Saturday, November 3, 2012

Help for moms with twins



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.



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