Postnatal Doula Support in Dorset and Hampshire

Postnatal doula support in Bournemouth, Poole, and the surrounding areas of Dorset and Hampshire

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

As your postnatal doula I'm there to look after YOU, when you're all-consumed with looking after your new baby.

Whether it's your first, second or third baby, I'm there to support you as you navigate your new family dynamic, for as many hours a week as you need.

My aim is to leave you feeling rested, nurtured, confident, and ready to focus on spending some precious quality time with your new baby, knowing your mental load has been reduced.

Becoming a parent, whether it's for the first, second, third or even fourth time, can feel nerve-wracking and overwhelming.

There's a lot going on in those early days - recovery from birth, sleep deprivation, adapting to life as parents and discovering this new version of you.

That's where I come in, to care for and support your family as you navigate those early days and weeks. I'm there to help you feel heard, reassured, confident, nurtured and well-rested so you can spend less time worrying and more time making precious memories as a new family.

What does a postnatal doula do?

Most importantly, I'm there to make sure you're being nurtured with nutritious food, and getting plenty of rest, as you navigate those early days and weeks.

My in-person postnatal support is available to you if you live in Bournemouth, Poole and the surrounding areas (including Christchurch, Ringwood, Ferndown, Dorchester, Blandford Forum, Wareham, Verwood and the New Forest - but depending on availability I'm happy to travel as far as Winchester, Southampton and Salisbury).

I offer a free, no-obligation 30-minute connection call to help me get to know more about you and your hopes for your postpartum period, and for you to find out more about how I might be able to support you.

Book a free chat

See my packages

Hi! I'm Katie, a postnatal doula and breastfeeding coach supporting families in Dorset, Hampshire and online.

Meet Katie

Postnatal doula packages - available in Dorset and Hampshire

I offer three curated packages to support you after the birth of your baby:

TIDE

Gentle support as you ease into new parenthood.

This 12-hour postnatal package is for you if you want just a little extra care and support in those very early days.

Whether it's support with newborn care, a listening ear, care as you recover and heal from birth or getting your breastfeeding journey off to a confident start, I offer nurturing and calm support when it matters most.

£450

COVE

Reassuring support as your find your rhythm in early parenthood.

With 24 hours of care, this package is ideal if you want more consistent support in the early weeks.

I'll walk beside you as you regain your footing, rebuild your energy, and grow in confidence, knowing that someone is there to lighten the load and help you feel heard, nurtured and well-rested

£875

HAVEN

A calm, nurturing sanctuary for your fourth trimester.

The ultimate support package - 40 hours of care to help you fully embrace the newborn period.

This is more than just practical help - it's space to rest, recover, and be held as you navigate the transformation into parenthood. I'll support you to truly experience the newborn period, not just survive it.

£1425

All my packages come with WhatsApp and/or phone support throughout our journey together, so you have support and reassurance from someone you know and trust on speed-dial, and will never feel like you're doing this alone.

Postnatal doula support is also available to book in individual sessions of three or more hours at £40 an hour.

Payment plans are always available.

Or if you're not local to Dorset or Hampshire, or just want reassuring and consistent support on speed dial on those early weeks, have a look at my 'pocket doula' services - available worldwide!

Pocket Doula

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

This is why I wanted to become a doula. Because becoming a mum is one of the biggest things that can happen in your life, it completely changes our priorities, our bodies, how we see ourselves - and we deserve to start that journey feeling heard and supported.

And I’m not passionate about breastfeeding support because I think everyone should breastfeed - there are plenty of valid reasons why you might choose not to.

But it’s because I strongly believe that if a new mum DOES want to breastfeed then she should be given all the support possible to make it happen - and our healthcare system just isn’t providing it, despite some amazing individuals within it.

Because regardless of how your breastfeeding and postpartum journeys go, if you feel unheard and unsupported in the early days then those seeds of doubt in yourself are planted, and it can be really hard to shake those off. Even though I know you’re an incredible mum.

You know all this, and you’re looking for the solution. Setting yourself up with support before your baby is born, or as soon as you start to face any challenges, can help you to take back your power and allow you to look back on those early days knowing you were confident and that your voice was heard.

Drop me a DM or book a connection call with me if you want to find out more about my doula and breastfeeding support services - in Dorset, Hampshire, and wherever you are in the world in your pocket.

Katie x

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

Colostrum harvesting isn’t something that was really talked about when I was first pregnant, but these days it’s a topic that comes up a lot.

It can be helpful to think about colostrum harvesting as an insurance policy, which you hopefully won’t need. But it’s something more and more people are hearing about and considering.

The two main things I would love you to take away about colostrum harvesting are:

❤️Please don’t worry if you find it hard, don’t get much, or would prefer not to do it. So many mums-to-be put pressure on themselves to harvest lots of colostrum, and if it doesn’t go as they hope they start their breastfeeding journey already doubting themselves or their body’s ability to make milk. Think of it as an opportunity to get to know your body and practice hand expressing, a skill which might be useful when your baby arrives.

❤️If you do give your baby the colostrum, perhaps if they’re struggling to latch or you’re separated, it’s important to start trying to remove colostrum/milk from your breasts regularly, so you start to give your body the signals that it needs to start producing milk and establishing your supply.

If you have any questions or any thoughts on colostrum harvesting, I would love to hear them!

Katie x

#preparingtobreastfeed #colostrumharvesting #colostrumcollection #dorsetdoula #postpartumpreparation #bournemouthmumstobe

The truth ⬇️

The truth is that, in most cases, breastfeeding might feel a bit tender in the very early days.

But if you’re experiencing ongoing pain or nipple damage then it’s always helpful to reach out for support, to help you understand whether there are any tweaks you can make to make breastfeeding more comfortable for you.

The other truth is that there’s a hell of a lot of contradictory information out there.

And when you’re pregnant and trying to prepare for breastfeeding (or for anything related to a newborn baby) then it can be incredibly hard to know what to believe, or what you should be doing if you want to get your feeding journey off to the best possible start.

