Hi, I’m Kathleen Stern—a certified postpartum and birth doula, certified infant feeding specialist and an IBCLC candidate (international board certified lactation consultant), sitting for my exam in April. I love working with parents to offer real-time relief and practical tips and to remind them that they’re doing a great job. My goal is to build your confidence and provide relief so that you feel better when my visit ends. Whether you’re a first-time parent feeling nervous/excited or thinking “I don’t know what I don’t know,” or a seasoned parent looking for some more relief this time around, I’ve got you!

I got into the perinatal world after I had a colicky baby in 2014 and was filled with exhaustion, self-doubt, and conflicting advice from well-meaning family and friends. I knew there must be a better way. For my second baby, I worked with a postpartum doula to provide me with the nonjudgmental, hands-on support I knew I would need. The difference between my first and second postpartum experiences prompted me to become a doula and lactation professional.

Prior to working with infants and families, I earned a Masters in Teaching and had a rewarding 15-year education career— teaching students (mostly middle school English), coaching teachers, and helping others recognize their own strengths.

My best advice for expecting families is, “Reach out for help before you think you need it. You're not supposed to be able to do this by yourself.”

I live in the North Shore with my 11 and 8 year-old daughters and labradoodle. When I’m not with my family or holding babies, I love to garden, be active, and be by the water.

Kind Words (click here for more testimonials): “What I most appreciated about working with Kathleen is her approach - she's both thorough and thoughtful, balancing sharing all of the information, data and analysis we asked for, alongside empathy, emotional support and consciousness of who we are and what we need.” —Maggie