Interview with Twin Specialist Breanna Gay

We are excited to have one of the fantastic doulas on our team on our blog today! Breanna is a postpartum doula working with families through Bay City Doulas. She is a wealth of knowledge and has benefited many families postpartum. We hope you enjoy our interview with twin specialist Breanna Gay.

Hi Breanna, thank you for joining us on our weekly blog. Tell us about yourself. I grew up in Pittsburg. From a young age, I always had a love for infant care. Prior to becoming a doula, I was a pediatric medical assistant for six years and a nanny. I am a people person. I love to laugh and have a good time. 

How did you get into doula work? Before finding my passion in doula care, I worked as a medical assistant for six years. As time went on, I realized that I appreciated the one-on-one experience I got with families and the actual connections I made with them. I simply was not getting that at a medical office because the interactions stopped once the appointments were over. So I was searching for another career path that would fulfill my wants of having personal connections with families and still being able to do what I love: caring for infants and families.

How did you get started as a twin specialist? I was a newer doula when I worked with my first twin family, but I wanted something that I felt was a bit more challenging. Of course, anything that is new takes a little adjusting to get used to. I learned babies respond the best to very calm energy in hectic moments, like when both babies wake up crying; it became a breeze for me. Twins are just double the fun!

What is the difference between working with a singleton baby and twins? For me, twins are just double the fun. Caring for twins is basically doing the same thing twice, with two babies. I provide each baby with the same quality of care, and when working with twins, that’s just doubled!

Do you have any advice for parents expecting twins? The advice I have for expecting twin parents is “just breathe.” It may seem a little scary and overwhelming at times having two newborn babies, but things get easier and fall into place with time. It’s all about trial and error. If one thing does not work, there are one million other ways to do something, and we will figure out what works for your family together.

Are there any products or devices you would recommend specifically to a twin family? I would highly recommend a twin boppy; I find it so helpful, especially regarding tandem feeding. 

How long does it take for twins to sleep through the night and be on the same schedule? Although it varies depending on the babies, usually, it takes me anywhere from 12-20 weeks to get them both on the same program and sleeping through the night.

We have heard multiple times that you love working with twin families and clients; what makes this specific work so unique? This field of work is so special to me because most people don’t realize how helpful having a doula is until they have one. Having the extra pair of hands to help you while you simply take a shower or nap can change your whole week. Having someone not in your home come in and just be able to connect with you, have a conversation, and take your mind away from the stress for even just a little moment can change your day. 

How long do you think that twin families benefit from overnight support?

I believe 16- 20 weeks of overnight support benefits twin families the most.

Is there anything you would like to add in addition? Try not to be so hard on yourself. This is new to you, and there’s no one right way to take care of your baby. Your experience may be different from the next person’s experience. It’s all about figuring out what’s best for you and your baby, which will come with time and patience.

Thank you, Breanna, for joining us on this week’s blog! To learn more about Breanna or the other amazing doulas on the Bay City Doulas team, contact us today for your free introductory call. Thank you for reading this week’s post, “interview with twin specialist Breanna Gay.” Visit our weekly blog for tips and tricks on pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood.