A Night in the Life: Supporting Twins as an Overnight Doula (When One Baby Just Won’t Be Put Down)

Overnight doula support for twins: As an overnight postpartum doula, no two nights are ever the same—especially when there are twins involved. Last night, I had the joy (and challenge) of supporting a lovely family with their two newborns. While one baby slept peacefully in their bassinet, the other had no intention of being put down. Not even for a moment.

This is the kind of situation that reminds me why overnight support can be such a gift for exhausted new parents—and how important flexibility, compassion, and a few handy tricks are for doulas navigating complex nighttime care.

The Art of Balancing Twins: When One Baby Needs Constant Contact

It’s not uncommon for one baby in a twin pair to be more sensitive or needier than the other. In this case, Baby A was content and easy to settle, while Baby B needed a lot of snuggles, motion, and contact to feel secure.

When you’re working solo with two infants, this can get tricky. But here’s where your toolbox as a doula becomes invaluable.

My Go-To Tools: Babywearing & Compassion

1. Baby Carrier = Game Changer

Wearing Baby B in a soft wrap allowed me to stay hands-free while still giving them the closeness they craved. Not only was the baby calm and cozy against my chest, but I was also able to:

Bottle feed Baby A
Fold laundry
Wash dishes
Prep meals (carefully, with baby positioned safely and away from heat or sharp objects)

The key here is choosing a carrier that’s supportive for long stretches and comfortable enough to wear for multiple hours. I personally love soft wraps for overnight use—they’re gentle on newborns and distribute weight well for the caregiver.

2. Compassion Over Routine

While sleep schedules and routines are important, sometimes babies just need to be held. As doulas, we approach these moments not with frustration, but with empathy. For this little one, the world still feels big and unfamiliar. Offering contact and comfort isn’t “spoiling”—it’s meeting a need.

I kept my movements slow and calming, whispered reassurances, and rocked gently while moving around the house. The goal? To make Baby B feel secure while allowing space for the rest of my duties.

Beyond Baby Care: Nourishing the Whole Household

With both babies relatively settled (thanks to the carrier!), I was able to go the extra mile to support the household. While the parents rested soundly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., I:

Made a batch of protein balls for easy, nourishing snacks
Prepared a baked oatmeal dish for breakfast (warm, hearty, and ready to go)
Ran four loads of laundry—yes, four!
Cleaned bottles and dishes to reset the kitchen for the morning

These may seem like small things, but to tired new parents, they’re everything. My goal is always to leave the home more peaceful than I found it, with both babies and parents nurtured and cared for.

Tips for Other Doulas Supporting Twins Overnight

Master Babywearing Early – Practice different carries and get comfortable before you’re juggling real-time situations. You’ll rely on it more than you think.
Prep Soothing Stations – Have burp cloths, pacifiers, swaddles, and bottles within reach in multiple rooms.
Stay Calm and Grounded – Babies feed off energy. If one is unsettled, your calm presence can be the anchor they need.
Triage Needs – When both babies need something at once, prioritize safety, then comfort. It’s okay to soothe one while the other waits a minute.
Communicate with Parents – Share insights from the night, like which baby needed more contact or how feeding went. These small details help parents feel connected and supported.

Final Thoughts on Overnight Doula Support for Twins: A Night Well Spent

Overnight doula support for twins is intense, rewarding, and deeply intimate work. Some nights are smooth sailing, others are a dance of soothing, feeding, and adapting in the moment. But with patience, a wrap, and a warm heart, you can offer the kind of support that truly makes a difference.

And let’s be honest—there’s something really satisfying about leaving a fridge stocked, laundry folded, and knowing two little ones (and their parents) got the rest they so desperately needed.

Until next time,
Shandelle
Certified Postpartum Doula & Twin Whisperer

About the Author: Shandelle Ferguson

Shandelle is originally from Newfoundland but now calls Nova Scotia her home. With a passion for changing birth culture in Atlantic Canada, you can find her chatting with other doulas, reaching out to birth professionals and helping new parents in their journey into parenthood. Shandelle is a certified Labor and Birth and Postpartum Doula with Blossom and Birth Doula Services. A mother to three, you can find her drinking coffee, or wine, and spending time with her family.