I am often described as a very calm, supportive person and a natural listener. I strongly believe in the significance of postpartum care and am passionate about supporting new parents through this unique and transitional time. There is a saying in Ayervedic - 40 days for 40 years - meaning what happens to a mother in the first forty days after birth will impact her for the next 40 years of life. I strongly believe this and felt compelled to pursue this path following my own postpartum experience.
I gave birth to my daughter in March 2020, at the beginning of the covid-19 pandemic, just two weeks before the first lockdown. I found myself in the throes of new motherhood, navigating a rollercoaster of emotions and challenges, without any external support. Throughout my pregnancy, I had been incredibly focused on preparing for birth, but I felt that there was a real lack of information and resources given to prepare for postpartum life, and the emotional and physical challenges that it so often brings. I provide practical and emotional support to parents who are navigating life with a newborn. This includes cooking nourishing meals, looking after baby while parents get some much needed rest, feeding support, guidance with newborn care, birth de-briefing and providing a non-judgmental, safe and nurturing environment. My focus is on nurturing you as you rest, recuperate and settle in with your new baby.
Since completing my birth and postnatal doula course with BirthBliss Academy in May 2020, I have also completed courses in Postpartum Planning and Pediatric First Aid. I am very passionate about postpartum nutrition and cooking, and I enjoy experimenting with new recipes in my spare time. Over the years I have gained experience with over 30 different families (including those with twins) each with their own unique circumstances and challenges, ranging from reflux to tongue tie, feeding issues and more. I also offer overnight support to enable you to catch up on some much needed rest.
Testimonials
“Gemma was a godsend after the birth of our first child. I was learning how to mother a baby, and she was patiently mothering and nurturing me through that time. Gemma provided a non judgmental, safe space to talk, delicious and nourishing food (she’s an incredible chef!), and a hands on approach to help when I needed it. She is very knowledgeable about babies and maternity and was able to make a number of helpful recommendations, to share resources and more. Gemma became a friend during that time, and we recommend her wholeheartedly to any new parent and growing family” - Lauren, Archway
"Gemma has been absolutely amazing and the most supportive, kind and genuine person by our side, especially during a really new and vulnerable time in our lives. From the very beginning of meeting Gemma, we warmed to her immediately. I will never forget the day after I came home from the hospital after a complicated and quite traumatic birth and breaking down in front of Gemma - she listened, but actually really listened and offered reassurance and sensible, non judgemental advice that has stuck with me and is what I needed at that moment.
Gemma’s advice, guidance and support has been invaluable, and just the ‘normal’ chats (being a new mother can be quite isolating). It is non judgemental, not pushy and balanced - she offered different view points based on her own experience as a mother and what she has seen in her work with other families. She is also the most incredible cook, and made us really nutritious food and snacks that made life so much easier for us.
Gemma has given me the confidence that I particularly needed to feel like I was keeping my head above water and being a good parent and we have been so grateful that she has been on this crazy journey with us. And of course, our son absolutely adores her (plus she’s got a knack of getting babies to sleep!). We cannot thank Gemma enough!" - Marisa, Hampstead
"Gemma is a wonderful Doula who helped me to navigate the postpartum journey and first experience of motherhood with comfort and support. Not only is she fantastic with babies but she is also a lovely person. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Gemma to any parents looking for a reliable and experienced Doula." - Sophie, Haringey
"Gemma is the most wonderful addition to a new baby household. My baby and I would not have got through those first few weeks at home without her. Her skills seemed endless but to mention just a few of the things we appreciated the most. Starting with food! The yummy meals and snacks not only tasted amazing but were all super nutritious and always made me feel full while allowing me to relax in knowing i was eating well for both myself and baby. Gemma was super organised and happy to collect things on her way to us each day at the drop of a text. She helped us get a wonderful lactation consultant over to the house to cut baby’s tongue tie; it was all a little overwhelming for me in that moment and Gemma could tell that and took the task on herself, making all the arrangements and simply communicating the options before booking. She taught us how to use a carrying sling and offered endless support and ideas on how to increase breastmilk supply and improve baby feeding in general. Her influence is one of calmness and serenity and her demeanour polite, open and friendly. She is an Angel and we could not recommend her highly enough" - Lucy, Stoke Newington
"Gemma supported our family for 3 months after the birth of our second son, who was born by emergency c-section. I was keen to create a postpartum bubble at home, get plenty of rest so I could bond with my baby and focus on my physical recovery. Gemma listened to our needs and helped us plan before the birth. From day one, she was so kind and supportive. Gemma is a very caring person and we always looked forward to her visits. As soon as she stepped in, I felt calmer and knew I could relax because she would be there for us. On each visit, she cooked amazing nutritious meals and postpartum smoothies that helped restore my energy levels. She would hold my son so I could have plenty of time to take a shower, have a nap or just enjoy a bit of me time. After her visits, I felt so relaxed and at peace. Gemma is a great doula and I would highly recommend her to anyone considering postnatal support" - Charlotte, Haringey
“Gemma is a really kind person who was extremely supportive to me throughout a difficult period. Gemma was very happy to get stuck in and cook for us, go to the shops, etc. and also always offered to do more and varied things for us. Gemma is gentle, kind and funny. I think she sensed that I just needed to see and chat with someone else during that tough time, and also to talk about my birth experience. I enjoyed chatting with her and often the first 45 mins of her visit would just be us catching up which I really enjoyed!” - Jill, Islington
"Gemma is a wonderful Doula who helped me to navigate the postpartum journey and first experience of motherhood with comfort and support. Not only is she fantastic with babies but she is also a lovely person. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Gemma to any parents looking for a reliable and experienced Doula." - Sophie, Haringey
“Gemma was wonderful, nothing was too much trouble and she was ready and able to help with anything and everything, which has been a blessing for me. Having Gemma with us was just what I needed at this vulnerable time in my life to help me strike a new balance between being a Mother to two under two. Gemma is like a warm friend, gentle, considerate and non judgemental” - Arianna, Finchley
"We would highly recommend Gemma Dawson for her Doula services. As a family she supported us through the early newborn stages through to our son being 16 months, when we then moved from London. Gemma was fantastic with our son and we always felt at ease when she took care of him. Gemma is very calm and approachable in her nature and we found our son loved this." - Sophie, Muswell Hill
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