How does a postpartum doula support mothers of multiples?
"What a gift it was to have you come to my house after the birth of my triplets. It was such a relief to know that I could take a nap or enjoy a little 'me' time and know that my babies were in loving and capable hands. I tell every pregnant mom I meet about Dover Doula and I highly recommend your services. I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful you and your services are. Thank you so much, Darcy!" Becky in Dover, NH mother of triplet
Every new mom needs help, but moms of multiples need extra help! Many families expecting multiples are flooded with offers of help, which is wonderful. Experienced help from a postpartum doula can be vital to these families.
The role
of the postpartum doula is fluid. An important part of her role is to
come alongside the parents and together decide what type of support they will
need. Some families need educational support: breastfeeding, infant support,
and how to care for the new mother. Others rely more on the non-judgmental
emotional support that the DONA International postpartum doula has to
offer. Still others have more practical needs – like feeding the family and
running errands. Most families find that their doula provides all of these
things, according to the needs that develop, as well as the ever-important
communication between the doula and her clients. That said, prospective parents
and their families sometimes wonder – just what will the postpartum doula do
when she comes to my home?
A postpartum doula supporting a family with multiples
might...
- Provide hands-on
education on infant multiples and mother care
- Provide hands-on
education and support for tandem nursing, pumping and feeding of multiples
- Create a nurturing,
restful atmosphere in which parents may eat, shower and nap
- Prepare snacks and
meals, make sure mom is well hydrated
- Assist with laundry,
dishes, meal preparation and other light household chores to allow mom
& dad to focus on bonding with new babies
- Spend time with the
babies, allowing parents to cuddle and have quality time with older
children or just be alone together
- Introduce parenting
tips, helping parents to learn skills that will enable them to cope with
their new responsibilities
- Screen for hurdles such
as breastfeeding challenges or postpartum mood disorders
- Make referrals to any
local or informational resources that the parents might need
- Help to organize the
nursery and home
- Offer a listening,
non-judgmental ear
Additionally, families expecting multiples are often faced with financial challenges as well, especially if babies have to spend extended time in the hospital, and they feel they can't afford a postpartum doula. If you have a friend or family member expecting multiples and you are wondering how you can help, please consider a Dover Doula gift certificate. Contact me for more info.
Darcy Sauers is a certified postpartum doula, certified lactation counselor and the owner of Dover Doula (www.doverdoula.com) in the Seacoast, NH area. She has experience helping families with twins and triplets and is passionately committed to helping ALL new moms find the support, resources and information they need. Please do not hesitate to contact Darcy with any questions at darcy @ doverdoula.com or 603.988.5945. For more information on breastfeeding, the postpartum period, prenatal yoga or local resources and events for new moms, follow her on Facebook.
Darcy Sauers is a certified postpartum doula, certified lactation counselor and the owner of Dover Doula (www.doverdoula.com) in the Seacoast, NH area. She has experience helping families with twins and triplets and is passionately committed to helping ALL new moms find the support, resources and information they need. Please do not hesitate to contact Darcy with any questions at darcy @ doverdoula.com or 603.988.5945. For more information on breastfeeding, the postpartum period, prenatal yoga or local resources and events for new moms, follow her on Facebook.
