Margo Yudanova
Support for new families
in-home baby sleep training & postpartum doula
"New parents, especially first time parents, need support every step of the way. I’m there to help them feel calm and confident in caring for their new baby”
MY PHILOSOPHY
Helping new parents learn to care for themselves and their baby is the first step in building a safe and emotionally healthy environment for the whole family. Welcoming a new life is an extraordinarily magical and wonderful event. It can also be overwhelming when faced with little sleep AND the need to care for an infant - from feeding to bathing and everything in between.
“New parents often think they should know how to care for a new baby. Why is that? It isn’t all intuitive. People should ask for help, and in many cultures they do. I was exhausted after our baby’s arrival and needed support in learning how to care for myself and this new baby at the same time. Margo was there every step of the way for us and helped teach me how to be a mom.”
- Lisa Carpenter
I work alongside families, in a gentle and unassuming way, to ensure they are able to rest and learn the skills needed to care for their baby. Rather than “instructing” I gently guide and encourage the parents in their new role, whether it be feeding, soothing, or reading the baby’s signs when its distressed. There is no “one right way” to do things. I help families to find their right way.
I support and educate new parents in a way that builds their confidence. Success for me is the family not missing me when our time together is over, because they have found their own rhythm to daily life as a family.
“Before having my first child I did everything I could to prepare myself. I found out almost immediately that there was so much that I didn't know - and couldn't know as a first time mom. Working with Margo the first crucial weeks after becoming a parent was invaluable! Her knowledge and experience was a resource that I am so grateful for. She helped restore my confidence in myself while giving me practical advice for the many questions and concerns I had about caring for my baby and myself”
- Marcy Wash
SERVICES
Sleep Training for babies (4.5 + Months)
Overnight in home sleep training & 1:1 Virtual sleep training consultations
Prenatal & Newborn Sleep Consultations
for Expecting parent(s), Parent(s) with a newborn 0-12 weeks old
Night Postpartum Doula support
4 weeks minimum and up to 12 weeks
3-5 nights weekly
8hr 9:30pm-5:30am/10pm-6am
Lactation & Postpartum support in Person
1-3 2hr sessions weekly
Lactation & Postpartum support Virtually
1-3 1hr sessions weekly
However, flexibility is at the heart of how I structure my services. We can adjust which days of the week I work, depending on the needs of the family.
You may also decide that you want additional support once we start working together. Depending on my availability we can add days & weeks to my schedule and/or I can help you to find additional support.
“Like many modern families, my husband and I live thousands of miles from our relatives, but we knew we'd benefit from some help when our first child arrived. Margo was the baby whisperer we needed in our lives. She offered a crucial, skilled set of extra hands and a relaxed and knowledgeable presence. She assisted with sleep training, shared resources like books and referrals and even helped us resolve a nursing issue. I recommend her to all my new mom friends!”
- Megan Miller
Infant Sleep Training
Overnight In home & Virtual Support
I understand the challenges of establishing healthy sleep habits, which is why I'm here to offer guidance and support. Whether you're dealing with night awakenings, nap struggles, or bedtime routines, I'm dedicated to helping you create a peaceful sleep environment that promotes restful nights for you and your baby.
During in-home sleep training visits, I will work closely with you and your baby to improve their sleep patterns and habits. I will assess your infant's sleep environment, routines, and behaviors, provide hands-on guidance on implementing a sleep plan tailored to your child's unique needs and your family's preferences. I will also address any questions or concerns you may have and offer reassurance and emotional support throughout the process.
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Teaching your infant the skill of independent sleep using age-appropriate, evidence-based gentle methods, customized to fit your child and your parenting style
Sleep training typically begins when a baby is between 4 and 6 months old. Newborns require frequent feedings and cannot be expected to sleep through the night, which is one of the primary goals of sleep training. However, parents and caregivers can help to establish independent sleep from the first few weeks of life by using gentle, responsive methods. This is not usually considered actual “sleep training,” but instead involves establishing the early steps of healthy sleep habits. In addition, even without expecting infants to drop overnight feedings, parents can still establish independent sleep/self-soothing, practices that help babies learn to fall asleep on their own. During our consultation, I will explain various techniques and methods, discussing the pros and cons of each. Together, we will work to select an approach that aligns with your parenting style.
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Sleep needs analysis to reveal potential causes for sleep disruption
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Comprehensive Sleep Plan
I will create a personalized sleep plan tailored to your child's needs and your family's preferences. This plan will outline specific strategies and steps to help your baby learn healthy sleep habits. You'll receive guidance on how to implement the sleep plan, including when and how to put your child to bed, establish routines, and respond to night awakenings or sleep disruptions.
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Recommendations for daily schedule and bed time routine that works best for your family
Establishing a routine is a key accompaniment to the successful implementation of any sleep training method. The goal is to set a routine that you will be able to follow in essentially the same manner every day.
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Customized recommendations to meet your family sleep needs
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Bed Time support
Postpartum Care & Lactation Support
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Breastfeeding support (assistance in finding optimal breastfeeding positions, establishing good milk supply, identifying issues and offer suggestions)
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Bottle feeding support
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Pumping, milk storage & bottle education
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Newborn care techniques (diapering, swaddling) & nurturing and soothing techniques
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Baby wearing
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Establishing healthy activities & sleep
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Milestones & growth spurt education
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Emotional & physical support (support bonding, information on emotional and physical recovery, support with processing your birth should you desire)
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Referrals to local birthing community resources (support groups, lactation consultants, physical therapy and other services)
For more information about what you can expect from your Postpartum Doula: Frequently Asked Questions About Postpartum Doulas
*I’m also available for adoptive parents and parents via surrogacy
Please reach out for Postpartum Care & Night Postpartum Doula Support pricing
Sleep Training
Include a comprehensive assessment of sleep habits and issues, sleep/feed journal review prior to the consult followed by the development of a personalized sleep plan
Overnight In-home Support (4.5 + Months)
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3 in-home 12hr sessions to implement the sleep plan
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1st night - $1400
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Additional nights - $1200
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follow up e-mails & text support (between 1pm - 9pm), over 3 wks time
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x2 check-in 15 min phone calls, over 3 wks
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add up to 2 additional nights of overnight support as needed
Virtual Support (4.5 + Months) - $550
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1hr Video-call consultation
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follow up e-mails & text support (between 1pm -9pm), over 3 wks time
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x1 check-in 30 min call after starting sleep changes
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additional support as needed 30 minute phone/video call - $150
Prenatal & Newborn (0-4 Months) - $450
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1hr Video-call consultation
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follow up e-mails, over 4 wks time
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x1 check-in 30 min call
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Expert advise for best lactation practices
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additional support as needed 30 minute phone/video call - $150
Experience, Credentials, Training and Affiliations
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Certified Infant Sleep Consultant
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Certified Postpartum Doula (CD)
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Certified Lactation Educator (CLE)
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Infant/Child & Adult CPR Certified
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TrustLine Certified (database of childcare providers that have cleared criminal background checks)
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Trained Postpartum Doula DONA International (Postpartum International Doula Training)
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Active member San Francisco Doula Group network, numerous Bay Area peer groups
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Volunteer Postpartum Doula, San Francisco General Hospital
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Supporting families with newborns and toddlers since 2014