Newborn Nights

What's my overnight doula shift look like?

Dinner with husband, one episode of a TV show on DVR, and I'm out the door.
I arrive at my clients house, mom, dad (or both) welcome me with a smile, usually saying something like "I'm glad you're here!"  THAT is music to my ears.

We have a brief chat; talking about the days events (feeding/pooping/sleeping), how everyone is feeling and our collective plan for the evening (estimated feeding times, feeding method, whether there's laundry to fold, a kitchen to tidy up...)

Mom goes off to feed baby while I get the room ready:
Diaper/wipe supply? Check.
Vaporizer filled? Check
Clean clothes and burp cloth supply? Check
Swaddle unfolded and ready? Check
Nursery cool, dark and comfortable? Check
Floor clear so I don't trip over anything? Check

One last visit with mom to see if she needs anything; she smiles, hands me a full and content baby (most times) and settles in for a restful sleep.

Baby and I get ready for our night together - a comfortable swaddle for baby and a warm baby for me to snuggle. The darkness takes over while we breathe together and become one.
When hunger cues are visible, baby either goes to mom for nursing or I lovingly bottlefeed.
The night stretches on, the family sleeps while I keep constant watch of their precious new family member.
Daylight approaches as the world and the house yawn awake.
Mom comes in the nursery, rested and happy.
I smile, hand over a contented baby and go home for my own restful sleep, usually dreaming of babies.

Overnights with the Twins

I'm currently doing overnights for newborn twins, and the experience is
downright magical!

Watching these two little sweeties sleeping next to each other is adorable; to think they

have been together since conception is amazing.

They wake during the night at the same time and feeding them both is a breeze. 

The trick is having their heads in the correct position in the glider, and my arms fit comfortably around to hold the bottle in their eager little mouths.

Time to burp? No problem!

Each twin fits perfectly on my upper chest, while my hands gently massage their backs. 

I'm honored to be assisting their wonderful parents, who need a good nights sleep a few times per week. They need to be on their toes for the twins two older siblings.

Do you need overnight care for your newborn?

If a friend or relative is expecting, my overnight doula service is a great gift.