Louise Print-Lyons; Post-Natal Doula Services

01/02/2023

Received a gorgeous card today. Its such a privilege to do this job and to make a difference

"Dear Lou,

Thank you from us three for making such a difference to our new little family. Your reassuring presence felt like a hug when you turned up. Thank you for listening to me moan from breastfeeding to mother-in laws. I hope our paths cross again (baby #2??) And wish you all the best"

09/01/2023

I love this post

Not everyone has family close enough in location or emotion to do this for them but every new parent deserves some of this!

I try to create this support in the time I'm with a family and its incredibly special

My parents visited when you were four weeks old. Dad quietly got to work. He cleaned our oven and fridge. The smell of Dettol filled our flat and felt like love. Mum kept the washing rolling over and made the beds. They bought organic strawberries from a local farmers market. "This will do you good. Get those vitamins zinging" Mum said.

They could see I was delirious with no sleep so they took you after a feed and packed me off to bed. I could hear them trying to pacify you for a wee while as I zonked out.

Dad apologetically nudged me from my slumber: "Sorry doll. He's hungry again." I didn't understand why he was apologising. I had woken up smiling and refreshed. "How long was I out for? It felt like ages" I said, as if I were emerging from a coma. Dad half-laughed his reply: "About 20 minutes".

Between feeds, Mum held you and you melted into her arms. You looked more content with her than with me. But I didn't mind. I put it down to the bigger b***s but really it was some innate calmness. I watched her little ways. She knew exactly how to hold you. How to pat you. How to talk to you. "Tell me a wee story" she'd say as you looked up wide-eyed and round-mouthed. It felt like a masterclass in mothering that I needed to see. I had felt silly talking to you up until that point.

There is nothing quite so delicate as a first-time mum. She will never forget the way people tried to help. Those who wrapped her up in love and for a moment made her feel like a baby again.

Words: Karen McMillan (Mother Truths)

Collection of Poetry and Prose on Early Motherhood available to buy worldwide: https://linktr.ee/mother_truths

29/10/2022

This job 🥰 what a joy and privilege

26/09/2022

A spot of CPD over the summer. . . . . Important but hopefully never needed

10/08/2022

This baby wrap is my most useful tool for postnatal doula work but it also came in very handy for a weary 6 year old at Brighton Pride this weekend 🤣🌈🤩

06/07/2022

Batch cooking !
The perfect task for a postnatal doula with fussy post vaccinations baby asleep in the sling and Mum sleeping.

High energy, healthy, nutritious quick dip-in food for the next few day or so.

Crustless quiche first on the menu

23/05/2022

Post natal doula top tip-

Don't put down your birthing ball after the birth!!! No, no, no!

It's such a useful addition in the early weeks, particularly those fussy 6-9 weekly old babies who need a lot of in arm time. Bouncing whilst sitting on one of these recreates walking around very well. Babies love it and it's more restful for your body that the evening pacing!

20/05/2022

Baby in sling whilst mum is sleeping.. . . . A nutritious, energy boosting salad ready for when she wakes.

What would you top it with? This time I went with freshly roasted chicken.

This is the reason postnatal support is so valuable! The first few weeks focus for parents on feeding (parent and infant), rest and recovery whilst adapting to a new way of life 🤎

19/05/2022

This was a brilliant day with brilliant people working on a really important project!

15/04/2022

When hanging out with the dog starts to look like postnatal work 🤣
He is living his best life!

11/04/2022

THE most perfect day for an afternoon fresh air carry nap for this gorgeous postnatal client baby who is growing up fast 🥰

28/03/2022

🙋‍♀️🙋‍♀️ this is what I do 😊

What do you need to help you recover, adjust and thrive with a new baby? Postnatal doulas responsibilities change each day based on what you and your family need.

A postnatal doula arrives with a listening ear ready to give you emotional, informational and practical support. Across the world, parenting is not designed to be done alone, during the fourth trimester your postnatal doula is there to nurture and nourish you so you can be a rested, reassured and happier parent.

You can find a postnatal doula here: https://doula.org.uk/find-a-doula/