Postnatal
Doula Support
in Surrey
Postnatal Support for New Parents.
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.
Make 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.
“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
My doula affiliations
My experience as a postnatal doula in Surrey
I’ve had the pleasure of working with well over 1000 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.
Kind words
“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
FAQs
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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I’m very happy to put you in touch with past clients either by email or phone. Please just ask.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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I work closely with a number of wonderful and trusted doulas. Where possible I’ll always ensure that one of them is free to back me up. This is always part of a discussion.
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