Episode 64: Postpartum Support of Multiples

Let’s talk about the postpartum support of multiples. Providing postpartum support to two or more babies can pose a bit of a challenge to any doula. But what does it actually look like to provide support to multiples?

When it comes to supporting multiples after birth, there are many variables. These variables can direct the course of your care and there are many things that the doula will have to juggle.

One variable is when the babies will come home. Just because the babies are born at the same time, does not mean that they will always come home at the same time. Gestational age, health complications and the need to grow and develop can all influence when multiples will come home from the hospital. When one baby comes home, the parents now has to navigate parenting babies in two different locations.

We also need to be mindful of the parent’s experience and perceptions of their birth. For some, the process may have went off without a hitch. For others, they may have taken an unanticipated path. Maybe a path filled with fear and trauma. Helping the birthing person move through processing these feelings may be a part of the care process for this family.

Then there’s the length of services. Many parents of multiples may not have an idea of the care they may need until after the birth. Once home, they may find that they need much more care than they anticipated.

From feeding, to sleeping, to infant care and more, supporting multiples involves many moving parts and can require the doula to think on their feet!

Come join us as we discuss the nuances of the postpartum support of multiples!