My Postnatal Doula Service
“When you are pregnant everyone looks at you. Then you have your baby, everyone looks at the baby; no-one is interested in you.” Dani, mum to Isabella
Despite the joy of bringing a new life into the world new mothers often feel lost and alone after the birth of their baby. Western society encourages mothers to get “back to normal” as soon as they have given birth. In some cultures women are encouraged to rest and spend time with their baby after birth. The new mothers are supported and cared for by their own mother and other females of the family.
I believe the fourth trimester (the first three months after birth) should be a time when a mother is well supported, both emotionally and practically, allowing her to adjust, at her own pace, to life with a new-born. Women should not feel guilty or incapable if they need help – love and assistance should be something that every new mother has available to her, allowing her to grow in confidence in her new role.
As a Doula I support new mothers, help them to grow in confidence and be the type of mother they want to be. I listen to their concerns, give them opportunity to rest, have that special time with their new baby and become familiar with their new role.
What support can I provide?
I provide both emotional support and practical support.
I will look after you, help you look after your baby, or look after your baby while you have a rest or time to yourself.
However you choose to feed your baby I can help – as a Breastfeeding counsellor I can support you with any breastfeeding problems or concerns. I can also assist with bottle feeding or help you to transition between the two. When the time comes for your baby to move onto solid food I can help with that too.
I can give practical help with looking after siblings and find strategies for managing any jealousy or sibling rivalry that might occur. I can help with the smooth integration of the baby into the new family.
I will do light housework, run errands, cook lunch, snacks or your evening meal, prepare food for older children or just help with anything you think will make your life easier.
I typically start by working more hours in the first few weeks and then slowly reducing these as you become more confident and settled in your new role. I typically start about a week or two after the baby is born (maybe after the partner has gone back to work), but can come in at any point during the first few months of your baby’s life.
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