And if you’re the mum of a newborn looking for answers or information, it’s so easy to go down a google rabbithole when you’re exhausted, desperate for the right answer, and just trying to do the best for your baby.

And then you start doubting yourself, the next midwife appointment isn’t for another three days, and you start wondering whether maybe you’re not cut out for this. Or you push through the pain and just hope that one day it gets better.

If this is you, then you’re not alone. And you’ve done nothing wrong - society has been set up to put pressure on us to breastfeed, but has failed to give us the right support to help us do this.

Please remember this:

❤️Having support lined up in advance can make a huge difference to how your breastfeeding journey goes. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help - you’re not being a burden.

❤️You haven’t ‘failed’ if it’s difficult - both you and your baby are learning a new skill which we don’t get exposed to enough in society

If you’re looking for tailored, continuous and unwavering support with breastfeeding from the moment your baby is born, 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

#preparingtobreastfeed #dorsetdoula #breastfeedingsupport #nipplepainbreastfeeding #shouldbreastfeedinghurt

And when you do feel tired - what might help you feel a bit better?

Fresh air, doing small things to make you feel good like a shower or some nice eye cream, drinking plenty of water and putting your favourite music on can all make it feel that little bit easier to manage.

Lack of sleep can be one of the toughest parts of the early days - and one of the areas where a doula can make the most difference. As your doula my priority is for you to feel rested, nurtured, truly listened to, and feeling like you have the space to finally breathe (or sleep!) for a few hours ❤️

If you have any tips for managing sleep deprivation in the early days I would LOVE to hear them.

Katie x

#newmumsleeptips #dorsetdoula #preparingfornewbaby #dorsetmums #thirdtrimesterpregnancy

I see you. Breastfeeding is intense, and sleep deprivation is HARD.

This is the kind of question you might ask me if I was working with you as your doula, or if I was supporting you with one of my ‘in your pocket’ breastfeeding packages.

If I was having this conversation with you as your postnatal doula I would already know you well, and would know the background to this question, so the conversation would be much more in-depth and nuanced than it’s possible to be in a few slides.

But this is the kind of answer I might give you - while also signposting you to reliable, balanced and evidence-based information so you can make the best decision for your family.

And whatever you decided to do, I would then support you with making it happen. If you decided to give a bottle then we would work together to help you minimise any impact on your breastfeeding journey. And if you decided not to, then we would explore some other ways you could get more rest ❤️.

As your doula, I’ll never tell you what to do - but what I will do is listen to you, support you, share reliable information, and walk beside you as you find the right path for you and your baby.

Send me a message if you’d like to know more about how I could support you, or you can book a free connection call using the link in my bio where we can get to know each other and help decide whether I might be the doula for you.

Katie x

#preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingsupport #dorsetdoula #pocketdoula #bournemouthmums #poolemums

If your baby doesn’t do the ‘breast crawl’, or doesn’t latch on in the first few hours, it doesn’t mean your breastfeeding journey is over before it’s begun.

If this happens to you, the key things to remember are:

- Keep your milk flowing - when you start to remove milk, your body will start to build and establish your supply. Get support with hand expressing, and do it regularly
- Keep your baby fed - the colostrum you express can be fed via a syringe, cup, spoon or your finger, and if you choose to bottle feed then research ‘paced feeding’
- Keep trying. Lots of skin-to-skin can help your baby to tap into their instincts, and time and perseverance makes a huge difference in most cases.
- Get support! If your midwife doesn’t have the capacity to help, a doula, lactation consultant or breastfeeding counsellor can support you. Think about getting this lined up in advance.

I offer ‘pocket’ breastfeeding support from pregnancy and then day one of your breastfeeding journey, so you always have someone to reach out to for guidance, reliable information, reassurance, and a listening ear.

DM me for details, or book a free, no obligation connection call in the link in my bio to chat about how I might be able to support you ❤️

Katie x

#breastfeedingsupport #preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingchallenges #dorsetdoula #bournemouthdoula #pregnantindorset

And remind her that her cup being filled is the best thing for your whole family too, not just her.

Because she’ll inevitably feel guilty when she takes time for herself.

I once saw something that has really stuck with me. Someone had asked a mum whether they felt guilty taking time away from their kids to exercise twice a week.

And the response was ‘No. I feel guilty when I snap at my family because I’ve been overwhelmed, overstimulated, and haven’t had any time to myself for days’.

Prioritising time to yourself is hard in the early days and weeks with a new baby (and in motherhood in general, honestly). And your partner, your family, your friends, might not realise quite how much difference some time alone to fill up your cup could make.

Share this with your partner, family or friends (or the partner of someone you know who is pregnant or in those early weeks with a newborn) to remind them to help a new mum to get that well-needed time to herself ❤️

And DM me if you want feel super confident that you and your partner are on the same page in the early days - and if they want to make sure they know how best to support you, and I’ll send you details of my postpartum planning sessions 🥰

Katie x

#postpartumpreparation #fourthtrimesterplanning #preparingtobreastfeed #dorsetdoula #pregnantinbournemouth #pregnantinpoole

I fell for the narrative that’s often pushed on us that if we’re finding it hard, if we’re ‘complaining’ at all, then we’re not grateful.

Of course you’re grateful to have your baby. But that doesn’t mean it’s not hard sometimes.

You should be allowed to share the hard times without shame, judgement or comparison - I guarantee you won’t be the only person feeling the way you’re feeling.

And if you’ve got something to celebrate - like maybe getting a longer stretch of sleep - you deserve a space where that will be celebrated hard with you!

Through my doula support, whether that’s in-person or in your pocket, I create a safe, non-judgemental space for you to share anything you’re feeling, with no shame.

I’ll listen, validate what you’re saying, and give you a hug (real or virtual).

And then I’ll give you a leg-up out of any hole you feel like you’re in, so you can get on with your day feeling reassured, unburdened, and knowing you’re not alone.

DM me for details of my in-person and ‘in your pocket’ doula support, where my focus is on looking after YOU at a time when you’re all-consumed with looking after that beautiful new baby.

