Thula Doula

25/10/2023

So lovely to talk all things postnatal and early parenting with Carrie Overton on Meridian FM last week. Here is the link to the recording.

Join Carrie as she meets doula Jonell Rolland and has a conversation she wishes she had years ago when her first baby was born. Jonell gives helpful insights and fantastic advice about preparing for the '4th trimester' - the first 3 months after birth. Plus Carrie takes an indepth look into how to g...

17/10/2023

I feel so excited… (and honoured and a little nervous), to be interviewed by Carrie Overton on East Grinstead’s very own Meridian Radio! This afternoon at 2pm. We’re going to talk all things postnatal and infant feeding.

10/10/2023

Signed, sealed, delivered! Thank you and for such an insightful course on a very complex topic.

04/10/2023

The very first Mummy Morning took place at Dunnings Mill pub this morning. Twelve mums came, all socialised and met new mummy friends, plus those who needed it got feeding and general baby support. I’m already looking forward to next week!

01/10/2023

I’ve made this printed little info sheet a while ago… every so often I realise that new grandparents may feel at a loss as to how to support their kids with n the postnatal phase/fourth trimester. The main message is: hold them so they can hold their baby. I also see that support for new dads are often overlooked. Yet, statistically 1 in 10 new dads struggle with mental health postnatally.

30/09/2023

It’s been such a privilege to work with this lovely family. I know we’ll see each other again, but I’ll really miss seeing them every week.

29/09/2023

18/09/2023

I have availability from 1 November. I can support families up to one hour away from East Grinstead. Short sessions focussed on breastfeeding support are also available! Get in touch for a chat. 💕🦄🌟

13/09/2023

‘s cheesy carrot stars ( or any shape your toddler likes) is always a hit, easy to pack for a day out, and easy for little hands to hold.

12/09/2023

Lots of ongoing research is being done on the function of the microbiome. Until about 12 years ago, we were unaware of this vital organism which is part of our immune system. With allergies on the rise and autoimmune disease becoming the status quo, it is worth learning about the microbiome and how we can make it flourish. Unfortunately we live in a germ obsessed world - especially after covid, and we use antibacterial cleaning products that kill bath good and bad bacteria. Did you know that by washing your surfaces with a little (I repeat a little) dishwashing liquid is adequate to avoid disease? In fact, you can clean your whole house with 3 products: bicarb, vinegar and dishwashing liquid. By “sterilising” our houses we actually make ourselves more prone to disease. Bonus: it’s also better for the environment!

05/09/2023

Sometimes going back to school after a long break can be almost as daunting as starting for the first time. I remember that feeling so well, and saw signs of it in my own girls this week. My go to tips for whenever they have to face a change (which has happened often as we lived as expats for many years) are the following:
1. Validate their feelings: it’s easy to say “don’t worry it won’t be that hard”, but that’s minimising their emotions, and they may not want to share with you in future. Rather help them name their emotions and remind them that emotions pass.
2. Make sure they know what is going to happen if it is their first day. Explain that repeatedly as it sometimes takes time for all that info to sink in.
3. Be there when they get home, have snack together and let them unwind.
4. When they are ready to talk, as specific questions - you’ll probably just get a one worded reply if you ask a question like “how was your day?” (I learned this the hard way! 😃)
5. Remind them of their strengths and previous positive experiences in a playful and upbeat way to build their confidence in their own abilities to handle uncertainty.

Okay, enough adulting for one day - now you may go and cry on your bed! 😂🤪

01/09/2023

I really enjoyed the course and it’s helped me tremendously in my general understanding and studying of the beautiful art of breastfeeding.