Becoming a parent is one of the most beautiful, transformative, and challenging experiences of your life. While pregnancy and childbirth often dominate the spotlight, the postpartum period can feel like uncharted territory for many new parents.
This is where a postpartum doula can be an invaluable ally—providing practical, emotional, and physical support as you navigate this new chapter.
But what exactly does a postpartum doula do? And how can they help you through the early days and weeks of parenthood?
Let’s break it down and explore the many ways I can be a of support in your postpartum journey.
Physical Recovery and Healing
Your body just went through an intense, transformative experience. Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, recovery takes time, and every mother’s healing process is unique. A postpartum doula offers crucial physical support during this time.
Here are a few ways I can help you:
Support with breastfeeding: I am a qualified breastfeeding counsellor. I can offer guidance on latch, positioning, and any challenges you may face, such as nipple pain, engorgement, or milk supply issues. My goal is to help you feel confident and comfortable as you navigate this new experience, providing reassurance and encouraging you to listen to your instincts.
Post-birth recovery care: if you had a cesarean or experienced perineal tearing, I can assist with advice on gentle exercises, pelvic floor health, and suggestions to ease discomfort. I can also help you manage any physical discomfort with soothing techniques like massage, warm compresses, or proper body mechanics for lifting and caring for your newborn.
Sleep and rest: it’s no secret that sleep can be scarce in the early days. As your postpartum doula, I can offer guidance on creating a sleep rhythm and safe sleep practices for both you and your baby. I may also be able to watch over your baby so you can rest, giving you the opportunity to recharge—something every new parent desperately needs.
Nutrition and Hydration: I will support you by cooking nutrient-dense meals and snacks, that support your healing and milk production, either during a session or by delivering food bundles and make sure you are well hydrated.
Emotional Support and Mental Well-Being
The emotional rollercoaster of new parenthood can be overwhelming. Between the sleepless nights, hormone shifts, and the constant demands of a newborn, it's completely normal to feel exhausted, anxious, or even a little lost. This is where a postpartum doula’s emotional support can make all the difference.
Non-judgmental listening ear: I will be there to listen without judgment. Sometimes, you just need someone to hear your thoughts and concerns, and that’s what a doula provides—a compassionate, understanding ear. I am there to help you process your emotions, validate your feelings, and remind you that everything you’re experiencing is normal.
Support with baby blues or postpartum depression: if you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling with postpartum depression (PPD), I can help you identify these symptoms early on and offer resources for professional help. I can help ease the mental load of new parenthood by being a constant source of reassurance and encouragement.
Building confidence as a new parent: a doula’s support goes beyond the practical aspects of baby care. I will be there to remind you of your strengths and encourage you through the moments when self-doubt creeps in. Whether it’s helping you feel more confident in your baby-care skills or encouraging you to trust your instincts, my emotional presence is designed to bolster your confidence as a new parent.
Bodywork and ritual
Loving touch and bodywork are one of the pillars of postpartum care. The act of being cared for and receiving gentle, compassionate touch can help reinforce feelings of safety and support, which are essential for emotional resilience during this transformative time.
Postpartum massage: I am trained massage therapist and offer postpartum massage to promote healing and relaxation. Whether it's a full body massage or a foot/shoulder rub whilst you're feeding your baby, these acts of warm loving touch promote emotional wellbeing and optimal recovery.
Closing the bones ceremonies: Closing ceremonies and rituals are present in many counties around the world and always have been, as the physiological needs of postpartum mothers are the same across countries and centuries. The practices I offer are inspired by Mexican and South American traditions and I will work with you to create a ritual and ceremony that suits you and honours your journey.
Newborn Care Guidance
The first few weeks with a newborn can be full of questions, worries, and what-ifs. As your postpartum doula, I provide hands-on guidance with newborn care, offering peace of mind in an overwhelming time.
