BumpandCradle.ie-Nicky McEntee Antenatal Teacher & Doula

Here’s how I sprinkle a bit of doula magic into my clients lives ✨

I’ve been working with families for over 20 years now. And Im so greatful for all that these families have taught me. Throughout the years I’ve often been asked how I can batch cook meals, sort through the laundry, care for the mothers, answer their questions, snuggle the dogs in three hours while staying calm.

I haven’t sprinkled fairy dust or cast a spell but I’ve had a full nights sleep and am not navigating the early days of a newborn.

I may not have a magic wand but I do know how to bring magic to their day by helping them with practical, emotional and hands-on support.

This is where the true magic can be found.

I’m here to help them feel that magic when they get to eat a hot meal (one handed!) take a shower, talk in confidence without judgement, ask questions, have a cry, bring laughter and above all the make them feel like they are a VIP- Very Important Parent.

If you would like to know how I can support you and your family, DM the word magic or fill in my inquiry form, the link is in my bio ✨

Your dog was your first baby 🐾

And when you’re preparing for your new arrival, it’s natural to wonder how your beloved fur a baby will cope with all the changes ahead.

In Antenatal classes this is a question that comes up regularly. Not only in my classes but with my postpartum clients too (I love arriving at family homes and getting snuggles from their dogs, the cats aren’t always as welcoming!)

Our pets are big part of our lives and when a baby arrives they may not get the attention, the regular walks or be allowed sleep in the bed anymore! This can lead to parents feeling anxiety, guilt and worry. It’s understandable to feel this way but it doesn’t mean you love them less.

That’s why when planning and budgeting for your babies arrival it’s a good idea to factor in your dogs needs too.

If you would like help postpartum planning including pet care or are looking for a dog (cat, snake, goldfish) friendly doula to help support you as you transition to parenthood. Please see my inquiry form in my bio or DM the word DOG, for more info.

PMADs stands for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder. It refers to a group of mental health conditions.

Here are some stats

⚪️ Perinatal Anxiety is the most common of all with 10-15% of mothers experiencing it

⚪️ Depression effects 10-15% of mothers

⚪️ OCD- obsessive compulsive disorder will be experienced by 8-17% of mothers

⚪️ 20% of mothers and 10% of dads and partners experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

There can be a range in symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, rage, feeling sad, tearful, numb and disconnected from their baby or the world around them.

🍃If you or someone close to you may be going through this please get in contact with your GP, Public Health Nurse, Midwife or Perinatal Mental Health Team in your maternity unit.

I feel very passionate about educating and supporting families. In all my antenatal classes and with my doula clients I always discuss maternal mental health.

Postpartum needs just as much preparation as birth.

Lots of prep goes into baby showers. Maternity shoots. Choosing where to give birth. Different comfort measures and pain management options.
Baby’s first outfit. The birth announcement.

Yet how much time is spent preparing for the postpartum period?

Becoming a parent is the most monumental thing. There is so many changes happening in your relationship, with your body, your emotions, your hormones, with your baby and within your own friendships.

Being prepared for this time can help you navigate boundaries, finances, household responsibilities, how to take time out for yourself and so@much more.

Postpartum planning is an important part of my antenatal classes. It helps raise awareness and discussions on what that can and does happen when
we welcome a baby into our lives.

8 places available for my Mullingar group class.
Saturday, 25th July.

1:1 class options available in person and online.

See booking link in my bio or fill in my inquiry form today.

Every parent deserves to feel informed, respected, and included, both in preparing for birth and in navigating the postnatal period. And that’s exactly what this page is all about ❤️

If you’re new here, welcome.
I’m Nicky, a doula and antenatal teacher who believes in a deeply personal, evidence-based, and compassionate approach to preparing for birth and early parenthood.

My work is rooted in kindness, compassion, respect, empathy, trust, empowerment, and integrity. These values guide everything I do and shape how I support each family I work with.

I care deeply about supporting families through their own unique journey to parenthood because, in the two decades I’ve worked with parents, I’ve learned that no two experiences are the same.

