Postnatal Support
“But what is it that a doula does exactly?”
Is usually the question that people ask me the most
In short: (almost) Anything you need me to do.
My experience is different with every family that I meet and support. I have put together bassinets, went food shopping when the postnatal cravings hit and spent hours at the hospital to be there and support new families. I have syringe and tube fed babies overnight, held babies so parents could shower, I have been there to settle family arguments and dried many, many tears throughout the hormonal roller coasters. My approach to support is practical and flexible. I do what needs to be done within the realm of possibility to make everyone feel cared and supported for. Postpartum is not a linear process so we take it day by day!
I offer my support not just a few hours during the day but also as overnight care or completely virtual, if you aren’t looking for an extra pair of hands but still would like someone to offer a listening ear, guidance and calm emotional support.
Postnatal Day Support
“Babies don’t come with manuals - just very strong opinions.”
As your postnatal doula I will be there to make sure everything runs smoothly and no one is drowning in tears, dirty nappies or laundry piles. The first weeks home with a new baby can be exceptionally overwhelming. Roles and priorities can shift quickly during this time and I’m here to look after your new family, so no one is feeling left behind.
Wether it be household support, holding your baby to give you some space, making sure you have time to eat, talking through your emotions or being there for the “scary things” like baby’s first bath, or cutting their nails. We can structure the days however you want and tailored to what you need. There is no set agenda and no “This is how I do it”. Every family I join is unique, and so are their needs.
Postnatal Night Support
Whoever invented the phrase “sleep like a baby” clearly never had one.
Babies - at least most of them - just aren’t the best sleepers. For most parents the transition can be a shock to the system, now studies also show a significant link from lack of sleep to postnatal depression and declining mental health in new parents. I have been there myself, I know how hard and relentless the nights can be and want to offer a bit of relief - and sleep - to other parents.
Having me there to look after your baby overnight doesn’t mean that you will lose out on anything else I provide as a doula. We can still have a chat, I will be there to listen to any concerns and answer any questions, refer you to other professionals and do some light housework if you want me to. When you are ready you just go to sleep and I take over all feedings, soothing and looking after your baby until the morning.
Virtual Support
“Babies may be tiny, but the questions they bring can feel big”
Bringing a new baby home can feel scary. Even if you don’t need another pair of hands - you still can have support. A virtual doula is perfect for parents who don’t need the physical, hands on support but still want gentle reassurance, emotional support and a place to ask all the questions - met with evidence based answers and information.
As your virtual doula I will answer your questions either over messages on WhatsApp, calls, FaceTime or Zoom. The topics can be anything from “is this normal” to helping you find your feet, gathering information on more specific topics (because who has the time to deep dive into a topic while looking after a newborn) or helping you deal with the emotional postpartum roller coaster. Whatever might come along your way, I’ll be there at the other end of the phone.
As a virtual doula you can either book a package to have my support for several weeks, or as a one-off call.
If you would like to work together or need some more information, please contact me via the contact form. :)
Testimonials