'Sam is one of the warmest, kindest, calmest people you will meet. She's perfectly suited to being a postnatal doula - she has a wealth of information to tap into, whilst at the same time listening to you and what you need, and honouring the way that you want to be as a mother'.
- Sarah and baby Zac
IN HOME SERVICES & PACKAGES
As Your Postnatal Doula, I offer;
- A space for a mother to debrief their birth story and reflect on events in as much details as she wishes
- A check in service for 2, 4, 6, 12, 16 & 20 weeks and beyond (See below)
- Mindful breastfeeding support
- Postnatal massage (see below)
- Baby Wearing Support
-Support with postnatal mental health and understanding newborns
(I have done courses with Younique PostNatal and Mummas Wellbeing/Luna Hive)
-A mother and baby group for extra monthly support, The Guildford & Farnham Motherspace groups
-Experience with families with multiple births, mothers and families effected by chronic illness, Downs Syndrome and Hperemesis Gravidarum (HG)
- Signposting to evidence based research, local mother and baby groups and services, specialists, therapists and professionals.
- A homemade smoothie and treat brought with me, each session
-Holding and caring for baby while mum rests, baths, showers, eats or catches up with sleep etc
-Cooking fresh, healthy, gluten/dairy/refined sugar free and vegan foods, that can be frozen or served fresh
- Doorstep delivery of nourishing food within the first few days after delivery
- Stocking the freezer
- A folder of popular well used and nourishing recipes each client can choose from for each session
- Basic domestic jobs such as running a hoover around, staying on top of laundry etc
FIRST MEETING
This is FREE
A chance to find out more about how a postnatal doula can support once baby arrives
Chemistry is a huge part of a mummy doula relationship so this is a great opportunity to see if we are a good fit and discuss each clients unique needs and situations
I am happy to work alongside or take over from a birth doula, or as part of a team of postnatal support.
Once we decide to go ahead, I will send over a contract for signing outlining the hours/package chosen and an admin form for me to have for my records.
PRE BIRTH POST PARTUM PLANNING MEETING
If time permits, it can be useful to get together to discuss a post partum plan.
I will send you my postnatal planning notes prior to this meeting. We then discuss how I can best support you and your family, creating your ideal space to heal and adjust as well all the practical things I can do to aid restoration, nurturing and recovery
This is usually a 2hr session for £60 with notes written up for our records
PRE BABY POST NATAL PREP
This is an opportunity for me to familiarise myself with your home, other children, pets etc.
It is a time for me to help you prepare practically, by batch cooking for the freezer, making snacks to have ready for the first few days postpartum and get to know you all a little better
I can add any subsequent prep sessions depending on the clients needs
This is usually a 3hr session for £70
* I charge £25 per hour as a reflection of my recognised status and experience. I
work a minimum of 3hrs per session, often mornings,
but afternoons are also available on request
* I like to block out a regular time and day each week for each client while keeping all plans fluid to suit the clients needs each day.
For more details of the specific services I offer, scroll down
PACKAGES
As part of my postnatal services I offer some packages to keep things as economical as possible.
AnteNatal Prep Package (5hrs)
* 1x Pre birth postnatal planning session for x2hrs
* 1x Pre baby postnatal preparation session for x3hrs
* Fresh smoothie and homemade snack
£130 for both
Starter Package (12hrs)
* 4x 3hr sessions or 12hrs in total (can be spread over x2 or x4 weeks)
* Postnatal massage
* Fresh smoothie
* Small Homemade snacks
£300
Add on Doorstep Delivery for £60
plus any food/shopping/errand/parking expenses
Scheduled Package (18hrs)
* x6 3hr sessions or 18hrs in total
* x1 Postnatal massage
* Fresh smoothie and snacks
£480
ADD Postnatal planning & preparation sessions for £120
ADD Doorstep Delivery for £60
plus any food/shopping/errand/parking expenses
Planned Package (30hrs all in)
* x1 postnatal planning session
* x1 Pre baby postnatal preparation session
* x1 Doorstep delivery after birth
* x8 3hr sessions or 24hrs in total
* x2 postnatal massage
* Fresh smoothie and snacks
£850
plus any food/shopping/errand/parking expenses
Max Package (42hrs all in)
x1 postnatal planning session
* x1 Pre baby postnatal preparation session
*x1 Doorstep delivery after birth
* x12 3hr sessions or 36hrs in total
*x2 postnatal massage
*Fresh smoothies and snacks
£1,150.00
plus any food/shopping/errand/parking expenses
Check In Package
* x5 2hr meetings at 2, 6, 12, 16 and 20 weeks
* Fresh smoothie and snack for each session
* x1 postnatal massage at a time to suit
* Notes and Action plan sent post each check in
£300 or £70 per session
DoorStep Delivery
* A box of homemade soup,
* postnatal healing tea,
* snacks
* and one nourishing meal (veggie curry/bolognaise/ginger rice)
delivered to your door within the first few days post birth.
