I have worked extensively with parents in the Oundle, Stamford & Peterborough areas, providing antenatal and postnatal support, and advising on issues surrounding baby sleep.
Family life is, and always has been very important to me. I am an experienced mother of two grown up sons. My own children have been my greatest teachers and I am extremely proud of the young men they have become.
I am by nature a care giver; I love to look after people. I have an optimistic outlook on life and find it important to maintain my sense of humour whatever life throws at me. I am honest, reliable and totally dependable. I am non-judgemental and respectful of others' rights to make their own decisions. Above all, I am kind and compassionate and will not belittle the fears or anxieties of those around me.
Theatre going is a huge passion of mine, especially Shakespeare. I am also an ardent music fan with an eclectic taste. I particularly enjoy live music. I love to read, dabble with a paintbrush and have recently taught myself how to crochet.
I am fully DBS checked.
I completed a British Red Cross baby and child first aid course on 10th May 2014.
I took a foundation course in counselling in 2012.
Postnatal Mental Health: Psychological Support In The Perinatal Period course with Mia Scotland, Clinical Psychologist 'Your Birthright' 23rd September 2014.
Helping Parents Solve Their Children’s Sleep Problems course completed with The Millpond Sleep Clinic, London on 25th September 2017.
I have been working with NHS midwife, Alison Sethna, for many years, firstly providing support in her NHS antenatal classes, and now at her ‘Little Seeds’ private antenatal sessions. Attending the classes regularly enables me to keep fully up to date with all the NHS and NICE guidelines covering antenatal and postnatal care, and safe baby sleep.
Having suffered from postnatal depression following the birth of my first son I have a special interest in perinatal mental health. I have supported parents who have experienced traumatic labours and births, and those who have been devastated by stillbirth.
I can provide testimonials from the parents I have worked with along with some wonderful thank you cards. I can also put you in touch with previous clients who would happily chat to you about me, and the work I have done for them.
Services I Offer:
Antenatal Support -
Pregnancy, birth and the first weeks and months with your baby are wonderful, life-changing times. Understandably you will probably be feeling excited, anxious and everything inbetween.
Antenatal classes are a great way to prepare for labour, the birth of your baby and the first days and weeks with your newborn. If you still have questions about those first weeks with your new baby I can visit you in your own home to offer advice on feeding, bathing your baby, nappy changing, safe sleep, soothing a crying baby etc. I can offer tips on the type of equipment you will need (often based on recommendations from parents I have worked with). I can also give practical demonstrations on how to bath your baby, change a nappy, sterilise equipment, make up a formula feed etc.
Even though it is not advisable to sleep train a baby under the age of six months, I can offer advice on encouraging good sleep habits: helping differentiate between night and day, learning to self-soothe, establishing a bedtime routine, daytime naps etc.
I will talk to you and listen respectfully and non-judgementally to your fears and concerns. I will support you and give you the confidence to make your own choices. My aim is to be there for you as an extra layer of support; a ‘place to go’ when your worries overwhelm you.
Postnatal Support -
In an ideal world everyone would have friends and family around to help them in the first few weeks and months after their baby is born, but sadly, in these modern times, this is not always the case. Feelings of isolation, loneliness and doubt can be overwhelming if, as new parents, you are facing those amazing, yet challenging, early days alone with your newborn.
As an experienced postnatal support worker I can help. My aim is to make you feel nurtured, supported and confident in your own ability to care for your baby. I can give you the time and space to adjust to life with your new arrival whether it's your first or fourth.
You can choose the level of support that's right for you and your family. I can help with practical baby care. I can do a bit of shopping, load or unload the dishwasher, help with the laundry etc. If you have other children I can play with them whilst you bond with the baby. Alternatively, I can watch the baby while you have sleep, take a shower, spend time with your other children or escape for coffee with a friend, go to the gym, have your hair or nails done etc. I can also offer support during your first trip out to the supermarket, clinic, hospital appointment, mum and baby group etc.
It may be that you just need someone to talk to and a hand to hold. A chat and a cuppa can cast light on many a problem. I will listen, and if I can't help, I will support you in finding a professional who can.
I aim to be a gentle, supportive and reassuring presence in your home, allowing you to relax and enjoy those very special early weeks together.
I have often started to work with parents when their baby has reached two or three months old. They have admitted to struggling on alone in those first few months and have all, without exception, told me how much they regret not having contacted me sooner.
If you think you may need some practical and emotional support in the days and weeks following the birth of your baby I am happy to come and meet with you, free of charge, to discuss what help you may need, with no obligation to use me. If you do choose to use my services we can arrange a combination of regular hours/days, but if it suits you better, and my current work schedule allows it, we can work it out as we go.
Baby Sleep Advice -
I trained with the Millpond Sleep Clinic in London. They are a private clinic who deliver training for the NHS, health and education professionals. However, most of my knowledge and experience comes from my work with parents during the postnatal period and beyond.
We’ve all heard the expression ‘to sleep like a baby’ but in reality babies don’t always sleep, or at least, not when we’d like them to. There are many baby sleep books on the market and even more websites offering help and advice, but this can lead to information overload and can impact our decision making. Everyone, it seems, has their own ideas and it’s really hard to sort the good from the bad. What I have learned is that there is no definitive answer when it comes to baby sleep. Every baby is different, every parent is different and every situation is different.
If you are sleep deprived and feeling overwhelmed I would love to try and help you. I will work with you on a tailored plan to suit your baby, whilst being considerate of your parenting style and your needs as a family. Different plans and price points are available dependent on the level of support you require. Consultations can be carried out in the comfort of your home, over the telephone or via email. (Please note that home visits are only available to those in the Oundle, Stamford and Peterborough area.)
For more information on any of the services I offer, to ask about my fees, or to check my current availability, please call me on 07720 956625, or alternatively email me at [email protected]
I look forward to hearing from you.
Susie.
