When I first started off working as a doula, I never imagined the amazing furture I had ahead! I have been so blessed to work with so many families, the majority being with families of twins and triplets. I am so thankful that my experience with my twin daughters and having a young toddler under 2 when my preemie twins were born, is what has helped me be a better mentor and coach to other parents! Most often, I spend on average about 8-10 weeks with each family. On my first night with my new family, I am greeted with eager and excited parents to learn all there is to know about their babies and also to get some much needed rest! My first message to parents is to enjoy their littles ones as they do grow so quickly and soon those preemie little 5 lb babies will seem like giants next to newborn babies! After weeks of teaching parents how to feed their babies (especially at the same time), bathe, swaddle and encourage great sleep habits and self soothing skills, parents are confident that they can move forward on their own and that is when I know I have done my job! Its not about me coming in and taking over, its about arming parents with the tools and skills to care for their babies the best they can. Often setting the foundation for amazing parent/child relationships. It's a little bitter sweet as I have become so attached to these beautiful babies and their parents over our 8 weeks together but I know that I will be leaving them in an amazing place. Each time I have a new client call looking for support from myself or one of my team, I get very excited in knowing that now we can do it all over again! Thank you to all the parents who have taken me in, trusted me with your family and allowed me to help you enjoy the precious moments with your babies!
Debbie Fazio
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Dear Debbie,
I am expecting twins in May and I am very fortunate to have my husband stay home for 2 weeks and my mother coming to visit. Do I really need a doula to help me? Casey Hi Casey, First of all...congratulations! As a mother of twins myself, I can understand first hand how difficult it is to have 2 babies at the same time. It is great that you are going to have your husbands and mothers help when the babies come home. After all, this is what postpartum support is about. Making sure that mom and dad have someone supporting, helping and guiding them. With twins it makes it a bit more difficult because there are 2 babies. Sometimes, they can be completely off schedule from each other and sometimes you may have both babies cranky and upset at the same time so to have 2 pairs of hands at the beginning is crucial. You may also find that although the 3 of you are doing great in the day time, that overnights seem to be a challenge. This would be agreat way to let the doula help. While grandma and dad get some sleep, your night doula can help you nurse so that it cuts the time that you are awake in half or if you are offering a bottle, the doula will gladly feed and soothe babie swhile you get some rest yourself. The doula will also teach you all the tricks and tips you need to learn with twins such as handling both babies at the same time, nursing at the same time and even how to soothe them when they are both fussy. So to answer your question, it is very different for every family. The main concern is that you have the support. Some families feel that grandma and dad supporting may be enough where other families feel that they may quickly get exhausted and need the extra support. The goal of the doula is to work herself out of a job so she wants to come in on a short term basis, get your family established with a great routine and teach you tools that will help you care for your babies with more confidence. I hope this helped. Debbie |
This is a great place to ask your questions. Anything from prenatal to preschool. From feeding to sleeping...ask away!
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