Twins

I have a special affinity for supporting parents of twins.  As a mother of twins myself, and as a licensed and experienced pediatric nurse with extensive Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) experience, I am uniquely qualified, and passionate, about working with families of multiples.  Having lived through the special joys and challenges of raising my twin boys has equipped me to compassionately assist parents during the transition from hospital to home. I will be with you every step of the way; getting yourselves ready, preparing your home, recovering from your birth experience, and providing in-home baby care support so you can make the most of those wonderful moments with your new babies.

The services I provide for twins include:

  • In-home baby care
  • Breastfeeding support
  • Birth recovery support
  • Parenting skills (pre- and post-birth)
  • Professional training of your childcare providers
  • Acupressure
  • Massage
  • Referral services

Please contact me at 415-454-1650 and regula@regulakeller.com for a free twin consultation.

It’s important to set the stage and get the home ready for two new babies. Getting organized will help parents sleep better at night and take a lot of stress out of the already hectic equation. Helping couples get ready is a consultative service I provide. Here are some tips to get you started:

Setting the Stage:
Getting Your Home Ready

    • Set up two changing areas–one in the bedroom and one in the living room
    • Arrange furniture–make space for babies (remove clutter)
    • Gather all equipment:
        • Bassinet or Moses Basket, Co-Sleepers
        • Newborn diapers
        • Clothing
        • Breast feeding pillow designed to assist positioning
        • Baby props (swing, rocker, glider, early infant toys)
        • Organize meals
            • Freeze meals ahead
            • Make double portions of what you cook & freeze half
            • Stock up on staples
            • Plan with friends/family to have meals brought in
            • Organize/set up account for grocery delivery
            • Create and post  a schedule to keep track
            • Put gift certificates to meal delivery services on your registry/shower list, Create a Meal-Train
            • Paperwork
                • Pay bills in advance
                • Clear your desk of any paperwork that can be completed
                • Prepare birth announcements ahead, so you only need to add the details
                • Prepare recipient list ahead, addressing labels, envelopes, email lists
                • Confirm health insurance coverage and understand what notification is required (if having a caesarean for example, insurance companies often require a 48-hour notice after the surgery)

                The First Day: Coming Home From the Hospital
                his is a very important time to have professional support at home. I will meet your babies during your hospital stay and arrange to  be there when you first take your babies home. I provide the professional support that assures continuity of feeding and care, and assessing  your babies are continuing to thrive. I can make sure everyone is comfortable with tending to the babies and to your own needs to be sure you get off on the right track. With this help,  families can all  relax that first night. It’s helpful to take a moment to acknowledge this coming home milestone as a family.

                I also work with families to relax that first night. It’s helpful to give the babies a tour of their new surroundings and take a moment to acknowledge this coming home milestone as a family.

                Additional Tips:
                Create a journal–it’s help to keep a log to document observations about feedings and diaper changes
                Bonding with mom–it’s important for twins to get individual bonding time with their mother. On the first day, babies need 1:1 time to establish that connection. I help mothers on that first day by holding one baby while the other is being fed.
                It’s also important for the house to be at a warm temperature when babies come home.

                The First Week: Things Mom Needs To Do For Her Babies And Herself

                The first week is important for Mom to take care of herself and recover from the birth. It’s an equally important time for the babies to get off to a good start. A doula’s support at home can be very valuable including:

                • Holding babies and helping with tandem feedings
                • Helping babies–and Mom–get into a regular schedule (2-3 hours for feeding, depending on weight)
                • Support with naps–a doula can attend to the babies while mom naps, ideally 1-2 times during the day especially after feedings.
                • Focus on nursing nutrition–a doula can encourage healthy snacking and help Mom stay hydrated throughout the day. A simple but helpful task is to help Mom refill her water bottle at her bedside table or nursing station.
                • Organizing and tidying the home, and assisting with meals as needed. This is a valuable role for a doula as it helps Mom enjoy the present first blissful moments with the babies instead of worrying about what needs to get done at home.

                Weeks Two – Five
                The next four weeks are an important time for Mom’s to become more confident and independent, including venturing out of the house.  Where a doula can be supportive includes:

                • Accompanying Mom to doctor’s office/appointments–the first post-partum doctor’s appointment is a time when most Mom’s need support out of the home.  Husband’s/partners may have returned to work at the two-week mark and it’s helpful to have your doula who knows the babies, accompany Mom to the appointment.
                • Giving babies their first bath – bath time is exciting and also can be stressful, especially the first few times.  There are many helpful tips a doula can provide for having a successful first bath experience including how to hold babies in the bath, appropriate water temperature and setting the right air temperature in the house.
                • Ongoing counsel for questions and issues that arise including what to do about:
                  • Baby acne/cradle cap
                  • Plugged tear ducts
                  • Milk production
                  • Use of props and activation toys
                  • Colic
                  • Breast and nipple health
                  • Pumping – when to start

                Giving Mom a break! In addition to all of the roles a doula will play, giving Mom time away from the babies is one of the most valuable. Mom’s need to recharge their batteries and it’s important even in the first few weeks for Mom’s to take a break, to take care of themselves and to connect with their partner.