Kat’s postpartum story

I am beginning to gather my birth stories and ruminations to share. Some stories are written by me, and some are generously offered by the incredible people I have supported as a birth worker.

My first story is of a Postpartum journey, told by a client.

The weeks which come after birth are often wildly disregarded, with so much emphasis being placed on the event of birth itself (which is of course incredibly important to give heart to as well). Yet for most Mothers and families, this is a fragile, raw and hugely unpredictable time. The birthing body is healing and changing, the brain is processing layers and depths of psychological and emotional experience. There is a new child to care for, and the adjustment this also requires where there are siblings and other family members.

In addition to this - and something which is often overlooked - the Mother has just been born as well; a new being landing into the world and unfolding into a fresh chapter of existence.

I feel deeply grateful to be invited into the homes and lives of those who are journeying through the transformational portal of birth and rebirth. To hold space and to care for them.

It was a privilege to support Kat and her family in the tender first weeks following the arrival of baby Sylvie. I learn so much from the Mothers I walk alongside, and I was humbled by how calmly and lovingly Kat flowed through this phase.

Below, Kat has shared some of her memories from this precious time…

“I knew when I fell pregnant with baby number two that I wanted to approach the first few weeks of postpartum differently. Having met Laura through her yoga classes beforehand, I trusted that, as a doula, she would hold space for me to be vulnerable during those early days.

I asked Laura to visit me nearly every day for the first two weeks after the birth.

The day after I gave birth, Laura arrived with nourishing food and a deeply calming presence that helped me feel grounded. It gave me a few hours to fully reconnect with my body and mind after a somewhat complicated delivery.

With each visit, Laura helped me process my birth experience and the emotions that came alongside those first days with my baby. She guided me through gentle stretching and yoga nidra, helping me feel more connected to my body again.

When we had to take our baby to the hospital on day 10, Laura came with us. She was incredibly supportive, continually checking in on me and helping me stay centred in what could have been a very stressful situation. I am so grateful she was there.

One of the most unexpected ways Laura helped was through the support she gave to my partner and our older son. Her presence brought a real sense of calm to our home, and we all looked forward to her visits.

I truly believe that having Laura as my postpartum doula helped me build a loving and present relationship with my baby. She held that time as sacred, and I felt deeply nourished and cared for throughout.”