Katie x

#pocketdoula #virtualdoula #dorsetdoula #hampshiredoula #breastfeedingsupport

It’s now been several months since I sat in front of my boss and told her I was leaving my job of 15 years, to move halfway across the country, and go all-in on my doula and breastfeeding support business.

She was brilliant (and cried with me!), but I had spent days, maybe weeks, mustering up the courage I needed to finally say the words out loud to her. To make what we had been talking about for a long time an actual reality.

Since then there have been more tears, joy, fear, elation, sad goodbyes, a LOT of paint, frustration with website tech, beautiful meetings with local birthworkers, more fear, connections with local families, and lots of memories made with my family. And more tears 😂

And the thing that continues to get me through the tears, and the fear, and which has helped me celebrate every achievement even more fiercely, is the SUPPORT that I put in place right from the start.

Having people I can reach out to when I’m having a wobble.

When I can’t quite work out what decision to make, and could use a soundboard.

When I need someone to listen to me without judgement, while I work through what my gut is telling me.

When I need someone to remind me just how far I’ve come, and that I can do this.

🌟This is what I do for you as your doula🌟

Because you can do this without support. Of course you can. You are, and/or will be, an incredible mum - you’re strong, capable and kick-ass

But, bloody hell, wouldn’t it be that much easier with some support? With someone in your corner every step of the way, to listen, reassure, guide and celebrate you as you start this wonderful but sometimes overwhelming journey?

Because the newborn period is a RIDE.

Whether it’s in-person or in your pocket support, I want you to experience more joy in those early days, spending less time worrying and more time making beautiful memories with your baby ❤️❤️

I want you to look back on this time remembering how you were held, reassured, validated and listened to.

Drop me a message if you’d like to find out more about how I can support you, or book a free connection call in the link in my bio 💕

Katie x

#dorsetdoula #hampshiredoula #bournemouthmumstobe #virtualdoula

Did any of these surprise you?

If you’re anything like me you will have done your breastfeeding homework - but you know you’ve only retained about 10% of all the information you’ve heard.

Then as well as the sheer AMOUNT of information that’s out there, there’s also plenty of incorrect information, and myths, doing the rounds.

This is why I offer my ‘in your pocket’ breastfeeding and doula support - so you’ve got support on speed-dial, with someone to reach out to in those early days and weeks when you need reassurance, guidance, and support. Quick responses and signposting to the the key info you need to know right then - no more 3am googling ❤️.

If you’re planning to breastfeed, how are you feeling about it?

Katie x

#preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingtips #breastfeedingsupport #dorsetdoula #pregnantindorset #virtualdoulasupport

Planning for the early days ⬇️

Communication can be such a challenge in the early days after having a baby - you’ll likely be sleep deprived, overwhelmed at times, and adjusting to your new life.

There could be feelings of resentment, particularly if you feel like your life has been affected much more than your partners.

But creating the space for deep, open and honest conversations about each of your hopes, fears and expectations, before your baby is born, can really help make sure you’re on the same page, and encourage you to start to think about how you might communicate if things feel tough.

If you’re pregnant then save this post, find a quiet time, and start to ask your partner these questions.

There are so many aspects to parenthood that you might not have discussed. Comment ‘30’ for my free ebook, ‘30 conversations to have with your partner before your baby arrives’.

And follow for more support and insights into the early days and weeks with your baby 💕❤️

Katie x

#postpartumpreparation #preparingtobreastfeed #dorsetdoula #20weekscan #bournemouthmums

Any kind of breastfeeding challenges in the early days can be incredibly tough.

There are so many reasons why breastfeeding might not be ‘instinctive’ and ‘natural’ like we’re often told it should be. And if you experience any of them, find some support - you’re not a burden and you don’t have to do this alone ❤️

Katie x

#breastfeedingtips #breastfeedingsupport #pregnantindorset #dorsetdoula #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #preparingtobreastfeed

There are loads of things that you won’t be able to prepare for when you’re having a baby - what your birth experience will be like and therefore your recovery, how much sleep you might get, whether your baby will have any feeding difficulties.

But there are things you CAN plan for. Like:

🌟What support you have in place
🌟Whether you and your partner are on the same page
🌟Who you want in your space in the early days and what vibes they’ll bring
🌟Thinking through who you can reach out to and share openly about how you are, knowing they will listen
🌟Researching local groups which focus on supporting mums, as well as or more than being about entertaining your baby

As well as my doula support, I love offering postpartum planning sessions, where I hold space for you and your partner to talk about your hopes/fears/expectations for those early days, what you can put in place now and once your baby is here to make your life easier, and how you might work as a team to make that time as full of joy as possible.

DM me if you’d like to know more ❤️

Katie x

#postpartumpreparation #fourthtrimesterplanning #preparingtobreastfeed #dorsetdoula #newmumselfcare #pregnantinbournemouth

I was told by a midwife that once my milk came in I should feed on one side only per feed - only to be told several weeks later, having struggled with my baby’s weight gain and mastitis, that in fact this was completely out of date advice.

I’d love to hear if there’s any mixed messages you’ve received about breastfeeding ❤️

Katie x

#breastfeedingsupport #preparingtobreastfeed #bournemouthmums #poolemums #mumtobebournemouth #dorsetdoula

I spent so much time in the early weeks as a new mum worrying about ‘making a rod for my own back’.

Worrying that if I let my baby sleep on me it would be impossible to get her to sleep in a cot.

Worrying that if I rocked her to sleep I would be doing it for years.

That if I didn’t put her down regularly and get her used to being away from me, there would be a struggle in the future to get her to be ‘independent’.

What happened was that I spent hours, days, trying to get her to do things she wasn’t ready to do. Crying because she wouldn’t do what she was ‘supposed’ to do. Wondering what I’d done wrong and googling how to fix it.

But, then I finally gave in and surrendered, went with whatever made our lives easier in that moment. And everything changed.

It’s ok to choose ‘today you’. To do whatever makes everything feel a bit easier that day. It doesn’t mean you’re lazy, that you’re ’giving in’ to them’, or that you’re spoiling your baby!

