Adrienne Symonds

About Me

Who am I

Hi, I’m Adrienne!

I’m a Public health nutritionist, Lactation consultant (IBCLC), Postnatal Doula and Educator.

I’ve been supporting parents in the hospital, community and home settings for around ten years. I currently split my time between supporting individual family units and teaching health professionals, peer supporters and advocates to provide care in the community.

My extensive experience of supporting families antenatally, throughout birth and postpartum has brought me into contact with a wonderfully varied range of family dynamics, with different support needs.

As such, I feel hugely passionate about providing unbiased support for families to make the decisions that are right for them, whatever they may be.

Me!

I have three children (under ten!) and have experienced both home and hospital births with a mixture of Doula support, independent midwifery and NHS support. As such I’ve experienced very different levels of care and support. As a result I feel very passionate about providing the support needed to enable optimal recovery and transition into the new family dynamic.

Why postnatal support?

I believe that consistent, quality support at the key window of opportunity is an invaluable experience that sets every parent up for the best possible start.

Unfortunately in our modern world, many of us are lacking the village of support which would have traditionally surrounded us, leaving many of us feeling isolated and exhausted, scouring the internet in panic for the information and support needed to make it through this life changing window of transition.

Our health care systems are simply not set up for individualised care beyond the immediacy of birth. On top of this, the lack of continuity in care, along with timely, evidenced based guidance means that too many parents are left alone and struggling at this life changing time.

My postnatal visits may include;

Breastfeeding, combination feeding or bottle (cup or syringe) feeding support.

Discussion and dissection of evidence based research. Support making and attending appointments, tongue tie procedure, heel prick tests, hearing screenings, paediatrics and so on.

Meal planning support, including but not limited to, preparation of nutritionally complete foods for the whole family.

Birth debriefing and emotional support specific to the family unit.

Optimal postnatal recovery support such as Sitz bathing and magnesium foot bowls.

A later session often includes coming along for the first feed in a public place or finding and attending support groups in your area.

Where face to face support isn’t possible ie. For those outside of my travel zone or families needing to isolate. I offer zoom packages, which will include postage of support package.

Essential postpartum package

6 (2hour) visits. Visits may be scheduled at a time that works best for your family. We will discuss in advance a pattern that would work best for your circumstances.

This may be daily for the first two weeks, or taken in blocks to overcome a difficulty. I can work flexibly to accommodate your needs. Additional ‘add on’ support hours may be requested at any time, subject to availability.

The feeding package

A block of 6 visits (2hours) of support which focusses specifically on your feeding options. Perfect for establishing breastfeeding, expressing or giving you the space and time to develop a combination feeding schedule that works for you.

Additional support

Weekly support package

2 hour visit each week for the first 12 weeks. Recommend weekly support following an initial post partum package.

Afternoon/evening support package

Afternoons and evenings can be particularly tricky periods for both new and experienced parents.

I offer additional support out of hours to help get you into the swing of things. Making sure the dreaded evening shift is a thing of the past.

Nutritional package-coming soon!!

Tailored practical help to get you back on your feet.

A meal service which is tailored to your individual needs. Providing a range of nourishing delicious meals and snacks to help support your body to gently heal.

Specially developed meal plans will be developed with your nutritional and medical needs in mind. All meals are designed with optimal recovery in mind.

As such a range of easy digestion, immune boosting meals, which promote maximum nutrient absorption will prepared and dropped to you, at home.

Just heat up a pot when you’re ready and enjoy a nutrient packed, nourishing meal.

The nutrition package takes the pressure off from having to prep and cook meals in the immediate post partum haze. Protecting your precious time with your new baby, whilst giving you the reassurance that your entire family’s nutritional needs are being met.

The meal service (basic) includes;

• 7 evening meals for two (adult) to cover the first week of the baby moon period.
• 14 lighter meals and snacks including a mixture of savoury and sweeter portions which can be enjoyed at anytime.

The meal services run for a minimum of one week but can be ordered to cover any time period.

Additional family members; younger children, support figures, visiting friends and family can also be catered for. A basic package will be arranged prior to baby’s arrival, additional weeks can be added with due notice.