Adventures of an Overnight Doula with Twins
Embarking on the adventures of an overnight doula with twins offers a unique glimpse into the challenges and joys of supporting families with multiple newborns during the night shift.
One Baby Wouldn’t Be Put Down… and That’s Okay (Adventures of an Overnight Doula with Twins)
Let’s talk about what it’s really like to be an overnight doula with newborn twins – especially when one of them decides that bassinets are completely unacceptable and the only place they want to sleep is on your chest.
twins
Spoiler alert: it was a long night.
But I’ll let you in on a little secret… I don’t mind overnight shifts. Why? Because my kids are grown and I can sleep during the day. Honestly, I’d rather be snuggling someone else’s sweet (slightly demanding) newborn at 3 a.m. than refereeing homework and snack battles at 5 p.m. Been there, done that. This is my peace now.
Two Babies, One Doula, Zero Bassinet Cooperation
Last night I was with a lovely family of newborn twins—let’s call them Baby A (The Chill One) and Baby B (The Velcro Baby). Baby A was happy to be fed, burped, swaddled, and back in the bassinet like a dream. Baby B? Not having it.
The second I put them down, they’d squawk like I had personally offended them. So guess what we did? We wore the baby.
Babywearing: AKA My Superpower
I popped Baby B into a soft wrap carrier, and boom—peace. I had two hands again and a content little burrito snuggled to my chest. I even whispered, “We’re in this together, kid,” like we were doing a night shift at a diner.
With the baby safely and happily snoozing in the wrap, I was able to:
- Feed and burp Baby A
- Feed and burp Baby A
- Make a batch of protein balls (snacks = survival)
- Whip up a breakfast oatmeal bake (because warm carbs solve a lot of problems)
- Do FOUR loads of laundry (twins are basically a tiny laundry factory)
- Tidy the kitchen and dishes
All while the parents slept from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Solid. Gold. Sleep.
And if you’re wondering when I sleep? That’s what afternoons are for. I go home, put on sweatpants, and nap like a cat in a sunbeam. No regrets.
The second I put them down, they’d squawk like I had personally offended them. So guess what we did? We wore the baby.
Tips for Fellow Doulas Navigating Twin Nights
Look, this work isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes you’re wearing one baby while bouncing another and trying not to spill oat milk on yourself. But here are some things that help:
1. Baby Carrier = Lifeline
Seriously, if you’re supporting twins (or any baby who refuses the bassinet), get yourself comfortable with babywearing. It lets you give them the contact they need and keep doing your job like the magical multitasker you are.
2. Triage Like a Pro
When both babies cry at once, don’t panic. Breathe. Prioritize—usually the hungry one gets dibs, the other gets soothing pats and a promise that you’re coming next.
3. Set the Tone
Your calm is contagious. Even if the baby is screaming and the bottle leaked and you’ve reheated your tea three times, if you stay grounded, the whole energy shifts.
4. Do the Extras When You Can
Washing dishes, folding laundry, prepping breakfast—it’s not required, but it’s deeply appreciated. It’s those small things that let parents wake up feeling cared for, not just the babies.
5. Enroll in our new Sleep Consultant Program
Final Thoughts from the Night Shift
Not every night is easy, but every night matters. Parents need rest. Babies need connection. And if I can be the bridge between the two—while also meal prepping in the dark and humming lullabies into a baby’s fuzzy head – I call that a win.
So yeah, I’ll keep doing the overnights. I’ve already raised my own kids. I can sleep tomorrow. Right now, I’m here for this family, these babies, and that one tiny human who just really needed to be held.
By: Shandelle, Professional Baby Snuggler, Nighttime Snack Maker, Laundry Warrior
About the Author: Shandelle Ferguson
Shandelle’s (she/her) passion is supporting doulas and creating a strong community where doulas can support and uplift one another. As a birth and postpartum doula, she strives to provide evidence-based, compassionate support to families.