Postpartum Doula
Since experiencing my own journey into Motherhood, I have developed a passion for all things preconception, pregnancy and in particular postpartum care. During my initial postpartum transition, I recognised the gap and lack of postpartum support for the new mother.
My personal journey from maiden to mother is the reason why I delved into Postpartum doula study. I want to support this transition incorporating Naturopathic philosophy and herbal medicine.
What is a Postpartum Doula?
Doula originates from the Greek word meaning woman servant.
Postpartum meaning the period of time after a birth.
A postpartum doula is a professional support person who provides guidance, evidence-based education, non-judgement support and practical hands-on help for the family in the days and months after birth. A postpartum doula has an understanding of the individual needs of the postpartum mum, baby, partner and siblings to thrive.
“Giving birth is one of the most significant initiations in a woman’s life, for when a child is born, his/her mother is born too.”
When a child is born, so is a mother. With this new identity comes a myriad of questions and responsibilities that traditionally and historically weren’t performed alone. We've shifted from a village culture to one where we often parent in isolation with infrequent connections to a community network. This marked absence has left many new mothers feeling disconnected.
Helena’s Postpartum Doula Offerings
Matrescence is the physical, emotional, hormonal and social transition to becoming a mother and as your postpartum doula, my intention is to serve as a resource and provide physical, emotional, and guidance to a new mother and her family.
Some of my offerings:
Physical & Emotional support into your new role.
Nutrition ensuring you are nourished, warm and healing post-birth.
Newborn Care and helping out with any younger children.
Traditional postpartum support such as belly binding, massage, and herbal teas.
Light Housekeeping to relieve you from chores so you can focus on yourself and bubs needs.
Resources, Information and Contacts for additional support if needed.
Personalised Naturopathic support so you can thrive in the 4th trimester and beyond.
And so much more!
“As a Woman, There is a transformation that occurs when you become a Mother.
A transformation that starts with pregnancy, and does not ‘finish’ for as long as you are raising your children.
In our current society, and the value we place on motherhood, this transition has been completely ignored, misunderstood and dismissed.”
Overall, a Postpartum Doula ensures a smooth transition into your new role
I am here to make you, your partner and baby as comfortable and healthy as possible. In the cases of many first-time parents, there is little to no familiarity with caring for a newborn. When you work with me, you get the personalised help you and your family need.
As a Postpartum Doula, I will take the strain off of your partner as it’s a much easier process if your partner doesn’t have to worry about the mundane tasks around the house. I fill in wherever I am needed. this often helps both parents keep their families on-track. My job is to make sure that parents and baby are physically, mentally and emotionally sound.
The support you may need and want will vary from mother-to-mother. It’s recommended if you are wanting to proceed with hiring a doula to make an appointment during your pregnancy to discuss and plan what you want your postpartum transition to look like. Of course, this can be altered if you’re wanting to tweak or change anything when the time comes.