Working with Multiples as a Newborn Care Specialist: Small Supports Make a Big Difference

Caring for multiples is one of the most rewarding—and sometimes most demanding—roles we can step into as Newborn Care Specialists. Two (or more!) babies mean double the needs, double the logistics, and double the joy. But here’s the truth: small supports make a very big difference.

Helping a nursing parent of multiples isn’t just about ensuring the babies are positioned correctly—it’s also about making sure the parent feels physically comfortable and emotionally supported. Feeding two babies at once can be overwhelming, especially in those early weeks, and even the tiniest adjustments to the setup can completely change the experience.

What’s a Pillow Fort?

One of my favorite strategies for supporting parents of multiples is what I like to call a pillow fort. It’s a simple, effective setup designed to give the nursing parent full-body support during feedings. Think of it as creating a nest of stability:

• A pillow behind the back for upright support
• Cushions or a nursing pillow under each arm to lift and hold the babies
• Side pillows for extra stability and comfort

This arrangement takes the strain off the shoulders, arms, and lower back—areas that often bear the brunt of long feeding sessions. The pillow fort allows the parent to relax into the experience, making tandem feeding more sustainable and far less stressful.

Why It Matters

When a parent feels physically comfortable, they are better able to focus on their babies. Instead of wincing through shoulder pain or shifting awkwardly to find the right angle, they can lean into bonding, connection, and confidence. And for multiples—where feeding can sometimes feel like a never-ending cycle—comfort is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Your Role as an NCS

As a Newborn Care Specialist, these are the kinds of small but powerful supports that set you apart. It’s not just about knowing how to hold a baby or manage a feeding schedule; it’s about anticipating needs, noticing details, and stepping in with solutions that make life smoother for the whole family.

Multiples require a thoughtful, proactive approach. By setting up a pillow fort, prepping bottles or burp cloths within easy reach, or helping a parent find their rhythm with tandem feeding, you bring both expertise and reassurance.

Take the Next Step

Working with multiples can feel like an octopus act at times—one hand here, another there, all while staying calm and organized. That’s why we created The Magical Octopus: The Advanced Multiples Training, a course designed to give you the advanced tools, techniques, and confidence you need to thrive in these unique placements.

👉 Enroll today in The Magical Octopus: The Advanced Multiples Training and learn how to transform the challenges of working with multiples into opportunities to shine as an expert NCS.

Because in this work, small supports really do make the biggest difference.