Postnatal

A postnatal doula is a doula who supports you after the birth of your baby. This could be general household chores, such as cooking or cleaning, it could be help with learning to care for your baby, such as feeding or sleep. It could be caring for the other family members in various ways, or it could be looking after your baby while you have a rest. The role of a postnatal doula varies greatly. She also continues to provide informational, emotional and practical support.

I have had four children myself and am an experienced childminder. I am very used to children at all ages and stages, but will take my lead from you as to how you wish for me to support you and your family. I can provide information and support, but I will not tell you how to parent your family!

Sometimes this support may be arranged before the baby is born, but often this is organised after the birth. Some women use a doula postnatally as they do not have family or friends nearby, sometimes it may be after a difficult birth or complications, or you may be parenting on your own, or have given birth to more than one baby. Many women request support a week or more down the line, especially if partners are returning to work. Normally I would be happy to continue to visit for up to 3 months after the birth.

I also hold an enhanced CRB check, a current paediatric first aid certificate, and have completed food hygiene requirements for childminding. I have been an Ofsted Registered Childminder since 2013 and inspected twice since then.

Postnatal support costs £15 per hour and is purchased as a block of 10 hours, to be arranged at a mutually convenient time. Normally this is taken in blocks of 3-4 hours a day, but can be shorter if you live closer. As time goes by normally we would taper off the support.