What is a postnatal doula?
Here’s a short video summarising what I typically do when I visit…
A postnatal doula is the best combination of a personal midwife mixed with a mother’s help- someone knowledgable and experienced with babies, who can reassure your worries about baby-related things, and help you resolve any issues in the postnatal period whilst keeping on top of the household jobs so you have time to focus on baby and to rest.
A postnatal doula will work in your home, walking through those early days and weeks with you, supporting and enabling you to become the best mother you can be, getting your family off to a great start! She won’t impose any ideas or routines on you and your baby but will instead support you as you find your own way, and can make suggestions if you wish.
The support given looks different for each family, but it often involves practical support in the home such as light housework, laundry, cooking meals, emptying/loading dishwasher, tidying up, shopping, or running errands. You will also be offered support, reassurance and information as you learn your new role as a mother, and have opportunity to debrief after your birth. Your doula could accompany you to appointments, help care for older siblings or walk a dog, and will offer to look after your baby whilst you take a relaxed shower, have a long daytime nap or spend time with an older child! And of course your doula would love to support you with learning baby care or any feeding struggles, show you how to bath your baby, or change a nappy, soothe an unsettled baby or even how to do a baby massage.
Why choose me as your postnatal doula?
I’m Janine Ebling, married, mum to our two lovely teenagers (plus labrador!) with 6 years previous experience working as a midwife locally in Guildford, Surrey and working as a postnatal doula for over 10 years! I love helping people and take a lot of satisfaction in making a positive difference to the experiences of a new family!
I am very experienced, reliable, punctual, conscientious and quiet natured, and so will offer a gentle but supportive presence in your home without being overbearing. I LOVE to cook (and people tell me I am very good at it!) and enjoy preparing you nutritious snacks, meals and extra for the freezer too!
My midwifery training and my many years of doula experience mean I am able to offer a unique balance of informed and sensitive care, and am able spot if anything is not quite right. I know where to signpost you to further help if needed and can reassure you when things are quite normal.
WHAT I LOVE…!
I love to carry babies in slings if you are happy for me to do this. I’d be very happy to help you to find a comfortable carrier for yourself too if you like.
My ideal day at work involves carrying a sleepy baby in a sling, whilst preparing a tasty dinner and doing a few jobs in the house. Mum takes a long rest upstairs, and wakes feeling refreshed, welcomed by the smell of good food, a content baby, and the laundry underway!
Please see the testimonials page if you’d like to read what previous clients think of me and the support I offer!