Hannah Shotton
Recently active
Postpartum Doula
Deal, England
1 years of experience
N/A
Need help finding the right provider?
Request support →
About me

Hi, I’m Hannah I’m a Doula based in Deal, Kent and a mum of two. I am passionate about gently supporting growing families to thrive in the early days of parenthood. Birth Doula Support Giving birth can be one of the most empowering experiences in life. It can be beautiful, awe-inspiring, breathtaking and challenging. No matter the twists and turns along the way, my goal is for you to feel so proud of yourself for bringing your baby into the world. Most importantly, you should be the centre of this experience, with your wishes being honoured and respected: no small detail or preference is insignificant. As a Birth Doula, my goal is to make you feel safe and supported in your birthing environment, and to know your wishes for birth so well that I can effortlessly advocate for you. I will be alongside you as you navigate your options and help bring you closer to the birth that you want, however that may look for you. As part of your birth team I aim to create an atmosphere of calm, but also of gentle excitement to meet your baby. Postnatal Doula Support Welcoming a child is one of the biggest life transitions and adjustments we make, and sometimes it can take a while to land and find our feet after such a life-changing experience. As a Postnatal Doula I offer a reassuring presence, forming part of your support network in the early weeks after birth. I act as an impartial and non-judgmental person, offering practical and emotional support whether you have had your first, second or subsequent child. I strongly believe that society places unrealistic expectations on us, rather than allow us to take this precious time to bond with our new baby and take stock of the huge life events that pregnancy and giving birth are. I like to tailor my support depending on whether you have had your first, second or subsequent baby. I am passionate about helping families adjust as they grow, creating space for time and connection with each other during this pivotal phase. My visits to you can include the following: Birth Debriefing Practical support with caring for your newborn Nourishing food – a nourishing meal for the whole family Light housework such as tidying and washing up Taking care of your baby so that you can take some time for yourself or have some time to connect with your other child(ren) Help with siblings while you feed or tend to your baby Looking after baby while you put your toddler down for a nap Infant feeding support (signposting on to other services if necessary) Helping you figure out the ‘firsts’ : first nursery or school drop-off with newborn in tow, first cafe visit, first time on public transport with both children. You deserve to be given the space and time you need, allowing you to move forwards feeling rested, recovered and strong. About Me I was inspired to move into Doula work following my own birth and postnatal experiences, first in hospital and then a home birth, which were so different and empowering in their own ways. I learnt so much in preparation for the birth of my first son in 2019. Taking a Hypnobirthing course and doing extensive reading opened my eyes to the intricacies of the UK maternity system, the physiological stages of labour, our birth rights and the need for advocacy on behalf of birthing people. My children were born either side of the pandemic, leaving me with time at home to stay firmly in the head space of reading, watching and connecting with others about birth and the transition into parenthood. In October 2022 I attended an incredible residential Doula Preparation course with Continuum Doulas in Frome, Somerset. It was truly life-changing and I left with a strong sense of purpose and belonging in this work. I am also currently being supported by a Doula UK Mentor and going through their Mentoring and Recognition process. I have spent the past 10 years working for charities, festivals and arts organisations- the common theme here is that I love connecting with people and creating positive, memorable experiences. I live by the sea with my partner and two sons and I love exploring the outdoors, festivals and live music. Area Served: I serve the following towns and their surrounding villages: Deal, Dover, Folkestone, Margate, Ramsgate, Broadstairs, Sandwich, Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay and Faversham. If you’re looking for some support and would like to see if we’d be a good fit, I’d love to hear from you.

Certification and training

Birth and Postnatal Doula Certification, Continuum Doulas (Doula Uk Accredited) (2022)

Paediatric First Aid (Mini First Aid) (2023)

Memberships and affiliations

Doula UK

Specialties
Birth Doula Birth Support Home Birth Labor Doula Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Newborn Care Parenting Support Postpartum Care Postpartum Doula Care
Languages

English

Service introduction

A Postnatal Doula can be a reassuring presence, forming part of your support network in the early weeks after birth. They act as an impartial and non-judgmental person, offering practical and emotional support whether you have had your first, second or subsequent child. I offer Birth Preparation and Postnatal Planning sessions, as well as Postnatal Support for first-time and experienced parents.

