About Annabella
My name is Annabella, known to most as Bella, and I live in Newbury, West Berkshire, with my husband. I have three adult children of my own, three stepdaughters and I am also a nana. This has given me baby, mother and childcare experience across two generations. Over the years I have have performed many different roles. I have worked as a nanny. I have had four years working in the caring sector looking after the elderly with dementia and those with life changing disabilities. I have been a support worker for adults with learning disabilities and those with Autism – through Mencap. I have practical knowledge of caring for children who have been diagnosed being on the Autistic Spectrum. I have also worked within the NHS. I started my Doula journey as a Birthing Doula 18 years ago and also offering Post-Natal Doula services. I now focus solely on the Post-Partum period. I have helped numerous families navigate this exciting, wonderous but also exhausting and sometimes confusing time.
Why am I doing this?
My desire and calling came about from my first birth experience and lack of after-care. After having an incredibly long and traumatic labour and birth I came home completely overwhelmed, with the responsibility of not only caring for my baby but also looking after myself. A wonderful friend, who was a Birthing/Post-Natal Doula, came to my rescue. She gave me the confidence and support I needed to move forward as a new mum. This inspired me to help others with the same compassion and gentle guidance. I realised that as parents it’s not just the practical support we need but also the emotional.
How can I help you?
Becoming a new parent is an incredible adventure filled with joy and wonder, but it’s also completely normal to feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and in need of support. My role is to provide practical, informational, and emotional support for the whole family, helping you navigate this new chapter with confidence.
I am here to support you both physically and emotionally. Know that you’re not alone in this. I’m here to walk alongside you. This may mean just sitting quietly with you, listening and giving you the time and space to feel safe, being reassured and your feelings validated. I can assist you in your physical recovery and provide support with breast or formula feeding. I will care for your baby so you can rest and have time for yourself. I can make you a meal and encourage you to eat and drink well. I can perform household jobs and light laundry for mother and baby, assist with siblings, accompany you to appointments, be your advocate and anything else that you feel is of help to you. I can guide and give you the confidence to help your baby establish a good sleep pattern. I can also offer guidance to your partner with any adjustments that come with a new baby.
Together, we can create a personalised plan that addresses your specific needs. It may be finding time for rest, to nourish your body or mind, guiding you in feeding your baby – breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, or simply lending a listen ear to your birthing story. Knowing you have someone on your side without judgment, to understand and to offer encouragement can make a world of difference. It will be an honour to be invited into your home at this precious time.
Remember, you are one of a kind and what I offer you is bespoke, intuitive, tailored and flexible to fit your individual needs.