This box is perfect to come home from the hospital to if family live further away
and if parents just need something to pop in the oven in the time before in person postnatal support begins.
Often included in other packages but as an add on £70.00
Postnatal Massage Package
* x3 1.5hr Postnatal massage sessions
£110.00 or £50 per massage
Virtual Package
* x1 2hr postnatal planning session
* x6 1hr zoom sessions (over x3 weeks or x6 weeks)
£150
'The video calls have been invaluable. My son was born early during lockdown and we ended up staying in hospital for six days due to breathing difficulties where he had to be put onto oxygen in special care. I had a very emotional chat with Sam from the hospital and it helped so much. We had weekly zoom check ins and these were incredibly helpful. Things change so much during those early days and it helped me hugely to be able to voice my feelings, concerns and give them room to breathe. Sam has also provided amazing practical help as well as emotional support from a postnatal doula - it can honestly make the world of difference in those early days.'
- Sarah and baby Harry
- Sarah and baby Zac
IN HOME SERVICES & PACKAGES
As Your Postnatal Doula, I offer;
- A space for a mother to debrief their birth story and reflect on events in as much details as she wishes
- A check in service for 2, 4, 6, 12, 16 & 20 weeks and beyond (See below)
- Mindful breastfeeding support
- Postnatal massage (see below)
- Baby Wearing Support
-Support with postnatal mental health and understanding newborns
(I have done courses with Younique PostNatal and Mummas Wellbeing/Luna Hive)
-A mother and baby group for extra monthly support, The Guildford & Farnham Motherspace groups
-Experience with families with multiple births, mothers and families effected by chronic illness, Downs Syndrome and Hperemesis Gravidarum (HG)
- Signposting to evidence based research, local mother and baby groups and services, specialists, therapists and professionals.
- A homemade smoothie and treat brought with me, each session
-Holding and caring for baby while mum rests, baths, showers, eats or catches up with sleep etc
-Cooking fresh, healthy, gluten/dairy/refined sugar free and vegan foods, that can be frozen or served fresh
- Doorstep delivery of nourishing food within the first few days after delivery
- Stocking the freezer
- A folder of popular well used and nourishing recipes each client can choose from for each session
- Basic domestic jobs such as running a hoover around, staying on top of laundry etc
FIRST MEETING
This is FREE
A chance to find out more about how a postnatal doula can support once baby arrives
Chemistry is a huge part of a mummy doula relationship so this is a great opportunity to see if we are a good fit and discuss each clients unique needs and situations
I am happy to work alongside or take over from a birth doula, or as part of a team of postnatal support.
Once we decide to go ahead, I will send over a contract for signing outlining the hours/package chosen and an admin form for me to have for my records.
PRE BIRTH POST PARTUM PLANNING MEETING
If time permits, it can be useful to get together to discuss a post partum plan.
I will send you my postnatal planning notes prior to this meeting. We then discuss how I can best support you and your family, creating your ideal space to heal and adjust as well all the practical things I can do to aid restoration, nurturing and recovery
This is usually a 2hr session for £60 with notes written up for our records
PRE BABY POST NATAL PREP
This is an opportunity for me to familiarise myself with your home, other children, pets etc.
It is a time for me to help you prepare practically, by batch cooking for the freezer, making snacks to have ready for the first few days postpartum and get to know you all a little better
I can add any subsequent prep sessions depending on the clients needs
This is usually a 3hr session for £70
* I charge £25 per hour as a reflection of my recognised status and experience. I
work a minimum of 3hrs per session, often mornings,
but afternoons are also available on request
* I like to block out a regular time and day each week for each client while keeping all plans fluid to suit the clients needs each day.
For more details of the specific services I offer, scroll down
PACKAGES
As part of my postnatal services I offer some packages to keep things as economical as possible.
