2 nurse cushion, one under each armpit. have 3 times in my twins 6 weeks of life so far, got masses of lumps/ bumps/ pain/ swelling in my left breast exactlt where te babies are leaning in against the side of my breast. can't help wondering if the babies boddies are causing pressure so milk can't drain out proprly from that side of breast. also feeding them in this hold on the tandem pillow causes my nipples to point to one side (left nipple pointing to the left, right one out to the right) which would also restrict the free release of milk.
wonderd if anyone else experiencing/ experienced this. will have to give up tandem feeding, or are there other good holds you recommend that wouldn't cause pressure and blockages? many thanks in advance for replies- not being rude if i don't respond- reall really grateful- just got too many kids at the moment!!!!!! xxxxxx

Not had twins and done tandem feeds, but have had similar problems in the past feeding one child, both from position they were held in, clothing, particular nursing bras...just try changing things a bit and see if it helps?
In general things always seemed to get easier as the babies got bigger - they were better at draining the breast, and when their head control is better it's easier to feed without masses of pillows!

It's a possibility. Definitely try tweaking things a bit.

Latch wise- Make sure you start nose to nipple, push on with shoulders, not the back of the head, so baby can open mouth wide. Try to attach bottom lip first. Make sure there is lots of areola showing on the nose side and chin dug deep into breast, nose should be free not just to let them breathe but this is also good positioning.

If it continues, get a breastfeeding counsellor to come and have a look, or go to your local drop in with your cushion and see if there's any suggestions

Maybe try a rolled muslin under breast along your ribs to support baby off you body.

Hello - well done for bfing that long. I don't have any bf qualifications so this is only based on my experience:

I found that one non tandem feed a day helped keep blocked ducts at bay most of the time. Assuming you don't have time for that or your DTs won't wait, the other tandem hold (in theory) is one cradle and one rugby, making an L shape. TBH I never mastered it but everyone has a different experience so it could be worth trying.

It might be worth testing whether it makes a difference if you nurse each DT on the same breast each time, or better if you alternate. I normally alternated but when I get a blockage DT1 has the better latch and is more of a guzzler so he gets put on for about 3 or 4 consecutive feeds until we're back to normal.

The only other suggestion is another vote for a qualified bf counsellor to come and help.

Good luck - I hope you get it sorted soon.

Just thought, if u do do a separate feed, put the babies so chin is in the same direction as the blocked duct, they pump that side more strongly. Obviously, if possible, bit difficult if baby has to be up-side down. Also, massage blockages whilst feeding