Post Partum Doula
A postpartum doula is a non-medical professional support for the parent who has given birth, as well as her partner and family.
Their expertise spans across emotional well-being, newborn care, breastfeeding guidance, light household tasks, and even providing you with those precious moments of respite. They’re not there to replace your instincts or diminish your abilities, but rather to empower you and reassure you that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
A postpartum doula is your oasis of reassurance, providing a listening ear for your worries and a source of invaluable wisdom. I remind you that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. By nurturing your own well-being, you’re better equipped to nurture your little one. Their presence is a reminder that you’re not alone in this journey, and there’s a hand to hold whenever you need it.
What you’ll experience from me as your postpartum Doula:
This package has been designed carefully & thoughtfully to provide a holistic continuity of care and to enhance your motherhood journey on all levels.
What is included?
- Six Postpartum Visits in your Home - (each around 3 hours)
- Emotional support
- Physical support
- Practical support
- Informational support
Post Partum Doula and Emotional Support
The transition into new parenthood can be a very vulnerable time, and postpartum doulas are experts in emotional support, active listening and encouraging new moms and dads to follow their own hearts. Empathy, a hug or even a good laugh together can do so much for a new parent!
I will listen without judgement when you debrief your birth and I am there for a chat or cry. I will help you work with your baby brain (yes, this is real!) in a useful way, and increase your Oxytocin levels, a beautiful hormone that is released when we feel love & connection.
I will work intuitively to provide a warm, calm and comforting environment in your home, that inspires peace & joy. I will comfort, support & nurture you to facilitate bonding with your baby, feeding with confidence, and feeling in control of your parenting style.
Birth is not an isolated event, but a lifelong experience.
Frederick Leboyer
Emotional support from a postpartum doula is a vital and comforting aspect of their role, designed to help you navigate the emotional highs and lows that often come with the postpartum period.
Here's what emotional support from a doula might look like:
Overall, emotional support from a postpartum doula is tailored to your individual needs and can vary depending on your preferences and circumstances. Their goal is to provide a compassionate presence that helps you navigate this transformative time with greater ease and confidence.
Hugs are included!
Physical Support from Postpartum Doula
I understand the physiology of pregnancy & birth, the adjustment to a birthing mother’s pelvic girdle and surrounding structures, and the common discomforts associating with spending long periods of time cradling and feeding your baby (or babies), whilst trying to wrangle a toddler.
I will show you how to bind your belly after birth and perform a beautiful closing ceremony for you.
Physical support from a postpartum doula is designed to help you recover, heal, and adjust to the physical changes that occur after childbirth.
Here's a glimpse of what physical support from a doula might entail:
Physical support from a postpartum doula is centered around helping you regain your strength, heal, and adapt to the demands of new parenthood while minimising physical stress and discomfort. The goal is to provide you with the tools and assistance you need to focus on your own well-being as you care for your new baby.
Doula and Practical Support
All hands on deck! Helping with light household chores, tidying up and laundry in the home helps newborn mother’s get on with the most important task they have, self-care & bonding with and caring for their baby.
I am happy to plan and cook hearty healthy and balanced meals, clean up kitchens, bathrooms, bed linen and laundry,tidying up toys etc… all light household tasks, entertaining siblings and I totally get how helping in a practical way goes a long way to helping a mother’s emotional well-being.
I can also assist with overseeing you feeding, bathing or settling your baby, and help you understand your baby’s cycle, reading body language & behavioural cues. I can show you some simple and effective burping techniques along with some calming and soothing baby massage techniques. I can help organise your village for long-term support and refer you to allied health professionals if needed.
Every family is unique, which means needs will be different, and could indeed change from visit to visit.
And that’s okay! I’ll adapt!
Evidence based Informational Support
I have up-to-date information regarding newborn tests, immunisations and SIDS.
Please be aware that you don’t need information overload at this time, the intention for any information provided is to build confidence and reinforce your own innate wisdom as your ‘baby’s expert’!
A doula is not just for labor and birth; she is a source of strength, comfort, and wisdom throughout the journey into motherhood.
Barbara Katz Rothman
Additional services that can be included at each visit
- Sibling care
- Accompanying mother on first outings or appointments
- Running errands and grocery shopping
- Anything else that would make your life easier and more comfortable.
I’d love to hear from you and help you on this beautiful journey.