AnteNatal Prep Package (5hrs)
* 1x Pre birth postnatal planning session for x2hrs
* 1x Pre baby postnatal preparation session for x3hrs
* Fresh smoothie and homemade snack
£130 for both
Starter Package (12hrs)
* 4x 3hr sessions or 12hrs in total (can be spread over x2 or x4 weeks)
* Postnatal massage
* Fresh smoothie
* Small Homemade snacks
£300
Add on Doorstep Delivery for £60
plus any food/shopping/errand/parking expenses
Scheduled Package (18hrs)
* x6 3hr sessions or 18hrs in total
* x1 Postnatal massage
* Fresh smoothie and snacks
£480
ADD Postnatal planning & preparation sessions for £120
ADD Doorstep Delivery for £60
plus any food/shopping/errand/parking expenses
Planned Package (30hrs all in)
* x1 postnatal planning session
* x1 Pre baby postnatal preparation session
* x1 Doorstep delivery after birth
* x8 3hr sessions or 24hrs in total
* x2 postnatal massage
* Fresh smoothie and snacks
£850
plus any food/shopping/errand/parking expenses
Max Package (42hrs all in)
x1 postnatal planning session
* x1 Pre baby postnatal preparation session
*x1 Doorstep delivery after birth
* x12 3hr sessions or 36hrs in total
*x2 postnatal massage
*Fresh smoothies and snacks
£1,150.00
plus any food/shopping/errand/parking expenses
Check In Package
* x5 2hr meetings at 2, 6, 12, 16 and 20 weeks
* Fresh smoothie and snack for each session
* x1 postnatal massage at a time to suit
* Notes and Action plan sent post each check in
£300 or £70 per session
DoorStep Delivery
* A box of homemade soup,
* postnatal healing tea,
* snacks
* and one nourishing meal (veggie curry/bolognaise/ginger rice)
delivered to your door within the first few days post birth.
This box is perfect to come home from the hospital to if family live further away
and if parents just need something to pop in the oven in the time before in person postnatal support begins.
Often included in other packages but as an add on £70.00
Postnatal Massage Package
* x3 1.5hr Postnatal massage sessions
£110.00 or £50 per massage
Virtual Package
* x1 2hr postnatal planning session
* x6 1hr zoom sessions (over x3 weeks or x6 weeks)
£150
'The video calls have been invaluable. My son was born early during lockdown and we ended up staying in hospital for six days due to breathing difficulties where he had to be put onto oxygen in special care. I had a very emotional chat with Sam from the hospital and it helped so much. We had weekly zoom check ins and these were incredibly helpful. Things change so much during those early days and it helped me hugely to be able to voice my feelings, concerns and give them room to breathe. Sam has also provided amazing practical help as well as emotional support from a postnatal doula - it can honestly make the world of difference in those early days.'
- Sarah and baby Harry
POST NATAL MASSAGE
This post natal massage is practiced with mumma lying on the floor in a bespoke, cosy nest made of various blankets, mats, duvets and pillows to help her feel supported and comfortable. It includes elements of shiatsu and a large part of the massage is based on elements of the closing the bones ritual, which is a celebratory, deeply healing treatment, regularly practiced in other eastern cultures.
It involves a deeply nurturing and caring bodywork technique, including massage and binding the hips with a shawl, called a Rebozo, helping mumma regain strength and energy, as well as closing the hip area and preventing future pelvic instability. The hip and pelvic area is rocked in the rebozo at the start and at the end of the treatment, helping mummy feel truly held.
In many cultures, the first forty days of postpartum care are critical for mothers wellbeing. In Ecuador, women are given this massage within hours of birthing baby and will be given this treatment at least six times during this period.
Benefits of post natal massage:
* Stimulates the immune system
* Helps to tone muscles and tissues
* Releases stress and tension and any unresolved emotions
* Gently encourages organs back to their normal position
* Stimulates blood flow and cleanses fluids and may help with milk supply
* Moves hormones
This treatment is for anyone, not just new mothers. It can also be used on anyone after trauma, pelvic surgery, anxiety, children, anyone suffering grief and any women going through menstruation particularly teenage girls at the start of womanhood.
I charge £40 per bone closing massage for any clients
£50 for non clients (or a package of x3 sessions for £110.00)
It is approximately an hour long but may be longer depending on circumstances.
'This was like no massage I've had before. Not only has it helped heal me physically but I feel emotionally and spiritually too. After what has been a hugely difficult time, being gently rocked was incredibly soothing. The massage made me realise I hadn't touched or treasured my tummy like I had in pregnancy, even though it had once held my precious baby girl. Sam used a short meditation, crystals, smell and music to enhance my experience further and in the comfort of my own home, in the exact place I had birthed my baby, which only made it more special.
