Postnatal doula

ANTENATAL PLANNING FOR LIFE WITH A NEWBORN

BENEFITS

Planning for your postnatal period is as important as birth planning

It gives you the opportunity to discuss the physical and emotional impact a newborn will have on you and your family, and the impact on baby coming from the womb to the world

This is equally valuable for those who are already parents, as it allows you to reflect on things you might want to change or introduce based on your previous experiences and the support you might need to adjust to your expanding family

Your food and nutrition intake; infant feeding; your household environment and roles; your couple relationship; your mental well being - these are just some of the elements to consider and explore before your baby arrives

You will be better prepared for the more challenging times, making way for a smoother postnatal recovery and more bonding time with your baby

POSTNATAL SUPPORT

BENEFITS

As a postnatal doula I provide the emotional, physical, practical and informational support you need after welcoming a newborn into your family

I will come alongside you, champion you and foster your recovery, confidence and independence

My role is not to give advice or opinions, you will get plenty of that from others. Support is tailored to your needs so may differ with each session, but focuses on:

- Debriefing your birth experience and, if applicable, previous birth and infant feeding experiences, with uninterrupted listening, allowing you time and space to process these

- Breastfeeding and bottle feeding support; helping you to set up your feeding sanctuary and feeding survival kit; making sure you’re comfortable, hydrated and have eaten; discussing and working together on latch, skin to skin, breastfeeding positions, paced bottle feeding, night-time feeding and more

- Discussing and supporting you with your newborn’s development and how to care for your baby such as bath times, sleeping arrangements and the home environment; caring for your baby while you catch up on some sleep or have a shower; attending appointments with you

- Signposting you to local services, professionals and groups, such as breastfeeding cafes, lactation consultants, parent and baby classes

- Nurturing and checking in on your mental and emotional health by encouraging you to talk, actively listening to whatever is on your mind, and reminding and supporting you to prioritise yourself, for both you and your baby’s well being

ENABLING YOU TO REST, RECOVER AND FOCUS ON BONDING WITH YOUR BABY WHILE ADJUSTING TO YOUR CHANGING FAMILY UNIT