Postnatal Doula

Life with a new baby can be both wonderful and extremely challenging, all at the same time!  In days past, new mothers were supported by their family and community as they recovered from pregnancy and birth and learned to feed and connect with their new baby.  Unfortunately, in modern times, most women lack this intensive, knowledgeable and gentle support from their inner circle.  Enter the Postnatal Doula!

Before your baby is born, I help you develop skills and confidence for the postnatal period:

Prior to your baby’s birth, we’ll explore your vision for the first 6 to 12 postnatal weeks and the ways in which you’d like my support.  To help you prepare for the postnatal period, I provide a Postnatal Plan Workbook for you to discuss and complete in the final weeks of pregnancy.  I also give suggestions for products and services you may like to purchase or arrange in advance of birth.  Finally, I share a series of resources to assist you in a smooth transition to parenthood.

  • Part 1 – Setting Up Support and Adjusting to New Identities
  • Part 2 – Infant Consciousness and Nervous System Regulation
  • Part 3 – Breastfeeding: Getting Off to the Best Start
  • Part 4 – Soothing, Settling and Sleep

Once your baby is born, I provide support in your home and assistance with:

  • Birth debriefing
  • Embracing your new roles and identities
  • Bonding and interaction
  • Breastfeeding/Bottle feeding
  • Understanding infant states and stages 
  • Settling and sleeping
  • Babywearing
  • Belly binding (for mum)
  • Baby massage
  • Postnatal nutrition, including shopping for and preparing nutritious meals (Ayurvedic, Chinese, or Western), if desired (service does not include cost of groceries)
  • Light tidying and laundry
  • Looking after baby while mum rests
  • Referrals to other professionals if needed
  • Closing the Bones Ritual (from 6 weeks post-birth)
  • Postnatal massage in your home at a reduced hourly rate

I provide Postnatal Doula Support on either a casual or pre-booked package basis.  All Postnatal Doula visits are provided in minimum 3-hour blocks. Booking a postnatal package with multiple visits of 3-hour blocks is more cost-effective than casual bookings.  For casual bookings, your investment is $195  for a 3-hour visit.  For a package of 4 visits of 3 hours each (a total of 12 hours), your investment is $660Packages are valid for 12 weeks after birth and visits can be scheduled ahead of time or as needed.