Maybe it will mean a bit more effort in the future (although it might not). But if it does, future you will probably be a whole lot less sleep deprived and with more capacity ❤️

Katie x

#postpartumpreparation 20weekscan #dorsetdoula #bournemouthdoula #pregnantinbournemoutho

When I was pregnant with baby #2 I was really worried about how I was going to breastfeed 8-12 times a day, while also looking after my daughter (who was 21 months when she became a big sister, so she still needed me a LOT).

It will almost certainly be challenging at times. But there are some things that can make it that little bit more manageable:

❤️ Getting support - with housework, with your older child/children, with looking after the baby so you still get some quality time with your older one(s), so you can rest. This can be family, friends, a doula - and not feeling guilty if you still use childcare for your eldest even if you’re at home

🤍A tip that people gave me was to have a basket of ‘special ’ toys/activities that only come out when you’re feeding. For me, this didn’t work, my eldest had no interest whatsoever - so we ended up putting the TV on a lot. Yes it was a habit we then had to work to get her out of - but sometimes you have to choose today you rather than future you!

❤️ Think about how you might manage if your newborn won’t be put down at night and you can’t nap during the day. It’s not for everyone, but researching safe co-sleeping if it comes to it might be useful.

🤍 You might find that there are times both children need you and you need to prioritise. Don’t feel guilty if sometimes you need to let the baby cry for a couple of minutes while you sort your older child out.

❤️ Remember it’s still ok to have little (or big!) pockets of time to yourself! While you might want to spend as much time as possible with your older child(ren), your wellbeing is important for the whole family

🤍 It’s ok to take it one day at a time!

❤️ When you feel guilty, remember you’re giving them the gift of a sibling.

🤍 Quick freezer teas for a little while are ok!!

I’d love to hear any other thoughts you have on breastfeeding a newborn while looking after a toddler 💕

Katie x

#postpartumpreparation #fourthtrimesterplanning #preparingtobreastfeed #babynumber2❤️ #newmumselfcare #virtualdoula #dorsetdoula

Having family come to stay after your baby is born can be a great help. And often if family are travelling far to meet your new baby, there isn’t always an option other than them coming to stay.

But it can also be a bit intense, for everyone involved.

Once you’ve made the decision that they will be staying, it can help to think about:

- When will they arrive? There are pros and cons to this being straight after baby arrives, or after a few weeks.

- Have a conversation in advance about expectations and boundaries - this could be things like how much they hold your baby, giving advice, privacy, their views on how you’ve chosen to feed.

- Can they arrange a time each day when they’ll go out or go for a walk, to give you your own time?

- What jobs can they help with? Do they know where everything is/how things work? Will you feel like you need to ‘host’ them?

- Is there anything they do, or any areas of tension, that might make you or your partner feel stressed or inadequate? Can you have a conversation about that in advance?

Planning in advance, and having difficult conversations beforehand, can really take the pressure off when you’re in the thick of it. And starting an open, honest line of communication NOW, even if it feels a bit awkward. can save a lot of angst in the long run.

If you’re pregnant, have you got family coming to stay? How are you feeling about it?

Katie x

#postpartumpreparation #fourthtrimesterplanning #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #preparingtobreastfeed #dorsetdoula #breastfeedingtips

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 thinking about breastfeeding:
⭐️ 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.
⭐️ be prepared to have to wake your baby to feed in the first few days/weeks. This is harder than it sounds sometimes!
⭐️ 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 whipping out your boob and feeding discreetly can be easier, in the early days it can take a huge around of concentration and skin-to-skin.
⭐️ know that whatever path your feeding journey takes has no bearing on what a fantastic parent you are ❤️

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

Katie x

#breastfeedingpreparation #preparingto breastfeed #breastfeedingtips #postpartumpreparation #dorsetdoula #antenatalclass

Realistic expectations ⬇️

When I was pregnant, I assumed my baby would fall asleep nicely in her Moses basket, or next-to-me, while I had a shower or napped. That I’d be able to get things done.

I thought she would want feeding every 2-3 hours like the books said.

I thought she would just wake up and tell me whenever she wanted a feed.

The reality was:
- She refused to sleep anywhere other than on me or my husband, or next to us, for at least the first week. That resulted is sleeping in shifts sleeping and us both being exhausted
- Sometimes in the early weeks it felt like she would finish one feed and then immediately want another. Although this is tough, it can be normal at times as babies feed for comfort as much as for nutrition (but, if it’s happening all the time, or your baby is constantly unhappy in between feeds, seek support)
- In the early days she was so sleepy, and we often got to the three hour point and had to fight to get her to wake up and latch on. This was stressful and exhausting.

Every baby is different, but if you’re pregnant it can be so helpful to look into typical newborn behaviour.

Having realistic expectations can help you and your partner prepare, think about how you might navigate challenges, how you might get as much sleep, or at least rest, as possible, and what support you might want to have in place.

Follow for more on preparing for those early days with your baby ❤️

Katie x

#postpartumpreparation #fourthtrimesterplanning #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #preparingtobreastfeed #dorsetdoula #20weekscan

Not all of these might resonate with you, but if you’re pregnant or a new mum I would love you to think about whether any of the narratives that we’re often given could make breastfeeding, and that newborn period harder than it needs to be.

I’d LOVE to hear any of your experiences.

And if you want to dive deeper, comment’ 30’ for my free eBook, ‘30 conversations to have with your partner before your baby arrives’, to explore how you and your partner can work together to make those early days easier and more joyful ❤️

Katie x

#preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingpreparation #postpartumpreparation #fourthtrimesterpreparation #dorsetdoula #bournemouthdoula

I came away from my antenatal breastfeeding session with the message that my baby would crawl to my boob, latch themselves on, and we’d both know what to do.

When it didn’t happen like that, it totally threw me.

I’d love to hear any similar experiences, and how you managed your way through them ❤️

Katie x

#preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingcourse #breastfeedingtips #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #pregnancyyogadorset #dorsetdoula

So many of us have careers before having children, and develop a whole set of tools to help us be successful in the workplace. Nobody tells us that these tools don’t always work the same way in motherhood.

