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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT POSTNATAL DOULA SUPPORT

Hopefully any questions you have about what my support as a postnatal doula looks like will be answered here.
If not, and you have further questions or would like to talk to me about booking postnatal support please get in touch.

WHY SHOULD I HAVE A POSTNATAL DOULA?

Research shows that support from a postnatal doula reduces the incidence of postnatal depression and anxiety as well as improving breastfeeding success rates.

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A postnatal doula can also help your physical recovery, help you find your parenting style and can support you in enjoying your new baby without some of the pressures and distractions of day to day life.

WHAT DOES YOUR SUPPORT INCLUDE?

As a postnatal doula I consider what I do as caring for the family. You may also hear doula services refered to as "mothering the mother" or "parenting the parents".

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I care for and support families in their physical recovery from birth and broken sleep - it may look like holding the baby while a parent showers or naps, it may look like preparing a snack and drink for the parent as baby is fed.

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I care for and support families practically in their own home - sometimes doing laundry or changing the bedsheets, sometimes preparing a meal or running the hoover over high traffic areas of the home.

I care for and support families emotionally in their parenting - a warm cup of tea and chat about feelings, a laugh about something "baby brain" made happen or just listening to a parent trying to make a tough decision, and discussing their options.

WHAT AREA DO YOU COVER?

I'm based near the Hertfordshire Bedfordshire border, in Herts. As such I cover both counties and in special circumstances I travel further afield.
I have worked with families in Luton, Dunstable, Harpenden, St Albans, Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth, Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamstead and Tring.

I'm happy to confirm whether or not I travel to your area if you contact me.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU HAVE?

I've undertaken training with both Nurturing Birth and Red Tent Doulas.
I have a attained a certificate of Higher Education in Maternal and Neonatal Health Studies from the University of Hertfordshire.
I have been awarded a Degree in Complementary Therapies by the University of Greenwich.

I am a Certified Infant Massage Instructor having followed a training programme from the International Association of Infant Massage.

I am a Mindful Breastfeeding Coach after completing a course from the Mindful Breastfeeding School.

I have completed the foundation level breastfeedingg support training from the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers.
I trained as a baby and child carrying consultant with Slingababy.

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ARE YOU INSURED?

I have public liability and professional indemnity insurance in place, it covers me for all aspects of my doula practice. It is renewed annually. I've never had insurance denied or had cause to make a claim against my professional insurance.

I also have a disclosure and barring service (DBS) certificate, available for clients to view. It is updated regularly. (This was formerly known as a criminal record bureau check).

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?

I have a first aid certificate, renewed every 3 years, following an approved course from the British Red Cross.
I have a certificate in Food Safety after following a course approved by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.
I've undertaken various continuing professional development courses including;

"Building Babies Brains: Brain development and positive parenting"
"Reducing the risk of SIDS and SUID" and

"Safeguarding and Child Protection"

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