Nurturing Postnatal Support in Surrey
Postnatal care for families to thrive, not just survive.
Welcoming a new baby is an incredibly personal journey, and as an expectant or new parent, you might feel overwhelmed by the flood of information and choices you're facing. Whether you're navigating pregnancy or adjusting to life with your newborn, having the right support can make all the difference in feeling confident and empowered during this transformative time.
That’s where I come in. I’m Zara, a doula based in Godalming, Surrey, offering nurturing, personalised care that centres on your needs and your unique experience. I’m here to help you feel supported and grounded, guiding you through the ups and downs of pregnancy, birth, and the often-challenging early weeks—sometimes called the ‘fourth trimester.’ My goal is to provide the reassurance and practical help you need to make the best decisions for you and your family, so you can focus on what truly matters: bonding with your baby.
Explore how my postnatal doula services can help you navigate this exciting but sometimes overwhelming chapter of life with clarity and confidence.
Doula Services in Surrey
Postnatal doula in Surrey
Adjusting to life with a newborn can be both joyful and challenging, and having the right support can make all the difference.
My postnatal doula services, available across Surrey, are designed to help you and your family navigate this important time with confidence and ease.
As a postnatal doula, I focus on your well-being, ensuring you feel cared for, listened to, and supported in whatever ways you need. Whether it’s providing a safe space to talk through your feelings, offering practical guidance, or simply helping you rest and recover, my role is to nurture you as you care for your baby. This support can help you feel more balanced and confident as you adjust to your new role as a parent, while also ensuring your whole family feels cared for during this transition.
Developing Doulas: Mentoring
Tailored mentorship for the next generation of doulas looking to grow their confidence and business.
Since 2013, I’ve been dedicated to mentoring doulas, helping them grow in confidence and build thriving businesses. As a Developing Doulas Companion, I offer tailored support and guidance to both new and experienced doulas, whether you’re part of an organisation or working independently. Through a dedicated WhatsApp group, regular online meet-ups, and one-to-one mentoring sessions, I provide a safe, supportive space to share ideas, ask questions, and navigate the unique challenges of being a doula. If you’re looking for a mentor who understands your journey, I’m here to help you flourish. Let’s connect!
Postnatal doula & breastfeeding counsellor in Godalming, Surrey
I’m Zara, a very experienced postnatal doula, recognised by Doula UK, and based in Godalming, Surrey. I wholeheartedly love what I do!
The doula is a relatively unknown concept but the role is as ancient as the hills. Women supporting women is the foundation of empowering birth. Here in the West we’re now realising the incredible benefits of gathering a community of help around new parents.
Many people embarking on parenthood may not live close to family and friends and may not share their lives with them in an intimate way. As a result, new parents might have no immediate network to fall back on. A doula can provide extra support over and above any friends and family, and to enhance any private or NHS-led medical care involved with a new baby. Read more about me and why I doula!
Godalming Breastfeeding Drop In
Offering support & guidance at any stage of your breastfeeding journey. No need to book, just turn up and drop-in.
Well & Good, Godalming
Every second Thursday
1:00pm - 2.30pm
Kind words
What is a doula in the UK?
A doula, pronounced “doo la”, is also known as a birth companion and originates from the Ancient Greek word to mean female servant or slave.
Generally a female, she is a non-medical person who assists a woman before, during, or after childbirth, as well as her partner and/or family by providing information, physical and emotional support. They provide continuous support during labour and when combined with the help provided from nurses, family, friends and doctors, is associated with improved maternal and fetal health and a variety of other benefits.
doulabud FAQs
-
I respond to emails and messages promptly and generally suggest we have a phone chat and then arrange a meeting. You also have the option to book a thirty minute clarity call with me directly from the website at a time to suit you. An initial get together can be at your home or somewhere else. Since the pandemic, most of my bookings are made after a virtual meeting via Zoom or Facetime.
-
I generally take bookings for birth and postnatal work well in advance because building a relationship is so important to both me and expectant parents. Some clients decide on a doula very last minute and book literally weeks, sometimes days, before they are due. If I’m available we can arrange to meet and if not then I’m very happy to recommend alternative doulas.
-
The calming presence and unwavering support of a doula offers huge benefits in the antenatal period and during labour because the people around you have a significant impact on how you feel at what is an empowering yet vulnerable time. Similarly, the postnatal period is a time of huge transition and adjustment. We become an important and trusted figure in the childbirth year! A doula cannot guarantee there won’t be twists and turns, but a combination of being well prepared and having a trusted and constant companion cannot be underestimated. I team up with your partner if you have one but do not replace them or the Midwife and do not perform any clinical duties.
-
I offer my support as a doula to anyone, as long as we make a connection that leads to a positive, fruitful relationship, regardless of circumstances, gender, race or religion. My support is totally unbiased! Can I do better? Let me know if you see something that I need to reflect on.
-
I’m very happy to put you in touch with past clients either by email or phone. Please just ask.
-
Dads and partners can benefit immensely from the nurturing and practical support of a doula. My goal is to help them to step into their role as a new parent with greater confidence and ability to support the birthing person. She/they can then be safe in the knowledge that the new baby is in equally good hands with either parent. As a doula, I’ll always stand back and respect a couple and their privacy. Having a doula doesn’t mean you’ll have a ‘gooseberry’ hanging around. I believe I’m good at reading people and situations and sometimes just being present in the wings is enough, and at other times my support is very hands on. This interesting article explains how the support from a doula can be so important and freeing for the parent-to-be.
-
I live near Godalming in Surrey and cover my locality and anywhere that I can get to comfortably within 45 minutes. I am happy to discuss location so do email or call me.
-
Yes, I do. The deposit secures your booking. I generally take half of the full fee as a deposit and the balance closer to birth or once baby is born, for postnatal support. Payment plans are also available to suit you.
-
Yes, there is one for birth support and one for postnatal support. They are not legal documents but simply outline the terms of my services and our commitment to one another.
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