About me

Hi, I’m Kathleen Stern—a certified postpartum and birth doula, certified infant feeding specialist and an IBCLC candidate (international board certified lactation consultant), expecting to be certified in 2026. 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! 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. 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. 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.

Education

B.A. (2006)

M.A (2014)

Certification and training

Certified Postpartum and Infant Care Doula, ProDoula (2020)

Certified Labor Doula, ProDoula (2020)

Certified VBAC Specialist, ProDoula (2021)

Certified Infant Feeding Specialist, ProDoula (2020)

Certified in the Body Ready Method (2022)

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Candidate (2025)

Memberships and affiliations

Massachusetts Lactation Consultants Association

Credentials

Specialties

Languages

English

Service introduction

*LACTATION CONSULT: 2 hr visit to assess feeding, baby's oral function, create care plan. $400 (FSA/HSA cards accepted, or out of pocket via Zelle, check). Insurance reimbursement beginning June 2026. *POSTPARTUM DOULA: 3-4+ hr blocks sessions to help parents get rest, have emotional support, feel more confident with infant care and feeding. 3-4 hr visit, $60/hr (FSA/HSA cards accepted, in addition to Zelle, check. Carrot, Maven, Progeny and other employee benefit packages may reimburse for doula services. I am a Carrot approved doula. *PRIVATE CLASSES (3 hrs, virtual or in person): 1. Childbirth Class 2. Infant Feeding and Newborn Care Class. 3.5 hrs, $400 (at your home), $350 (virtual)

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