A combination of lack of support, lack of exposure, and a lack of nuanced conversations around the challenges of breastfeeding in particular can make so many women feel like they’ve failed, when that’s never the case.

I’d love to support you in your breastfeeding journey ❤️

Katie x

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

Also…don’t feel guilty about spending another afternoon in big Tesco!

I remember so many conversations with mums at baby groups who seemed to have it all together - they looked great, their baby had slept well that night, their baby was actually awake at the baby group whereas mine always seemed to sleep through them and I ended up singing to a sleeping baby like a loon…

But having caught up with a few mums recently, it turns out they thought I had it all together too!

We’re all doing this for the first time. Even if this is your second baby, you’re parenting this baby for the first time, while also learning how to juggle multiple children.

Be kind to yourself. You’re going great ❤️

Katie x

#postpartumpreparation #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #fourthtrimesterplanning #preparingtobreastfeed #dorsetdoula #bournemouthdoula #pooledoula

There are so many benefits to breastfeeding, to your baby, to you as a mum, and to your wider family.

But we can’t gloss over the fact that breastfeeding can be really hard. And that if you exclusively breastfeed, you might find it hard to leave your baby for very long for several months (although leaving your baby with someone else if you formula or combi feed can be really hard too!).

Nobody talks much about how intense it can be to have someone completely relying on you 24/7 for their food and drink, not having any real time to yourself, and knowing that if you do manage to carve out some time for a break then then it might be interrupted at any point.

I never knew how much I would crave just a little bit of alone time when I became a mum.

But there are some things you can think about that might help:

- Ask for support - whether that’s from your partner, family, friends, or hiring a doula. That can look like many things - getting help with the housework so you don’t feel the pressure to be doing everything else when you’re feeding, asking someone to hold the baby while you have a bath, a nap, a walk alone, half an hour pottering about in a different room, or someone coming with you to a hair appointment so they can bring baby to you if needed

- Rather than focussing on creating time for long breaks, plan little breaks where you do something for you. Even 20 minutes reading a book or having a shower that you don’t need to rush can fill up your cup just enough to keep going the rest of the day

- If you’re finding it hard, find someone to talk to about it who will understand. A friend, a family member, or someone you trust - even if they can’t help much, having someone listen and validate your feelings can be a load off

- Don’t feel guilty if you find it hard. It doesn’t mean you’re not grateful that you have your baby, or that you’re able to breastfeed when others haven’t been able to. It’s HARD

- It feels like a lot when you’re in it, but it won’t last forever. Try to soak in those moments with your baby when you feel you can ❤️

Katie x

#breastfeedingjourney #preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingtips #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #newmumselfcare

I went away from the breastfeeding course I did when I was pregnant with three main messages:

- If I had done everything ‘right’, then after my baby’s birth they would crawl up to my nipple, latch on, and immediately know what they were doing. And both of our instincts would take over.

- That under no circumstances should breastfeeding hurt, and if it did I was doing it wrong (and conversely I know lots of people who have been told that breastfeeding ‘just hurts’ and they have to just persevere.)

- That my baby ‘getting the hindmilk’ was critical to our breastfeeding journey going well. And so I needed to make sure that I kept my baby on one side the whole feed to get that ‘fatty milk’.

But I know now:

- That there are so many reasons why your breastfeeding journey might not start out like it does in the videos. And it’s nothing to do with whether you’ve done anything ‘right’

- That while both your instincts, and your baby’s instincts, can be incredibly powerful in the right circumstances, the lack of exposure to breastfeeding so many of us have had, and the lack of support, can sometimes counteract them or make us lose trust in ourselves.

- That in the early days, it’s normal for your nipples to feel a bit sore and tender - but that if that pain persists, or is accompanied by damage to nipples or poor weight gain, some support could be helpful.

- That overall milk volume is the most important factor in weight gain, and that most babies would benefit from being offered both sides during each feed.

Have you heard anything about breastfeeding that didn’t tally with your experience?

Follow for more insights and support around the practical and emotional sides of breastfeeding and new motherhood ❤️

Katie x

#preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingtips #postpartumpreparation #fourthtrimesterplanning #dorsetdoula #bournemouthdoula #pooledoula

These things added a whole load of unnecessary stress to life with a newborn:

1. “Put your baby down drowsy but awake”
What does that even mean?? I mean I felt constantly drowsy, but the baby….and if they do get drowsy, you could be sure they’d be wide awake the second you put them down 😂

2. “You’re making a rod for your own back”
Nope, I’m just choosing the path of least resistance right now because it works for me and my family

3. “You’re letting them manipulate you”
Yes, because my two week old baby who can’t hold her head up yet is exceptionally talented in knowing how to manipulate adults….

4. “You think it’s bad now.,..just you wait until they’re a toddler”
Thanks, that makes me feel so much better.

How about instead of giving ‘advice’, we just ask new mums how they are and make time to REALLY listen to their answer?

I’d love to hear some of the things people have said to you in pregnancy or early parenthood that made you want to tear your hair out!

Katie x

#postpartumpreparation #fourthtrimesterplanning #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #preparingtobreastfeed #doulabournemouth #doulapoole #dorsetdoula

It’s no secret that having a baby (and having a second, or a third) will be a massive adjustment. We go into it aware that our lives will change, and that we won’t have as much quality time together.

But so many of us are going into parenthood completely unprepared for the challenges parenthood might present to us.

Almost all of these challenges can be helped by communication. But communication can be one of the hardest things to do when you’re tired, emotional, and when it’s hard to create a space that feels safe to share some of these feelings.

Starting to have early conversations in pregnancy about what that time might be like, your expectations, your hopes and fears, and how you can carve out time and space to continue to have these conversations, can be such a powerful start.

It won’t solve it all. But it can mean that those conversations that follow on aren’t starting from scratch when you’re both exhausted and overwhelmed.

Have you spoken about your expectations of parenthood with your partner? Where do you see the challenges coming up for you?

Comment ‘30’ for my free ebook ‘30 conversations to have with your partner before your baby arrives’.

