Postnatal doula in Surrey
As a postnatal doula I can be with a family anywhere from a few hours for a few weeks to full time for a few months. I aim to gradually decrease the number of days and hours that I work, in consultation with my client until they feel confident in their new role and are ready for me to move on. But, I mean it when I say I’m always at the end of the phone.
I have a fundamental believe in a concept that the three months after birth are known as the fourth trimester. These two articles here and here explain the concept fully. To me, this period should be a time when a new family has the unequivocal support and space to gently adjust to what is a completely different way of life. It is a huge transition, whether it’s welcoming baby number one or baby number five. New families deserve this support.
Unlike a nanny or maternity nurse, a postnatal doula not only helps to care for and nurture the newborn and any siblings, but empower and support the family as a whole. We place the mother/birthing person as the focus and ensure they are well nourished, as rested as possible and can talk to their doula about anything their mind: this is nurturing and is at the heart of the postnatal doula role.
Making a plan for when your baby arrives
We make plans and lists for almost everything else in life! Putting thought and intention into how the early days and weeks after birth might look, can support a gentle transition into parenting
Book a Postpartum Intentions Planning Session with me
“I will protect you until you are grown and then I will let you fly free, but loving you, that is for always”
- Charlotte Gray
The first step
If you would like to chat to find out what support I can offer, an initial meeting is free and with no obligation. It’s a chance to explore how a doula might best support you and your family, address any questions you have and for us to learn a little more about one another. Chemistry is an extremely important part of the doula-client relationship, so this meeting is an ideal opportunity to see whether we might be a good fit. We can chat on the phone, over Zoom and face to face. Whatever works for you. If you have a partner, I thoroughly recommend they are part of this process too.
Doula UK has a list of prospective questions, which may help you to think about what you’d like to discuss with me.
Your doula support
The range of support provided by a postnatal doula may include:
listening to anything and everything on the mother’s mind, including talking about the birth experience and if needed drawing on professional connections to assist with any issues;
looking after mum so she can focus on looking after her new baby
looking after the new baby so mum can sleep, rest, or do whatever fills her cup
Massage - ease some of the physical tensions and help to relax
shopping, running errands, light housework and driving after a cesarean birth
Cooking nutritious meals and snacks. Food prep, shopping and meal planning.
caring for pets and older siblings, including the school run (depending upon their insurance provision)
assistance with exclusive breastfeeding and expressing, mixed feeding or bottle feeding;
finally, a doula is always available virtually, at any stage during the relationship.
Natalie & Zara - 2022
Postnatal doula packages
Doulabud postnatal package 12 hours
My fee is £384 for a block of 12 hours
Doulabud postnatal package 20 hours
My fee is £600 for a block of 20 hours
Included in both packages:
Postnatal Planning Session of two hours
Postnatal Intentions Planner
Infant Feeding Support
Postpartum Massage - at every visit if you like!
My rates are inclusive of travel but exclude parking charges where applicable
Any blocks of hours booked are to be used within six weeks of me starting with you. In certain circumstances, other arrangements have been made, but this is done on a client by client basis.
Sessions can be from 3 hours +
For some clients, it is really lovely to start working together at the end of pregnancy. I can cook for you (often batch cooking for the freezer) and help you prepare for your new arrival, both in practical terms and by ensuring you have space to consider your emotional needs. I am also happy to offer relaxing massage.
Doulabud taster session 3 hours
My fee is £100 for three hours
If you’d like to see whether my doula support is for you, book a one off session of 3 hours. If you go onto book a package these hours can be included in the 12 hour or 20 hour options.
This is a great gift idea for new families.
£38 per hour
Doulabud ad hoc postnatal support - 1 hour
Great option if you require some specific support
My fee is £38 per hour for ad-hoc support. No minimum number of hours or deposit required.
Includes Postpartum massage
My rates are inclusive of travel but exclude parking charges where applicable
We can agree an estimated number of hours at the outset, and then I am happy to take it week by week, depending on your needs and my other commitments.
£130
Postpartum Planning Session 3 hours from 36 week pregnant. In home visit
+ 6 weeks of WhatsApp support after birth
Three hours to plan for your 4th trimester, face to face or via Zoom. My sessions are focused on you and tailored to what your needs are likely to be in order to have the best postpartum experience possible. I am then available as your virtual doula, on hand to answer any questions, and give you as much support and signposting as you need in the first four weeks after birth.
This can be offered as a stand alone service or as part of a package.
Why plan for your postpartum?
Nurturing through the 4th Trimester
Recovery
Rest & pace yourself
Nourishment
Relationships
Support Circles
Single parents
What do you need to thrive?
Anything else to consider?
Postpartum selfcare ideas
Feeding choices
My breastfeeding story
Parenting choices
Postpartum musings
My postpartum needs
My hopes & my worries
Acknowledging my strengths
Notes & reflections
Podcast recommendations
Ongoing support once baby arrives
Includes a beautiful postpartum planner so you can set out your intentions.
£150
Doulabud Nurturing Postpartum Massage
Includes the opportunity to reflect on the birth and anything else that might have come up. Newborn babies are welcome to be part of our session.
