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About me

Katie Small, doula and breastfeeding coach supporting families in Dorset, Hampshire and online

I'm Katie, married to Jon and mum to Daisy and Leo.

I was born in Dorset, spent my childhood in Devon, and spent most of my twenties and thirties working for the Civil Service in London. In 2024 we made the decision to move back to Dorset to be nearer to family and make memories by the sea.

I struggled in the early days of being a mum. It took us a while to have the baby that we desperately wanted, and the anxiety that I felt through my pregnancy, and a long drawn out birth experience, meant that my baby didn't feel like mine when she was born.

My children are my absolute world now, but I felt so guilty for not feeling that 'instant rush of love', and as nobody told me it was normal my postpartum experience suffered as a result.

My breastfeeding journey was challenging to say the least. Daisy was sleepy and struggled to latch, I didn't seem to produce any colostrum, and if it wasn't for the kind, patient support of one amazing nurse I think our journey would've ended before it began. I'm so grateful to her.

I also had an image of how motherhood would look. I saw myself as a capable woman and thought I could prove to the world that I could be a great mum, keep my house spotless, be a wonderful host, and turn up to all the baby groups looking impeccable. Unsurprisingly, my perfectionism meant that I hit burnout pretty quickly.

After Leo was born, in one of the most powerful experiences I've had, I decided to train as a hypnobirthing teacher and help families worldwide to find their power in birth. As I supported more and more families through pregnancy I realised how little support there is available for families in those early days and weeks after birth, and I decided that I wanted to play my part in rewriting this story.

I decided to train as a birth and postnatal doula, alongside deepening my breastfeeding knowledge by training as a Breastfeeding Peer Supporter and then as a Breastfeeding Counsellor, and I haven't looked back. As well as supporting families as a doula, I also regularly answer calls as a volunteer on the National Breastfeeding Helpline.

It's a huge honour to be welcomed into a family and trusted by them at one of the most special times in their lives.

When I'm not supporting families or being caught up in the whirlwind of motherhood, I love carving out time to myself to get out in nature or spend time by the sea. I strongly believe that taking time to prioritise myself helps me to hold space for my family, and the wonderful families that I support. You'll often find me at the Sandbanks sauna, or walking in the New Forset.

I love music festivals, musicals, kitchen discos, Prosecco, and planning holidays - particularly road trips in our campervan, Diego.

I've been a vegetarian since I was eight, I have a degree in French and Russian and it's my dream to spend a Summer in Tuscany learning Italian. I'm also a minimalist, but sadly Jon and the kids aren't, so I love nothing better than going round my house with a big bag searching for things to give to charity that they won't miss!

I would love to support you and your family as you navigate this wonderful but sometimes challenging journey of early parenthood. If you'd like to find out whether I could be the doula for you, you can book a free, no obligation 30-minute connection call where we can have a chat over a cup of tea and get to know each other a bit better.

Book a free chat

Just when you think you’ve got the hang of things, your baby decides to switch it up 😅

This is one of those breastfeeding changes that can catch parents off guard around 10-12 weeks - suddenly feeding every 1-1.5 hours during the day when it used to be more spaced out. It’s easy to spiral into worry about supply or wonder if something’s wrong.

But often a baby is just sleeping longer stretches at night (amazing!) and making up for those missed feeds during the day. When you look at the full 24 hours, they’re still getting plenty - just redistributed differently.

(It’s also really normal for this to NOT happen! Some babies want to feed at night for months, and into toddlerhood)

But parenting is a bit of a bitch like this 😂. Every time you feel like you’ve got a handle on one stage, a new one pops up to throw a spanner in the works.

This is exactly why having someone in your corner can make all the difference. My pocket breastfeeding support means you don’t have to figure out these twists and turns alone - whether it’s a quick reassurance that everything’s normal, or working through adjustments together, I’m here to help you feel confident through all the changes.

Drop me a message if you’d like to chat about support 💕

Katie x

#dorsetdoula #preparingtobreastfeed #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #breastfeedingsupport #breastfeedingtips #hampshiredoula

There’s so much that I want for you in those first weeks with your newborn ❤️

I want you to have the energy to stare at their little face and feel present - not just exhausted.

I want you to experience those 2am feeds as quiet, bonding moments - not feeling overwhelmed and alone.

I want you to actually ENJOY these fleeting newborn days - not just get through them. Because they’re ⭐️MAGICAL⭐️

But it’s hard to be present for the magic when you’re running on fumes.

It’s hard to soak up the newborn snuggles when you’re worried about whether your baby’s latch is ‘right’, when you last ate, or if cluster feeding is normal.

And it’s hard to make beautiful memories when you’re choosing between sleep and a shower, googling at 3am, and trying to function on two hours of broken sleep.

That’s where I can help.

I’m not going to promise you a baby who sleeps through the night. I don’t do sleep training or magic schedules. Your baby is going to wake up frequently - that’s completely normal, and exactly what they should be doing.

But what I CAN offer is someone who holds your baby so you can sleep properly - not that half-asleep thing where you’re listening for every sound, but PROPER sleep.

Someone who can reassure you about evening cluster feeding (or support you if tweaks are needed).

Someone who takes things OFF your plate instead of adding to it.

Because when you’re rested, when you’re feeling confident, when the mental load is lighter - then you can be present for the magic.

If you’re pregnant and reading this thinking ‘yes, I want THAT’ - I’d love to chat.

Book a free connection call (link in bio) and let’s chat about what support could look like for your family.

You deserve more than to ‘survive’. You deserve to absolutely treasure those early days.

Katie x

#dorsetdoula #newmumselfcare #breastfeedingsupport #bournemouthmums #poolemums #newforestmums

This is exactly what I want for you in your fourth trimester.

Not the pressure to be doing everything - hosting visitors, keeping the house perfect, bouncing back, proving you’ve got it figured out.

Just the space to be present with your baby.

I know that’s really hard to do when you’re drowning in laundry, haven’t slept properly in days, and your mental to-do list is screaming at you.

Thats why I do what I do.

I handle the practical stuff - the washing, the meals, holding the baby who only sleeps on a person - so you actually get to rest.

So you can notice your baby’s little faces. So you can feel connected instead of overwhelmed.

You don’t have to earn rest. And you don’t have to do it all.

You just need to be there. Properly. And I’ll make sure you can be ❤️

Drop me a message about availability for postnatal doula and overnight support in Dorset and Hampshire, or book a connection call in my bio to find out a bit more.

Katie x

#dorsetdoula #hampshiredoula #doulasupport #fourthtrimestersupport

You know that thought that keeps appearing? ‘What if having a c-section means I can’t breastfeed?’

It’s there when you’re trying to sleep. It’s there when you’re packing your hospital bag. It’s LOUD when you’re reading the breastfeeding chapter in your pregnancy book.

But that worry - that niggle in your mind - can impact your breastfeeding journey far more than the actual caesarean ever could.

Because when you’re already convinced your milk won’t come in properly, cluster feeding feels like proof you were right. Unsettled moment feels like you have no milk. Every well-meaning suggestion to ‘just give a bottle’ feels like confirmation that you can’t do this.

But you CAN do this.

My own breastfeeding journey didn’t start smoothly - I was separated from my baby while she was in special care, my recovery was tough, the hospital was understaffed.

But there was one person who took the time to sit with me, who gently encouraged me when I started to feel upset and frustrated, who believed I could do this when I wasn’t sure myself.

They caught my niggles before they became my entire story.

And that’s what I want to be for you.

❤️When you’re preparing, we’ll talk through hand expressing, comfortable positions, what to expect - so you walk into your caesarean feeling confident, not scared.

❤️In those early hours, I’m there to help you get comfortable, to reassure you that cluster feeding is normal, to catch that ‘see, I knew it wouldn’t work’ thought before it takes root.

❤️In the days after, I help you navigate the practical stuff, answer your questions, and remind you that you ARE doing this.

Because the difference between a caesarean impacting your breastfeeding, and it being just one part of your birth story, is sometimes just having someone who believes in you when you’re doubting yourself.

If you’re preparing for a caesarean (planned or possible) and that niggle is already there, let’s talk. Drop me a DM or book a connection call via the link in my bio.

Let me be that person in your corner - so your caesarean doesn’t have to be the reason your breastfeeding journey was hard.

Katie x

#breastfeedingaftercsection #preparingtobreastfeed #dorsetdoula

Breastfeeding might feel tender in the very early days. But actual pain is usually your body telling you something needs adjusting - and those adjustments are often simple when you have someone there to help you spot them in real time.