Katie x

#postpartumpreparation #fourthtrimesterplanning #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #preparingtobreastfeed #postnataldoula #dorsetdoula

The postnatal ward, where you’ll likely go if you have your baby in hospital and are not discharged quickly, can be overwhelming, loud, and HOT.

Staff are often overstretched, and don’t always have the time to give you the support you need or deserve.

But there are some things you can think about in advance, to help you prepare as much as possible:

❤️ Be prepared for it to not be the Hilton. It can be hot, loud, bright, and you may well be woken often by the midwives wanting to check your blood pressure.

🤍If you’re planning to breastfeed, support on the postnatal ward can be mixed. Think about having external support set up in advance - local breastfeeding counsellors, IBCLCs or doulas may be able to come and see you in hospital, or be available for support on speed-dial.

❤️Bring home comforts - your own pillow, comfy PJs, your own towel and toiletries. And bring snacks - hospital food isn’t the best, and it can feel like a long wait between dinner at 5pm and breakfast at 8am….

🤍Bring flip flops or slippers for walking around - the bathrooms can be a bit grim…..!

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

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

❤️Who can you reach out to if it feels tough? A friendly, reassuring voice at the end of the phone, whether that’s a family member, a friend, a doula, or someone you’ve met through an antenatal course, can be a real lifeline if you’re struggling.

If you’ve had a baby, I’d love to hear how you found the postnatal wards, and any tips you might have for navigating that time in the hospital after your baby is born 💕

Katie x

#postnatalplanning #postpartumplanning #breastfeedingtips #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #douladorset #doulahampshire

When I first became a mum, I found it really hard to have a break from my baby. I felt like a ‘good’ mum should want to be with their children all the time, should be able to do it all, would be this ‘present’ women who was there all the time.

But after a while that became really unsustainable. I was tired, overwhelmed, trying to do all the things I thought that a ‘good mum’ would be.

But I’ve realised that when I’m overwhelmed, when I haven’t had a break, I find it really hard to deal with the small challenges of everyday life. Someone spills some milk - I’m furious. Two children asking me for things at the same time - I snap and shout at them to be patient.

When I’ve had a break, when I’m recharged, I’m so much better equip to manage these things. Everyone is calmer and nobody has to walk on eggshells around mum.

If you’re pregnant or a new mum, you DESERVE a break. The mental load, the noise, the lack of sleep - it can all understandably become too much when you’re in it 24/7.

And if you can’t carve out large chunks of time for whatever reason - childcare, a baby who is breastfeeding often perhaps - then even taking a few minutes to yourself where you can switch off, can make also much difference. Enjoying a hot cup of tea in peace. Reading a few pages of your book. Getting a few minutes of fresh air. It can be enough to start up slowly full your cup.

You’re a brilliant mum ❤️

Katie xx

#postpartumpreparation #fourthtrimesterplanning #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #preparingtobreastfeed #douladorset #doulahampshire

Do you know 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 e.g. four hours 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 you’re in your breastfeeding journey, whether that’s in pregnancy or as a new mum, remember that each mum and each baby is different - try not to compare yourself, and seek out support if you’re unsure. You don’t have to do this alone ❤️

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, or you want reassurance, reach out for support - you’re never a burden.

Katie x

#breastfeedingpreparation #breastfeedingpreparationclass #preparingtobreastfeed #doulabournemouth #doulapoole

Hiiiii! 👋

It’s been a while since I said hi on here, and there have been a few changes recently 😊

I’m Katie, doula, breastfeeding geek, and mum of two.

Everything changed for me when I became a mum. And it made me realise how lacking support to new mums is, in the UK especially.

It made me so passionately want to walk beside women through the amazing, tough, and transformational journey of becoming a mother, whether it’s for the first, second, third or fourth time.

And now I’m making this a reality.

My eldest was three months old when we went into lockdown, and I found it so hard being in London away from my family in Dorset. And I craved the sea and the countryside. We started talking about moving away from London at the same time as I started to realise that I wanted to start doing something different with my time.

Four and a half years later, we’ve finally made our dreams a reality and have moved to a new house on the Bournemouth/Poole border!!

I’ve also made the decision to resign from my office job that I’ve been doing alongside running this business, and I’m so excited about the extra capacity this will give me to focus on supporting you through pregnancy and new parenthood. As well as the time I’ll get to spend with my family 🥰

There’s lots going on behind the scenes, but if you’re local to the Bournemouth/Poole area I’ll be offering in-person postnatal doula services very soon, as well as new virtual doula/breastfeeding support packages. I’ll also be starting to build the foundations of something special to help new mums everywhere in those early weeks and months ❤️

I want to get rid of the idea that we just accept postpartum is just always going to be really hard and there’s nothing we can do. It will always be an adjustment, but there can be so much joy.

Follow along for support and insights as you prepare to welcome your baby - big things are coming in 2025!! ❤️

Katie x

#dorsetdoula #bournemouthdoula #pooledoula #breastfeedingsupport #pregnantindorset #postpartumpreparation

If you’re a strong, self-sufficient woman expecting a baby, ask yourself this question….

How comfortable do you feel asking for what you need?

You’re a capable woman. Maybe you’ve done well in your career, earned your own money, and by now if you need something you can just make it happen yourself.

I was that person. And then when I had a baby, I wanted to continue to prove I could do it all. I felt really uncomfortable asking anyone for help, because I felt like that would be a sign of weakness. Or that I’d be putting someone else out when I didn’t need to.

So I didn’t ask for any help.

And the result was that I was exhausted, felt resentful towards my husband (because surely he should just know what I need?) and spending less unrushed, quality time with my baby.

Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness - it’s really important self-care ❤️

Try practicing before your baby is born, so it comes more naturally when you really need it.

Share this post with a mum-to-be who needs it 💕

Katie x

#postpartumpreparation #selfcarefornewmum #realselfcare #fourthtrimesterplanning #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #breastfeedingtips

Did any of these surprise you?

As well as the sheer AMOUNT of information that’s out there, there’s also plenty of incorrect information, and myths, doing the rounds.

