What does a postnatal doula do?
Many doulas who provide birth doula services also offer a postnatal service though not all. There are also doulas who prefer to only support parents in the postnatal period. Postnatal doula support is mother focused. As with birth support each client, and within that each visit may be different according to their individual needs. Postnatal work may include assistance with house work and cooking lunch or spending time with you, discussing your feelings & experiences of motherhood and holding baby whilst mother has a shower!
Postnatal doula's usually accept block bookings with a certain number of visits a week booked at once. Often an hourly fee is agreed and a postnatal doula may require a minimum booking of 3 or 4 hours per session (sometimes mileage is extra). A deposit is also generally required.
It is advisable to meet with your postnatal doula prior to the arrival of your baby and discuss what you feel your needs may be after the birth, what aspects of postnatal life you may like support with and also the frequency/length of the contract. This ensures your support can begin as soon as you are ready and also that the doula has ensured she has allocated enough time for you over the period you are hiring her services.
About Barefoot Mummys postnatal doula services
Barefoot Mummy offers a postnatal doula service to families in the Peterborough area. I have a Basic Food & Hygiene certificate and am also working towards the NCT Diploma in Postnatal Group Faciliation which is accredited by the University Of Bedfordshire. This focuses entirely on the needs of new mothers and looks at all aspects of life from experiences of birth, to life with a new baby, and changes in relationships.
I'm always happy to help around the house, pick up shopping for you and spend time with your little one (whether going for a walk or holding them whilst they sleep and you shower!) & entertain older children also in the house. I also am great at stopping by and listening to how your day/night has been, and simply being there with you.
I will be honest though and say from the beginning my cooking is really not that good so I will probably not be the ideal postnatal doula for you if you are looking forward to someone who will bring around lovely homemade lasagne's and casseroles...I do make a great cup of tea though!
Click here for full information on what is included in Barefoot Mummy's support packages.
Want to know more about Postnatal Doula's?
Doula UK have a section dedicated to parents wanting to find out more about hiring a doula which has guidelines and even provides a list of questions you may wish to ask a prospective postnatal doula