Having survived an extremely colicky baby for 6 months, my husband and I felt like parent pros. When we found out we were pregnant with our second baby, we felt excited and ready. That was until my doctor told me there were two heartbeats at my first ultrasound. Not only had we never planned on having three children, but the idea of having a two year old and two newborns felt like an impossible situation. Not only was I scared, I was actually devastated. With limited family help nearby, how were we going to get through this?
As my pregnancy progressed, I came to terms with my twin pregnancy and actually became excited with the idea of getting to know two whole new creatures in our home. But how was this all going to happen? I joined a twin support group and was assigned an angel mom. She also went from one to three, and recommended we get as much help and support as was financially possible. This was when I learned about postpartum doulas. Not only do doulas help mothers with newborns, they support the entire family. I loved this idea and let Lanie into our home for 6 precious weeks.
The most notable thing about Lanie when she entered our home was her energy. She was calm and mellow with the babies, handling two newborns with ease (not shocking, given she has her own twin toddlers at home). But she also helped keep our house moving without me having to ask her directly to do anything, moving laundry, tidying, etc. From my tandem nursing perch, I would watch her moving about the house and marveled at how much she was able to get done.
She also patiently listened to my every worry, concern, and complaint related to being a new mom (again). How do I get the babies on the same schedule? Am I producing enough milk? Is my older son getting his needs met? When will I start feeling normal again? She listened and responded with non-judgmental, thoughtful ideas. She pointed me to helpful resources, and helped me feel like I was doing well and my babies were getting what they needed. In short, she was like our guardian angel! Days when I new she was coming, I felt confident, and ready to take on the day. I knew that having her help would be beneficial from a physical, practical perspective, but I did not realize how much it would improved my emotional and psychological condition.
I would recommend Lanie’s help for any new mom. Not only is she highly capable and knowledgeable, she is also the most passionate person I have ever met when it comes to pregnancy, delivery, and the “fourth trimester”. She truly believes that every new mom deserves to feel supported and cared for. She is simply the best!
-Aly
Lanie's Loving Doula Care and Sleep Consulting 