FAQs

Postpartum doulas are skilled and knowledgeable around recovery and adjustment for new mothers/parents, and infant care and development. I provide non-judgmental guidance on newborn care and feeding, and provide basic practical housekeeping support e.g. folding laundry, dishes and sweeping.

I do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for mothers/parents or baby, nor provide heavy house cleaning e.g. cleaning windows, ovens, etc.

Yes! I provide basic breastfeeding knowledge with latching and bottle feeding for everyone purchasing any service from me. This is based on my own breastfeeding experience, training and research. When it is out of my scope I will refer you to your midwife or lactation consultant for more complex issues such a tongue ties, infection, etc.

I underwent Postpartum Doula training with Newborn Mothers and completed my studies March 2021. I have officially been a Postpartum Doula working in community since March 2021 and I have supported 8 families in that time while raising my toddler and homesteading.

Through professional development over time I will be expanding my knowledge in abortion, trauma based practice, increasing my breastfeeding knowledge and facilitating skills. I have studied at university majoring in Sociology and minor in Psychology. I have been passionate about mental wellbeing and facilitating for over 15 years and often am drawn to social justice and community building projects.

I am not a therapist but I may suggest tools or resources that therapists use and always suggest seeking professional support from a qualified therapist to ensure you are well supported using these tools and resources. I am not a couples therapist, and I can refer you to one if you need guidance specialising in this area. I have studied Sociology and Psychology at university but this does not mean I am a therapist, I just hold knowledge that can be used by your discretion. You are responsible for what you want to use as part of your journey and choose not to use if it doesn’t resonate with you.

Yes! They are cared for too. I will play games with them or make snacks while you look after baby. See below on more about this.

I am 100% first here to support you the mother/person-carrying-life transition into postpartum with your baby. As part of looking after you I may care for and play with older siblings from time to time. I encourage parents who need strong support from me and require extra rest to consider having older siblings taken out for a few hours by a friend, family or paid babysitter during our sessions together. This can be particularly useful for debriefing on birth or if moving through some tough times.

Ideally your partner is able to join planning sessions and in home visits (when not at work) as they may benefit from my support. I am particularly passionate about this as I’ve had previous clients say how invaluable it has been to have support for partners. It builds a couple into a team and approach postpartum on the same page. This can greatly impact what may unfold during that time. If for any reason they cannot attend then I encourage couples to share the information in their own time to build their vision together as a family.

I have completed First Aid for Mental Health in 2011, First Aid for Adults and Children in 2022, and a Working with Children Card, and Food Handling Certificate.

Yes, I cater to all dietary requirements.

Nutrient dense foods include wholefoods. Wholefoods are rich in macro and micro nutrients essential for postpartum and everyday. So think fresh veggies and fruits, beans and legumes, grass-fed animals living outside, seafood fresh from the ocean, fermented foods. This means eating foods made as close to nature as possible and replacing refined and processed foods. I have studied cooking with hormone cycles which focuses on gut healing foods, blood sugar levels, and understanding the relationship with hormones. This approach is old knowledge that is being reclaimed.

At this stage I am not able to provide the support I want to deliver in the full range I hope for. I need to do more training in this space around medical processes and your rights. I am open to working with people who want my support. I do have my own experiences and my doula skills including emotional support in person or online, and in-home support. If this is something you are seeking and you want to work with me send me an email or book a 15 min consult to see if I am the right person for you.

Yes! Please email me at hello@heldandwiser.com.au or via the Contact Form to find out about payments plans.

Yes! I refer to birthing people as parents, and bodyfeeding (like breastfeeding) through my offerings and provide tailored support for you. I would love to get to know you, your preferred pronouns and how you feel most comfortable.

Two weeks notice gives me time to organise my family life to be completely present with you and your family.

Yes, I can cater to you whilst you are in hospital. The difference would be the meals freshly made in an external kitchen. Freshly made nourishing meal to be warmed up at hospital facilities. A time deduction of 15 mins per session in person to factor some of the cooking time. Up to 2 hours 45 mins in hospital session.