In the years since my children were born I have come to realise the value of good support networks, and the positive effect they can have. Especially from someone who is focused on you and your well being who you can trust and feel comfortable with. This led me to change my focus and career, and after working in IT for many years I retrained with Developing Doulas, Slingababy and the NCT. This refocus has enabled me to support many women and their families through the transition to parenthood and beyond. As a mentored doula, baby carrying consultant, breastfeeding peer supporter, and an NCT Practitioner it’s an incredible privilege to be able to walk alongside people, holding space for them, listening to their stories, and supporting them to make the choices that are right for them. The postnatal period is a time of change and adjustment, and sometimes you may feel you need a little more support. For everyone I work with this looks different, it’s perhaps some support to allow you to rest and recuperate after birth (which may involve meal preparation, looking after siblings, light housework), perhaps supporting you with the care of your new baby or babies, sometimes it may be company and reassurance, or supporting a family to make sense of information and evidence to make the parenting choices that are right for them. A postnatal doula can be on hand to support you in your transition whether it’s your first baby or fifth, we can fill many roles and functions but primarily we support you to become the parent you want to be with practical, emotional and non judgemental support. This can be especially useful in the 4th trimester when you and your baby are just getting used to each other. Around the world this is a period where new mothers are encouraged to rest and recuperate whilst getting to know their new baby. In a more dispersed society we don’t always have the support we need from family and friends to facilitate this, and this is where the support of a doula can be beneficial. As a postnatal doula I can provide both practical and emotional support to you to enable you to be the parent you want to be, supporting you and your family just when you need it.