Thank you for making me feel renewed and restored Sam.' - Vicci
“For the past 10 days or so my milk supply has felt like it has dropped as when I’m expressing in the evening I have only been able to get around 2oz of milk. I have been through an emotional trauma in the family causing me to feel upset, anxious and at times stressed which has definitely not helped my supply. On Monday evening I had a closing the bones massage with Sam and the following evening I pumped almost a full 5oz bottle 🙌🏼 I feel more relaxed, more positive, less emotional and less stressed which I’m 100% certain is down to the massage.”
- Anonymous
For more information click here.
It involves a deeply nurturing and caring bodywork technique, including massage and binding the hips with a shawl, called a Rebozo, helping mumma regain strength and energy, as well as closing the hip area and preventing future pelvic instability. The hip and pelvic area is rocked in the rebozo at the start and at the end of the treatment, helping mummy feel truly held.
In many cultures, the first forty days of postpartum care are critical for mothers wellbeing. In Ecuador, women are given this massage within hours of birthing baby and will be given this treatment at least six times during this period.
Benefits of post natal massage:
* Stimulates the immune system
* Helps to tone muscles and tissues
* Releases stress and tension and any unresolved emotions
* Gently encourages organs back to their normal position
* Stimulates blood flow and cleanses fluids and may help with milk supply
* Moves hormones
This treatment is for anyone, not just new mothers. It can also be used on anyone after trauma, pelvic surgery, anxiety, children, anyone suffering grief and any women going through menstruation particularly teenage girls at the start of womanhood.
I charge £40 per bone closing massage for any clients
£50 for non clients (or a package of x3 sessions for £110.00)
It is approximately an hour long but may be longer depending on circumstances.
'This was like no massage I've had before. Not only has it helped heal me physically but I feel emotionally and spiritually too. After what has been a hugely difficult time, being gently rocked was incredibly soothing. The massage made me realise I hadn't touched or treasured my tummy like I had in pregnancy, even though it had once held my precious baby girl. Sam used a short meditation, crystals, smell and music to enhance my experience further and in the comfort of my own home, in the exact place I had birthed my baby, which only made it more special.
Thank you for making me feel renewed and restored Sam.' - Vicci
“For the past 10 days or so my milk supply has felt like it has dropped as when I’m expressing in the evening I have only been able to get around 2oz of milk. I have been through an emotional trauma in the family causing me to feel upset, anxious and at times stressed which has definitely not helped my supply. On Monday evening I had a closing the bones massage with Sam and the following evening I pumped almost a full 5oz bottle 🙌🏼 I feel more relaxed, more positive, less emotional and less stressed which I’m 100% certain is down to the massage.”
- Anonymous
For more information click here.
TRAUMATIC BIRTH RECOVERY
3-STEP REWIND
3-STEP REWIND
The TBR 3-Step Rewind technique is a gentle, yet highly effective therapy, resetting any negative associations that can be triggered after a traumatic experience, such as birth.
In a situation where there can be an information overload, when the fight or flight response is provoked, the amygdala and neocortex areas in the brain can loose communication. This causes the memory to become stuck in the amygdala, replaying the event in sensory form, such as panic attacks and flashbacks. This rewind technique helps this sensory memory to move to the neocortex where it can be put into perspective and given a narrative.
This treatment typically lasts 4-5 hours over three sessions.
The first session is an opportunity to talk through the birth, exploring the clients responses and how this treatment may help.
There is no pressure to talk, the client simply needs to be able to remember it for themselves.
During the second appointment, in a safe and calm space, they are guided through a relaxation exercise, where they are encouraged to reprocess the memory so that it becomes more of a non threatening feeling and re balances the experience. This can help ease feelings of vulnerability, hypervigilance and panic.
The third is a chance to feed back, check in and discuss any positive or negative shifts or changes that may have occurred since the relaxation.
If further support is required for other births or events, this can be discussed.
For anyone experiencing heightened grief from baby loss or miscarriage, it can be useful to explore other techniques before Three Step Rewind. Please let me know if you would like to discuss this further.
Benefits of three step rewind;
- Eases anxiety or stress,
* It is a grounding and confidence building treatment.
* It can lift trauma symptoms and regulate emotions
* It can help prepare for any future birth experiences.
* Can improve bonding, quality of sleep, relationship issues and general wellbeing.
* It is mostly quick and effective in 3 sessions
* There is no limit from the time of the event to treatment
* There is no judgment or critique
* Only birth workers and therapists that have an understanding and experience of working with parents and the emotions and issues of birth trauma, are trained in this practice.
