Hi, I’m Lisa, a postpartum doula and lactation counselor on the Boston Area Doulas team.

What inspired you become a doula? Growing up, I wanted to be an archeologist, midwife and teacher. In my forties I feel I am finally doing the work I was always meant for. I loved my career as an Early childhood educator in a Montessori setting, it fit me well in that it satisfied the nurturing side of me. Over the years I found I was always drawn to those families in my classroom that were growing their own family. I was told I had special empathy for the changes that take place when a child now has a new sibling, parents looked to me to guide them through this journey. I loved helping families find their footing, and quickly realized how critical it is to support families during this time.This was the beginning of my switch in careers to become a certified Postpartum Doula. I moved to Massachusetts in 2017 with my husband and two teenagers, took my training with DONA international, and have been working with families as they navigate their way into parenthood ever since.

My advice to families: Nothing will be as you expected, trust yourselves and ask for help when you need it.

I found one of the biggest hurdles new parents face is around infant feeding, especially breastfeeding. There is an overwhelming amount of information out there, impossible standards to meet, and many judgements-even from well meaning friends and family. With this in mind I became a certified Lactation Counselor and infant feeding specialist. This knowledge allows me to adequately support parents when making the important decision about how to feed their baby.

As your doula, I address unrealistic expectations so there are no surprises you are not ready for. Ideally we meet before you have the baby so we can work on a postpartum plan, address any concerns, and answer questions you may have. This is not always the case, however anytime you bring on support is valuable. I meet families where they are, and support without judgment. I see myself as the “Bridge” between the hospital/ birthing center and your home.

In my spare time I can be found walking, reading, traveling, listening to music and podcasts, going to hockey games (my youngest is a Goalie on 3 teams!). I also enjoy spending time with my family and close friends.

Check out what one of Lisa’s families said about her:

"Lisa expertly tended to her needs including feeding, comforting, diaper changes and more, but her support for our daughter far exceeded baseline childcare. Lisa engaged our daughter in stimulating activity, she assessed and provided guidance for our daughter’s feeding as my wife breastfed and then later when we transitioned to formula-feeding, and she leveraged years of experience to provide critical input on so many topics related to infant childcare. She cared for my wife and me as her own, supporting my wife’s healing both physically and emotionally following the birth experience. We grew to view Lisa as a member of our family over this short period, and we couldn’t have made it through without her!”