Up to 3 hours
I offer a gentle, nurturing session which is a combination of healing ritual and wrapping with rebozos. I focus attention on the abdomen, work on the feet and finish with a gentle facial/head massage. I enjoy creating a deeply restorative environment for new mamas/parents, so they can honour their amazing bodies, post birth. It can be performed at any point after giving birth but most often is done in the immediate postnatal period. This session can be incredibly healing following a loss as well. I have held space for women on so many different journeys. I give with all my heart.
This makes a wonderful postpartum gift. Please get in touch for more information
My experience as a postnatal doula in Surrey
I’ve had the pleasure of working with well over 600 families in the postnatal period, from first time parents to large noisy families, families with pets, single parents, parents with twins, parents and infants with disabilities, bereaved parents and those with premature and sick babies who have spent difficult times in NICU.
I embrace them all and offer my support wholeheartedly. Each and every family has different postnatal needs which means I bring a fresh approach and draw on a vast range of the skills and knowledge that I have. Regardless of the family’s dynamics and needs, listening comes top of the list for me.
Please contact me to discuss how I can help support the arrival of a new baby into your family.
Postnatal client testimonials
“I find Zara very willing and flexible and she’ll do whatever she can most usefully to support a family”
— Emma, Twickenham
“ I have so enjoyed her company and feel she is an excellent doula, possessing all the skills to make mother, baby and family feel well loved and looked after”
— Emily, Richmond
“Her positive, can-do attitude is a real strength. She has been low maintenance, high return. Exactly what we needed”
— Sal and Philip, Guildford
“Zara gave me the luxury of time with the new baby. She also provided help, support and confidence with the challenge of caring for all three”
— Jo, Guildford
FAQs
Do you suggest a particular length of time for postnatal support?
No, again this will depend on your requirements. I realise it can be tricky to guesstimate what you might need before baby arrives, however I am used to fitting in and working around my clients – this is part of the role! As a general guide, I normally suggest four to six weeks (sometimes more for multiples), with the aim of decreasing the days and hours as we go along.
Do you help clients with breastfeeding?
Yes, In November 2014 I started on a journey towards gaining an even deeper understanding of the many ways I could further support new mothers and their feeding choices. Wanting to add to both my knowledge and practical skills, I decided to train as a Breastfeeding Counsellor with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers. In February 2015 I became an ABM Mother Supporter and I am delighted to say I am now a certified Counsellor, which also involves working on the National Breastfeeding Helpline and the ABM Helpline. I’m not a lactation consultant but can refer you to a number of NHS and private choices, should you need that kind of one-to-one support in the postnatal phase. There is also free local and phone advice available from La Leche League, the National Breastfeeding Helpline, on which I volunteer, and the NCT Breastfeeding helpline on 0300 330 0771.
What does your abdominal massage involve?
We start with a consultation either before birth or as soon after birth as possible. Any treatments normally start after the first seven days, when the initial ‘nesting period’ finishes. I suggest either two or three 30 minute massages each week for the first month, with each session lasting around two hours. I also help to show new mums how to use the techniques herself. My approach is to make this massage a time of ritual: calm, peaceful and nurturing.
I can also offer a 30 minute neck, back and shoulder massage to relieve tension and aid relaxation for a new mama. This can be added into any postnatal visit if so desired. I am not a massage therapist but have very good hands and lots of experience!
What will you receive from me as your postnatal doula?
I offer an individual service tailored to suit the exact needs of each client, which often change week by week. I can start immediately after birth or once the partner, if there is one, has gone back to work. I tend to work between 3–5 hours at a time to ensure you have your space too.
What do postnatal doulas do?
I’m very adaptable and will fit in with the family, but below is a list of some of the things new parents find really welcome:
De-briefing the birth experience.Listening to anything on yours or your partner’s mind.
Practical support to help you and your family care for your newborn, including looking after the new baby so mum can rest, sleep, shower or have a bath.
Signposting to local services.
Supporting your feeding choices, including breastfeeding support and expert referrals where necessary.
Accompanying you to any appointments or driving after a cesarean birth.
Shopping, running errands and light housework.
I am a baby wearing Peer Supporter so can help you look at your options and demonstrate baby wearing holds.
Indian Head Massage/Neck, Back & Shoulders MassageClosing the Bones (small extra fee)
Family meal Planning.Food Matters! Nutritious meals and snacks that promote and support postnatal recovery.
Looking after other siblings, including school and nursery runs, as well as caring for pets.
If you need further support I’ll still be available by email, phone, WhatsApp, or in person, plus I can refer you to other birth and postnatal professionals if relevant.
Last but not least, I’m very happy to support families with older children who might be facing challenges such as illness or bereavement.
My doula affiliations
“The incomparable Zara. This woman is the best listener, a force of nature, full of so much love, optimism, non judgemental support and wisdom that it make me want another baby just so I can get her to be my doula again (almost)”
— Natalie, Surrey
Contact doulabud
I hope the information on my website will have answered as many of your initial questions as possible. You can contact me by phone, email and the contact form below. I really look forward to chatting with you soon.
Godalming, Surrey