Doula with a twin birth and beyond

[BecH]

Hi,

I am pregnant with twins and am desperately wanting a doula for post birth care. I don't know about before and during labour as the hospital guidelines for a twin pregnancy are fairly inflexible and include an epidural, which will be a dramatic change from my last birth at a birth centre.

Would you recommend having a Doula that attends the twin birth regardless and then helps with at home care, or would it be possible just to meet before the birth and employ them for at home???

Would love any thoughts and feelings.

Bec

[FOURtunate]

What a bizarre policy???

I do recommend having a Doula anyway. As it sounds like you may need one more than ever with that hospital.

When is your EDD?

[BecH]

My EDD is August 14th. But I guess if I go too early :fingerscrossed: I won't, I wouldn't want the help until we all arrived home.

[lilpearl]

The more intervention-friendly a hospital is, the more one may benifit form having a doula....but that is up to you. Not every doula does post-natal care, but then, there are a lot who favour it! Most doulas charge about $30 for the first hour, and about $15 per hour after that.

[FOURtunate]

I always encourage Post Natal care as part of my package.

I charge $20 per hour for a minimum of 5 hours. The Overnight rate is $22 per hour for a min of 10 hours, and for Breast Feeding Counselling I do an in-home workshop for $110 for 4 hours.

I believe that Post Natal care is of the same benefit, if n9ot more essential than the birth itself.

[kadownie]

Hi, I am a twin mumma and a doula- and I would definatly recommend having a doula or support person at your birth.

With my twins I had my mother- who is also a midwife- and although my birth didn't work out the way I had wanted it was such a support having had my Mum to be able to debrief with and really go through what had happened- good thing too as my DH wouldn't have been able to provide me with the same kind of emotional support that she was able to.

I know a doula that only does post natal work- I could pass your details on if you like. Just PM me your email address and I'll pass it on to her!

Also, if you feel like you want to have a chat about having twins and doctors and how to get around it all- feel free to contact me- I'd be happy to help. Been there done that.

Where are you having your twins?? I had mine at the Mater- had a very supportive Care provider who was happy to let me go natural, no epidural etc etc- (wasn't what happened in the end but it wasn't his influence) Anyway- feel free to PM

[lilpearl]

Yes, I agree with Fortunate - I only offer a package that includes two post-natal visits. Having said that, I personally don't do further post-natal care, as it doesn't fit in with my family commitments. I do know, however, a woman who only wants to do pre/post natal care, and isn't too keen on the unpredictable hours of birth. There should be a doula in your area to cover your needs. Good luck!

[Claire-Bear]

Hi Bec,

Congratulations on your pregnancy, you must be pretty excited. Twins is one way it instantly extend the family anyway.

There are a number of doulas who would love to help you on your journey to being a mum of twins. If you would like, you can contact me tranquillitybirth@yahoo.com.au . But definitely have a chat to Kylie as she has lots to offer.

Claire