Mothering the Mother - Postnatal Doula Packages
The First Few Weeks of Parenthood
The first few weeks of parenthood can be tough. Suddenly, the medical team steps back, and you’re left on your own—often without the family or village we once relied on. Traditionally, new mothers were encouraged to rest and bond with their baby for weeks after birth, while relatives took care of meals, chores, and other children to support healing and the transition into parenthood.
Why Have a Postnatal Doula
A postnatal doula provides practical and emotional support to families during the early weeks after birth. Their role includes helping with recovery, baby care, breastfeeding, household tasks, and more to ease your transition into parenthood. Having a consistent, supportive presence can make all the difference in feeling confident and cared for during this precious but demanding time.
Why Choose Me
Many families describe having me as their postnatal doula like having a mum, sister, or aunty calling around to see what is needed. Life with a newborn is unpredictable, and I am completely flexible to how each day might be. My unique combination of skills and qualities ensures that you and your family are at ease and can relax knowing that everything is taken care of.
If you feel comfortable, I can even have a spare key to let myself in for visits, allowing you to rest undisturbed while I take care of things.
My Experience
I am a mum of two, and my journey into supporting families began with my experience as an OFSTED-registered childminder. I am now a qualified Waldorf Early Years Specialist, bringing a holistic and nurturing approach to my work. I have over 30 years of childcare experience, beginning as the eldest in a big family, helping raise younger siblings and generations of children. For eight years, I worked professionally at a busy sling library, supporting families with babywearing, breastfeeding, and the challenges of early parenthood.
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding is a key area where many families need guidance, and I bring both personal and professional experience to this. I breastfed my own two children full-term and have helped hundreds of women meet their own feeding goals. As a trained breastfeeding peer supporter, I provide practical guidance, help with common latch issues, and know when to refer to a specialist, such as an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). This blend of skilled and consistent support makes a real difference for families.
Types of Support Included
Breastfeeding peer support, providing practical guidance and help with latch issues, ensuring a smoother breastfeeding journey.
Healing postnatal massage to support your recovery.
Babywearing guidance to make life easier and strengthen the bond with your baby. Babywearing helps with breastfeeding, reduces postnatal depression and anxiety, and helps babies settle quicker and sleep for longer at night. I have a range of wraparound slings and structured carriers for you to try and use for the duration of my support.
Support for attachment and bonding, helping you and your partner feel confident in responding to your baby’s cues and building a secure connection.
Household help, such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for older children, so you can focus on your baby and your own well-being.
Filling your freezer with home-cooked, nutritious meals to support your recovery and save you time during those early weeks.
My Goal
My goal is to empower you and your partner, creating a nurturing environment where you can confidently embrace your new roles as parents. By taking the pressure off, I enable you to relax, bond as a family, and ease into the rhythm of caring for your new baby.
Pricing and Booking
I offer four levels of postnatal doula support to suit your family’s needs:
Basic Support Package
10 hours of postnatal support (10am-4pm, flexible scheduling).
Light household tasks, baby care, and feeding guidance.
Price: £350 (£35 per hour).
Medium Support Package
20 hours of postnatal support (10am-4pm, flexible scheduling).
Includes meal preparation and extended support for bonding and attachment.
Price: £650 (£32.50 per hour).
Complete Support Package
40 hours of postnatal support (10am-4pm, flexible scheduling).
Comprehensive care including massage, meal preparation, babywearing guidance, and breastfeeding support.
Price: £1200 (£30 per hour).
Super Deluxe Support Package
40 hours of postnatal support, including extended hours (7am-10pm, flexible scheduling).
Tailored support for fussy evenings, breastfeeding guidance, and companionship during solo parenting or when your partner is working.
Price: £1800 (£45 per hour).
Please feel free to get in touch if you'd like to discuss these packages further or book directly.
Testimonials
“Emma’s support was a lifeline during those first few weeks. She helped me gain confidence in breastfeeding and cared for my older child so I could focus on recovery. I can’t recommend her enough!” — Sarah, first-time mum
“Having Emma by our side was the best decision we made. Her practical help and calm presence made all the difference. We especially appreciated the home-cooked meals in our freezer—a true lifesaver!” — James and Emily, parents of two
“Emma’s experience and kindness shone through in everything she did. She helped me feel supported and capable when I needed it most. Thank you, Emma!” — Laura, mum of twins
“As a dad, I didn’t know how to best support my wife and new baby in those early weeks. Emma’s calm and knowledgeable approach made me feel confident and included. Her tips on babywearing and soothing were invaluable.” — Mark, first-time dad
How Does It Work?
Where possible, we’ll meet before the birth to discuss your preferences and create a plan for the early weeks. This initial meeting helps me tailor my support to your family’s specific needs and ensure a smooth transition into parenthood. If you've already had your baby and need support, we can chat over the phone about your needs, and I can slot in at whatever stage you're at. Life with a newborn can be unpredictable, so my approach is always flexible and tailored to your unique situation.
Ready to get started? Contact me today to discuss your needs or book a free consultation.
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A postnatal doula provides practical and emotional support to families during the early weeks after birth. Their role includes helping with recovery, baby care, breastfeeding, household tasks, and more to ease your transition into parenthood.
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Each visit is tailored to your family’s needs. Some common activities include meal preparation, breastfeeding support, baby care, light household tasks, and support for older siblings. My goal is to create a nurturing environment where you can focus on bonding with your baby and recovery.
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A midwife focuses on the medical aspects of birth and postnatal care, while a doula provides non-medical, hands-on support for the whole family, helping with daily life, emotional well-being, and confidence building.
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The duration depends on your needs. Some families need just a few weeks of support, while others prefer ongoing assistance for several months.
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I currently cover the Forest of Dean, Monmouth, and surrounding areas. For locations further afield, please get in touch—additional travel charges may apply.
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I typically offer support from 10am to 4pm. However, with the Super Deluxe Support Package, I can provide extended support from 7am to 10pm to help with those challenging fussy evenings. This is especially valuable for breastfeeding support, companionship during solo parenting, or when your partner is working.
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No, in most circumstances, the best person to parent your baby at night is YOU. Nighttime is crucial for bonding and breastfeeding, as prolactin levels (the hormone responsible for milk production) peak between 2-4am. Keeping your baby close helps establish breastfeeding and strengthens your connection. However, if you face extenuating circumstances, please reach out to discuss your needs and my availability. During the day, I can take care of your baby for short periods, allowing you to rest and recharge. I find that additional daytime support and being able to talk through strategies lifts the burden, and I can take your baby for short periods in the house, allowing you to catch up on sleep during the day.
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I provide support for families during the first three months of your baby’s life. Hours paid for but not taken after this time may be lost, so I recommend scheduling your support in advance to ensure you get the most out of your package.
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A postnatal doula provides practical and emotional support to families during the early weeks after birth. Their role includes helping with recovery, baby care, breastfeeding, household tasks, and more to ease your transition into parenthood.
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Yes, I offer free consultations to help you decide if postnatal doula support is right for your family. We can discuss your specific needs and how I can best support you during this time.
Inspired by her own transformative birth 16 years ago with the support of an Independent Midwife, Emma has dedicated her life to empowering women through evidence-based, personalised care.
With a degree in Antenatal Education and qualifications as a Doula, Pregnancy Yoga Teacher, and Breastfeeding Peer Supporter, she blends evidence-based research, compassion, and intuition to support families on their journey to parenthood.
Emma says, 'My mission is to help women trust their instincts, embrace their power, and confidently step into their roles as mothers, while ensuring their partners feel included and supported too.' "