Often, breastfeeding hurts because your nipple is rubbing against the hard palate at the front of your baby’s mouth, instead of being further back towards the softer part. A small tweak in positioning - like bringing your baby closer to you so they take a deeper latch, or adjusting the angle so their chin leads rather than their nose - can make all the difference between pain and comfort.

Everywhere you turn there’s contradictory advice. One article says one thing, your mum says another, and that Instagram post you saved says something completely different.

So you try to prepare, but you can’t shake this feeling of what if I get it wrong? What if I’m in pain and I don’t know if that’s normal or not? What if it’s 2am and I’m alone and nothing is working?

⭐️It doesn’t have to be like this⭐️

When you have someone in your corner who can suggest small tweaks before any pain becomes unbearable, before the doubt sets in, before you’re too exhausted to think straight - everything can change.

💕Instead of frantically googling at 3am, you can have support already in place.

💕Instead of pushing through pain wondering if it’s normal, you can have someone who can help you adjust things in real time.

💕Instead of constantly second-guessing yourself, you can feel confident and supported.

You deserve to feed your baby without pain. You deserve to trust yourself. And you deserve support that’s already in place when your baby arrives.

If you want that kind of support - someone in your pocket from day one - my doula packages include hands-on breastfeeding support from the moment your baby is born, plus the rest and reassurance that helps you enjoy these special early days.

DM for availability ❤️

Or comment ‘guide’ and I’ll send you my FREE honest breastfeeding video guide to help you cut through the noise and get the key info you’ll need on day one.

Katie x

#dorsetdoula #preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingtips

“Absolutely don’t use nipple shields”.

If you’ve heard this from someone, then I totally get where they’re coming from, but for me this is oversimplified and sometimes even damaging advice.

Sometimes in an effort to give quick, clear guidance in busy hospital environments, nuance gets lost. Healthcare providers are often working with very limited time, trying to prevent common issues, and defaulting to the ‘safest’ blanket guidance.

But every situation is unique and there’s no one solution that fits everyone,

I’m sure you’ve also already heard SO MANY different opinions. And you’re caught in the middle of all these opinions, just trying to feed your baby.

Maybe right now you’re feeling:

❤️Overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice
⭐️Desperate because you just want this to WORK
❤️Anxious because you keep hearing about everything that could go wrong
⭐️Confused because what worked for someone else isn’t working for you
❤️Worried that if you use a nipple shield, you’re somehow “failing”

You’re not failing. You’re navigating a complex situation with tiny fragments of information, and that’s exhausting.

Instead of hearing absolutely don’t do this’ or ‘you should just do this’, what can ACTUALLY help is someone taking the time to understand YOUR situation. Your baby. Your feeding goals. Your challenges. Your circumstances.

You deserve someone to walk through the pros and cons WITH you, not AT you. Someone who can help you weigh up whether the potential downsides matter in YOUR case, or whether the benefits might outweigh them right now.

You deserve options instead of rules. To have someone in your corner who can help you adjust the plan as things change, not someone who gave you one piece of ‘advice’ and disappeared.

Yes, nipple shields have disadvantages. They’re not always the answer, and should always be used with support. But in some cases they’re what keeps breastfeeding going until you can get the support you need.

If you’re feeling lost in all the noise right now, I’m so sorry. It’s overwhelming.Drop me a message if you’d like some support ❤️

Katie x

#nippleshields #breastfeedingsupport #preparingtobreastfeed #dorsetdoula #virtualdoula

I see you. You’re exhausted. The kind of tired where you can barely string a sentence together.

Maybe you’re starting to resent breastfeeding because it feels like it’s all on you. Maybe you’re worried about your mental health. Maybe you just want to feel present with your baby instead of running on empty.

This is real. This is hard. And you’re not failing - you’re surviving.

Here’s something worth considering: Is it specifically your partner giving a bottle at night that you want? Because if so, that’s totally fine - and we can absolutely make that work in a way that supports your feeding goals too.

But if what you’re really craving is rest, relief, feeling like yourself again... there might be other options you haven’t considered yet.

And this is the beauty of having someone walk alongside you who actually knows YOU and your family.

Instead of Googling at 3am and finding 20 different one-size-fits-all articles that contradict each other and leave you more confused than before... you have someone in your corner who understands your specific situation, your feeding goals, your support network, how you’re really doing.

Together we’d explore multiple options - not just the bottle solution. Maybe it’s your partner taking baby after the early morning feed. Maybe it’s day support so you can nap. Maybe it IS the bottle - but done in a way that protects your supply.

I’d help you weigh up what actually works for YOUR family with reliable, evidence-based information tailored to your situation. And then whatever you decided - I’d support you with making it happen.

Because here’s what you actually deserve: ✨ To feel rested enough to enjoy your baby ✨ To feel confident about how you’re feeding
✨ To feel like yourself again
✨ To focus on bonding, not just surviving

You shouldn’t have to choose between your milk supply and your wellbeing. And you shouldn’t have to figure it all out alone from generic internet advice.

Ready to have someone who actually gets it in your corner? Send me a message or book a free connection call using the link in my bio 💜

Katie x

#breastfeedingsupport #combifeeding #preparingtobreastfeed #dorsetdoula

Your baby sleeps like an angel when they’re being held. But the second you put them down, they’re wide awake and desperately looking for you.

It’s 3am and you’re googling “why won’t my baby sleep in their crib.”

This is TOTALLY normal newborn behaviour.
But while that’s (maybe!) helpful to know, you’re also thinking that you can’t function on two hours of broken sleep for weeks on end. You need to shower. You need to eat. You need to feel like a human being, not just a milk-producing sleep-deprived shell.

I’m not here to give you sleep training tips. That’s not my area of expertise, and, honestly, I believe in normalising newborn behaviour, not fighting against it.

What I AM here for is to help you find ways to support your baby as they adjust to the world, while ALSO maximising the whole family’s sleep, rest, and wellbeing.

A few things that you could think about:

🌙 Structuring your shift sleeping - you and your partner taking proper blocks of time (not just random snatches) so you each get a solid stretch

🛏️ Research safe co-sleeping - if it feels right for your family and you’re able to set up your space in the safest way possible, this can be game-changing for actually getting some rest

👐 Get support with holding the baby - whether that’s family, friends, or a doula, having someone hold your baby while you nap/shower/eat isn’t a luxury, it’s an essential

👶 Invest in a comfortable sling - you might not be able to use it to help you sleep, but at least you can eat food, have a wee, and move around while baby sleeps on you

But honestly? The most game-changing thing?

Get a doula.

Imagine having someone in your corner who:

✨ Reassures you that your baby wanting to be held 24/7 is normal, not your fault

✨ Takes those 2am-6am shifts so you get a proper stretch of sleep

✨ Is someone you can text who won’t judge you for struggling

You CAN have energy to enjoy your baby, instead of just surviving.

DM me ‘I need sleep’ to find out more about my postnatal and overnight doula support packages.

Katie x

#newbornsleep #babysleep #fourthtrimester #newbornlife #postnataldoula #doulalife #doulasupport

The secret benefit of colostrum harvesting that no one talks about 🤫

Six years ago, colostrum harvesting wasn’t talked about much. So when my baby and I were separated after birth and she was too sleepy to latch, I had no idea what was coming.

I was by myself in the labour room, a midwife brought me a colostrum harvesting kit, handed it to me and left.

I was exhausted, overwhelmed, sitting in that labour room trying to hand express for the first time ever. I had no idea how slow it would be. How fiddly. How much technique actually mattered.

I barely got a few drops. And I cried my eyes out.

Not just because I couldn’t get colostrum (though that felt devastating at the time). But because I felt so unprepared. So out of my depth. So alone in something that felt impossible.

If I’d practiced even once during pregnancy? I might have known what to expect. I might have felt my body respond. I would have had that quiet confidence that comes from knowing that I had done it before.

I always use nuance when talking about colostrum harvesting - for some people the pressure of it actually has a negative impact, and it’s important to know about how important it is to regularly remove milk when your baby arrives to get your supply established, even if you do give your baby the stored colostrum.

And the amount of nuance needed with anything breastfeeding—related is why I love using my knowledge to support families as a doula.

Because you deserve to feel:
✨ Confident, not confused
✨ Prepared, not panicked
✨ Supported, not alone

You deserve someone in your corner who actually GETS your feeding goals. Who can guide you through colostrum harvesting before baby arrives. Who’ll be there in those early days if you need a gentle hand or reassuring voice.

