Chloe, thank you so much for this conversation. You're exactly the kind of welcome presence that's needed in the lives of (new) mothers. There is something so "clean" about the relationship that I love, and I'll be sharing this conversation with the pregnant people in my life. Would far rather chip into a doula fund for them than buy crap to celebrate their babies!
such generous words. thank you. I would love for more people to consider a postnatal doula, not because they're needy or weak but because there's almost no one who wouldn't benefit from some extra support and kindness at this time xx
A few groups of friends of new mamas have clubbed together to buy a few doula sessions with me - I love this so much, what great pals who get the value of this kind of support rather than new baby clothes! x
I enjoyed listening to this conversation with you and @LindsayJohnston, a lot of wisdom and keen observation to be gleaned and I especially resonated with the way you both connect your literary creativity to the creativity and authenticity strived for in the rest of your life.
My partner and I were blessed to have some wonderful independent midwives during pregnancy and birth, yet things didn't go according to plan and I was worn out physically and emotionally afterwards (11 years ago) as well as suffering from a flare up of past ongoing ill health. so we hired a doula to help us out in the first few months. She was amazing, making us occasional delicious meals, playing with and taking our daughter out for walks whilst I rested and recovered and my partner attended his job.
It was essential work and we will always be so grateful to her and the wonderful child minder who we managed to find for when our daughter was a bit older.
Even if I did not have the additional illness on top, I cannot imagine how stressful it would have been without these elements of the village in our lives at such a vulnerable and strange time for all of us. I think the work you and other doulas do is essential and should definitely be more widespread and easily available, possibly part of the social care structure for anyone regardless of income xx
thank you for sharing your story Rache, I love to hear these doula experiences and how they helped people. I 100% agree, essential care, essential work - it's such a shame that it's seen as a nice to have. Even if you're not paying a postnatal doula, SOMEONE needs to be doula-ing that new mother!
Probably the best description of postnatal doula work I have ever heard, it really resonates and I’m especially curious about the creative practice of doulaing. Have been an artist who actually produced things before having children, I feel a sense of continuation through my doula I have struggled to articulate. Such a fantastic conversation, thank you!
wow, such high praise from a fellow doula! thank you so much Katherine, for these kind words. I would love to talk more about this sense of creative continuation, if you wanted to share more about it? xx
I’m so sorry, I only dip in and out of Substack and only just located this conversation again, I half thought it was imagined as it seemed to disappear. Would love to chat sometime about all the things! Xx
Chloe, thank you so much for this conversation. You're exactly the kind of welcome presence that's needed in the lives of (new) mothers. There is something so "clean" about the relationship that I love, and I'll be sharing this conversation with the pregnant people in my life. Would far rather chip into a doula fund for them than buy crap to celebrate their babies!
such generous words. thank you. I would love for more people to consider a postnatal doula, not because they're needy or weak but because there's almost no one who wouldn't benefit from some extra support and kindness at this time xx
Oh yes! I wish so much I’d had a ‘Doula Fund’ instead of pretty much every present (very kindly) bought for my children! What a great idea 💖
A few groups of friends of new mamas have clubbed together to buy a few doula sessions with me - I love this so much, what great pals who get the value of this kind of support rather than new baby clothes! x
Hi Chloe,
I enjoyed listening to this conversation with you and @LindsayJohnston, a lot of wisdom and keen observation to be gleaned and I especially resonated with the way you both connect your literary creativity to the creativity and authenticity strived for in the rest of your life.
My partner and I were blessed to have some wonderful independent midwives during pregnancy and birth, yet things didn't go according to plan and I was worn out physically and emotionally afterwards (11 years ago) as well as suffering from a flare up of past ongoing ill health. so we hired a doula to help us out in the first few months. She was amazing, making us occasional delicious meals, playing with and taking our daughter out for walks whilst I rested and recovered and my partner attended his job.
It was essential work and we will always be so grateful to her and the wonderful child minder who we managed to find for when our daughter was a bit older.
Even if I did not have the additional illness on top, I cannot imagine how stressful it would have been without these elements of the village in our lives at such a vulnerable and strange time for all of us. I think the work you and other doulas do is essential and should definitely be more widespread and easily available, possibly part of the social care structure for anyone regardless of income xx
thank you for sharing your story Rache, I love to hear these doula experiences and how they helped people. I 100% agree, essential care, essential work - it's such a shame that it's seen as a nice to have. Even if you're not paying a postnatal doula, SOMEONE needs to be doula-ing that new mother!
Probably the best description of postnatal doula work I have ever heard, it really resonates and I’m especially curious about the creative practice of doulaing. Have been an artist who actually produced things before having children, I feel a sense of continuation through my doula I have struggled to articulate. Such a fantastic conversation, thank you!
wow, such high praise from a fellow doula! thank you so much Katherine, for these kind words. I would love to talk more about this sense of creative continuation, if you wanted to share more about it? xx
I’m so sorry, I only dip in and out of Substack and only just located this conversation again, I half thought it was imagined as it seemed to disappear. Would love to chat sometime about all the things! Xx
Ah what a fantastic gift in my Substack inbox! You two have such a wonderful energy together, I can’t wait to listen to it 🙌
aw thanks so much Christina! hope you enjoy x