Sondra Aresty MEd, CPD, LE

I am first and foremost a mother – I have been in mindset my whole life, but since becoming a mother to my daughter Hazel more than 7 years ago, it has become clear that helping mothers and families is what I was meant to do. I have always been a carer and a motherly-type, and translating that desire and now my own experience caring for children is a dream come true. I have been advising friends and family about lactation for more than 6 years, and have always been inclined to help where possible when someone I know is expecting a new little one into their lives. I am trained and certified in Postpartum Doula Care and Lactation Education with CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association), and also have two years of experience with in-home care of disabled adults. I truly believe that having a doula come into your home to help you have the best start really makes a huge difference.

**Studies have shown that women who have social support during the postpartum period tend to have less postpartum depression, breastfeed for a longer duration, and make a better adjustment to parenthood.

Reasons for Hiring a Postpartum Doula:

• • First-time parents get the help and advice to reassure you that you’re doing it “right”
• • You’re in need of non-judgmental support
• • Someone to be there when far away family can’t be
• • Someone to be there when your partner goes back to work/family has gone back home leaving you and your partner confident you will have the help you need in those first weeks and months
• • Single parents are definitely in need of an extra set of hands and the knowledge that they have someone there to support them
• • If you’re new to the Boston area I can help you to find other new moms in your area
• • If there will be twins or multiples coming having an extra set of hands will be invaluable
• • A difficult pregnancy or the need for a cesarean section can cause extra concern which I can definitely help allay
• • If you have a history of depression it has been shown time and again that having a doula is a very important part of the postpartum mom’s experience
• • Have you had breast surgery? Either augmentation or reduction? I have personal experience with breast reductions and breastfeeding and can give much help in that area. Have you had difficulty breastfeeding in the past and want a smoother experience this time around? I can help with that too.
• • If you anticipate an adoption or a foster child that may arrive rather suddenly I can be available for an additional set of hands on as needed basis.
• • Do you want to make sure you have time for your older children? I can make sure that you carve out that time. I can also make sure that they have some attention paid to them and that they know that they will get time with you too.

Fees for postpartum services are offered at an hourly rate. Please email me for more information at sondra@gentlehandsdoula.com.