£120 for all three sessions
or £30 for each
(it is recommended you do all three sessions for optimum effect)
'What Sam was able to offer was a safe space to work through some of the anxieties that still plagued me and she helped me reframe how it made me feel so that I could approach my next birth experience feeling confident, empowered and calm.'
- Natasha Davies, The Surrey Mumma
For more information or to book
In a situation where there can be an information overload, when the fight or flight response is provoked, the amygdala and neocortex areas in the brain can loose communication. This causes the memory to become stuck in the amygdala, replaying the event in sensory form, such as panic attacks and flashbacks. This rewind technique helps this sensory memory to move to the neocortex where it can be put into perspective and given a narrative.
This treatment typically lasts 4-5 hours over three sessions.
The first session is an opportunity to talk through the birth, exploring the clients responses and how this treatment may help.
There is no pressure to talk, the client simply needs to be able to remember it for themselves.
During the second appointment, in a safe and calm space, they are guided through a relaxation exercise, where they are encouraged to reprocess the memory so that it becomes more of a non threatening feeling and re balances the experience. This can help ease feelings of vulnerability, hypervigilance and panic.
The third is a chance to feed back, check in and discuss any positive or negative shifts or changes that may have occurred since the relaxation.
If further support is required for other births or events, this can be discussed.
For anyone experiencing heightened grief from baby loss or miscarriage, it can be useful to explore other techniques before Three Step Rewind. Please let me know if you would like to discuss this further.
Benefits of three step rewind;
- Eases anxiety or stress,
* It is a grounding and confidence building treatment.
* It can lift trauma symptoms and regulate emotions
* It can help prepare for any future birth experiences.
* Can improve bonding, quality of sleep, relationship issues and general wellbeing.
* It is mostly quick and effective in 3 sessions
* There is no limit from the time of the event to treatment
* There is no judgment or critique
* Only birth workers and therapists that have an understanding and experience of working with parents and the emotions and issues of birth trauma, are trained in this practice.
£120 for all three sessions
or £30 for each
(it is recommended you do all three sessions for optimum effect)
'What Sam was able to offer was a safe space to work through some of the anxieties that still plagued me and she helped me reframe how it made me feel so that I could approach my next birth experience feeling confident, empowered and calm.'
- Natasha Davies, The Surrey Mumma
For more information or to book
CHECK IN SERVICE
The check in service is an opportunity for new parents to set aside focused time with myself to explore important areas where the mother, father/partner and baby may need further support or care.
Through specific questions and prompts, in areas including;
* emotional, mental health and wellbeing,
* physical recovery,
* self care and compassion,
* practical support and the wider family,
as well as
* bonding and calming baby,
* hormone and brain development,
* sleep,
* feeding,
* rhythms and routines
I will guide and help you recognise what is working and the things that may need more provision or help.
It is a gentle and productive way of reconnecting with yourselves as well as a lovely chance to reflect and discuss how the post partum and fourth trimester is progressing.
After each check in, I will write up all the suggestions and ideas we may have had, with a few reminders of how well you are all doing, as something to refer to, going forward and before the next check in.
I offer all five check in's as a package (see Packages) or individually, depending on finances, timings and preference.
It is, however, most beneficial to have all five check in's.
This service can also be incorporated into the other packages I offer.
'The check in service made such a huge difference to my post birth experience with my third child. It was the first time I acknowledged to myself and those around me, how important it was to nurture myself and check in regularly to remind myself of all the milestones. The more I nurtured myself, the happier and stronger I felt. '
- Lia and baby Misty
Through specific questions and prompts, in areas including;
* emotional, mental health and wellbeing,
* physical recovery,
* self care and compassion,
* practical support and the wider family,
as well as
* bonding and calming baby,
* hormone and brain development,
* sleep,
* feeding,
* rhythms and routines
I will guide and help you recognise what is working and the things that may need more provision or help.
It is a gentle and productive way of reconnecting with yourselves as well as a lovely chance to reflect and discuss how the post partum and fourth trimester is progressing.
After each check in, I will write up all the suggestions and ideas we may have had, with a few reminders of how well you are all doing, as something to refer to, going forward and before the next check in.
I offer all five check in's as a package (see Packages) or individually, depending on finances, timings and preference.
It is, however, most beneficial to have all five check in's.
This service can also be incorporated into the other packages I offer.
'The check in service made such a huge difference to my post birth experience with my third child. It was the first time I acknowledged to myself and those around me, how important it was to nurture myself and check in regularly to remind myself of all the milestones. The more I nurtured myself, the happier and stronger I felt. '
- Lia and baby Misty