Everyone comes with their own needs, values, and hopes for how they want to move through this time, not a one-size-fits-all approach to antenatal education or postnatal support that only focuses on getting through birth.

And I truly believe that your experience, your background, your identity, and your choices should be honoured every step of the way.

I’m here to support all parents to feel confident, informed, and held as they prepare for birth and step into life with their baby, in a way that feels calm, respectful, and empowering, and creates a more positive and supported start to parenthood.

Tell me in the comments ⬇️
🌟What’s been the biggest surprise for you in pregnancy or early parenthood
⭐️What’s something you wish you had known before your baby arrived or joined your family?
✨What kind of support would feel most helpful to you right now in this stage of parenthood?

When I was training for my diploma in Antenatal education, we had a discussion about the topics we cover in our classes and whether we should go so deep into them.

We all agreed that some topics are more challenging to teach than other’s, yet we are teaching adults. Therefore they have the right to be taught all aspects of labour, birth, postpartum and early parenthood.

As part of my core values, I teach with respect, compassion, trust, empathy and integrity to empower all my families.

I am so passionate about what I do, that I mirror these values in all my classes.

My aim is to cover the topics not everyone may feel comfortable discussing. So that everyone is informed, ready and knows where and how to seek supports should they need them. Or maybe feel a little bit less nervous doing their first poo post birth.

I offer a group classes in both Mullingar and Dublin. As well as 1:1 private classes.

See links in my bio or email [email protected]

Here’s why my independent Antenatal class will be the best investment you’ll make during your pregnancy.

✅ My class sizes are small, giving you and your partner lots opportunities to ask questions.

✅ I empower you to make informed decisions, I don’t teach my classes based on hospital policies.

✅ My classes are interactive, fun, and up-to-date with the latest evidence.

✅ I cover whichever maternity hospital you are attending.

✅ I created a home from home, safe, warm, caring ennvironment ☕️🍰

🎓I trained for two & half years to qualify with a diploma in Antental Education with Cuidiu Antental Ireland. I am registered with the Federation of Antenatal Educators (FADENT) I am inclusive, non judgemental and teach without bias.

❤️And unlike most other classes, my support doesn’t stop once the class is over. I keep in touch with my clients and they can, and do, come back to me with questions, looking for reassurance or sometimes call me when they are in labour!

If you would like to know more about my group please see the booking link in my bio or DM me the word CLASS and I’ll be in touch.

Private 1:1 antenatal classes options available too.

I wish I knew these tips when I had my caesarean birth.

I felt really unprepared as my caesarean was unplanned. There was so much I didn’t know about and how I would feel post birth.

With caesarean rates going up nationally and internationally, it is so important that this is covered in your antenatal class. So you and your partner know what to expect during and after.

There are lots of other tips for recovery like silky pj’s and a great new product called rise to support to aid mobility

What would you add?

Like to join my next class? I’ve three places left on my Dun Laoghaire class, Sunday, 8th Feb.
see the link in my bio to book or DM me for more info.

1:1 classes options available

caesareanbirth caesareansection childbirtheducation AntenatalClasses mullingarireland

Whether it’s your first time as a parent or you’re adding to your growing family, the early days of parenthood are equal parts beautiful and disruptive.

As your Postpartum Doula, I offer emotional, physical and practical support as you adjust to the new rhythm of your family.

This looks like a listening ear, reassuring answers, meal prep, breastfeeding support or infant and postpartum care, whatever you need to feel confident and cared for as you step into your new role.

All in the comfort and safety of your own home.

I’m here to:

🌻Follow your lead when it comes to your baby so you feel comfortable, confident and empowered as a new parent.

🌻Create a space of calm, safety and trust within your home so you can stop stressing about what needs to be done.

🌻Treat you with as much care and support as your baby, so you have the time to heal and process this brand new stage of life you’re in.

🌻Share evidence-based answers as a fully insured, Garda Vetted member of the Doula Association of Ireland to give you complete peace of mind.

Covering Westmeath, Offaly, Longford, Meath and South Dublin.

If you would like to see how I can support you, DM me today or email [email protected]