Postpartum With Twins
Annalise and Jack were expecting their twin boys in Winter 2023. Annalise reached out to me to explore postpartum support after a referral from a health care provider.
Annalise’s vision for her postpartum:
“We are looking for someone to bring some family energy into our home, as most of our village live interstate. We would love for you to bring your positive energy and warming personality, where we feel relaxed and nurtured. Both of us will be home, we mostly want help with our finding our own routine, answer questions we have, support with food and small household tasks. Help with holding one of the twins or giving each of us time to rest. We are prioritising a slow postpartum, with as much rest as possible as we navigate feeding and sleeping with twins, giving us time to settle into a rhythm, we would love for you to share your wisdom with us.”
Annalise and I instantly hit it off in our Connection Call. I was excited to work with my second twin family and support them both in this huge transition.
We spoke in depth about their support team, and how they could prepare for postpartum. A proactive session to ensure everyone was on the same page and the priorities had been discussed with helpful strategies in place - like the most epic meal train.
In the 6 weeks after the twins were born, we worked together to keep communication flowing, creating a safe space for big chats about birth, and well beyond. An extra set of hands, with one baby in my arms or carrier while the other slept, or running their first bath and providing helpful tips, to help them find their own rhythm. I prioritised fuelling Annalise and Jack with nourishing food and gave them the time they needed to regroup, to step outside for fresh air or a coffee. The the small acts of service mattered with twins in tow.
It was a pleasure being part of this already incredible team.
Some of the important items and services that helped Annalise and Jack were:
A solid health professional and support team lined up, including Lactation Consultant, GP, Women’s Health Physiotherapist, Psychologist, Postpartum Doula
Breastfeeding pillow
Feeling prepared and confident in options for feeding, including breast and bottle
Having two safe sleep options for both twins
A twin carrier to get around with two littles
A meal train for the first 6 weeks
Hearing experiences from other twin families
“Truly the best postpartum partner you can ever ask for. Molly got us through the early weeks with twins! She held us, fed us, encouraged us and always left our space bright, calm and energised. So so grateful for our time together and would recommend to anyone looking to ease into postpartum in a beautiful way.” - Annalise and Jack
Hold The Mother is dedicated to honouring, and holding the Mother during life's biggest transitions. We are Melbourne based Postpartum Doulas supporting families within 30 minutes of Greensborough, Victoria.
We are deeply passionate about community building, connection and wrapping mothers in curated, accessible care. We have a range of services available to meet you at whatever stage you are at, supporting you on the mother of all journeys.
Postpartum Doula Support, Virtual Doula Support, Doula Mentoring, Postpartum Preparation Sessions, Mothers Blessings, Closing of the Bones Ceremonies, Events and Education Workshops, Social Events and Clubs.
For more information visit our Services page, and book in a Connection Call to explore how to work with us.
In Australia each year, twins and higher order multiples (triplets or more) account for around 1.5% of all pregnancies. Mothers of multiples are extraordinary because they are ordinary mums, they didn’t plan to give birth to more than one baby at a time, it was thrust upon them and they adapt and take on the challenge with an open heart and unwavering determination.
Mothers of multiples are often told they are ”supermums” and while they are incredible, resilient and strong, they are not given any extra support to help them through the intensity of the newborn season, and beyond - they make it work, though hands on help should be available to parents of multiples, as well as financial support from the Government. Did you know that twins are not recognised as a ‘multiple’ birth and therefore not eligable for the Multiple Birth Allowance?
I have worked with a few families of twins, one lovely family was happy for us to share their story of calling in their community of care, including hiring a Postpartum Doula.
