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Postnatal (Recognised since May 2023)
Lives in: Aberdeen AB25
Local info and availability:
Most areas of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
Other services:
I also offer:
Hypnobirthing Classes (with specific workshops for Induction and Caesarean).
Postnatal Planning and preparation workshops.
TBR 3 Step Rewind for birth trauma
Training to be an Infant Feeding Doula
How to contact Louise:
Use the Contact form below or:
https://theparentnanny.co.uk
louise@mindfulmamma.co.uk
07841762855
About Me
If you are pregnant and haven’t thought about what to expect in those first few months, then this is the time to start.
Postnatal education and support is just as important as antenatal education.
My story & why I want to support postnatally
Before I became a postnatal doula and hypnobirthing practitioner, I was a primary school teacher, specialising in the Early Years so I have always been passionate about education and nurture.
Then I became a parent and unfortunately, I suffered from postnatal depression and anxiety after the birth of my daughter in 2017. It was during this time that I realised I had not prepared for life with a baby, I had only prepared for birth. I felt overwhelmed by parenthood and didn’t feel like I had thought of any possible obstacles to a calm and confident first year of motherhood.
When I sought support I found that postnatal support in Aberdeen was lacking. There was some support but it was very limited and often did not incorporate a holistic approach to the parenting journey. I did have family around me, but often they would give me advice that didn’t always fit with what felt right for me.
So I re-trained and became a hypnobirthing practitioner and postnatal doula to make sure that I could offer “wrap around” support for new parents. I am truly passionate about birthing people and their families feeling supported, heard and understood throughout their parenting journey.
The skills I bring and my philosophy
As a former Early Years teacher I bring the skills of nurture and being able to encourage independence and learning through doing. I aim to provide you and your family with the knowledge and encouragement to become calm, empowered and fully independent. My aim is to help you to thrive rather than just survive and to enjoy the rollercoaster that is parenthood.
As a hypnobirthing practitioner, I also bring many self-hypnosis and mindfulness techniques to postnatal support and recovery. Many of these techniques are about building trust in yourself and building the strength of your parenting voice and instinct.
What my clients say:
“Our experience working with (Louise) has been phenomenal. I can honestly say that I don’t think I could’ve begun my journey into motherhood without her support. The help she provided both practically and emotionally has been incredible. There was a mutual respect, and shared values. She never crossed any boundaries and yet I felt she was constantly there by my side (whether physically or via phone/text) every step of the way. I have learned so much from her. I feel fortunate that the transition into this stage of my life felt smoother with her guidance. If I were to have another baby, I would certainly call on her once more.”
“Louise is an excellent doula, who provided a flexible and person-centred doula service. She helped me emotionally and practically, learning how to forge out a new identity as a first time mum. I would recommend Louise to any expectant mum or dad to be.”
Postnatal Doula Support. What I include:
Emotional Support
De-brief on birth experience.
Listening ear to support a range of feelings, emotions or situations. This can be for the birthing person, their partner and extended family.
A sounding board for ideas on a range of parenting issues.
Continuous checking in with emotional and mental health and well-being at each session.
Emotional support for you partner and wider family.
Practical Support
Looking after baby while mum rests/sleeps/showers/attends to other child.
Helping with an older child.
Helping with local errands (picking up provisions, dropping things off).
Supporting with infant care – demonstrating nappy care, baby bathing, infant feeding, safe sleep, swaddling etc.
Preparing drinks, snacks or meals – making sure mother is hydrated and fed.
Under-taking simple household chores – putting on or hanging up a washing, washing dishes, putting away dishes, light tidying, putting away soiled baby clothes, light hoovering.
Informational Support
All informational support will be provided as evidence based research and will give you a range of options to choose from. This will allow you to make independent but informed choices on a range of topics, including:
Infant feeding.
Safe sleeping.
Parenting methods and choices.
Physical recovery for mum (breast care, caesarean care etc).
Signposting to further services should you or your family need them.
I breastfed both of my children and I am training to become an Infant Feeding Doula. I have completed my training and am working with case study families to extend my knowledge.