Someone who listens. Who understands. Who’s genuinely rooting for YOU.

Ready to feel confident and supported in your breastfeeding journey? I still have postnatal doula availability - DM me to find out more about how I can support you, or ask about my Pocket Breastfeeding Support 💜

Katie x

#colostrumharvesting #colostrum #breastfeedingsupport #postnataldoula #dorsetdoula #virtualdoula

If you’re planning to breastfeed, you need to know this about visitors.

You’ve probably spent hours learning about positioning and latch technique. But here’s what they don’t tell you in classes:
Your environment can matter just as much.

Those first days of breastfeeding are sacred and vulnerable. You’re both learning a new skill.

Getting your baby to wake, trying multiple times to latch, needing to be topless for skin-to-skin — this takes time, concentration, and comfort.

Add visitors to that picture and suddenly you’re waiting to feed, trying to look presentable, feeding in uncomfortable positions, and hosting when you should be resting.

The families I support who feel most calm in those early weeks? They thought about boundaries beforehand.

This isn’t about being antisocial. Meeting the baby can be magical — when you’re ready. But protecting your space isn’t difficult, it’s strategic.

⭐️Swipe through to understand why this matters and how to think about visitors before baby arrives.

Your job is to feed your baby and recover from birth. Everything else is optional.

What boundaries worked for you? Drop them in the comments to help other mamas preparing 👇

And if you want support in those early days from someone who gets it, who’s dedicated to helping you meet your goals, and who can sit with you for as liong as it takes you to feel confident, then book a connection call (link in bio) to talk about my postnatal and overnight doula support ❤️

Katie x

#breastfeedingtips #postpartumprep #newbornprep #breastfeedingsupport #fourthtrimester #postpartumboundaries #breastfeedingjourney

If you’re pregnant and hoping to breastfeed, I know you’re probably spending hours researching the ‘perfect latch’ and studying tongue tie symptoms.

But honestly, while learning all the technical stuff is helpful, and I would definitely recommend getting some breastfeeding knowledge, knowing the names of all the positions isn’t necessarily what makes or breaks your experience.

(Most of that information probably won’t stick when you’re sleep-deprived anyway)

What actually transforms your breastfeeding journey is having reassurance that your baby clustering for 6 hours straight is completely normal (usually not a milk supply crisis), AND having the right support in place before you need it.

You’re probably already imagining those peaceful morning feeds in that gorgeous feeding chair you just bought, your baby content in your arms while golden light streams through the window, feeling like you’ve got this figured out. And that’s absolutely possible.

I know from my own experience that good support is game-changing.

If you want to create the confident, supported fourth trimester and breastfeeding experience you’ve been dreaming about, let’s chat.

Book a free call via the link in my bio 💕

Katie x

#dorsetdoula #pocketdoula #breastfeedingsupport #preparingtobreastfeed #37weekspregnant

One of the hardest things about early motherhood when you’re used to being capable and successful at work, is suddenly worrying that you’re terrible at something that’s supposed to be “natural.”

I see this with so many women (and I had it myself!) - women who run companies, manage teams, excel in their careers - and then breastfeeding comes along and suddenly they feel completely out of their depth.

I felt exactly like that. And I wish someone had told me that I wasn’t failing - I just needed slightly different tools, and to reframe a few things.

Your analytical mind that wants to understand the “why” behind everything is actually perfect for breastfeeding - you just need someone who can give you the frameworks and information your brain craves.

Your drive to succeed? Absolutely use that - but channel it towards setting up support systems, not trying to control every variable.

Your problem-solving skills? They’re amazing - especially when you have expert guidance who can reassure you and help you apply them effectively.

Sometimes the biggest relief when you get the right support isn’t just solving your breastfeeding challenges - it’s feeling competent again. Feeling like you have a plan instead of second-guessing every decision. Having confidence in your choices instead of feeling like you’re completely winging it.

That nagging ‘I should be better at this by now’ feeling is so uncomfortable - but you can change it to ‘I know what I’m doing because I have the right support.’

If you’re tired of feeling like you should have figured this out by now, I’d love to chat. I offer postnatal doula support specialising in supporting families who want to breastfeed - because I know firsthand how much difference that support can make.

All it took for me was one person who really cared and understood my goals - and the whole thing completely turned around.

Book a connection call (link in bio) to find out more about how I can support you.

Katie x

#breastfeedingsupport #preparingtobreastfeed #dorsetdoula #virtualbreastfeedingsupport #hampshiredoula

We all know that maternity staff are overstretched, working within a system that doesn’t always support them, and don’t always have in-depth breastfeeding knowledge.

You don’t have to cross your fingers and hope the right person is on shift when you give birth, or that the postnatal ward is quiet enough for you to have dedicated support.

Imagine:

✨ Knowing exactly what to do from day 1 when your baby cluster feeds (instead of panicking that something’s wrong)

✨Getting help with positioning that works for your baby, instead of generic advice

✨Walking out of hospital feeling confident, instead of terrified about the first night

And imagine having someone you can send a 10 minute voicenote to when you have a wobble, who will not only listen hard, GET it, but who will reply with reassurance or suggestions tailored exactly to you and your baby.

You deserve to have someone in your corner who truly supports your goals and will give you personalised, dedicated support to help you reach them.
Planning to breastfeed? I offer both postnatal doula support and pocket breastfeeding coaching to make sure you never have to navigate this alone. DM me ‘SUPPORT’ to chat about how we can work together 🤱

Katie x

#breastfeedingsupport #postnataldoula #breastfeedingcoach #newmum #pregnancyjourney #birthprep #dorsetdoula

One of the things I’m often told is how good it feels to have someone ask about their whole story (and really want to listen) - not just the specific feeding issue they asked about.

When I ask about your birth experience during a breastfeeding support session, or when I’m supporting you as your postnatal doula, I often see relief wash over someone’s face. Like finally, someone wants to understand the full picture.

When you work with a doula who sees the connections, things change:

❤️Instead of feeling like you’re bothering people with too much information, you feel heard and validated. Your birth story matters, and I seriously get that.

❤️Instead of wondering if you’re overthinking things, you realize there are actual reasons why feeding might be challenging - and they’re often fixable.

❤️Instead of feeling like you should have ‘bounced back’ (ugh) by now, you understand how your birth experience might still be impacting you physically and emotionally.

❤️That weird, “something’s not quite right but I don’t know what” feeling turns into something tangible. You finally understand your own story and why things might have been harder than expected.

Because I know the importance of holistic support in those early days - yes, practical support is obviously important, but emotional support, feeling validated and having space held for you, is what can really make you feel better.

If you’re looking for support that sees the bigger picture, not just the immediate problem, let’s chat. Book a connection call (link in bio) to find out more about my postnatal and breastfeeding support - I’m here to listen to your whole story.

Katie x

#preparingtobreastfeed #dorsetdoula #postpartumpreparation #breastfeedingsupport #breastfeedingtips

Nobody tells you that breastfeeding can feel like looking after a tiny drunk comedian who thinks boobs are the most confusing things in the world.

Yes, it can be a beautiful bonding experience - but it can also be chaos. Babies will treat your nipples like a satnav they can’t quite figure out, and why are their hands ALWAYS in the way??

And their timing is ALWAYS amazing. They’ll be happy for hours…until you sit down to eat. Then suddenly they decide it’s a milk emergency and they have to eat NOW.

If this is your reality right now, you’re not doing anything wrong. This is normal - the on/off latching, the milk spray moments, the tiny fingernail scratches. Every breastfeeding mum has their own WTF stories.

And if feeding is painful, if your baby isn’t having lots of wet and dirty nappies (at least six wet nappies a day after day 5) or your gut is telling you that something just isn’t right - then seek support. It might just be a tiny tweak that makes a huge difference.

You’re doing an amazing job in the middle of all the madness. Sometimes the best thing we can do is laugh, and remind ourselves we’re not alone. 💛

What’s the weirdest thing your baby has done during a feed?

Katie x

#dorsetdoula #hampshiredoula #preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingsupport #clusterfeeding #fourthtrimesterrealness

This phase can SUCK. You’re running on no sleep, your hormones are still a bit weird, and now your baby seems to hate your boobs.

You know they’re still a tiny human with an underdeveloped nervous system trying to figure out how to exist in the world….but really??

Most babies work through this frustrating phase by 6-8 weeks when their digestive systems mature a bit and they get better at the whole feeding thing. But what can you do about this chaos in the meantime?

