Empowering Waikato families in their antenatal and postpartum journeys
Welcome, I'm Rita, your dedicated antenatal and postpartum doula. With a deep-rooted enthusiasm for everything related to pregnancy, childbirth, and newborns, I'm here to offer empowerment and support to you and your whānau. I will work with you to enhance the well-being of your family unit, throughout the antenatal period and the postpartum journey. As a result, you will gain the tools and confidence to thrive in this ever evolving chapter of your life. As a mother of two beautiful daughters, and residing in the serene rural Waikato, I extend my services from Hamilton Central (CBD) to the broader Waikato region. My mission is to be a pillar of support for families, like yours, during these memorable and special times.
What I can support with
My comprehensive antenatal and postpartum support packages include:
Emotional and practical guidance
Support preparing for your future arrival
A listening, non-judgemental ear
Assistance with infant feeding, bathing, and settling techniques
Swaddling and soothing
Meal preparation and everyday basics
Support with older siblings and adjusting to a new family member to love
Information of local support groups, whether holistic, social or some you-time!
Support to gain confidence leaving the house
Phone support
The Rural Doula Difference
Rural life is always hectic, filled with endless tasks and long workdays. Speaking from experience as a dairy farmer's wife, I understand the enormous difference a helping hand can bring, especially during such a vital time as the arrival of a new baby. My antenatal and postpartum support service is tailored to provide you and your loved ones with the care and assistance you need. From the very first days with your newborn, to the weeks that follow - I am here to support you.
How I differ to a midwife
Midwives have a vital role to play in the journey of motherhood. They are medical experts, well equipped in helping you navigate pregnancy, birth and the initial six-weeks postnatal. Unlike a midwife, I am not a medical expert nor qualified to give medical advice. I will always encourage you to seek guidance from your midwife and GP should I notice anything that raises concern.
My time is less constrained, and I am able to provide flexibility during this somewhat unpredictable chapter of your life. Your needs are my priority. Unsure how to even leave the house? I have you covered. Struggling with soothing and settling your baby? Let me help - whether teaching you to swaddle or simply holding your little bundle so you can free up your hands for a bit. The older siblings getting a bit too much? Let me entertain them. Utterly exhausted from last night's cluster feeding? Let me take care of things while you have a nap.
My role is to nurture and support you, so you and your baby can thrive.
Assured
Nurtured
Heard
Supported
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"Rita offered hands-on and practical support which was second to none. She is extremely confident with babies and could swiftly soothe and settle our baby. She taught me swaddling and soothing techniques which quickly improved my own ability of calming our baby and settling him to sleep. She was hugely supportive and helpful with my feeding journey, of which I was struggling with this time around"
- Clare G
"Huge thank you to Rita for her postpartum support following the birth of our third child. The challenges of life with a newborn baby third time round are unique and Rita intuitively provided some much-appreciated support for our family. Re-setting the toy areas for the older two children, putting on a nourishing dinner in the slow cooker and looking after baby while I had a long hot shower were just a few of the valuable tasks Rita undertook. Not to mention the never ending piles of washing she tackled at each visit too"