Why Postnatal Doulas are one of the best gifts for a new mum: My approach as a North London based Doula

Manu Trisoglio, a doula based in North London, writes about why a postnatal doula is the best gift you can get for a new mum.

Each mother plans for their birth and postpartum differently. 

Indeed, many don’t give any thought to after the baby is born, so whether you’re looking for a postnatal doula for yourself or you’re a friend, work colleague or family member, looking for the perfect gift for your loved one who is having a baby, by understanding what postnatal doulas do and what I offer in particular, you can make sure mum and baby can get off to the best start. 

I’ve written this blog as an honest summary of my approach to my work as a postnatal doula in North/North West London. I hope it gives you a good idea of what you can expect from a postnatal doula, whether that is me if you’re local or someone else if you’re further afield! 

Why Have a Postnatal Doula?

Having a postnatal doula is one of the best gifts you can give yourself after your baby is born. I think it should be a necessity!  There’s a reason why this time with your newborn is called the Fourth Trimester. Your body has grown and nurtured a baby all these months, you have gone through labour and birthed your baby and now your hormones, which maintained your pregnancy, are all changing, your body is producing milk, your baby is stuck to you like glue, you are likely to be feeling sore, exhausted and the lack of sleep will be hitting you hard. 

What better way to get through the first weeks than to have a dedicated, knowledgeable support person by your side, just there for you, to talk to, to share your concerns with, to provide you with the encouragement you may need to learn how to be the mother you need to be to your baby?  

1. Looking after YOU in the postnatal period

The postnatal period is a critical time for self-nurturing and rest and can greatly impact how fast you recover and whether you experience post-natal depression. I do my utmost to support your emotional and physical wellbeing and recovery.

As a postnatal doula, I’m here for you from as early as when your baby is born, for as long as you feel you need me. I follow your lead, step in when needed, lend a hand so you can have a rest, a much-needed shower, or a home cooked nutritious meal. 

2. Breastfeeding support 

I offer breastfeeding support, I’ll check your baby’s latch and positioning, offer advice and tips on expressing milk, collecting and storing milk and then of course bottle feeding if that’s something you wish to do. 

Many mums plan to exclusively breastfeed but end up supplementing with formula.  I will support you however you feed your baby, showing you how to correctly bottle feed, which bottles to use, how to safely make up a bottle of formula, how to avoid baby rushing a feed, taking too much and getting wind.  I can show you baby massage techniques, different holds to alleviate colic and wind/gas.

3. Learning your newborn baby’s cues

I’ll help you identify your baby’s needs so you can learn to read their cues.  I’ll show you how to look after your baby, including bathing, swaddling, and comforting. How to use a sling if you decide to use one.  I can attend any appointments with you and your baby, or look after your baby at home whilst you go out for a walk.  

My main role is to look after you, so you can regain your strength and enjoy bonding with your baby and settle into your new role as a mum.  

4. Supporting your partner as you start your new lives as a family

I can also support your partner to learn when to step in to help you, take the baby and comfort the baby so you can share the parenting in those early days.  I can help you learn to trust your instincts as you make your way through the minefield of advice that you may be bombarded with from well-meaning friends, family, books and social media.

5. Holistic care & nutrition

My lifelong interest in nutrition and holistic health enables me to incorporate my knowledge into our sessions, offering tips on who you / your baby should see if there is a particular issue, what supplements and probiotics you may like to take to support your body and breast milk production.  I can cook healthy meals for you if this is something you would be interested in, and if time allows.  I always recommend that couples stock up their freezer before they go into labour so that they have lots of ready meals that just need to be heated up, like stews, fish pies, lasagne, etc. 

In conclusion

Postnatal doulas, like me, offer invaluable support during one of the most transformative and challenging times in a new mother's life. I can provide personalised care, emotional support, and practical assistance, ensuring that all my new mums have the time and space to bond with their babies while navigating the early days of motherhood. With my expert knowledge in newborn care, breastfeeding, and postpartum recovery, as a postnatal doula I can help reduce stress and anxiety, promote healing, and foster confidence in new parents. By investing in a postnatal doula, you are giving yourself the gift of emotional well-being, physical recovery, and the reassurance that you are not alone during this beautiful yet demanding journey. For any new mum, it’s the gift that nurtures both the mother and the baby, setting the foundation for a positive and supported experience of parenthood.

If you like the sound of this for yourself or for a friend or family member (and you/they are based within 6 miles of N2 in North/North West London), please do take a look at my postnatal services. I offer a range of packages and gift certificates that can be redeemed against these!