⭐️Skin-to-skin is your secret weapon. Before you try to feed, try holding your baby against your chest for a few minutes. Breathe. Sometimes they (and you) just need to reset.

⭐️Try a different position. If the cradle hold isn’t working, try side-lying, or the football hold, or whatever feels less like you’re wrestling an octopus. Sometimes trying to feed while moving, swaying, or bouncing on a birth ball can help to reset them too.

⭐️Create a calm zone. Dim lights, white noise, or just sitting in a different room can help. Your baby might be overstimulated by everything going on around them.

⭐️Give yourself permission to take breaks. If you’ve tried for 10 minutes and everyone is crying (including you), it’s OK to stop. Walk around, calm down, try again in a few minutes.

And get support! Imagine having someone who can look at your fussy baby and say ‘this is normal- here’s what’s happening’ (OR who can help you identify where more support might be helpful).

Someone who brings you cake, runs you a bath, and when your baby FINALLY decides they’ve had enough milk and passes out - they take over so you can actually sleep.

This phase is hard even when everything is going perfectly. But with the right support, you can help your baby through this tricky period, instead of wishing they would just hurry up and latch already because that pile of washing up is driving you insane.

Sending love (and hope that you’ve got lots of chocolate to help you get through this period) - and my DMs are open if you want to find out more about my postnatal doula and breastfeeding support packages.

Katie x

#supportfornewmums #postnataldoula #dorsetdoula

The kids are finally back at school today (with Leo starting pre-school…..how?) and so I’m just sat in the car taking a few minutes to doom-scroll and reflect on Summer 2025!

First experience of the summer holidays, first summer by the sea, and first summer self-employed! It’s been a juggle managing childcare and clients, but I’ve been trying to take the pressure off myself and enjoy making memories with these two (apparently in a few years time I’ll miss the house being a disaster zone??)

1. 10 days in Majorca soaking up the sun, spending hours in the pool and enjoying all-inclusive caipirinhas! ☀️🍹

2. Adventures in Diego ⛺️

3. Spending a beautiful day surrounded by absolute POWERHOUSES and magic with @lisasykesonline

4. Beach days - obvs 🌊

5. Meeting some wonderful women also supporting new mums (and starting my chiropractic journey with @samcashchiro - six years carrying babies and toddlers on my left hip has left me a bit wonky…..)

6. Feeling like a real grown up because I own a washing line for the first time ever 🧺

7. Supporting families on the National Breastfeeding helpline whenever I managed a spare hour

8. Starting the milk ladder with Leo! 🥛

9. Family weddings (and the boy who refuses to have his photo taken) 🤦‍♀️

10. Getting my craft on (pretty good effort if I say so myself…) 👩‍🎨

11. Risking our lives to keep the kids up for the 10pm Friday summer fireworks 🎇

12. Paulton’s park and Peppa Pig world - had to be done 🎢

13. Solo train journeys to see friends (plus hosting some of our London besties)

14. Sauna and social in a thunderstorm with @lovinglifelillie

VERY ready to go into Autumn mode and support some wonderful new families. Drop me a DM or book a connection call if you’re looking for support as you adjust to new parenthood ❤️❤️

Katie x

#dorsetdoula #breastfeedingsupport #virtualdoula #hampshiredoula

Before anyone comes at me, there’s nothing wrong with giving formula if that’s what you want to do. And it’s HARD watching someone you love struggle.

But I’ve seen it happen…well meaning partners just wanting the breastfeeding parent to be able to get some rest, not realising the impact it can have on milk supply in the early days, and not realising how it can make you feel.

If your partner really wants to support your breastfeeding journey (and you’d rather avoid formula if you can help it), here’s what they can do ⬇️

❤️Take over EVERYTHING else - cooking, cleaning, visitors, life admin. Their job is to be the CEO of the house so you can focus on feeding.

❤️Hold the baby so you can shower, nap, or eat with both hands (a crazy concept I know - or cutting your food helps too!)

❤️Learn what normal breastfeeding looks like. Spoiler alert: it’s cluster feeding, feeding for comfort, and feeding every hour (or constantly for four hours) some days. Not ‘every three hours’ like their mum remembers.

❤️Become your advocate: Lead with ‘she’s got this, the baby is getting everything they need’ when relatives start the formula suggestions.

❤️Help you find proper breastfeeding support (ideally lined up in advance) instead of suggesting quick fixes. Googling breastfeeding support near me’ not ‘best formula for sleep.’

⭐️Get support from people who understand your goals, not just people who love you⭐️

The difference between meeting those goals, and struggling to, often comes down to having the right support team. One that gets WHY this matters to you, not just that you’re tired.

Imagine having a partner who confidently tells concerned relatives ‘She’s got this - this is exactly how breastfeeding is supposed to look.’

The biggest difference support can give isn’t just breastfeeding knowledge - it’s having someone validate your goals, and help your partner be the support person you need.

Need someone in your corner who really understands breastfeeding? That’s exactly what I’m here for. Visit my website (link in bio) to find out more about my postnatal and overnight doula packages, and breastfeeding support.

Katie x

#dorsetdoula #breastfeedingsupport

Hiii! I’m Katie 😊 Mum of two, postnatal doula, and breastfeeding coach from Bournemouth.

My story is probably a lot like yours. When I was pregnant, I did ALL the courses, read ALL the books. As someone who’d always been able to achieve things through preparation and effort, I was convinced I had motherhood covered. But becoming a mum was a SHOCK.

For the first time, my usual problem-solving strategies didn’t work. The exhaustion was insane, yet I was convinced I could still do it all - be the perfect mum, keep a spotless house, maintain my social life. The pressure I put on myself was ridiculous, and instead of savouring those newborn cuddles, I was constantly stressed about my to-do list.

I desperately wanted to breastfeed, but when we struggled, the lack of knowledgeable, genuine support left me massively doubting myself. Then one incredible person took the time to truly listen and support me - and that literally changed everything,

My experience ignited a passion. Now I’m dedicated to helping mums like you go from bulk-buying lanolin at 2am wondering ‘why can’t I figure this out like everything else?’, to actually enjoying relaxing and watching Netflix with the nagging doubt that you should be doing something ‘productive’ completely gone.

I provide:

✨Postnatal & overnight doula services (up to 1 hour from Bournemouth/Poole) - so you can recover properly instead of feeling like you have to be supermum from day one

✨Breastfeeding support & coaching, so you can look forward to feeding time, instead of dreading whether it’s going to hurt again

✨’Pocket support’ for families worldwide - unwavering support on speed dial for those moments when your baby’s latch doesn’t look like the videos, and you want to actually know if you’ve got enough milk

When I’m not supporting families, you’ll find me having adventures around Dorset and the New Forest (often in our campervan Diego!). And I’ve stopped feeling selfish about taking time for me - I’m all about sea dips, nature walks, and moments to breathe.

Ready to close those 47 tabs of conflicting baby advice and listen to yourself instead? Drop me a DM or book a connection call in my bio.

Katie x

When I was a new mum, I was googling ‘can you die from sleep deprivation’ at 3am.

I spent so much energy trying to guess when my baby would next wake up and whether it was even worth going to sleep, because being woken up after 45 minutes sometimes felt worse than just staying awake.

If this is you right now - exhausted but dreading bedtime, feeling like you’re the only person awake in the universe between 1-5am, wondering if you’ll ever feel human again - I see you.

You’re not failing. You’re not weak for needing help. You’re right in the thick of one of the hardest phases of motherhood - maybe even of your whole life.

When you’re rested, you can actually enjoy those newborn snuggles instead of counting down until someone else can hold the baby. You can think clearly enough to trust your instincts. You can remember why you wanted this beautiful little human in the first place.

My overnight doula packages aren’t just about getting sleep (though you will). They’re about reclaiming your confidence, your sanity, and those precious early weeks that you’ll never get back.

You deserve to feel supported. You deserve to rest. You deserve to enjoy this time.

Ready to stop surviving and start thriving? Link in bio or drop me a message.

Katie x

P.S. If you’re in Dorset or Hampshire and reading this at 2am questioning everything - this is your sign to reach out. 🥱

#dorsetdoula #newbabynightdread #tirednewmum #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #hampshiredoula

When it feels like your baby wants a feed 5 minutes after they’ve just fed, your boobs feel empty, and you’re exhausted, wondering whether you’ve run out of milk is SO common. But it’s not always the case.

This is exactly why I created my pocket breastfeeding support. Support on speed dial from someone who knows your story, so you can get reassurance within minutes, without having to explain your breastfeeding story to a different person every time you seek out support.

And if we work through things together and decide that taking steps to increase your supply WOULD be helpful - then I can support you to come up with a plan that works for you and your baby.

Or if you’re in Dorset or Hampshire, you can get personalised breastfeeding support, alongside continuous practical and emotional support, by booking one of my bespoke postnatal doula packages.

Visit my website (link in bio) to find out more about my comprehensive support packages, or book a free connection call for a relaxed chat about how I might be able to support you.

Katie x

#breastfeedingsupport #dorsetdoula #bournemouthmums #preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingtips

What would you say to yourself if you could go back to those early weeks?

Send this to someone who might need to hear it! ❤️

Or drop me a message to enquire about availability for my personalised postnatal doula support packages.

Go from worrying that you’re getting deep vein thrombosis from sitting on the sofa too much, to watching Love is Blind guilt-free with a cuppa, while someone else takes care of that never-ending pile of laundry 🧺

Katie x

#postpartumpreparation #breastfeedingsupport #newmumselfcare #dorsetdoula #dorsetmumsr

Did any of these resonate with you? Let me know!!

Practical support is incredible in the early days of breastfeeding - but emotional support is huge too.

If you’re looking for support in the early days with your baby, drop me a DM to see how I can help 😊

Katie x

#preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingpreparation #breastfeedingsupport #dorsetdoula #hampshiredoula #virtualdoula #virtualdoulasupport

There are some practical things you can try too:

❤️Invest in a comfortable sling so you can grab more of those micro-moments while your baby sleeps

❤️If you’re struggling with your baby not wanting to be put down to sleep, consider researching safe co-sleeping. It’s not for everyone, but it’s an option

❤️Get your support network set up. If you have someone to hold the baby while you take some time to feel human again, go for that walk or have a bath, OR do the washing up pile you’ve been staring at all day, you can slowly start to see some of those glimmers.

If you’re looking for postnatal or overnight doula support to give you some space to breathe, get some sleep, or feel more like yourself again, drop me a DM to find out more about how I can support you.

And I would love to hear your thoughts on how you’re managing the sometimes intense journey that is breastfeeding ❤️

Katie x

#breastfeedingguidance #dorsetdoula #hampshiredoula #breastfeedingsupport #preparingtobreastfeed #virtualdoula

But I don’t know what my baby will be like, how my birth experience will go, or how I’ll feel - how can I REALLY prepare for the newborn period?

This is a totally valid question. You can’t control everything - how your baby’s birth goes, how they sleep, whether you have any feeding challenges.

And that’s HARD when you’re used to having control.

But here’s what you CAN do to feel confident and prepared when your baby arrives:

⭐️Deep conversations with your partner about your hopes, fears & expectations

⭐️ Think about who you want in your space (and who you don’t!)

⭐️Getting your support network lined up in advance - friends, family, a doula, feeding support

⭐️Think about how you can maximise rest (not just sleep)

⭐️Who is going to be your emotional support - who will really make the time to listen to how you’re feeling, without judgment

⭐️Look up local groups focused on supporting YOU, not just entertaining or developing your baby

You can’t prepare for everything - but planning these foundations can mean less decision-making when baby arrives and you’re in survival mode.

If you want support in exploring what those early days might look like (and you want more than just helpful suggestions like ‘say goodbye to sleep….!’) then my ‘planning for the early days’ sessions can offer a safe space for you and your partner to create a flexible plan to help you truly embrace those early days.

DM for more info, or book via the link in my bio.

Katie x

#postpartumpreparation #fourthtrimesterplanning #breastfeedingsupport #dorsetdoula #20weekscan #pregnantindorset

My breastfeeding antenatal course was HEAVY on how natural breastfeeding is and how strong my baby’s instincts would be.

I came away with the impression that my baby would just crawl up to my boob, latch on, we would both instinctively know what to do, and forever more she would show hunger cues and latch on easily every 2-3 hours.

With the right preparation, the right knowledge, and the right support, the start of your breastfeeding journey absolutely CAN look like that (with the exception of the every 2-3 hour thing - it’s normal for babies to feed a LOT more than that and it doesn’t usually mean you have no milk!) - but for many people it’s much more of a journey.

If your baby doesn’t do the ‘breast crawl’, or if you have challenges, it doesn’t mean your body has failed because it can’t do this ‘natural thing’. It probably means that society, with its unrealistic expectations of newborn behaviour, and with its pressure to breastfeed but chronic lack of support to do so, has failed you ❤️

If you want to find out more about the support I can offer in those early days and weeks to help you understand what might be going on for your baby and your body, with evidence-based information, emotional support, and no judgement - drop me a DM or book a connection call via the link in my bio.

We’ll work together to give you the best chance of getting breastfeeding off to a good start - then work together to come up with a plan if it doesn’t - with ongoing practical AND emotional support.

Katie x

#breastfeedinguk #breastfeedingsupport #preparingtobreastfeed #dorsetdoula #hampshiredoula #newforestdoula

When I was pregnant, whenever someone asked me how I was planning to feed my baby I’d usually say ‘I’d like to try breastfeeding but we’ll see how it goes’.

Then when my baby was born she struggled to latch. And suddenly breastfeeding her became the most important thing in the world to me. Those early weeks were more emotional than I could ever have expected.

If this speaks to you - you’re not alone.

So many of us go into breastfeeding thinking that we’ll see how it goes, not wanting to put too much pressure on ourselves.

But, sometimes, if it doesn’t go quite as we’d hoped, it can suddenly matter more than we’d ever imagined. And this can knock us sideways.

One of the most powerful things you can do is to get support in place before baby arrives - not just the practical support (although the right practical information can be game-changing) but also the emotional support ❤️.

Because no matter how things go - whether you meet your breastfeeding goals or if your journey looks different that expected - feeling seen, supported and validated can completely change how you feel when you look back on that experience.

That’s why I created my pocket breastfeeding support packages - combining practical support and emotional support, in a continuous, connected way. Having unwavering support at the end of the phone, zoom call, in a voicenote or in a message can help you feel confident, reassured, and with a plan of action.

DM me or visit my website for more details, or book a connection call via the link in my bio.

If you resonate with this, I’d love to hear your experience and what helped you.

Katie x

#breastfeedingsupport #breastfeedingcounsellor #dorsetdoula #dorsetmums #preparingtobreastfeed

If you’re pregnant, have you given any thought to who you want in your space in the early days?

Having family and friends come over and meet your new baby can be so special. Seeing your family meet their newest family member, cuddles, gifts - it can be incredible.

But having streams of visitors can also be a lot. And it could potentially have an impact on your breastfeeding experience.

The image that lots of us have of breastfeeding comes from what we often see - women out and about feeding their baby, often what seems like effortlessly.

But in the early days breastfeeding doesn’t always look like that - you and your baby are learning a new skill, it can take several attempts to get them to latch on deeply, and if they’re struggling to get the hang of it you might be doing lots of skin-to-skin to encourage them. You might also need to hand express in the first few days if they’re struggling.

They’re often sleepy in the newborn days too, and so waking them up to feed can take effort - especially if there’s a lot of background noise.

Visitors can lead to a couple of common challenges:

⭐️Your baby not feeding as frequently as they might need to, either because you’re waiting for someone to leave (and it always takes longer than you think for them to actually go!) or because it’s a struggle to wake them up when there’s white noise in the background.

⭐️You might feel uncomfortable being fully topless (which can be really helpful in the early days) in front of visitors, which could mean that you try and breastfeed more discreetly, which can impact the latch in the early days

⭐️You might also end up feeding in less comfortable positions, which can lead to tension and discomfort.

It’s also worth remembering that you might be recovering from birth and feeling sore, managing postpartum bleeding, and feeling quite overwhelmed in the first few days and weeks.

You can have as many or as few visitors as you like - but think about who you want in that sacred, sometimes vulnerable space in those early days, and think about whether you want any boundaries in place.

Katie x

#breastfeedingsupport #breastfeedingtips #dorsetdoula

Is it easy though?!

So many of us (me included!) are tricked into believing that when we bring our babies home from hospital they’ll sleep nicely in their cribs and just wake up when they’re hungry.

(And it doesn’t help that they usually sleep like angels IN the hospital!!)

It’s totally normal biological behaviour for a newborn in the first two weeks (sometimes longer) to want to be attached to you 24/7. They know they can’t survive without us.

But knowing that it’s normal doesn’t always make it easier when you want to SLEEP, eat, shower, hoover the messy floor you’ve been staring at all week, or literally just have a minute when you’re not being touched or fed from.

Sometimes you’re grateful for the contact naps, the closeness, you’re soaking it all up and feeling sad about it being over when you’re still in the middle of it.

But sometimes it’s relentless.

Some things that can help:

⭐️Research safe co-sleeping

⭐️Consider shift sleeping with your partner so you can each get a solid block of sleep

⭐️Get a good sling so you at least have your hands free to make your 7th coffee of the day

⭐️Get support!

THIS is where doulas bring the magic. Not just holding the baby while you have some time to yourself, or doing the dishes - but the listening ear, the understanding, the validation, the reassurance that you’re doing a fantastic job, and the unwavering support - that’s what can help you remember that you CAN do this.

Book a connection call to find out more about my postnatal & overnight doula & breastfeeding support in Dorset, Hampshire and online ❤️

What would you shout from the rooftops about new parenthood?

Katie x

#dorsetdoula #postpartumpreparation #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #newmumselfcare #breastfeedingsupport #20weekscan

My baby struggled to latch straight away - in fact she didn’t feed from me for well over 24 hours. And nobody told me about the importance of establishing and protecting my milk supply from the start, which a lot more effort (and a lot of tears) were needed to increase my supply. We got there, but it took perseverance and a lot of support.

In the first few days your milk supply is automatic - the hormones which kick into gear when your placenta is no longer there release colostrum for your baby. But after those first few days milk starts being produced on a supply and demand basis, and this is where some new mums can run into challenges.

If you’ve heard stories about breastfeeding challenges, and you want to feel prepared and not powerless if you face struggles in those early days, then my free guide ‘My baby hasn’t fed yet - now what?’

In this 30-minute video I’ll talk through protecting your milk supply, in more detail, methods you can use to feed your baby, different things you can try, and where you can get support.

DM ‘guide’ and I’ll pop it over to you, or get it via the link in my bio.

Katie x

#preparingtobreastfeed #dorsetdoula #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #breastfeedingsupport #breastfeedingtips #dorsetmums

The postnatal ward can be hot (like REALLY hot), loud, bright, and overwhelming — not really the relaxed start that you or your baby deserve ❤️

And for those hoping to breastfeed, this environment can make things even harder.

Midwives do their best, but they’re often stretched, and in those early hours, when you’re sore, emotional, and trying to latch a newborn for the first time, what you REALLY need is unwavering support that’s calm and focussed.

So how can you prepare ahead of time?

🍼 Line up breastfeeding support in advance. Whether it’s a doula, a breastfeeding counsellor, or an IBCLC — having someone you trust on speed dial can make all the difference.

🧸 Bring comfort items from home. A pillow, your own towel, comfy PJs, and snacks you actually like. You might there for a while, and it can help you to feel human (hospital pillows are NOT the one!).

🎧 Think about how you might manage being in an overstimulating environment - earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, an eye mask, or familiar scents might help.

🚿 Flip flops are your best friend. The showers can be grim.

❤️Don’t try to be a hero if you’re feeling sore - take the painkillers. Paracetamol and ibuprofen really do make a difference.

📞 Know who you can call. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or your doula — a calm, familiar voice on the end of the phone can be a real lifeline if you’re struggling.

You deserve support. You deserve to be held while you learn to feed your baby.

And if you want that kind of support — I’m here.

DM me if you want to talk about what my doula support could look like after birth — in hospital, at home, or in the days that follow. 💗

If you’ve already been there — what helped you most? What do you wish you’d had more of?

Katie x

#doulasupport #dorsetdoula #postnatalsupport #breastfeedingsupport #bournemouthmums #preparingtobreastfeed

I’ve come across this situation several times recently, so if you’re experiencing it know that you’re not alone.

As with everything this is a general guide - there’s only so much you can say in a two-minute video and everyone is different!

Seeking support for your own situation will enable you to get a fuller understanding of any challenges you’re seeing and get some personalised suggestions. Have a look around for a doula, breastfeeding counsellor or lactation consultant who might be able to support you, or try the national breastfeeding helpline.

Or book a connection call to find out more about my doula and breastfeeding support packages - unwavering support from your breastfeeding cheerleader on speed-dial ❤️

If you’ve had a baby who had a preference for one side, I’d love to hear your experiences 🤱

Katie x

#preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingsupport #dorsetdoula #breastfeedingtips

The one thing I found hardest about becoming a mum for the first time⬇️

It wasn’t lack of sleep (although that was flipping hard - and probably the second hardest thing!)

It wasn’t breastfeeding (although we had a journey)

It was the lack of control, when I had made a career, a life, out of ‘being capable and in control’

I had no idea I was a bit of a control freak and a perfectionist until I had a baby 😂

I see so much more these days about self-care, looking after yourself, accepting help, than I ever saw five years ago when I was a new mum. And it’s SO good.

If you’re ready for bespoke care designed around your family, allowing you to let go a bit and truly savour those newborn weeks, then drop me a DM about my postnatal, overnight and pocket doula support ❤️

Or at the very least, the next time someone offers to hold the baby so you can eat a meal with two hands, see if you can be brave enough to say yes 😉

Katie x

#selfcarenewmum #dorsetdoula #hampshiredoula #fourthtrimestersupport #postnataldoulasupport #bournemouthmums #poolemums #dorsetmums

Some days will feel completely chaotic. Some days you’ll feel overwhelmed. Some days you’ll really miss that one on one time with your toddler.

And that’s all completely normal.

You’re not failing - managing a newborn AND a toddler is FULL ON. Some days you’ll nail it, some days you’ll barely survive. Both are valid.

I don’t have a magic wand - it’s probably going to be hard sometimes.

But with some practical prep and the right mindset, you can actually enjoy this new addition instead of just surviving it.

As a postnatal doula I’m here to support ALL the family - if you need some time with your toddler without your baby in the same room, or if you can’t face getting ready to go out but your toddler needs to run around the park, I’m there. For whatever it is you need that day.

And that support on your pocket on speed-dial? I’d love to be there for you ❤️

What tips would you add? I’d love to hear your wisdom in the comments 💕

Katie x

#breastfeeding #secondbaby #toddlerlife #newbornlife #breastfeedingsupport #postnatallife #mumblife #feedingjourney

We all know it. The NHS are under-resourced, and while so many of the staff are amazing at their jobs and really care, they don’t always have the time or the capacity to support women in the way they might want to.

If you’re pregnant & want to breastfeed, you’ve probably done lots of research, and you’re prepared for it to be hard. You’re not afraid of hard work, you’ve been doing that all your life - but you know that you’ve received a huge amount of information that you might not remember, and that you’d like some support in helping you apply all that information in reality.

One of your biggest worries might be that you might be unlucky on the day, with the postnatal ward being really busy, and with nobody around to give you the support that you want. And you don’t want to leave it to luck - you’re the kind of person who takes proactive steps.

If you want to make sure that you have the support you deserve, you have options:

❤️Preparation in pregnancy. Taking the course, reading books and watching videos are great ways to prepare, and you could also consider a bespoke preparation session to make sure that you’ve got the key information at the front of your mind.

❤️Your midwife. Even if the ward is busy, ask for help - you’re not being a burden.

❤️Some hospitals have infant feeding specialists (either employed or volunteers) who you can ask to see if you’d like some specialist guidance

❤️The National Breastfeeding Helpline is available 24/7 - the volunteers have all breastfed their own babies and have extensive knowledge.

❤️Seek support from a local IBCLC or breastfeeding counsellor

❤️Look into hiring a doula with knowledge or experience in breastfeeding support - they may even be able to visit you in hospital

❤️Local breastfeeding cafes or groups - you’ll need to travel to them and they might not be on every day, but you’ll find tea and support from breastfeeding supporters and other breastfeeding parents.

If you want someone you can call on as soon as your baby is born, and who is there for you in those important early weeks, my diary is open for a connection call where we can chat more about my doula and breastfeeding support packages.

Katie x

Used to being ‘productive’? ⬇️

If this is you….on the sofa with your sleeping baby, scrolling through your mental to-do list and feeling guilty for just...sitting.

I’ve been exactly where you are. That weird feeling of “I’m not doing anything” when you’re literally keeping a tiny human alive and thriving.

Here’s what I wish someone had told me: You ARE being productive. Just not in the way you’ve always thought you needed to be.

You’re recovering. You’re bonding with your baby. You’re figuring out this new version of yourself. Your body is doing incredible things - whether you’re breastfeeding, recovering, or just learning to function on broken sleep.

This moment - your baby asleep on you, that baby smell, those little sighs - this is everything.

You don’t need to feel guilty for slowing down. You don’t need to earn your rest. This IS your job right now.

(And yes, some days you’ll absolutely need to hoover because the state of the carpet is doing your head in, and sometimes you will need clean pants!)

But mostly? It’s ok to give yourself permission to just be. To rest. To soak up these moments.

You deserve support to make this possible. As a postnatal doula, I’m here to handle the other stuff so you can focus on what really matters - connecting with your baby.

If you’re local to Dorset or Hampshire then drop me a message about in-person availability - and if you’re from further afield, I would love to be there in your pocket offering unwavering support and being your biggest cheerleader as you create the newborn period you’ve always imagined.

Katie x

#postpartumpreparation #dorsetdoula #hampshiredoula #pocketdoula #fourthtrimesterplanning

I missed the golden hour with my first baby.

There was no skin-to-skin, no breast crawl. And it was an uphill struggle from there.

For days, I felt like I was failing.
And honestly, if it hadn’t been for one incredible nurse who stayed, listened, and guided me through those first few days, I don’t think I would have breastfed my baby at all.

That support changed everything.

And that’s why I’m so passionate about offering support to YOU.

If you’re pregnant and hoping to breastfeed - but you’re nervous about what challenges you might face - let’s make sure you’re not facing it alone.

💛 I offer breastfeeding support that’s personal, holistic, and totally judgment-free — so you feel confident, reassured, and like you have a real plan if things take a little more time.

DM me to chat about availability, or
book a free connection call via the link in bio.

You deserve to feel calm, prepared, and supported — no matter how your feeding journey starts. 🤍

Katie x

#preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingprep #breastfeedingsupport #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #dorsetdoula

When people are talking about the pros and cons of breastfeeding, one of the major pros is often said to be how convenient it is.

You can just whip your boob out anywhere and feed your baby - and we often see mums doing this in public quite happily.

But we’re not warned that in the early days breastfeeding often ISN’T that convenient.
We don’t see the mums doing hours and hours of skin-to-skin to get their babies to be interested in feeding. The ones who need to hand express a little bit of milk to tempt their babies to open their mouths. The ones using breast compressions to get a little bit more milk into them. The mums who unlatch their baby several times before they feel like it’s comfortable.

Breastfeeding isn’t always very convenient, or glamorous, in the early days. But having realistic expectations, the right support, and a plan to navigate challenges, can help you get your journey off to the best possible start.

If you’re pregnant and want to breastfeed:

⭐️ get yourself on an antenatal breastfeeding course. You probably won’t remember it all, but there will be some useful nuggets that will stick in your mind

⭐️ have details of local support handy - lactation consultants, breastfeeding counsellors, doulas, local breastfeeding cafes/support groups. Getting to support groups can feel like hard work, but meeting other breastfeeding mums and getting reassurance can be amazing.

⭐️ Learn about typical newborn behaviour. Babies don’t feed every 2-3 hours on the clock, and feeding can be as much about comfort as food.

⭐️ Get your partner, friends and family to think about how they can support you in the early weeks. There’s so much they can do - getting you food and drink, looking after the house, entertaining older children, holding baby while you sleep, driving you to support groups, and just being supportive and encouraging

⭐️ Think about who you want in your space while you’re establishing feeding. While later on feeding discreetly can be easier, in the early days it can take a lot of concentration and skin-to-skin.

If you’ve breastfed, was it how you expected?

Katie x

#preparingtobreastfeed #handexpressing #colostrumharvesting #dorsetmums

Last week I spent a day at my daughter’s primary school taking part in ‘dream jobs day’ - a careers event for years 1-6.

The main aim of the day was to talk about what it’s like to do different jobs, how you got into your career, and what it’s like to run your own business - and we had lots of interesting conversations about all those things.

But we also had some really amazing conversations about newborn baby behaviour, what it’s like to be a parent to a new baby, and what new mums might need in those early days.

We’re still told that we should sleep when the baby sleeps, that we can spoil a baby by holding them too much, and that we should encourage tiny babies to be more ‘independent’. And I’ll always welcome any opportunity to dive a bit deeper into that - the more seeds we can plant the better 🥰.

I’d love to know - if you could talk to children about being a new parent, what would you say?

Katie x

When you’re pregnant, and when your baby arrives, you might have lots of visitors saying ‘what can I do?’.

You know that feeling at work and someone new joins your team, and you need to help train them? And while you know that in the long term it will reduce your workload, at the moment you know it would be easier and quicker just to do it yourself?

When I was a new mum I realised that this happens in motherhood too - except add on a lack of sleep, the expectations you put on yourself to manage it all yourself, and the fact that the person who’s offering to help doesn’t have a defined job role - and there is SO MUCH you could have help with.

Your mental load has increased tenfold, and it can feel so mentally draining to ask people to do things, or think of tasks to delegate, when you’re in the thick of the early days. So when people offer to help, your default answer is ‘oh I’m fine, thanks’.

There are things you can do in advance to help:

❤️Talking to your partner about what jobs might need to be done once you’re parents, and come up with a plan for what you need to prioritise (your husband giving the fridge a deep clean on day five is great, except you can write your name in the dust on the table and you have no clean pants!)

❤️Making sure anyone visiting to support you knows where to find things for basic household jobs (and, importantly, knows how you take your tea) before baby arrives.

❤️Looking into hiring a postnatal doula! As doulas we’re brilliant at listening, we’ll be on it ASAP when you say what you need, but we’re also amazing at hearing what you’re NOT saying. We’re there to reduce your mental load - not add to it.

If you’re in Dorset or Hampshire then I can support you in-person as a postnatal/overnight doula, to help you feel rested, nurtured, heard, and reassured — so you can spend less time trying to keep track of all the things, and more time making memories with your baby.

And wherever you are I also offer ‘pocket’ postnatal and breastfeeding support - a safe space to share your feelings, and a cheerleader on speed-dial who can help you create the newborn period of your dreams.

DM for info about availability 💕

Katie x

‘Nose to nipple’ is a term often used in breastfeeding to help describe how your baby should be positioned to get an effective latch - it can encourage them to open their mouth wide.

BUT every baby is different, this doesn’t work for everyone - and having this phrase repeated to you over and over again when you’re tired, your baby is struggling to latch, and it doesn’t seem to be helping, can make you feel deflated, like you’re failing, and thinking it might just be easier to give up - even when this is the last thing you want to do.

If you’re anything like me you’ll have wanted to be as prepared as possible for the early days, and you’ll have a lot of knowledge. But sometimes we just want someone to support us as we put that theoretical knowledge into practice.

And if you’ve been pregnant in the UK, you know that the NHS is under-resourced, and that not everyone has both the capacity and the knowledge to give you the support you deserve.

There are lots of other phrases to help you position your baby - ‘chin to skin’ can be another one. While these terms can be really helpful for some people, for others it doesn’t always resonate.

Having support on speed-dial in those early days, with someone you can reach out to who will really listen to you, take time to understand the entire picture of what you’re going through, suggest a variety of different things and then be there with you as you try them, can help you feel reassured, empowered, and confident that you have a plan in place for the next feed, and the next one.

I offer in-person doula and breastfeeding support in Dorset and Hampshire, as well as ‘pocket’ breastfeeding support through pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks as you start your breastfeeding journey, whatever you are in the world.

If you’re looking for unwavering support with breastfeeding through pregnancy and from the moment your baby is born, helping you feel heard, supported and reassured in those early days, then drop me a DM or book a connection call via the link in my bio to find out more.

Katie x

#breastfeedingsupport #preparingtobreastfeed #dorsetdoula #hampshiredoula #bournemouthmums #poolemums

If you’re planning a caesarean birth, or the possibility is on your mind, and you’re worried about the impact that it might have on your breastfeeding journey - you’re not alone.

Having a caesaraen birth could impact the very start of your breastfeeding journey - but if you have a plan in place right from the start, and support lined up to help you feel calm, confident and empowered to have the conversations that you need to have with your care provider, then this doesn’t need to be a big part of your story.

My breastfeeding journey didn’t start well - I was separated from my baby while she was in special care, my recovery from birth was tough, and the hospital was under-staffed - but there was one person who had the time and the knowledge to sit patiently with me, gently encouraging and guiding me when I started to feel frustrated, and who gave me the confidence to persevere.

I offer in-person breastfeeding support in Dorset and Hampshire, as well as ‘pocket’ breastfeeding support through pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks as you start your breastfeeding journey.

If you’re looking for tailored, patient and unwavering support with breastfeeding from the moment your baby is born, helping you feel heard, supported and reassured in those early days, then drop me a DM or book a connection call via the link in my bio to find out more.

Katie x

#preparingtobreastfeed #caesareanrecovery #breastfeedingaftercsection #dorsetdoula #hampshiredoula #bournemouthmumstobe

@tonguetie_surrey and I chat all things tongue tie, including:

- What it is
- The signs your baby might have tongue tie
- Your options
- The support available to you

I also mention breastfeeding.support - my initial go-to resource on all things breastfeeding 😊

Katie and Ash x

#breastfeedingpreparation #tonguetie #tonguetieawareness

‘You need rest, you should be sleeping when the baby sleeps’.

It seems like the perfect solution, right? New babies sleep around 18 hours a day, so there’s plenty of time to catch up on your own sleep. Obvs.

I know you’re sitting there rolling your eyes, because as a new mum you KNOW that sleeping when the baby sleeps feels flipping impossible.

You put your baby down in the crib ‘drowsy but awake’ (whatever that means) and they just cry until you pick them up. You feed or rock them into a deep sleep, put them down, tiptoe away and they’re awake again. You know they’ll only sleep if they’re on someone’s chest. So that’s you on the sofa scrolling or watching Netflix, feeling exhausted.

And all these people who tell you to sleep when the baby sleeps - do they also tell you when you’re supposed to shower, go to the toilet, cook, eat, wash up, hoover, wash those 27 muslins and 12 babygrows they’ve used in the past three hours?

If this resonates, you’re not alone! There are some things that might help:

⭐️Ask for support. You’re NOT being a burden - I bet your family and friends would see it as a privilege to support you. Or look for a local doula who can offer you judgement-free support
⭐️Consider whether co-sleeping is something you might feel comfortable with - and research the ways to do it as safely as possible
⭐️If you can’t sleep, try and at least REST as much as possible
⭐️Look into a comfortable sling so you can get basic tasks done when the baby sleeps - it will at least mean that when you do have someone to hold the baby you can actually get some sleep, not do the washing up

If you know you want support in those early days, I’m so glad you’re here. As a doula my job is to lift the weight off your shoulders, offer unwavering support, and help you reclaim your energy back ❤️

Drop me a message to find out more about my postnatal & overnight doula support in Dorset and Hampshire, or the ways I can support you virtually to help you feel more like yourself again.

Katie x

#preparingtobreastfeed #dorsetdoula #20weekscan #postpartumpreparation #selfcarenewmum #bournemouthmums #poolemums

Last week I asked what you as mums-to-be and new mums wanted to dive deeper on when it comes to all things newborn life and breastfeeding - and by far the biggest vote was for tongue tie.

We hear so much about it, so many mums talk about how it impacted their feeding journey, and it’s on the minds of so many new mums. But what is tongue tie, what are the signs your baby might have it, and what are your options if they do?

The wonderful Dr Ash Gupta @tonguetie_surrey, tongue tie specialist and infant feeding advisor, is going to join me live next week to chat all things tongue tie and answer all your questions.

Come join us and go away feeling more confident and with a plan to navigate tongue tie if it’s something that comes up in your feeding journey.

Katie x

#tonguetiebaby #preparingtobreastfeed #tonguetiesupport #breastfeedingsupport

If you’re pregnant, have you given any thought to who you want in your space in those early days?

Having family and friends come over and meet your new baby can be so special. Seeing your family meet their newest family member, cuddles, gifts - it can be incredible.

But having streams of visitors can also be a lot. And it could potentially have an impact on your breastfeeding experience.

The image that lots of us have of breastfeeding comes from what we often see - women out and about feeding their baby, often what seems like effortlessly.

But in the early days breastfeeding doesn’t always look like that - you and your baby are learning a new skill, it can take several attempts to get them to latch on deeply, and if they’re struggling to get the hang of it you might be doing lots of skin-to-skin to encourage them. You might also need to hand express in the first few days if they’re struggling.

They’re often sleepy in the newborn days too, and so waking them up to feed can take effort - especially if there’s a lot of background noise.

Lots of visitors can sometimes lead to a couple of common challenges:
- your baby not feeding as frequently as they might need to, either because you’re waiting for someone to leave (and it always takes longer than you think for them to actually go!) or because it’s a struggle to wake them up when there’s white noise in the background.
- You might feel uncomfortable being fully topless (which can be really helpful in the early days) in front of visitors, which could mean that you try and breastfeed more discreetly, which can impact the latch in the early days
- You might also end up feeding in less comfortable positions, which can lead to tension and discomfort.

It’s also worth remembering that you might be recovering from birth and feeling sore, managing postpartum bleeding, and feeling quite overwhelmed in the first few days and weeks.

You can have as many or as few visitors as you like - but it can be so helpful to think about who you want in that sacred, sometimes vulnerable space in those early days, and think about whether you want any boundaries in place.

Katie x

#dorsetdoula #hampshiredoula #preparingtobreastfeed

Has anyone told you about milk storage capacity?

Breastmilk storage capacity - how much milk your breasts can hold - is determined by how many glands and ducts there are in the breast, and how large they are.

And this is impossible to tell from the outside (breast size hasn’t got anything to do with it).

⭐️So what does this mean for me?⭐️

Your storage capacity impacts how much milk you’re able to hold at one time - not how much you’re able to produce for your baby overall.

This means that two people, one with a smaller storage capacity and one with a larger one, could still be producing the same amount of milk for their babies.

But while the mum with the larger storage capacity might only need to feed her baby every four hours or so to provide her baby that amount of milk, the one with the smaller storage capacity might need to feed more frequently for her baby to get the same amount of milk.

The problem is, the person with the smaller storage capacity might have been led to believe she needs to ‘stretch’ the time between feeds. So she feeds her baby less often. Meaning her baby gets less milk, her body gets the message that her baby doesn’t need as much milk, and she might start to have supply issues.

If your baby is gaining weight, if they have plenty of wet and dirty nappies, if they’re generally content between feeds and if feeding is comfortable for you, then these are good signs you are producing enough milk for your baby. And if any of these are missing, seek support - you’re not being a burden.

You don’t have to spend those early weeks second guessing yourself ❤️ If you’re looking for tailored, continuous and unwavering support with breastfeeding from the moment your baby is born, or wherever you are on your breastfeeding journey, then one of my ‘pocket’ breastfeeding support packages might be for you.

Drop me a DM or book a free connection call via the link in my bio to find out more about how I might be able to support you.

Katie x

#breastfeedingpreparation #preparingtobreastfeed #doulabournemouth #doulapoole #doulanewforest

Night dread ⬇️

When I was a new mum, I was so tired. Like googling ‘can you die from sleep deprivation’ kind of tired.

So you’d think that I would look forward to nighttime, when I could sleep.

But the problem was there wasn’t really a ‘nighttime’ - when your baby is waking every hour (if you’re lucky sometimes) it just feels like one long day that stretches on for weeks at a time, with the odd nap now and then. And the middle of the night can feel so lonely.

Sometimes you almost don’t want to go to sleep at night because it’s so hard being woken up not long after. And when you realise it’s morning again you feel a huge relief.

If you’re experiencing this as a new mum, you’re not alone ❤️

As well as some of the little things above that might help, there are other ways you could consider getting through this:

⭐️Shift sleeping - can your partner take the baby for a few hours while you get at least one chunk of sleep?

⭐️Researching safe co-sleeping - even if you don’t plan to do it, it’s useful to be aware if you decide it might help you get some sleep

⭐️ Getting support during the day so you can nap

⭐️Looking into whether there are any night doulas offering overnight support nearby.

It sucks. And I wish I could give you the biggest hug.

If you’re in Dorset or Hampshire, I offer overnight doula support to help you get some well-needed rest, knowing your baby is in safe hands. Drop me a message or have a look at my website (link in bio) to find out more.

Katie x

#overnightdoula #dorsetdoula #newbabynightdread #newmumselfcare #virtualdoula

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Katie Small - Postnatal Doula and Breastfeeding Support in Dorset, Hampshire and online

Drowning in breastfeeding advice? Get my FREE video guide where I break down the five key basics you need to feel calm, confident and prepared from day one.

About me

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Follow me on Instagram

Take a look at some of the ways I can support you....

Get in touch

hello@rewriteyourpostpartum.com

Katie Small - Postnatal Doula and Breastfeeding Support in Dorset, Hampshire and online