It’s become more and more common for expecting parents to enlist the help of a doula. In this article, twin mom and experienced doula Lauren Oak shares the behind-the-scenes of a night with the support of a doula for twins.
Whether you’re expecting twins or you’re in the very early stages of newborn twin life, having a doula can be an immense support if you’re able to secure one.
To give you an idea of what a doula actually does, seasoned twin mom, doula, and gentle sleep coach Lauren Oak gives us a rundown of what an evening is like for her working as a doula for twins.
But first, what does a postpartum doula for twins actually do?
A postpartum doula’s role is very different from that of a night nanny. We care for the entire family—sometimes even the family dog—because true support goes beyond just the baby. We’re strong advocates for breastfeeding and believe deeply in “mothering the mother,” offering reassurance, guidance, and care during a vulnerable time.
We’re also there for partners, helping them feel confident and supported when things get overwhelming. Every family is unique, so our approach is always tailored to meet your specific needs. We provide education on what life with a newborn really looks like, and we hold space for those moments when you feel exhausted, frustrated, or unsure.
Welcoming twins can be especially life-changing.
With the right support, it can also be an incredibly joyful experience. That said, the physical demands of caring for two newborns at once can be intense. My goal during overnight support is simple: to help everyone rest, recover, and wake up feeling more capable and cared for.
10:00 p.m. — Arrival
I slip into a quiet house—shoes off, bag down—and head straight to the sink to wash my hands. Mom is anxiously awaiting my arrival, and we take a few minutes to catch up on the day.
At my suggestion, she brought the twinnies to a pediatric gastroenterologist after both started showing signs of reflux. The doctor prescribed anti-reflux medication, and thankfully it already seems to be helping.
She thanks me for the recommendation—just one of many referrals I provide. Pediatric chiropractor? I have a few. Pelvic floor physical therapist? Absolutely. Lactation consultant? Of course. Supporting families means connecting them with the right resources when they need them.
Next, we map out the night. Mom is currently breastfeeding with a combination of nursing and bottle-feeding expressed milk. Tonight, she’s ready to prioritize rest. The plan: she’ll pump now so we have milk ready for the next feed, then head to bed for five glorious, uninterrupted hours.
While she pumps, I check on the babies—fast asleep in their bassinets—then get to work. I rinse and soak the dirty bottles, gather laundry, and head to the basement to start my first load of the night.
Ding! Mom texts that she’s finished pumping. I grab her pump parts, gently remind her to set her 3:00 a.m. alarm, and send her back to bed.
Back in the kitchen, I take inventory of the fresh milk—deciding what to refrigerate for overnight feeds and what can be frozen. Then it’s time to wash and sterilize bottles and pump parts. With only one sterilizer, it takes a few rounds to get through everything.
11:00 p.m. — First Wake-Up
A faint cry comes through the monitor—Twin B is ready to eat.
I move quickly, changing her diaper as Twin A begins to stir. Then it’s Twin A’s turn. I settle them into their bouncer seats and sit on the floor, back against the wall—my go-to trick for feeding twins without straining my back. Bottles in hand, I feed them side by side, pausing to burp each one.
Twin A finishes and drifts back to sleep. Twin B, however, has other plans—a full diaper blowout. I clean her up, change her into fresh pajamas, and get her settled back into her crib. Then I gather the soiled laundry and head back downstairs to switch loads.
12:30 a.m. — Reset & Tidy
After washing the bottles and running the sterilizer again, I finally pause—but not for long. The living room could use a quick reset. I fold blankets, tidy up toys, collect a forgotten coffee mug, and head back to the kitchen to run the dishwasher and wipe down the counters.
Shortly after, Twin A fusses. A pacifier and a gentle pat are all he needs to resettle.
1:00 a.m. — The “Almost Sit Down”
I attempt to sit, but remember the laundry. So I switch it over, bring the clean load upstairs, and fold everything. I set aside outgrown clothes for Mom and plan to put the rest away during the next nursery visit.
Need a plan for the first week home with twins? Book your 60-minute twins \post-delivery strategy session on a video call with Lauren Oak, Twin Expert and Certified Postpartum Doula (and mom of twins!), to create a customized game plan for you and your twins when they come home. Click here to learn more… and while you’re at it, check out our Twiniversity Shop and Twin Parent Memberships.
2:00 a.m. — Feeding Time
I’ve already prepped bottles, so I’m ready before the babies fully wake. Diapers, feeds, burping, resettling—it’s a smooth cycle. Once they’re back down, I return to the kitchen to wash bottles and prep pump parts for Mom’s 3:00 a.m. session.
I also bring up the second load of laundry, unload the dishwasher, and rotate items through the sterilizer.
3:00 a.m. — Pump & Reset
Mom’s alarm goes off. I gently knock, bring her clean pump parts, water, and a snack (apples with peanut butter), and ask her to text me when she’s done.
At 3:20am, I collect the milk, send her back to sleep, and repeat the now-familiar rhythm—washing parts, sterilizing, and prepping bottles for the next feed.
4:00 a.m. — Quiet Pause
For the first time all night, things are still. With everything done, I allow myself a short rest—monitor close by, always ready. This is built into my contract and essential for maintaining safe, attentive care through the night.
5:00 a.m. — Early Morning Feed
Twin B wakes, and I move through the now well-practiced routine: diaper, feed, burp, resettle.
5:45 a.m. — Morning Transition
Back in the kitchen, I wash bottles, prep pump parts, and give the counters one last wipe down. Dad comes in, and I give him a full rundown of the night.
He shares that Mom has been feeling a bit isolated and burned out. I suggest connecting her with a local Parents of Twins group—a great way to build community and feel supported. He loves the idea, and I pass along the information.
6:00 a.m. — Departure
Before I leave, I complete a detailed log: feedings, amounts, diaper changes, milk output, and any notes—fussiness, spit-up, or household supplies running low.
Then I quietly head out, knowing the family got the rest and support they needed—and I’m off to get some well-earned sleep myself.
Want to read more about what it’s like to have a doula for twins? Check out these articles too!
- Your First Night Home with Twins with Postpartum Doula Lauren Oak
- What a Postpartum Doula Did for Me
- How a Doula Helped Me and My Twins
Lauren Oak is a NY mom to 4 girls, including one set of twins. Lauren has been a part of Twiniversity from the very beginning after she met Natalie at a New York State Mother of Twins Club meeting. She really connected with her fellow twin parents after spending 20 days in the NICU with her twins after they were born. In her “previous life” she was a Foster Care Caseworker, helping children in foster care find stable homes. Lauren continues to support families, just now it’s families having twins or more across the globe. “I am a soccer/basketball/softball/girl scout mom! My girls keep me running to practices, games and meetings all week during the school year. I love living on Long Island and being close to the beach, as well as the city. My kids are my life and I try to make every day of their lives fun filled, exciting and enjoyable.” Lauren is a certified doula living on Long Island, specializing in twins.
