Postpartum Care for Families
By Lisa Glickstein, Ph.D, Triplet Mom
Originally printed in July 2003

I joke with my singleton mom friends to imagine if the first day they were home with 
their newborn they got a call saying – come to the hospital and pick up another one!  In 
our case, one came home the day after another, and the last about a week later.  Into our 
chaos, came two angels.  Over the course of a month, they helped me get all three girls 
nursing, made us healthy snacks and light meals (and made sure I always had a glass of 
water), watched the girls while we took naps or a walk, taught us infant care tips and 
timesavers, did laundry, swept my steps, got me out of the house with the girls for our 
first walk to Starbucks, and even had adult conversation with my husband when I was in 
no shape to!

Whether you are expecting triplets or more, or a subsequent singleton, you may find 
yourself looking for day or night help.  Both of my angels were actually post-partum 
doulas (Greek for handmaids) that we hired through Mothercare Services (1-888-
MYDOULA).  Joan Singer, who runs Mothercare, describes her service as the "heart and 
hands" that "do whatever it takes to make the transition to parenthood easier."  Along 
with caring for mother and infants, the doula can help with siblings, run necessary 
errands, and keep the house tidied up.  Mothercare's post-partum providers are certified 
in infant, child, and adult CPR, trained in all aspects of maternal and infant care including 
breastfeeding support and massage therapy, and participate in continuing education and 
staff training.  The Mothercare doula service is available a minimum of four hours per 
day ($29/hour), with a suggested minimum commitment of five days.  Joan stresses that 
you do not have to take all five days consecutively; for example you might take three 
days the first week and two the following week. 

Another service, Overnight Post Partum Care (508-420-9361), provides similar family 
care at night for the South Shore area.  Mary Joyce, who is the director and also a 
provider herself, states that the goal of Overnight Postpartum Care "is to allow you to get 
the kind of rest and care that you need to heal from your birthing experience.  Our 
specialty is helping families get the support that they need during the immediate 
postpartum period."  From the time she arrives, Mary takes over all care of the infants, 
provides advice or training on infant care or massage if appropriate, and tries to ready the 
home for the following day by washing and folding laundry, doing dishes including bottle 
washing and sterilization, preparing formula and bottles, tidying up the house and even 
getting breakfast for siblings while mom gets a morning shower.  She usually suggests a 
ten hour commitment per night ($30/hour for triplets) to gain the most benefit from the 
service, and usually works Sunday through Thursday nights.  She suggests that expectant 
parents sign up for 20 nights, used over a period of up to six weeks.

Both Mary and Joan stress that their services are not meant to go on for months, but to help 
parents transition through the first rough weeks.  Joan tries to make referrals, if needed, as 
her services come to an end.  Registration for services is recommended by calling Mary or 
Joan about eight to ten weeks before your due date, about 24 weeks gestation for triplets.  
They will send a provider for a family meeting to get to know you and your needs, and will 
block off on the calendar (with deposit) the approximate time you expect to need services.  
Both stressed that they are flexible and will keep in touch with you as delivery approaches 
to finalize these plans.  From my own experience, these services are an investment in your 
own sanity, and in your precious babies.