Postnatal Doula Services
About me
My role as a postnatal doula is to nurture and support you, and other member's of your family during the precious first months, as you make the transition into parenthood, getting to know your new baby and yourself as parents.
The first three months post-birth are known as the fourth trimester (pregnancy making up the other three). It is a period of huge change and development in the newborn, as they adjust to life outside the womb, and is also a time of great change and development in your life as you get to know your baby and yourself as parents.
I am a Breastfeeding Counsellor, Newborn baby observation practitioner and holistic infant sleep coach, qualifications that allow me to support you to get off to the best start possible.
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I offer daytime support, night support and beginning to breastfeed support and have experience of working with twins.
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Please click on the images below to move directly to a description of the support options I offer, or alternatively keep scrolling to learn more about me, my philosophy and the support I offer.
Quick look
About Me:-
I am Fully insured.
I have a valid DBS check certificate
I have completed a Cache Level 2 childcare qualification.
I have completed a Level 2 Nutrition qualification (including food hygiene and safety).
I have completed a paediatric basic life support course.
I have completed a 90-hour lactation specific education course, validated by the International Board-Certified Lactation Examiners.
I am an NCT trained Breastfeeding Counsellor.
I am a qualified Holistic sleep coach.
I am a qualified Brazelton Newborn Baby observation practitioner.
"We have a Bon Voyage culture when it comes to the care of new parents - Well done, goodbye and enjoy your trip. This is not enough - new parents need more."
Why organise postnatal support
In times gone by, a new mother would have been surrounded by female relatives and friends, all in different phases of life. She would probably have had her mother and aunties around to help her out, and her sisters and cousins with older babies to learn from and ask advice.
Nowadays the transition to parenthood can be isolating, lonely and confusing, with you being expected to cope alone, using text books and the internet for advice, and receiving sparse visits from health professionals. You might have few or no close friends or family with babies who you can learn from, and no older relatives living near enough to offer practical support.
I believe the fourth trimester should be a time when you are well supported, both emotionally and practically, allowing you to adjust, at your own pace, to life with a newborn. You should not be made to feel guilty or incapable for needing help –love and assistance should be something that every new parent has available to them, allowing you to grow in confidence in your new role.
Daytime Support
As a postnatal doula I can be with you anywhere from a once off few hours as support for a specific occasion, to a few hours a day for a few weeks, to full time for a few months.
I work a minimum of three hours at a time and my general working hours are between 9 and 2, weekdays, but I am able to work early mornings, evenings and weekends so please do ask if that is the support you are looking for. The best way to find out if I can offer the support you are needing is to arrange a chat.
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I accept last minute bookings, one off bookings and planned support.
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For planned support I take two weeks in advance as a deposit and then book week by week. I aim to gradually decrease the number of days and hours that I work, in consultation with you, until you feel confident in your new role and are ready for me to move on.
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Every postnatal job is different, as we get to know each other we will chat about how I can best support you. This is why I offer a complimentary getting to know you, your family and your home session once you have booked.
Some of the ways I can support you include: –
Listening to you talk about whatever you needs to, be this how to care for the baby, anxieties, joys, debriefing the birth or just having an adult conversation about the news!
Playing with older siblings
Watching the baby so you can have some time, maybe to rest or to take a bath, or to just sit.
Cleaning and sterilising equipment
Shopping, running errands, cooking meals.
Light housework that will help you feel more relaxed.
Assistance with breastfeeding, or bottle feeding (or any other feeding method).
Help you find and access local resources - searching the internet for you and accompanying you out and about.
Support your new family to grow in confidence.
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Night Time Support
I offer overnight support between the hours of 9pm and 7am. During this time I will watch over your baby, settling them, changing and comforting them, holding them or putting them back to sleep, so that you can maximise the time you have in bed.
If you are breastfeeding I will bring your baby to you when they are ready to feed, and keep you company during those dark hours. If you are bottle feeding, then I can prepare their bottle and feed them so that you can get as much sleep as possible.
I'll keep a note of what they have been doing, so you can be fully informed in the morning.
Normally I will stay in a room with your baby close to me in their cot. This can be a spare bedroom or a downstairs room. I bring my own bedding and mattress. If possible I try to nap when the baby sleeps, but I know this is not always possible!
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Beginning to Breastfeed Support
If your worried about breastfeeding and getting the support you need, then why not hire a breastfeeding counsellor to come to you for the first few days after you baby is born.
I offer 15 hours support, to be taken in the first two weeks of your baby's life.
I can meet you at the hospital, as soon as visiting hours allow, or arrange to be at your house when you arrive home.
I suggest that I come daily, or every other day to ensure you have the continual support you need to begin breastfeeding.
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