Infant care education: I can assist with everything from diapering and swaddling to baby soothing techniques. I will share about safe sleep practices, babywearing, and biologically normal infant development and behaviours. Having someone experienced by your side can make all the difference in feeling prepared and calm.
Baby sleep support: I can help you establish healthy sleep habits for your baby. Whether you’re navigating infant sleep cycles or dealing with night wakings, I can provide strategies that align with your parenting style and help you get the rest you need.
Guidance on infant development: I can offer insights on what to expect in the early days and weeks of your baby’s development. Whether it’s recognising early milestones or understanding newborn behaviour, I provide support that helps you feel more attuned to your baby’s needs.
Partner and Family Support
While much of the focus is on the new mom, a postpartum doula is also there to support the entire family unit. I will help create an environment of balance and connection as everyone adjusts to the changes a new baby brings.
Supporting your partner: the postpartum period can be just as overwhelming for your partner. I can offer tips for how your partner can best support you during this time, from understanding your physical recovery needs to learning how to support you emotionally. I also provide a valuable second set of hands, allowing both you and your partner to bond with the baby without feeling like you’re on your own.
Sibling support: if you have other children at home, I can provide guidance on how to help them adjust to their new role as older siblings. Whether it’s helping with their daily routines or offering advice on maintaining family dynamics, I can help smooth the transition for everyone. I can play and spend time with older children to allow you to rest with your baby or I can watch over the baby whilst you spend some valuable 1:1 time with older siblings.
Household management: I help around the house by preparing meals for you and your family, doing laundry, or tidying up. This support is crucial, as it allows you to focus on healing, bonding with your baby, and getting the rest you need without worrying about everyday chores.
Infant Feeding Support
Whether you breastfeed, formula-feed, or do a combination of both, I can provide practical support in navigating your feeding goals.
Breastfeeding support: as a trained breastfeeding counsellor, I can support you with many common breastfeeding challenges or signpost you to more specialised support (IBCLC, Tongue-Tie Practitioner, local breastfeeding support groups etc).
Bottle-feeding guidance: if you choose bottle-feeding, or combination feeding, I can assist with sterilising equipment and preparing bottles, or guide you with paced bottle feeding techniques, cup feeding, syringe feeding or SNS.
Education on Postpartum Care for You
Most people think that postpartum care is centred around your baby, while I believe that the you are at the centre. When a new mother thrives, her baby and her whole family will thrive!
Antenatal planning and education: I will meet you antenatally to get to know you, your expectation, needs and priorities and I will share my knowledge and experience around the foundations and pillars of postpartum recovery to help you create a postpartum plan.
Pelvic health and exercises: I can guide you through gentle exercises that help rebuild pelvic floor strength, encourage proper posture, and address any discomfort.
Signposting to other services: I will share contacts with local professionals and services that might support you in your journey (Cranio- sacral therapy, Osteopathy, Pelvic Health Physio, Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine etc)
Final Thoughts: Why You Might Need a Postpartum Doula
The postpartum period is often filled with a mixture of joy and uncertainty. Having a postpartum doula by your side can make this time feel more manageable, helping you feel supported and empowered as you adjust to life with a newborn.
From physical recovery and emotional support to practical newborn care and family dynamics, a postpartum doula offers a wealth of knowledge and experience that can make the transition smoother and more fulfilling. Our role isn’t just about helping you survive the early days of parenthood—it’s about helping you thrive in this new chapter of your life.
If you're considering hiring a postpartum doula, remember that you're not just investing in someone to help care for your baby—you’re investing in your own well-being, your relationship, and your long-term health as a new parent. You deserve that kind of support.
Postpartum doulas get booked in very quickly so if you think this is the support you'd like in your postpartum, make sure you search and meet a few doulas early in your pregnancy so you can choose the right one for you!
If you would like to connect with me, don't hesitate to get in touch for a free connection call!
I cover the areas of South Lanarkshire, Scottish Borders, Edinburgh and the Lothians, Glasgow and Ayrshire.
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