Packages
'Rise' Postnatal Support Package
For those taking their first steps into parenthood As your Doula it is my aim to empower you to approach the postpartum period in a way that suits you, and at the end of our time together leave your family settled and parenting in a way that fits your own unique rhythm. I am trained in the Continuum Method which focuses on continuity of care, so it is important to me that we spend some time together before your baby is born, to get to know each other and discuss your hopes and preferences for your birth and the postnatal period afterwards. Cost: £575 Initial meeting (1 Hour) Birth Preparation Session (2 hours) Postnatal Preparation Session (2 hours) Postnatal support, booked in 3 hour blocks during the first 6 weeks after birth (18 hours) Text and phone support during our agreed period of working together Borrow books on pregnancy, parenthood and birth from my collection What’s Included? Initial Meeting We will meet in a cafe or informal space of your choice. This is your chance to ask me any questions and to see if we would make a good team. If you have a partner they are encouraged to join. Birth Preparation Session In this relaxed, 2 hour session we will discuss your birth preferences and talk through the physiological stages of labour using tactile resources. We will talk through all the scenarios making sure all bases are covered. Following the session I will provide you with a digital copy of your Birth Preferences that can be shared with your birth team. Postnatal Preparation Session Thinking about your postnatal preferences can be a great way to make sure you have all the support you need in place once your baby has arrived. We’ll use this 2 hour session to look at your existing support network and identify any gaps we can fill to ease your postnatal recovery, practical arrangements around the home, boundaries for visitors, and how you might create time for self-care and rest. This session is a great time for me to get to know your family (your partner if you have one and any other children you may have). I will provide you with a digital copy of your Postnatal Preferences that can be shared with your support network. Postnatal Support I aim to make a short visit to you within 24 hours of your baby’s birth. My visits to you could include a combination of the following, whichever is your wish: Birth Debriefing Practical support with caring for your newborn Nourishing food - either bringing with me, or preparing a light meal for you at your home Light housework such as tidying and washing up Taking care of your baby so that you can nap, or take a bath / shower, take some time for yourself Infant feeding support (signposting on to other services if necessary) Helping with firsts: first visit to a cafe with baby, first time feeding in public, visiting a baby group etc.
£575.00
GBP Flat rate
'Shine' Postnatal Support Package
For growing families looking for tailored support As experienced parents we can sometimes find it harder to reach for the support we need because we have welcomed a baby before, and because the expectation of us is different - I am passionate about helping families adjust as they grow, creating space for time and connection with each other during this pivotal phase. Having your second or subsequent baby is a big deal and is an adjustment for the whole family. The support you might be looking for this time around is probably quite different and I think it’s important to acknowledge that with a tailored offering. Cost: £575 Initial meeting (1 Hour) Birth Preparation Session (2 hours) Postnatal Preparation Session (2 hours) Postnatal support, booked in 3 hour blocks during the first 6 weeks after birth (18 hours) Text and phone support during our agreed period of working together Borrow books on pregnancy, parenthood and birth from my collection, including books especially for children on life with a new sibling. What’s Included? Initial Meeting We will meet in a cafe or informal space of your choice. This is your chance to ask me any questions you may have and to see if we would work well together. If you have a partner they are encouraged to join Birth Preparation Session In this relaxed, 2 hour session we will discuss your birth preferences and talk through the physiological stages of labour using tactile resources. We will talk through all the scenarios making sure all bases are covered, including arrangements for your older children and how you might prepare them for when you go into labour. Following the session I will provide you with a digital copy of your Birth Preferences that can be shared with your birth team. Postnatal Preparation Session Thinking about your postnatal preferences after your second or subsequent child can be a great way to make sure you have all the support you need in place once your baby has arrived. We’ll use this 2 hour session to look at your existing support network and identify any gaps we can fill to ease your recovery in the postnatal period. We’ll look at practical arrangements around the home, boundaries for visitors, and how you might create time for self-care and rest. I’m passionate about supporting second time parents on the emotional impact a new sibling can have on you and your other children, as well as coming up with some practical tools and ideas for managing day to day life with a newborn and older sibling. I will provide you with a digital copy of your Postnatal Preferences that can be shared with your support network. Postnatal Support I aim to make a short visit to you within 24 hours of your baby’s birth. My visits to you could include a combination of the following, whichever is your wish: Birth Debriefing Practical support with caring for your newborn Nourishing food - either bringing with me, or preparing a light meal for you at your home Light housework such as tidying and washing up Taking care of your baby so that you can take some time for yourself or have some time to connect with your other child(ren) Help with siblings while you feed or tend to your baby Infant feeding support (signposting on to other services if necessary) Helping you figure out the ‘firsts’ : first nursery or school drop-off with newborn in tow, first cafe visit, first time on public transport with both children.
£575.00
GBP Flat rate
Birth Preparation Session
Preparing for birth can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be. In this relaxed, 2 hour session we will discuss your birth preferences and talk through the physiological stages of labour using tactile resources. We will talk through all the scenarios making sure all bases are covered. Following the session I will provide you with a digital copy of your Birth Preferences that can be shared with your birthing team.
£40.00
GBP Flat rate
Show all packages