Postpartum Doula Support
What is a Doula?
Loving individuals have supported families through labour, birth and postpartum long before the modern use of the word ‘doula’.
We serve as compassionate companions during the most transformative of times, providing mental, emotional and physical support.
Most importantly, we strive to attend to each family with the utmost dignity and respect, putting aside our own preferences to focus on the hopes and dreams of the people we serve.
The Benefits of Hiring a Postpartum Doula
Feel Confident
More confidence in parenting skills and competence, and higher breastfeeding rates.
Feel Content
A much lower rate of postpartum mood disorders, including depression.
Feel Connected
Deeper bonds between parents and infants.
Feel in Control
Hiring a professional who can help you formulate a postpartum plan can bring order and direction, enabling you to rest and enjoy the critical fourth trimester.
Do You Deserve a Postpartum Doula?
The fourth trimester is a time of amazing intensity and massive adjustment. The most supportive things a family can receive in those wild and unpredictable early postpartum days are the ones that often get neglected: warm, nourishing food; quiet time for recuperation; and moments for self-care, celebration and ritual.
It’s difficult to reconcile the unique needs of postpartum with the demands of our fast-paced society – how can we slow down and do less in a world that constantly demands for us to do more?
In other times, in other places around the world, a postpartum period of healing and adjustment were expected and encouraged. The understanding was that the new mother was as vulnerable as the newborn; new parents require their own steady stream of nurture and nourishment so that they may in turn offer the same to baby. Having support in the postpartum period allows you to really lean into those tender moments, knowing you are supported and cared for.
When working with families I strive to provide the type of care that I am so deeply inspired by. I hope to bring back the village and the strong sense of community that once was so natural and abundant. The vision of Mother Natured is to support families holistically by offering a range of hands-on services that are grounded in the deep wisdom of ancient postpartum practices.
“After birth there’s a sacred window of time. A time of complete rejuvenation of a woman’s physical, mental and spiritual health. The first 42 days after birth set the stage for her next 42 years.”
Ysha Oakes
My Offerings
My core aim is to guide and nurture your family after birth, providing you with an empathetic listening ear, gentle hands-on care, and educational support that will allow you to thrive in your new role.
I also love providing the following services:
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Food is more than just fuel for the body - it should nourish us on an emotional and spiritual level. This is all the more important during the vulnerable postpartum period.
I can help you to understand the fundamental nutritional needs postpartum, suggest recipes or even cook for you!
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In Ayurvedic tradition, a new mother is given a massage every day! Regular postpartum massage helps to tone the body, heals muscles, and soothes the nervous system to leave the body, mind and soul feeling balanced, calm and nurtured.
We can tailor a massage plan to suit you, and I can also teach you how to self-massage.
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Postpartum belly wrapping is practised in traditions across the world (even England, until a few decades ago). It can help with back and pelvic pain, repair diastasis recti, improve posture during breastfeeding and aid digestion.
I use the traditional Bengkung belly wrapping technique, as the cloth is wonderfully flexible and comfortable, and customised to your unique body and requirements.
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I can teach you how to massage your baby to promote relaxation, relieve gas and strengthen the attachment bond for parents and caregivers.
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The loss of a child is overwhelmingly tragic, no matter their age. In a culture that is so hesitant to talk openly about death and dying, those who have suffered pregnancy and infant loss often suffer alone.
I aim to offer an open-hearted and gentle presence to families who are navigating the physiological and emotional intricacies of this postpartum period.
Curious?
Let’s arrange a no-obligation call - I can explain my offerings in more detail, and you can ask as many questions as you like!