BumpandCradle.ie-Nicky McEntee Antenatal Teacher & Doula

I’m going to let you in on a little secret, lots of parents can feel a bit nervous about having a doula.

They may wonder if they will get along, feel comfortable having them in their home and if they will be the be sound!

These are very real worries and concerns. And that’s completely understandable. Hiring a doula can be a welcome addition to the postpartum period yet it’s important that you choose someone you like, trust and feel relaxed around.

In my discovery calls I always encourage potential clients to chat with other doulas, to make sure that they choose someone who aligns with their values and that they really gel with.

You know when you just click with someone, it feels right.

I love my role as a doula and within my day to day work I love all the conversations I have with my families. We chat about anything and everything, and this is what makes it so special.

Like to know more about my services? DM the word ‘DOULA’ or check out my inquiry form (link in my bio)

Here’s how I sprinkle a bit of doula magic into my clients lives ✨

I’ve been working with families for over 20 years now. And Im so greatful for all that these families have taught me. Throughout the years I’ve often been asked how I can batch cook meals, sort through the laundry, care for the mothers, answer their questions, snuggle the dogs in three hours while staying calm.

I haven’t sprinkled fairy dust or cast a spell but I’ve had a full nights sleep and am not navigating the early days of a newborn.

I may not have a magic wand but I do know how to bring magic to their day by helping them with practical, emotional and hands-on support.

This is where the true magic can be found.

I’m here to help them feel that magic when they get to eat a hot meal (one handed!) take a shower, talk in confidence without judgement, ask questions, have a cry, bring laughter and above all the make them feel like they are a VIP- Very Important Parent.

If you would like to know how I can support you and your family, DM the word magic or fill in my inquiry form, the link is in my bio ✨

Your dog was your first baby 🐾

And when you’re preparing for your new arrival, it’s natural to wonder how your beloved fur a baby will cope with all the changes ahead.

In Antenatal classes this is a question that comes up regularly. Not only in my classes but with my postpartum clients too (I love arriving at family homes and getting snuggles from their dogs, the cats aren’t always as welcoming!)

Our pets are big part of our lives and when a baby arrives they may not get the attention, the regular walks or be allowed sleep in the bed anymore! This can lead to parents feeling anxiety, guilt and worry. It’s understandable to feel this way but it doesn’t mean you love them less.

That’s why when planning and budgeting for your babies arrival it’s a good idea to factor in your dogs needs too.

If you would like help postpartum planning including pet care or are looking for a dog (cat, snake, goldfish) friendly doula to help support you as you transition to parenthood. Please see my inquiry form in my bio or DM the word DOG, for more info.

PMADs stands for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder. It refers to a group of mental health conditions.

Here are some stats

⚪️ Perinatal Anxiety is the most common of all with 10-15% of mothers experiencing it

⚪️ Depression effects 10-15% of mothers

⚪️ OCD- obsessive compulsive disorder will be experienced by 8-17% of mothers

⚪️ 20% of mothers and 10% of dads and partners experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

There can be a range in symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, rage, feeling sad, tearful, numb and disconnected from their baby or the world around them.

🍃If you or someone close to you may be going through this please get in contact with your GP, Public Health Nurse, Midwife or Perinatal Mental Health Team in your maternity unit.

I feel very passionate about educating and supporting families. In all my antenatal classes and with my doula clients I always discuss maternal mental health.

Postpartum needs just as much preparation as birth.

Lots of prep goes into baby showers. Maternity shoots. Choosing where to give birth. Different comfort measures and pain management options.
Baby’s first outfit. The birth announcement.

Yet how much time is spent preparing for the postpartum period?

Becoming a parent is the most monumental thing. There is so many changes happening in your relationship, with your body, your emotions, your hormones, with your baby and within your own friendships.

Being prepared for this time can help you navigate boundaries, finances, household responsibilities, how to take time out for yourself and so@much more.

Postpartum planning is an important part of my antenatal classes. It helps raise awareness and discussions on what that can and does happen when
we welcome a baby into our lives.

8 places available for my Mullingar group class.
Saturday, 25th July.

1:1 class options available in person and online.

See booking link in my bio or fill in my inquiry form today.

Every parent deserves to feel informed, respected, and included, both in preparing for birth and in navigating the postnatal period. And that’s exactly what this page is all about ❤️

If you’re new here, welcome.
I’m Nicky, a doula and antenatal teacher who believes in a deeply personal, evidence-based, and compassionate approach to preparing for birth and early parenthood.

My work is rooted in kindness, compassion, respect, empathy, trust, empowerment, and integrity. These values guide everything I do and shape how I support each family I work with.

I care deeply about supporting families through their own unique journey to parenthood because, in the two decades I’ve worked with parents, I’ve learned that no two experiences are the same.

Everyone comes with their own needs, values, and hopes for how they want to move through this time, not a one-size-fits-all approach to antenatal education or postnatal support that only focuses on getting through birth.

And I truly believe that your experience, your background, your identity, and your choices should be honoured every step of the way.

I’m here to support all parents to feel confident, informed, and held as they prepare for birth and step into life with their baby, in a way that feels calm, respectful, and empowering, and creates a more positive and supported start to parenthood.

Tell me in the comments ⬇️
🌟What’s been the biggest surprise for you in pregnancy or early parenthood
⭐️What’s something you wish you had known before your baby arrived or joined your family?
✨What kind of support would feel most helpful to you right now in this stage of parenthood?