When a baby is born so is the mother. She too, deserves love, attention and care.
A doula can significantly assist a new mother during the postpartum period. Childbirth, labour, and feeding have an intense physical and emotional impact on women's bodies; therefore, these individuals need the care to heal properly. Additionally, adjusting to life as a mom can be challenging - this is where support from a doula can help.
Motherhood looks different in the modern world.
Today, it is necessary for parents to build their own village and support system to thrive post-birth. This should be planned and prepared for in advance so that the transition into motherhood is as smooth as possible.
A doula places importance on centering the mother’s postpartum physical and mental well-being by supporting the mother in her healing. This is done through encouraging rest, nurturing her, nourishing her with healing foods and providing any other support that may be needed.
Postpartum recovery should not be a luxury; it is necessary for women after carrying a baby for 9-months. People who have surgeries always have a recovery period planned for them, yet mothers who have laboured for hours or endured the major surgery of a caesarean section are quite often expected to go home and care for other humans, forgoing their self-care and healing time.
Having realistic expectations and a plan of what postpartum recovery looks like for you will make a difference when you are at home. The postpartum period lasts much longer than the 6 weeks you are told to rest for.
As a doula, I support a mother's needs during and after birth. I hold space for you and your needs with no judgement or opinion. Every woman and birth is unique, and I tailor my services to your needs.
Consider adding a doula service to your baby registry.
Postpartum Planning $250
Remove the stress and overwhelm of when the baby arrives and plan for your postpartum recovery. Feel confident and have more time to focus on yourself and your baby.
Arrange to have food in the freezer, and be empowered to make food choices to aid your healing and recovery.
Set healthy boundaries with family and friends by creating instructions with visit times and what to bring.
Have nourishing meals and snacks that are easy to make and, more importantly, easy to eat with one hand.
Please don't go with the flow and see how it all pans out. Make a plan to prevent disappointment and be armed with all the food, love and support you need to heal.
What we cover in the initial call:
- A nutrition consultation, including menu planning and freezer meal ideas
- Arranging help from friends and family
- Organise a food train with family and friends
- Boundary setting and script creation
- Matrescence (the physical, emotional and social transition into motherhood)
- Mindful mindset on the new family dynamics
- Relationship preparation
There are two check-in calls, so don't feel you have been left with a plan but no support. I will answer any questions and guide you.
The Postpartum Planning Package includes:
- Â 90-minute postpartum planning consultation via zoom while pregnant
- A personalised plan to be emailed to you after the consultation
- 2 x 30-minute check-ins within the first month of the baby's arrival via zoom or phone.
 The package can be adapted to your needs or purchased as a gift.
In-home Postpartum Support $1,480
Sleep may be challenging, but rest is far more achievable. On each visit, the only thing that you need to do is put your feet up.
We will only talk as much as you desire. Each visit will be different depending on how you feel and what your needs are.
Prior to each visit I can arrange to have groceries or nappies picked up and brought to you (at your own cost), or to have meals or snacks prepared for you with what you have available in your home.Â
My role is to support your healing process, be an ear and guide you for further support if what you need is outside of my scope, with no judgement or opinion. I move through your home with minimal disruption, making sure that my presence is unknown in your home.
Each visit will be different depending on what you need but may include any of the following:
- Birth debrief
- Feeding support
- Nutrition assessment (this is to ensure you are eating enough and staying hydrated)
- Necessary referrals
- Help with bathing the baby
- Organise your pantry and fridge for ease when you are home alone
- Cook a meal
- Personalised Self-care recommendations
 Things you may want to do while I am there:
- Eat a warm meal with two hands
- Catch-up on life admin
- Sleep
- Shower
- Support you with the setting of boundaries
- Order groceries
- Meal planning
- Catch up on phone calls and texts to friends and family
 The In-home Postpartum Support Package includes:
- A 3-hour visit each week for 6 weeks or a 2-hour visit each week for 9 weeks.
- Additional hours or meals can be purchased as needed.
Birth Mapping $120
Birth mapping is otherwise known as creating a birth plan.
Not all births go to plan, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have choices. Understanding the options you have and choices you can make throughout the birthing process means you will be more prepared to make decisions at the time.
Being educated and armed with the information about your choices on pain medication, position during labour, induction, delaying of the cord clamping, and the golden hour (uninterrupted skin contact with baby after birth), amongst others, means you will be empowered to make decisions on the day.
If you aren't in the driver's seat, you are allowing someone else to take control.
We also cover what to pack for your hospital bag and what to have ready for your return home.
This consultation conversation is tailored to your needs and the birth you desire. Every woman is unique, and so is her birth.
Your personalised Birth Map will be emailed to you within 48 hours after the consultation.
The first 365 days $850
Postpartum is not just a time of physical recovery; it is also about the birth of a mother. It is beautiful, raw, fast-paced and can be overwhelming; new mothers need to have space and time to process this transformation. The psychological change that can occur can be a shock to some, as they are not prepared for what can occur.
The First 365 Days Package is the ultimate guide for the new mother to be supported and guided through the first year of being a new mum.
There are many changes that occur through the first year of becoming a mother. Postpartum recovery lasts longer than 6 weeks. Most people are of the understanding that you are healed, able to exercise and be intimate with your partner after your 6-week check up from your GP. This is not the case. The 6-week mark is not an expiry date of your physical or emotional healing process. There is no expiration date. Sadly it is the only appointment a mother is told to attend.
Understanding the changes in hormones throughout the first few weeks right through to when the baby starts food or if/when you stop breastfeeding. You are able to accept and work with your body instead of against it.
Knowledge is power, and by feeling empowered during your healing process, you will be able to feel confident, and know when to rest and recharge. The laundry can wait.
Learn about the main food groups and why it is an integral part of your healing process, energy and mood.
Know where to start and be confident when starting solids
Open conversations about matrescence (the physical, emotional and social transition into motherhood).Â
The First 365 Days Package includes:
- A digital doula and nutritionist 60-minute initial visit
- 30-minute digital visits per month for the subsequent 11-months
- During this time your questions can be answered, any concerns you have can be discussed, and your needs supported
- Help can be provided to put you in contact with other services to aid your recovery if needed
This package can be joined at any time and is charged pro-rata.
What people say
"Serena is a warm, gregarious, empowering, kind and gentle post-partum Doula.
She effortlessly inspired me to personalise my birth plan - even though I was having an elective C-section.
Through her encouragement, I was able to speak to my obstetrician about my preferences to ensure we welcomed our daughter into this world in a manner that was aligned with my wishes."
Georgie, Mother of 2
It starts with how you feel
When you eat well and are able to nourish your body you have noticeable changes in mood, energy and how you proform.
hello@serenaschembri.com