E 24: Why New Mums Need More Postnatal Support: Postnatal Anxiety, Boundaries and Finding your Village with Postnatal Doula, Jade Harkness

What happens after the midwives leave and the reality of motherhood begins?As new mums, we have all been through those moments where you feel isolated, unheard and unseen. You are "happy" to put your needs second (or third, or fourth...) as long as your baby is well. This isn't always the best way, but how do we create an environment where mum can thrive as well as the new baby, despite the sleepless nights and overwhelm.In this episode of the Best for Baby Podcast, Lisa is joined by postnatal doula Jade Harkness from the Mamas Wellbeing Hub. Jade shares her own experience of postnatal anxiety and explains how it led her to become passionate about supporting mothers through the often-overlooked fourth trimester.Together, they discuss the emotional, practical and informational support new mums need, why community matters so much in early motherhood, and how postnatal doulas can help families feel seen, heard and supported during one of life's biggest transitions.Whether you're expecting a baby, navigating the newborn stage, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers reassurance, practical advice and a reminder that mothers deserve care too.In This Episode We Discuss: What a postnatal doula is and how they differ from birth doulas  The emotional challenges many mums face in the early weeks after birth  Why the day 3–5 hormone shift can feel overwhelming  The importance of holding space for mothers without trying to "fix" them  Setting boundaries with visitors after birth  Why community can be a lifeline in motherhood  Supporting both mums and partners through the transition to parenthood  Birth and hospital debriefs after difficult experiences  Returning to work after maternity leave  The power of skin-to-skin contact for babies, mothers and fathers  Learning to ask for — and accept — practical help Find out more about Jade and her postnatal support services through Mamas Wellbeing Hub: Connect with Jade here!Connect with Lisa here!For help on: Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here!Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!