Breastfeeding success with preterm quadruplets

Although the incidence of triplet and quadruplet birth has increased in the United States, few research-based guidelines are available for assisting mothers of these multiple births with breastfeeding. The purpose of this case study is to report a successful breastfeeding experience of a mother with preterm quadruplets. The quadruplets were born by cesarean delivery at 34 weeks' gestation and weighed from 1,820 g to 2,240 g. In-hospital breastfeeding experiences were managed by the authors, according to research-based guidelines for breastfeeding preterm neonates and infants. During the first month after discharge of the four newborns, the mother breastfed 12-34 times daily. Mean daily weight gains for the quadruplets during this time varied from 30 g to 54 g, indicative of adequate maternal milk supply. Nurses in maternity and neonatal specialties can apply the findings from this study to similar cases of mothers who want to breastfeed multiple neonates or infants.