Are you going doulally?

would you kill for a couple of hours sleep? wish somebody would tuck you up on the sofa with a sandwich and cup of tea whilst they got on with the washing up and entertaining your toddler? or rocked your newborn to sleep? or perhaps even looked after your baby throughout the night leaving you to get a blissful whole night of uninterrupted sleep?

Then you need a Postnatal Doula!

What is a Doula?

The word doula (pronounced doo-la) comes from Greek, and refers to “a woman of service” or even “slave”!  Doulas can either work as Birth Doulas (where they are in contact with the mum and dad antenatally, helping to prepare them for the birth and then are present on the day of the birth itself (for Sarah's Birth Doula services please see http://www.birthfriendly.co.uk)  or postnatal doulas, who work for the new family after the arrival of their baby.

Postnatal doulas typically work with a new family for up to six months after the baby's birth. They aim to empower the new mum and dad, building their confidence in their own abilities as new parents, rather than to take over care of the baby and imposing their own routine as a maternity nurse or nanny might. The last thing a postnatal doula would want to do would be to "take over" the running of the new family's household.

Typically postnatal doulas will pamper the new mum, helping her to rest, making her food and drink and doing light housework, they may take the dog for a walk or entertain older children so that the new mum and baby have time to bond. Years ago we would have had our mums or extended family around us for several weeks after the birth helping the transition into motherhood, however in more modern times this support isn't always available and the new dads are expected to be back at work within only two weeks of the birth.

Postnatal doulas will also have knowledge of breastfeeding and babycare and can often pass on a few tips and tricks as well as guiding the new mum and dad to up to date sources of babycare information, but never telling them what to do!

What training do you have?

Firstly, and I believe most importantly, I am a mother to four young children. During my journey as a new mother I have experienced many challenges and struggles. I know how it feels when tiredness overcomes you, when you just wish you could take a few moments out. I know how it feels to have people constantly forcing their opinions on your, "she would stop crying if only you would do this" or "in my day we used to do this" and how undermining that can be to your confidence as a new mum. I know what new mums need more than anything is understanding, respect, patience and empowerment.

In 2007 I undertook my doula training with Michel Odent – the world famous French Obstetrician with Paramanadoula training in London, this training was furthered in 2009 by attending a course by Developing Doulas in Norfolk.

I am also a qualified first aider and hold a current first aid certificate. On top of this I am a qualified Happiest Baby Calmer, a Women and Children's Homeopath and a Baby Massage Instructor.

I am also a member of Doula UK,  the UK's largest registering body for doulas and hold a current CRB check and a full driving licence. I am currently a fully recognised Birth Doula and a Trainee Postnatal Doula, meaning I have completed all the necessary accredited training but am still undergoing mentorship for my postnatal work until I have complete enough hours of mentored postnatal doula'ing. For more information on this process please click on the logo below:

How much do you charge?

Whilst still working under Doula UK trainee status my fees are limited to only £10 per hour. I usually work for three hours per day for a minimum booking of five days. Mileage expenses are chargable at 50 pence per mile for each return trip.

Doula UK offer a wonderful "Gift of Love" scheme where you could ask family and friends to purchase Doula UK gift vouchers instead of the usual new baby present. Of course I happily accept these vouchers. For more information on this scheme click on the picture below: 

What hours do you work?

I work between 9:30am and 2:30pm weekday daytimes. I am also availablie for a limited amount of evening work (see below).

What  area do you cover?

I offer postnatal doula services within the following towns and village in Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire and Suffolk:

Ashwell, Ashdon, Balsham, Bartlow, Bishops Stortford, Baldock, Cambridge, Cambourne, Clavering, Debden, Dunmow, Duxford, Elsenham, Fulbourn, Great Chesterford, Haslingfield, Harston, Harlow, Halstead, Haverhill, Henham, Ickleton,  Linton, Melbourn, Newport, Radwinter, Quendon, Royston, Sawston, Saffron Walden, Sawbridgeworth, Shelford, Stansted, Thaxted, Trumpington, The Pelhams, Whittlesford and surrounds.

Do you offer a Night Doula Service?

I offer a limited night cover service within 20 miles of Saffron Walden. I will arrive at your house at 9pm and stay with your baby throughout the night, feeding, nappy changing and soothing your little one as much as required. I will then leave at 7am after having dressed your baby for the day ahead. The fee for this service is £100 per night. Further hours are chargeable at £10 per hour. In all cases mileage is chargeable at 50pence per mile - return - to and from my home in Saffron Walden.

Do you offer babysitting services?

Yes, I do offer a limited babysitting service, within 10miles of Saffron Walden (including Bishops Stortford, Cambridge, Dunmow, Duxford, Haverhill, Royston, Saffron Walden, Sawston & Stansted).

My fee for evening babysitting is £10 per hour, with return mileage chargeable at 50pence per mile.

BabyCalm(TM) offer baby massage classes, baby homeopathy, postnatal doula services, babysitting services, hypnotherapy and relaxation classes for new mums and baby calming workshops across Cambs, Essex, Herts & Suffolk including Baby Massage, Postnatal Doula services and relaxation classes in Bishops Stortford, Baldock, Bury St. Edmunds, Braintree, Cambridge, Dunmow, Duxford, Haverhill, Halstead, Harlow, Letchworth, Newmarket, Whittlesford, Royston, Trumpington, Sawston, Stansted, Sawbridgeworth, Saffron Walden, Thaxted, Thetford and surrounding villages.