For instance, when I left the hospital after having Daisy I was told by the midwife to only feed on one side per feed - not always the best thing to do it turns out.

If you’re planning to breastfeed, how are you feeling about it?

Katie x

#preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingpreparation #colostrumharvesting #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #genderrevealideas

Making sure your needs are met.

There can be a LOT going on in parenthood. Always something you need to do.

Communication is key. I’m not saying we’ve got it nailed, it’s a journey, but something we try and do is check in each morning (or evening if we’ve been working) and talk about, out of the invariably huge to-do list, what it is we NEED to do that day.

In the early days it can be as simple as making sure you’ve both showered. Perhaps done a load of washing. Maybe it’s been a hard night and what you need above all else is your partner to take the baby for an hour so you can nap. Maybe they need 20 minutes to go for a run to help them feel more human.

As things settle down a bit, this list might expand - maybe you need some time out of the house by yourself. Some focused time to sort the house insurance out. To mow the lawn. Spend some quality time together.

Once you know what this is, talk about how you can make this happen. One person taking the baby for a walk while you shower? Getting family to help out for an hour? One of you taking both kids to the park so the other one can get a job done?

It can feel hard. But your self-care matters ❤️

Katie x

#fourthtrimesterpreparation #fourthtrimesterplanning #postpartumplanning #postpartumselfcare #postpartumrelationships #postpartumplanningclass #fourthtrimestertoolkit #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #20weekspregnant

Honestly, I don’t remember colostrum harvesting being talked about much when I was first pregnant five years ago - but it’s an option so many more people are aware of now.

Lots of mums-to-be want to try harvesting colostrum, and if you’re pregnant there are a few things I would love you to know about it ❤️

Katie x

#colostrumharvesting #breastfeedingpreparation #preparingtobreastfeed #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #postpartumpreparation

Everyone talks about that ‘instant rush of love’ that appears as soon as you see your baby.

And for lots of people, that does happen. But it doesn’t always.

Sometimes birth can be long, intense and tiring, and when you first hold your baby you might not be able to connect that new face to the baby that you’ve had kicking inside you for so long.

When my daughter was born I was dazed, overwhelmed and emotional. When I first saw her I thought ‘oh, that’s a sweet baby’, but I didn’t feel an immediate emotional connection to her. I didn’t instantly feel like she was ‘my’ baby. That unconditional love took a few days, maybe even longer, to fully form.

It’s ok if it takes longer. It doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you, or that you’ll never bond with your baby. It just means you’re going through a huge transformation, and you need a bit of time.

If you experience this, know that you’re not alone. Be gentle with yourself and know you’re doing an incredible job.

And if you feel like it just isn’t coming, don’t be afraid to find someone to someone to talk about it ❤️ there’s no shame in reaching out.

Katie x

#fourthtrimesterplanning #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #postpartumpreparation #newmumselfcare #preparingtobreastfeed

‘Productivity’ with a new baby.

I remember feeling guilty in the early days after having a baby because I wasn’t doing ‘enough’.

We’re so conditioned to believe that we need to be ‘productive’ - constantly doing things, achieving things. How we feel about ourselves is so often measured by what we’ve done that day, that week.

But as a new mum, you’re doing so much. Recovering from pregnancy and birth, which has a huge impact on our bodies. Feeding your baby. Getting to know them, and this new version of yourself.

You’re doing exactly what you need to do.

(And I also had moments where the state of the house drove me mad and I HAD to clean. And that’s ok too!!)

If you’re pregnant or a new mum, save this as a reminder that you are achieving SO MUCH in this early days.

And if you know a mum-to-be or a new mum, share this with them so they know they’re doing exactly what they need to do ❤️

Katie x

#fourthtrimesterplanning #postpartumpreparation #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #newmumselfcare #preparingtobreastfeed

When I was pregnant I wanted to get breastfeeding ‘right’. I got all the information, listened to all the midwives, and did what I could to give myself the best chance of success.

I trusted everything I was told.

But it turns out that there’s a lot of information out there that isn’t accurate, or gives unrealistic expectations, which leads to women feeling judged for their choices.

I was told:

- That I needed to feed on one side per feed so my baby got the ‘fatty milk’ (by a midwife after my first baby). In fact overall volume is now believed to be the most important factor in weight gain.

- That we didn’t need to learn about nipple shields because I wouldn’t ’need them’ (by our antenatal teacher). It’s true not everyone needs them, but for some people they can make the difference between their breastfeeding journey ending and continuing.

- That I should wait 3-4 hours between feeds to let my breasts ‘fill up’ (by a friend who had been told this by her health visitor).

- That if it hurts then you’re doing it wrong (that same antenatal teacher). Nipple pain is definitely something to get checked out as you might need support with your latch - but it’s normal to experience some discomfort and tenderness in the early days.

The result of this was that I had a really difficult start to breastfeeding, I spent months second-guessing myself, I felt like I didn’t have enough milk because my baby wasn’t feeding like the books said, and I didn’t seek out help soon enough when I had challenges.

I’m not saying that all the advice we get from our healthcare professionals is wrong - through my breastfeeding journey I was supported by many incredible, knowledgeable women.

But I wish I’d sought out support in advance, so that in those early days I had someone I trusted to turn to.

Looking for support in advance, whether that’s from a doula, a breastfeeding counsellor/IBCLC, a local feeding group or the National Breastfeeding Helpline, can make a huge difference.

And if you’re thinking of breastfeeding, comment ‘CLASS’ for the link to my free breastfeeding masterclass 💕

Katie x

#freebreastfeedingclass #preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingtips

All the things we did talk about were lovely and necessary!

But we also should have talked about how our lives, and our relationship, might change, and how we might navigate the unexpected together.

Let’s be honest - nobody knows exactly what those first few days and weeks after your baby is born will be like.

Even if it’s not your first baby, each baby you add to your family will bring a whole new dynamic and its own set of challenges (although the newborn phase might not be quite as much of a shock).

But even if you can’t fully prepare, starting these conversations now could stand you in better stead to understand each other a little bit more, check back in with each other regularly, and keep that dialogue going.

