My role as a Postnatal Doula is to support you and your family. I will encourage you to follow your own instincts as a new child/children arrive into your family. I can interact sensitively with other health professionals if needed to give you and your baby/babies the support and care you may need, enabling you to rest and recover in the comfort of your own home. I have many years of infant feeding experience so this too may come in handy in those early days.
During our time together I can bake some nourishing meals and remind you to keep hydrated. I can also focus closely on feeding, whatever form this may take, giving you the support to explore this in your own home in more depth. From my experience on the postnatal ward as an infant feeding specialist, I know just how tricky those first weeks can be. I will help you to gain strength, knowledge, and understand your baby's cues while helping to manage everything else you may be dealing with. Maybe it's cooking, hanging out washing, holding your baby to give you some time to relax, lay in a bath or catch up on some well-earned sleep.
After the birth of our Son in 2010 I realised just how enormous this change was going to be to us, and looking back I don't think we were prepared at all. I was caught up in what others were doing, and what I thought my baby should be doing, rather than listening to what I knew instinctively. I had moved to a new area and had very little support network around me.
In 2014 I trained to be a Peer Supporter and volunteered at Café Milk (was Baby Café) which I am now a Trustee for. During my time here I have learned invaluable skills that I am forever grateful for and met friends for life. Having regularly visited for feeding support with both my babies, I realised just how much I benefitted from additional maternal support. In 2016 I joined the NHS as part of the infant feeding team working alongside the midwives on the postnatal ward. It made me realise how important early support can be to ensure a successful feeding experience, especially for first time parents as there is so much to navigate.
I trained to be a Postnatal Doula with Younique Postnatal in 2019 and am now working as a recognised Postnatal Doula. It is a real pleasure to be able to bring warmth and humour into what can sometimes be an intense and isolating time for parents.
The bond that is gained in those very early days is so fragile and essential. Now my children are older (14 and 11) I realise just how precious those early days are. My aim as a doula is to empower parents to trust their own instincts and most importantly to feel heard.
If you are pregnant or planning a family and are looking at postnatal support I am really happy to have a chat. I offer a free 20 minute call. Look forward to hearing from you.
Warm wishes, Romy
www.romydoula.com
www.instagram.com/romy_doula
