Iryna Saliy

About Me

Hello! My name is Iryna Saliy, mentored postnatal doula.

As a mother of four children (ranging from 8 to 27!) and a grandmother of one, motherhood and caring for others have long been the defining features of my identity.

Having always enjoyed helping friends with their new borns, much like a doula would, I was overjoyed when a friend told me that my passion had a name. I realised this was something I could do for women every day.

I was born in Ukraine but have spent my adult life living in London. Raising my children far away from home and family, without the experienced support of other women, I was very aware that something was missing. Although I was enjoying being a mum, I often didn’t feel cared for. This awareness has grown into the central value of my doula philosophy: that for a positive experience of motherhood, woman-centered care is essential. In many cultures around the world, the beautiful traditions of nurturing the mother have been proven to have positive outcomes for mother, infant and the family. The theme common to many of these traditions is the centrality of the mother ­- she is praised, she is the center of attention, because the life and wellbeing of the baby depends on her. If she is taken care of well, then she will take care of her baby well. The presence and support of another experienced woman, enables the mother to heal and strengthen after birth, as well as softly transitioning into motherhood.

I breastfed all of my children and have offered extensive support to friends over the years, and hope to help you too. However, I completely respect many women’s decisions to not breastfeed their children, and take a non-judgemental approach. I leave the mothering to the mother.

It’s always nice to have someone around to listen to you fears, feelings, concerns or jubilant moments – I provide emotional support and a listening ear.

My services will always depend on your needs, but in general can include,
-helping with baby care
-breast feeding or bottle feeding support
-helping with household chores
-looking after other children whilst you are sleeping or resting with your baby
-helping with your shopping
-cooking you a tasty, nutritious, homely lunch, or helping to prep for dinner
-accompanying you to the baby clinic or GP surgeries
-going for a walk with your baby
-night support
-offering support in the month leading up to your birth (which can include all of the above, especially if you have another young one at home).

I would be more than glad to help you take care of your twins or multiples as well!
(I’ve completed a ‘Twins & Multiples’ workshop with Doula UK.).

I can provide a DBS certificate, I am also certified in baby first aid, and have completed the ‘Understanding Newborns’ workshop with Doula UK.