Meet Shannon Weiss of Double The Love Doula in Lakewood

Shannon, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My story starts when I found out I was expecting twins! I always dreamed of having a natural, non-medical birth but that just wasn’t possible with twins, so I set out to have the best belly birth possible.

But as my pregnancy progressed, I felt that my doctors were fearful of delivering twins, even though I had the easiest pregnancy possible.

Long story short. I did not receive the love; support and dedication to my birth wishes that I wanted.

My babies were born very healthy and came home with us three days later. While I was extremely grateful for their safety and health, I was lacking something.

When my twins were nine weeks old, I decided I needed to become a birth doula so that I could better support women and their families. I wanted other women to have the best birth possible and be an advocate for themselves.

I love working with moms who are having twins but I am here for everyone!

My journey has been short thus far into motherhood. My twins are nine months old but my story is not over yet.

My path has led me into the postpartum realm where I feel it is essential every woman get support, comfort, love and nourishment.

I am now about to become an Ayurvedic postpartum caregiver as well and have many other things on the horizon.

I am thankful for my family and their continued support and I hope I can shine a little light on the world with my passion and wisdom.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth? No. I like to think it’s been a dirt road that’s in the process of being paved.

First of all, being a new mom of twins is by far the hardest experience of my life. You can read all the books and get all the advice but it’s really an on the job training, as with all new parents of babies.

I have a personality that once I become passionate about something, I dive in headfirst without a second thought. I would say that the most challenging thing is my time right now and money but that will come.

Trying to create something magical while trying to raise magical humans. But I am going to keep pushing and working hard and get that road a little smoother.

Please tell us about Double The Love Doula.
My business is called, Double the Love Doula. I named it after my twinnies. Everyone used to say to me: “oh Double the trouble” and I say: “ double the love.”

I am a birth doula who specializes in helping moms of multiples but again, I am here for everyone. I also am a mind-body coach, Reiki Practitioner and soon to be Ayurvedic Postpartum Caregiver (APC) and Master Herbalist. I am known as the doula who has twins.

I am most proud of my career change! I was a kindergarten teacher before I got pregnant. I loved teaching but I’m more in love with this field and the business I’ve created. What else sets me apart is my drive to continue my education and learn as much as I can so that I can pass that wisdom and knowledge onto my clients.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Personally, I would have been a bigger advocate for myself as a new mom. I also would have started this career a long time ago!

Everything is slow to move off of the ground but I am confident that I am creating something that my children and my family will be proud of!