Postnatal support
The postnatal period is the most overlooked time of parenthood, yet
it is the one that goes on for the longest. And I don’t mean six weeks, I mean forever!
As your postnatal doula, I will support you in becoming confident with your decisions, believing in your parenting instincts and balancing your new family dynamic. As well as helping you to have and understand the realistic expectations of a newborn baby.
Before your baby arrives we will discuss your needs and how I may
be able to support them.
I offer an individual service tailored to suit the exact needs of each family , which often changes week by week as you find your new family rhythm.
Most visits will last between 3-4 hours, as many times a week as you feel comfortable with.
-
Talking through your recent
birth experience and I will listen
to anything on your or your partner’s mind. -
Signpost to local resources, services and groups if necessary.
-
Practical guidance and encouragement to help you and your family care for your newborn.
-
Provide time for your own self
care by looking after your baby so you can rest, sleep, shower, have a nice hot meal, whatever it is you like to do to relax. -
Undertake some light housework.
-
Support your feeding choices with expert referrals where necessary.
-
Mostly importantly I am there to listen, as well as support and even just make you a cup of tea and keep you company.
If your babies need to spend some time in neonatal care, I can still provide support, such as:
-
Coming to meet you for a
coffee, to listen to any fears
and frustrations you may have, giving you time to off load. -
Help you to make plans for siblings when you are attending the hospital.
-
Go for a walk in the grounds
or around together to ensure
you get some basic exercise
and fresh air. -
Help you fill in a journal
of all the small things wins. -
Meet for lunch in the hospital canteen or elsewhere to
remind you to eat and look
after yourselves. -
Help you to keep close
family and friends informed
with updates. -
Creating affirmations together to support your mental wellbeing.
Testimonials
Michelle was amazing. She was calm, supportive and compassionate. She held our newborn enabling me to get some much needed rest. I had every confidence in her ability with him, and over the weeks Michelle continued to support me. She was extremely warm and kind, and I can’t thank her enough for the difference her presence made in those early weeks and months. She was invaluable and I highly recommend her. – H.D.
As first time parents Michelle made all the difference to us finding ways to cope with the stresses of having a newborn baby on minimal sleep. All new parents need Michelle in their lives. – E.M.
Michelle was such a great help – looking after the baby so I could have a break and looking after me too. She has a lovely, calm, warm approach and it was lovely having her help. I’d thoroughly recommend her to any parent needing some support. Thank you Michelle. – P.L.
Michelle is so calm and helped our whole family adjust to having a newborn in the house again. I only wish we had her around the first time. – A.B.
Michelle is an incredible doula, but also a really lovely person. She felt like a friend from the first conversation we had and was invaluable to making me feel like I could be a great mum to two under two! – H.G.
Michelle understands everything and put
her arms around me with her words and manner, she was super caring with my newborn. She understood all the things I wanted her help with postnatally even if it was just getting out of the house to go for walk, she cares and that shows. – E.H.