The New Parent Company

Update on my availability for the rest of this year and early 2027!

Drop me a DM or email to [email protected] to book in a 20 min free video call to discuss your needs

September has been NICU Awareness month

NICU is not something you prepare for in antenatal classes, or give much thought to when preparing for your baby to arrive. It's not something that's mentioned at midwife appointments and lots of people don't even know about it. But 1 in 7 babies spends time in a NICU unit, whether premature or full term.

So what is NICU - It stands for Neonatal Infant Care Unit. It's somewhere with specialist midwives who support babies with all different things going on...

Premies
Jaundice
Breathing
Blood sugars
Medical issues

Pictured is my daughter, born at 39 weeks (full term) with an APGAR score of 1 (the checks they do straight after your baby is born - 5 tests with a score of 0, 1 or 2 each - so out of 10). She was blue, not breathing and her blood gas and sugar levels were low. She was whisked away to NICU within 5 mins of being born. 

NICU was on a different floor in the hospital. I had a retained placenta and had to wait for surgery. I didn't get to see her for 24 hours. My husband held down the fort and none of us really knew what was happening.

Luckily she was strong and sassy (pulled her cannula out 3 times!) and was able to leave NICU after 48 hours. No hand over from the team, just brought down to me and then left to start our journey as mother and daughter 48 hours after birth.

NICU is different for everyone. It will leave a different mark on anyone who spends time there 

The way it makes you feel
Possible trauma / PTSD 
Sounds of beeping and alarms going off
Missing out on skin to skin and bonding time
Feeding journeys
Having to ask whether you can touch / hold / understand your baby
The on-going doctors appointments and other on-going issues once you have left (feeding, weight, growth)

For anyone who has spent time there, I see you. If I could, I'd give you a big warm hug.

It doesn't matter whether you spend 24 hours or 24 days in NICU, the feelings you may hold on to are all valid emotions.

We spend so much time preparing for birth that we often overlook the postnatal period.

And I mean really thinking about it—not just nappies, pushchairs and feeding.

The weeks after birth deserve just as much planning and care.

Here are a few things to think about when creating your postnatal plan:

🤍 Food & nourishment
How will you make sure you're eating well and staying nourished while adjusting to life with your baby?

🤍 Support
Who can you call on for practical help, emotional support or simply to hold the baby while you have a shower?

🤍 Rest, recovery & healing
Your body has done something incredible. Give yourself permission to slow down and prioritise recovery.

🤍 Boundaries
Think about what feels right for you when it comes to visitors, advice and protecting your family's space during those early weeks.

🤍 Companionship, relationships & connection
Becoming a parent can feel isolating at times. Consider how you'll stay connected to your partner, friends, family or other new parents.

This is something I'm incredibly passionate about, and I want more expectant parents to feel prepared and supported as they enter this new chapter.

If you'd like to book a one-to-one postnatal planning session via Zoom or in person (throughout London), please send me a DM or email [email protected].

Together, we can map out the support you'll need, helping you feel more confident and prepared for life as new parents.

✨ Hypnobirthing sessions are also available.

Tag someone who's expecting and might find this helpful. 💛

Heatwaves with a newborn can feel overwhelming, so here are some gentle reminders to help keep both baby and mum comfortable 🤍

☀️ Newborns do not need lots of layers — a nappy only is absolutely fine in hot weather
☀️ Choose lightweight 100% cotton clothing and bedding
☀️ Use a low tog sleeping bag (0.5 or below) with just a nappy underneath
☀️ Pop muslins into a freezer bag in the fridge/freezer to use throughout the day for cooling down
☀️ If breastfeeding, there’s no need for additional water — your breastmilk adjusts beautifully to your baby’s needs
☀️ If bottle feeding, you can offer a few drops of cooled boiled water throughout the day using a syringe if needed
☀️ Never completely cover a pram with a muslin or blanket — this traps heat and increases temperature. Instead, clip it to the hood and bars to allow airflow, or use a snooze shade
☀️ No suncream for babies under 6 months
☀️ Keep baby shaded with a sunhat
☀️ Ventilate rooms where possible and keep blackout blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day at

And for postpartum mums 🤍

✨ Night sweats are intense at the best of times — sleeping on a towel can really help
✨ Wear loose, cool 100% cotton clothing
✨ Use a fan directed towards you, not your baby
✨ As tempting as smoothies and salads are, too much raw food can be hard on the postpartum digestive system. Herbal teas at room temperature can feel much gentler
✨ Warm, nourishing cooked foods are ideal — omelettes are fab, and yes… sticky toffee pudding counts too 😌

You are not meant to “just cope” in this heat. Slow down where you can, stay hydrated, and ask for help if you need it 🤍

Hello to new followers and to those who have been here for some years.
A quick mini intro to who I am!

I'm Adeline, a 40-something mum to 1. When I became a mum 9.5 years ago, I really struggled. Not with understanding my newborn (I had been working with families for 15 years by this point and had written accredited courses for professionals to work with newborns).

What I wasn't prepared for was the changes that happened in myself.

Loneliness, loss of identity, autoimmune responses, fatigue, stress and rage. Things I hadn't even thought could happen in postpartum. Things that were not talked about (it's better now, but still has a long way to go).

It wasn't until lockdown (3.5 years after giving birth) that I decided to do something about it all. I changed my diet, worked on my physical strength and mental health. I prioritised looking after myself. And it was wonderful.

Since then, I opened The New Parent Company, retrained as a postpartum doula, which aligned so much more with the support I believe every parent should have, and have learned so much about lots of aspects of the pre and postpartum period. I have trained with some incredible people and continue to learn everyday.

The past year in particular has elevated my role and I have some exciting news things to share later this year. I can't wait!

Highlighting some incredible companies I have trained with and who have given me many opportunities over the past 5 years:

Life with a newborn is equal parts beautiful and exhausting. The days move slowly and quickly all at once, and I've learned that this season isn't about getting everything done—it's about slowing down, letting go of expectations, and being present for the little moments that might otherwise pass by unnoticed.

Learning to be kinder to yourself, to embrace the mess, the tiredness, and the uncertainty, and to remember that you don't have to do it all perfectly.

Some days feel long, but they are filled with tiny hands, sleepy cuddles, milk-drunk smiles, and moments of connection that make everything else fade into the background.

This chapter should teach you to pause, to breathe, and to appreciate the beauty in the ordinary. To soak up every snuggle, every stretch, every yawn, and every moment with this little person who is growing far too quickly. 🤍

How postpartum should look

New packages available from September 2026!

Build a package of support for the first 6 or 12 weeks of postpartum.

Core Postnatal Doula Day Hours
Add on additional services like
*Night Nannying (can be a one off night, or 1-2 nights per week)
*Pre made food service dropped to your door
*Antenatal prep sessions
*Postnatal planning sessions
Swipe to learn more about each service

Packages start from £360 and can be booked in for you, or gifted to a friend.

DM or drop an email to [email protected] to book in a call to learn more and to receive package options directly to your inbox.

*Carrot approved postpartum doula