Post-Natal Doula
Following the birth of your new baby, I can support you in your home in the first few weeks; I am flexible as to your needs and the needs of your family. You could hire me for a week or more. It's completely up to you how many sessions and for how many weeks you need me, however, my main aim is to help you back on your feet following the birth.
Many mothers find it useful to hire me once their partners have gone back to work following their 2 weeks paternity leave. It can be difficult for partners to leave the new mummy and baby so soon and it can certainly decrease their stress levels knowing they can come home to a meal that's been already prepared, a bathroom that's clean and a mopped kitchen floor! That means they have more time to spend with the family, rather than worrying about housework after a busy day at work.
My time with you will not be intrusive; I will respect your privacy as a family at all times.
Once you're happy and feel confident and able to cope, my time with you will end.
My Postnatal Fee is £10.00 an hour within the immediate Oundle area but a minimum of 2.5 hours is required outside of this area. A block booking of at least six 2.5 hour sessions benefits from a 10% discount if paid for in advance.
As your post-natal doula I can:
* listen to you and we can discuss the birth - research shows that
debriefing the birth can dramatically reduce the onset of post traumatic stress disorder and post-natal depression (PND). I am able to recognise the signs and symptoms of PND and can help you, should you develop it, with coping strategies and advise you as to what help is available to you.
* help to care for your baby and other siblings whilst you rest and take care of yourself. All too often mothers can try to rush back to normal too quickly, not allowing themselves the rest their body needs following 9 months of pregnancy and birth.
* help with light household chores. This may be hoovering, whizzing over the bathroom, mopping the floors, tidying, doing the laundry or preparing light snacks or meals.
* accompany you to post-natal visits if necessary
* help with any baby feeding worries you may have and if you have specific breast feeding problems, I can either help you solve them or signpost you to other breast feeding supporters who can help you. As a trained breast feeding peer supporter, I have helped lots of mums, including mums of twins, mothers returning to work, mums with mastistis, mothers with tongue tied babies and lots more! It's not always about breast feeding problems either; some mums just like some encouragement and support, rather than suggestions and feeding help.
* discuss baby care issues you may have, such as feeding, sleeping habits, weaning, potty training etc
My role is to support you and assist you in getting back to normal in those first few weeks.