FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND HELPFUL TO KNOW….

I’ve read your website / seen your profile on Doula UK / you’ve been recommended by a friend or midwife. I think I may like you to be my postnatal doula. What do I do next?

Great! Please get in touch via the form on the website, email me or call me on 07958961396 and we can arrange a good time for a free call, either via Zoom, on the phone, or in person. It gives you the opportunity to answer any questions you have, find out a bit more about me and decide if I’m the right person to support you during this incredibly special time. 

What kind of support do most clients tend to ask for?

Every family and new parent is unique and so their requirements will be unique. I tailor my support to whatever you think you need at the time and that can change day by day. Practical support can range from things such as breastfeeding/ bottle feeding support, building confidence with things such as bathing your baby, carrying your baby in a sling, helping you navigate car seats, buggies and baby equipment. I can do light housework to help your home feel more under control, clean and tidy.

I can look after older children if you have them while you focus on your new baby, accompany you to appointments, do shopping, cook nutritious meals for you in your home, or batch-cook so you can stock up your freezer. I can look after your baby so you can have a shower or a leisurely soak in the bath, take a rest or catch up on much-needed sleep.

You may want me to come with you on public transport with you to boost your confidence or come in the car to a hospital appointment or give you a lift somewhere.

I can look after your baby and be nearby while you do something that you enjoy or do something self-care orientated such as having a massage, or getting your hair done at the hairdressers….whatever makes you feel good or gives you a boost of calm. 

And another big part of the support is emotional support. You’ve just been through a life-changing experience and so naturally that will prompt a whole range of emotions, some of which may be very new to you. Sharing how you are feeling with a completely non-judgmental and calm, listening-ear, processing your feelings, and feeling fully-supported are all ways in which I help clients. Friends and family members may be on hand to help you too but they often come with their own needs, agendas, requirements, (not to mention… opinions). As your postnatal doula I am a baggage-free, totally non-judgemental presence. My only aim is to whole-heartedly support you and bring calm, care and comfort to you.

Do you come at set times of the day for visits?

No, there are no fixed times or restrictions. Visits tend to be a minimum of 3 hours unless you live very close in which case I can possibly pop round for shorter periods of time. I aim to be as flexible as possible and we can arrange on a week by week basis / sometimes day by day basis, whether morning, lunchtime, afternoon or evening is most helpful to you as you find your way. I am also available to do overnight stays or late evening stays. Early starts from 7am are an option too if that is helpful. I’m an early riser!

Do you support partners or other family members?

Yes I do. My role as a postnatal doula is to 'mother the mother' and so the mum or birthing person will be my priority, providing whatever support they need to rest, recover and enjoy their new baby. But I am on hand to support the entire family too so that may include partners debriefing their experiences, older children needing to be looked after or kept busy while you focus on your new baby, or it could be the other way round, you may want to give your older child or children some attention while I focus on your baby for a while. Everyone in the home is adjusting to the arrival of a new baby, including pets, so I’m there for everyone if needed.

You say you can help with meal preparation and help to stock the freezer with home-cooked meals, do you make the meals in your home or mine?

All cooking and meal-preparation is done at your home within the time frame of a session. I have a list of popular meals I can cook and prepare and which I share with you beforehand but I’m also happy to follow a new recipe. I definitely can’t describe myself as a gourmet chef but I’m a competent cook and so can attempt to make any requests or things you specifically feel like. I’ve been asked before if I can batch cook things at my home and bring them to clients, I’m afraid the answer to that is no. There are strict rules in place and Food Hygiene Certificates required etc for any business preparing food from home which is why doulas tend to cook at their clients’ homes.

What about the payment side of things?

Once you have decided you would like to book me I ask for half of the payment as a deposit which secures your booking so, typically, if you are a client booking the support package - 20 hours for £500 - the deposit will be £250.

If you are a client who has already had your baby and you want to book me for a certain number of sessions I ask for half the payment in advance as a deposit.

Do you provide a contract?

Yes, I provide a contract that outlines my terms and commitment to supporting you which we sign online prior to any deposit being paid. 

Where are you based and what areas do you cover?

I am based in East Dulwich and cover a wide area of South East and South London including Dulwich, Denmark Hill, Camberwell, Peckham, Nunhead, Brixton, Tulse Hill, Clapham, Brockley, Crofton Park, Ladywell, Forest Hill, Honor Oak, Lewisham, Blackheath, Sydenham, Crystal Palace, Herne Hill, Catford, Hither Green, Deptford, New Cross, Rotherhithe, Bermondsey, Surrey Quays, Streatham.

I have a car although tend to take public transport, walk or cycle when supporting clients. One less car on our busy streets is a plus but it will depend on how far away you are.

I have pets at my home. Is that ok?

Yes, totally fine. I love animals and am happy around them. During a session at your home I can help with dog walking or you can walk your dog while I carry your baby or push your baby in their buggy. Whatever you feel like doing, have the energy for and whatever makes you happiest or calmest.

If I book you for a certain number of sessions then decide I want you to stay for more is that possible?

Yes. I am as flexible as I can be. It will depend on whether I have another client booked and what my diary is looking like but the ideal scenario is that I continue to support you for as long as you feel you need me to. Some clients need a quick stop-gap to catch up on rest, or maybe they need to recover from a C-Section. Others may want some extra support while they get to grips with breast-feeding or bottle-feeding and might only require a couple of weeks of sessions. Other clients may want ongoing support for many months. I’m here to cover all scenarios and situations.

There is a saying that, ‘The doula’s role is to work herself out of a job.’ As soon as you feel rested, confident, and able to manage on your own then my work is done but communication and support is ongoing. You may decide a month after I stop seeing you that you suddenly need some support again, that’s fine too. Just stay in touch.

Is there anything else I should know?

I am fully insured, have paediatric first aid training and am DBS checked. I can provide copies of proof of insurance and my certificates if you would like to see them, please just ask.