Double the Joy, Double the Feeding Puzzle
Feeding one newborn is demanding. Feeding two at once is a whole different level. When one or both of your twins is struggling to latch, gaining slowly, or making you wince through every feed, the exhaustion can feel bottomless, and you may wonder whether something more than the usual twin challenges is going on.
Tongue-tie is worth understanding for parents of multiples, because it can affect one twin, both, or neither, and it adds a layer to an already complex feeding situation. Sorting out what's a tongue-tie versus what's just the reality of feeding two helps you get the right support.
At Latched Beginnings in Austin, we help families of twins and multiples untangle their feeding challenges. Here's what parents of multiples should know.
Can Both Twins Have a Tongue-Tie?
Yes. Tongue-ties can affect one twin, both, or neither. There appears to be a genetic component to oral ties, so siblings, including twins, can share the trait. With multiples, it's important to evaluate each baby individually, because their anatomy and feeding can differ even when they're born minutes apart.
One twin may feed beautifully while the other struggles. Or both may have restrictions of different severity. Assuming both babies are the same, or that neither has an issue because one feeds well, can leave a struggling twin without help.
Why Tongue-Tie Is Easy to Miss in Twins
With multiples, feeding problems are so common and expected that a tongue-tie can hide in plain sight. Twins are more likely to be born early, to be smaller, and to have their own feeding learning curve, so a struggling feeder is often chalked up to prematurity or simply being a twin.
The sheer logistics also make it harder to notice. When you're feeding two babies around the clock, sometimes simultaneously, it's tough to observe each baby's individual feeding mechanics closely. Subtle signs like clicking, a shallow latch, or one baby gaining slower than the other can get lost in the chaos.
Signs to Watch for in Each Baby
Try to assess each twin individually for these signs, rather than lumping them together.
Different Feeding Patterns Between Twins
If one twin feeds efficiently and the other takes much longer, clicks, or seems unsatisfied, the struggling twin deserves a closer look.
Uneven Weight Gain
A noticeable gap in weight gain between twins can signal that one isn't transferring milk as well, which may point to a restriction.
Painful Feeding on One Side
If nursing hurts more with one twin than the other, the difference may be the baby, not your body or position.
Clicking, Leaking, or Gas in One or Both
The familiar signs of inefficient feeding, clicking, milk leaking, and gas, are worth tracking per baby.
One Twin Bottle-Refusing or Struggling
Differences in how each twin handles a bottle can also reflect differences in oral function.
Managing Feeding Two Babies Through It All
Feeding multiples is a marathon, and a tongue-tie in the mix makes support even more important. A few things help. Lean on a lactation consultant experienced with twins, who can help with positioning, tandem feeding, and individual latch issues. Protect your supply with a pumping plan, since feeding two is a heavy demand. Accept help with everything non-feeding so you can focus your energy where it counts. And evaluate each baby individually rather than assuming they're identical feeders.
Addressing a tongue-tie in one or both twins, when warranted, can make the whole feeding operation more sustainable. Efficient feeders are easier to feed, which matters enormously when there are two of them.
The Value of an Individual Evaluation for Each Twin
The most important takeaway for parents of multiples is this: evaluate each baby on their own merits. A thorough evaluation looks at each twin's feeding, anatomy, and function separately, then makes an individual recommendation. One twin might need a release while the other doesn't. Both might. Neither might.
This individualized approach protects each baby from both ends: it catches a struggling twin who might otherwise be overlooked, and it avoids treating a twin who's actually doing fine just because their sibling needed help.
How Latched Beginnings Supports Twin and Multiple Families in Austin
If you're feeding two and running on empty, you don't have to figure out which baby needs what on your own. That's a lot to carry, and you deserve real help.
Dr. Kacie Culotta, DDS is the only dentist in Austin who holds both a laser certification for tongue-tie releases and a lactation counselor certification. She evaluates each twin individually, assessing feeding and oral function baby by baby, and gives you an honest recommendation for each. Our all-mom team understands the marathon of feeding multiples and meets you with empathy, not judgment.
Whether one twin needs support, both do, or neither does, we'll help you understand your babies as individuals and build a feeding plan that's actually sustainable for your family. Healthy beginnings that last a lifetime, for both of your babies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can both twins have a tongue-tie?
Yes. Tongue-ties can affect one twin, both, or neither. There appears to be a genetic component to oral ties, so twins can share the trait, but each baby should be evaluated individually because their anatomy and feeding can differ even when born minutes apart. One twin may need a release while the other doesn't.
Why is tongue-tie easy to miss in twins?
Feeding problems are common and expected with multiples, who are more often born early and smaller, so a tongue-tie can be chalked up to prematurity or simply being a twin. The logistics of feeding two around the clock also make it hard to observe each baby's individual feeding mechanics closely.
Should each twin be evaluated separately for tongue-tie?
Yes. Each twin should be evaluated on their own feeding, anatomy, and function. An individual evaluation catches a struggling twin who might otherwise be overlooked and avoids treating a twin who's actually doing fine just because their sibling needed help. Assuming both babies are identical feeders can leave one without needed support.
How do I know which twin has a feeding problem?
Compare each twin individually. Watch for one twin feeding far longer or clicking while the other feeds efficiently, uneven weight gain between them, painful feeding on one side, and differences in gas or bottle handling. A noticeable difference between twins often signals that one baby isn't transferring milk as well.
Does feeding twins with tongue-ties mean I have to stop breastfeeding?
Not necessarily. Many parents of multiples continue breastfeeding with the right support. A lactation consultant experienced with twins can help with positioning and latch, and addressing a tongue-tie in one or both babies, when warranted, often makes feeding more efficient and sustainable. A pumping plan can also help protect supply.
Is tongue-tie hereditary in twins and siblings?
There does appear to be a genetic component to oral ties, so siblings, including twins, can share the trait. However, twins can also differ, with one affected and the other not. This is why individual evaluation matters even when there's a family history of tongue-tie.
How can I manage feeding two babies if one or both have a tongue-tie?
Lean on a twin-experienced lactation consultant, protect your supply with a pumping plan, accept help with non-feeding tasks, and have each baby evaluated individually. Addressing a tongue-tie when warranted makes feeding more efficient, which is especially valuable when you're feeding two babies around the clock.
Where can I get twins evaluated for tongue-tie in Austin?
Latched Beginnings at 1701 Simond Ave, Suite 107A in Austin evaluates each twin individually for feeding and oral function. Dr. Kacie Culotta holds both a laser certification and a lactation counselor certification and serves families across Austin, Mueller, East Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, and Georgetown.
Call to Action
If you've been wondering whether your baby might have a tongue-tie, you don't have to figure it out alone. Dr. Kacie Culotta and the all-mom team at Latched Beginnings are here to listen, evaluate, and walk you through what's actually going on with your baby. Schedule a 1-on-1 consultation in Austin and let's talk through it together. Trust your instincts. We'll take it from there.
