You’ve made it through labour. You’re home. The baby is in your arms. Everyone around you says, “Congratulations!” and expects you to be basking in a newborn glow. But inside, you’re exhausted. Sore. Maybe a little scared. And completely unsure how you’re meant to keep this tiny person alive when you can barely remember the last time you ate a proper meal. This is the moment no one prepares you for. The moment a doula makes all the difference.

As someone who has spent years providing postnatal support, both privately and through the NHS, I’ve seen how much of a gap there is between giving birth and actually feeling supported in motherhood. Midwives are under pressure, health visitors are overstretched, and family support isn’t always available or ideal. That’s why more families are turning to experienced doulas for tailored, one-to-one postnatal help. And time after time, those same families tell me: “I wish we’d called sooner.”

The Truth About Postpartum in the UK

We’re told that having a baby is the happiest time of our lives. But for many new mums, the early weeks feel more like survival mode than anything resembling joy. A survey by the Royal College of Midwives found that only 28 percent of new mothers felt they received enough support from the NHS in the six weeks after birth. That means nearly three-quarters of new mums are left to manage alone, physically healing and emotionally adjusting without adequate help.

Postpartum recovery isn’t just about stitches healing and milk coming in. It’s about sleep deprivation, hormone crashes, body changes, emotional swings, feeding struggles, and identity shifts. And while it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, it’s not something you should have to push through on your own. That’s where a doula comes in.

What a Doula Really Brings to Your Home

If you’ve never worked with one before, you might be wondering what a doula actually does. The short answer? Whatever you need. Every family is different, so I tailor my postnatal support to suit your unique situation. But here’s what you can typically expect:

• Practical Help: I’ll load the dishwasher, prep meals, tidy the nursery, hold the baby while you shower, and make sure you’re drinking water and eating something nourishing.
• Emotional Support: No judgement. No rushed appointments. Just someone who listens, really listens, and helps you make sense of everything you’re feeling.
• Feeding Guidance: Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or doing a bit of both, I provide calm, evidence-based support to help you feel confident and capable.
• Recovery Monitoring: I keep an experienced eye on your healing, gently flagging anything that might need medical attention and making sure you feel physically supported.
• Partner Reassurance: It’s not just about mums. I offer reassurance, advice, and support for partners who often feel unsure how best to help.

It’s not about taking over or replacing anyone. It’s about giving you back some breathing space, so you can rest, recover, and bond without the stress.

The Power of One Call

I’ve supported mums who were crying every night with exhaustion. Mums who were afraid to admit they were struggling. Mums who had traumatic births and didn’t know how to process what had happened. Mums who just needed someone to say, “You’re doing brilliantly.” And in every case, after a few hours of personalised, compassionate postnatal help, the change is visible. Shoulders relax. Breathing slows. Confidence returns. Babies seem calmer. The whole house exudes more peace.

One mum told me, “You didn’t just help me with the baby. You helped me become a mum.” That’s the difference a doula can make.

How Postnatal Support Helps the Whole Family

This isn’t just about making things a little easier. It’s about long-term wellbeing. Research shows that early postnatal support is linked to lower rates of postnatal depression and anxiety, stronger parent-baby bonding, and better outcomes for infant development. When a new mother feels seen, heard, and supported, the ripple effects benefit everyone in the household.

And let’s not forget your recovery. Your body has done something incredible, and it deserves care and rest. Whether you’ve had a straightforward birth or a complex delivery, support during your healing period is crucial. That might involve gentle encouragement to slow down, help with pelvic floor exercises, or signposting to further resources like our postnatal healing and recovery treatments.

What Happens During a Typical Visit?

There’s no set script. Every family I work with is different, and I always start by asking what you need. But here’s an idea of how a visit might unfold:

• Arrive and check in with how you’re feeling physically and emotionally
• Support with feeding or baby care while you rest or nap
• Help with light household tasks to reduce your mental load
• Offer conversation, reassurance, or just quiet company
• Prepare a nutritious meal or snack for you
• Reflect on your birth experience if you’re ready to talk
• Help you make a flexible plan for the next few days

And importantly, we move at your pace. This is your space. Your story. Your needs.

Why Choose Postnatal Helping Hands?

I set up Postnatal Helping Hands because I saw too many families slipping through the cracks. I don’t work like an agency – when you hire me, you get me. You won’t be passed between unfamiliar faces. I provide continuity, consistency, and compassionate care throughout.

Whether you’re looking for regular visits or just occasional check-ins, I’m here to support you in whatever way works best. Some parents book me for a single session to get on top of feeding. Others prefer ongoing support over several weeks. I also offer flexible services like short-term nanny care if you’re returning to work or just need a break.

When Should You Book?

Many people think of hiring a doula after things get hard. But just like you plan your birth, planning your postpartum can make a world of difference. That said, it’s never too late. Whether you’re expecting, newly home from hospital, or a few weeks into life with baby, I’m here.

Even a single phone call can offer relief, clarity, and hope. I’ll help you figure out what kind of postnatal support would be most useful and guide you from there.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a new baby into the world is monumental. It reshapes everything – your identity, your routines, your priorities. But no one should have to go through it alone. The early days can be overwhelming, but they can also be beautiful when you have the right help beside you. That’s the doula difference. Compassionate, calm, expert care from someone who truly understands what you’re going through. And it all starts with one call.

If you’re ready to feel supported, listened to, and cared for, visit Postnatal Helping Hands today. I’d be honoured to walk alongside you during this incredibly special chapter.