What does a typical Postnatal visit look like?

I get asked this question all the time, and the honest answer is there’s no one-size-fits-all. It really depends on what the client needs/wants, what’s going on for them that day, and how old the baby is.

I thought I’d share a quick look at my last two postnatal visits to give you a feel for the kind of support I offer. Of course, these are just examples and don’t cover the full range of what I can help with, do get in touch to find out more.

Postnatal visit – 7 week old baby

I brought along some herbal bath salts, some homemade soup and a carrot cake.

Made some big mugs of tea and Mum had a chance to debrief and talk through everything that’s been going on since my last visit. We’d spoken on the phone, but having time face-to-face gave her space to vent some of the frustrations and challenges, as well as share her wins.

I held and burped baby after a feed and we chatted about ways to stay grounded during baby's crying spells.

I gave Mum a simple baby massage demo, then popped baby in her sling and went for a long walk in the woods - giving Mum a chance to crack on with a few bits she’d been desperate to get done in the house, followed by a much-needed nap.

Postnatal visit - 5 day old baby

I brought a veggie cottage pie, homemade bread and a tin of chocolate brownies- proper comfort food for tired new parents.

We spent time talking through the birth story. Mum and Dad both shared how things unfolded, which can be such an important part of beginning to process the experience and settle into life with their new baby.

There was a lot of breastfeeding support, helping with latch and positioning, answering questions, and offering reassurance around early-day worries like sleeping, feeding, baby's breathing patterns, nappies etc.

I folded and put away some laundry, gave Mum a shoulder and neck massage and then held baby for a bit so Mum and Dad could sit in the garden with a cuppa and have ten quiet minutes to themselves. I put together some lunch for them before I left.

I hope this helps give a little insight into the sort of support I offer.