I’d love to hear what you think about this!

And if you haven’t done so already, get yourself along to my FREE online breastfeeding masterclass on Wednesday 27th November at 8pm! An essential for you and your partner to get on the same page with realistic expectations of the newborn days, a team approach to challenges, and what you can both do in the first seven days to get breastfeeding off to a good start ❤️

See the link on my bio to book.

Katie x

#fourthtrimesterplanning #postpartumpreparation #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingclassonline

So many women are told that they should feed from one breast only, or feed for a certain amount of time on each side, to ensure that their baby gets the ‘fatty milk’ at the end of the feed - the ‘hindmilk’.

For the vast majority of people, this isn’t true!

It’s true that milk can change throughout a feed, with the milk at the beginning of a feed often containing more water, and at the end often containing more fat - this is because it can take a while for the heavier fat globules to be ‘forced’ out of the breast.

But studies now show that for the majority of babies it’s the overall volume of milk that matters most in weight gain. So instead of keeping your baby on one side to potentially get that little bit of extra fatty milk, offering them both sides at each feed could allow them to get a lot more milk in total.

Feeding just from one side per feed could increase the risk of blocked ducts and mastitis, as well as a lower overall milk supply and slower weight gain.

And the less time between feeds, the fattier your milk often is! The more milk you feed your baby, the more milk your body will create.

I was told by a midwife that once my milk came in I should feed on one side only per feed - only to be told several weeks later, having struggled with my baby’s weight gain and mastitis, that in fact this was completely out of date advice.

If you’re pregnant and planning on breastfeeding, come along to my FREE online breastfeeding masterclass, ‘Make More Milk: setting yourself up for a strong start to breastfeeding’ on Wednesday 27th November at 8pm, for my top insights into how to approach breastfeeding in the first seven days to help establish your milk supply and navigate common challenges 🤱

See the link in my bio to book your spot ❤️ and if you can’t make it live, the session will be recorded for you.

Katie x

#freebreastfeedingclass #onlinebreastfeedingclass #breastfeedingpreparation #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #breastfeedingsupportuk

I thought it was about time to say hi again 🥰

I’m Katie, breastfeeding geek, doula, mum of two, and lover of cheese 🧀, carbs 🍝, and the sea 🌊.

I’ve been on a long old journey since pre-pregnancy me, from fertility struggles, a baby in the special care unit, a difficult breastfeeding journey, navigating two under two, and a battle with perfectionism, and it’s made me so passionate about walking beside women through the amazing, tough, and transformational journey of becoming a mum.

I want to support you to experience more joy in that newborn time by allowing yourself to prioritise self care, accept help, have realistic expectations of what postpartum might look like - but also know that there’s a lot you can influence if you prepare, you know what challenges you might face, and have good support in place.

I want Dads, family members, friends and just wider society to understand how to really support newly postpartum women

And I want to get rid of the idea that we just accept postpartum is just always going to be really hard and there’s nothing we can do. It will always be an adjustment, but there can be so much joy ❤️

If you’re pregnant and you have a vision for your postpartum period where:
- You feel confident in asking for what you need
- You know how to navigate challenges
- You get to spend less time worrying, and more time making special memories with your baby
- You get to be looked after just as much as your baby is

Then follow for support and insights into the postpartum period ❤️

Katie x

Used to being ‘productive’?⬇️

I remember feeling so guilty in the early days because I ‘wasn’t doing much’.

But I was doing a LOT. I was recovering from a huge thing my body had done in growing and birthing a baby. I was feeding my baby. I was getting to know her.

I was getting to know MYSELF in this new role as this baby’s mummy (which nobody told me was something I would need to do).

I WAS being productive. In exactly the way I needed to at that moment.

And don’t get me wrong, sometimes I had moments where the state of the carpet was driving me round the bend and I had to hoover. And that was OK too!

If you’re with your baby, you ARE being productive - you’re feeding your baby, bonding with them, helping them learn to regulate their emotions.

If you want to set yourself up for as much joy and ease as possible in those first few days with your baby, come along to my FREE online breastfeeding masterclass next Wednesday 27th November, 8pm. You’ll come away feeling prepared and confident, with a plan to navigate challenges in those first few days and weeks (including the little voice that keeps telling you that you should be ‘doing more’!).

Check out my bio to book ❤️

Katie x

#fourthtrimesterplanning #preparingtobreastfeed #breastfeedingchallenges #thirdtrimesterpregnancy #doulalondon

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@rewrite.your.postpartum

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OVERNIGHT DOULA SUPPORT

POSTPArtum planning

'in your pocket' doula support

breastfeeding support

What does a postnatal doula do?

My work with each family is bespoke and tailored depending on your needs, but some examples of the ways I can support you are:

- Holding space for you, listening without judgement as you share whatever has been on your mind - -whether that's talking through your birth experience, sharing your recovery, or talking about the changes to your relationships and how you're adjusting to becoming a mother. You're free to be completely honest about any struggles, and we'll celebrate every single success together.

- Feeding support - I can sit patiently with you for as long as you need as you and your baby learn and adapt to whatever feeding method you choose. If you're facing any challenges, we can work through them together and explore what next steps might work best for you.

- Looking after your baby while you nap, shower, or have some time to yourself to breathe.

- While you rest or snuggle with your baby, I can support you with light household tasks so you can stop worrying about laundry, hoovering, or your to-do list.

- Supporting you with trips to the shops or medical appointments

- Playing with and looking after older siblings.

Postnatal support packages

Postnatal Doula Support in Dorset and Hampshire

Postnatal doula support in Bournemouth, Poole, and the surrounding areas of Dorset and Hampshire

Hi! I'm Katie, a postnatal doula and breastfeeding coach supporting families in Dorset, Hampshire and online.

Postnatal doula packages - available in Dorset and Hampshire

Or if you're not local to Dorset or Hampshire, or just want reassuring and consistent support on speed dial on those early weeks, have a look at my 'pocket doula' services - available worldwide!

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Or take a look at some of the other ways I can support you....

What does a postnatal doula do?

I'd love to hear from you....