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
Postpartum Night Doula Support
4 weeks minimum and up to 12 weeks
3-5 nights weekly
8hr 9:30pm-5:30am/10pm-6am
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
Postpartum & Lactation Support Virtually
1 hour video/phone call. 3 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
Postpartum Doula Care & Lactation Support
Compassionate and knowledgeable support to help you navigate the challenges of newborn care during the night. Trusted, experienced and confident companion by your side to help you through the challenges of the postpartum period, allowing you to focus on bonding with your new baby and taking care of yourself. I customize my services to fit your individual needs and preferences. Whether you need assistance with feeding, soothing techniques, or simply someone to offer emotional support during those late-night hours. The support doesn't end when the sun rises. I'm here to provide ongoing guidance and assistance as you navigate the early weeks and months of parenthood.
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Guidance and assistance to help establish a successful breastfeeding relationship between you and your baby. Assistance in finding optimal breastfeeding positions, establishing good milk supply, identifying issues and offer suggestions.
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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
Sleep Training: Understanding The Big Picture
Navigating the world of infant sleep training isn’t easy, and I know how overwhelming it can be. I understand the exhaustion and stress that come with sleepless nights. That's why I'm here to offer some guidance and reassurance.
What is Sleep Training?
Sleep training isn't just about getting a good night's rest (though that's definitely a big part of it!). It's about setting the stage for healthy sleep habits that can benefit both you and your baby in life-changing ways. When we talk about sleep training, we're really talking about teaching babies to soothe themselves and settle into sleep independently. This skill isn't just comforting—it's crucial for their development, physically, cognitively, and emotionally. During sleep, your newborn’s brain is hard at work, processing and growing. Establishing good sleep patterns now can help lead to better mental health and behavior as they grow.
What is the best strategy?
Routine and consistency are key. Babies thrive on predictability, so setting regular bedtimes and wake-up times helps establish a comforting rhythm. Gentle bedtime rituals, like reading or singing, can signal that it's time to wind down.
Prioritize self-soothing techniques. Sleep associations—comforting habits that help babies fall asleep, like rocking or nursing—are wonderful for comfort, but they can make it tough for babies to settle on their own. Gradually transitioning away from these can empower your baby to self-soothe and learn to settle themselves back to sleep when they wake up during the night.
Understand your baby’s sleep cycles.Your baby, just like you, goes through multiple sleep cycles throughout the night, shifting between light and deep sleep stages. Understanding these cycles can help you recognize normal sleep patterns and distinguish between brief awakenings, which are natural, and longer periods of wakefulness that may need attention.
Respond to your baby’s needs. While sleep training encourages babies to develop self-soothing skills, it's equally important for you to remain responsive to your baby's needs. You’ll want to continue to attend to hunger, discomfort, or illness during the night while also fostering independence and healthy sleep habits.
Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one might not work for you. That's why it's important to be flexible and adapt as you go along, taking into account your baby's temperament and needs.
Different techniques may be more appropriate at various ages and developmental stages. Many experts suggest that around 4 to 6 months of age can be a good time to start introducing sleep training. By understanding these principles and approaching sleep training with patience and compassion, you're not just helping your baby sleep better—you're setting them up for a lifetime of healthy sleep and well-being. And that's truly something worth investing in needs.
Not sure where to start? Feel free to reach out!
As a certified sleep consultant, I’m here for you. If you’re looking for support and guidance, get in touch. I can offer personalized advice to suit your family's needs.
Fees
Please reach out for Night Postpartum Doula Support pricing
Postpartum & Lactation Support Virtually
60 - Minute video/phone call $150
Address your specific needs and concerns during the postpartum period and breastfeeding journey. Expertise, evidence-based advice and practical tips to support breastfeeding success. Receive assistance with latch issues, milk supply concerns, pumping, and any other breastfeeding-related issues you may encounter.
Overnight In-home Sleep Training Support (4.5 + Months)
3 in-home 12hr sessions
First night $1400
Additional nights beyond the first night $1200
*Add up to 2 additional nights of overnight sleep training support
Hands-on assistance and guidance throughout the overnight sessions to ensure the successful implementation of the sleep changes, ideal for parents aiming to put a personalized sleep plan into action. Gain the support and expertise needed to help your child develop healthy sleep habits for a lifetime of restful nights.
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 temperament and behaviors, development, as well as their sleep environment, and routines. With hands-on guidance, I'll assist in implementing sleep changes customized to your child's unique needs, abilities, and your family's preferences. Additionally, I'll be available to address any questions or concerns you may have, providing reassurance and emotional support throughout the process.
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Three in-home sessions, each lasting 12 hours, where I will work with you and your child to implement the customized sleep plan. The first night session costs $1400, which includes the initial consultation, assessment, and sleep plan implementation.
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Additional nights beyond the first night are booked at $1200 per night to provide ongoing support and reinforcement of the sleep plan.
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Check-In Phone Calls: Two 30-minute phone calls will be scheduled over the three-week period to review progress, address any concerns, and provide additional guidance as needed
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Email and Text Support: Receive ongoing support via email and text messages between 1:00 PM and 9:00 PM over a two-week period following the initial in-home sessions.
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Should you require further assistance beyond the initial three in-home sessions, you have the option to add up to two additional nights of overnight support at the rate of $1200 per night.
Sleep Consultation Virtual (3 + Months) - $550
This session provides you with the knowledge and support you need to make informed decisions about sleep training and implement age-appropriate sleep strategies for your little one.
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Initial Consultation (1 Hour Phone/ Video Call): We'll discuss your baby's current sleep patterns, routines and any challenges you're facing.
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Receive comprehensive information about various sleep training methods, including their pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision.
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Gain insight into your baby's developmental stage and how it affects sleep, along with age-appropriate sleep expectations.
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Follow-Up Sessions (Two 30-Minute Phone Calls): We'll discuss how your baby has responded to any changes implemented since the initial consultation. Receive further advice and support tailored to your specific situation and needs.
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Detailed Notes and Recommendations: During the consultation, I'll provide you with detailed notes summarizing the information discussed, including sleep training options and age-appropriate advice. You'll receive a summary of key points covered, along with additional tips.
*Additional support as needed 30 minute phone/video call - $150
Sleep Training Support Virtual (4.5 + Months) - $1150
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Initial 1 Hour Virtual Consultation: We'll discuss your baby's current sleep patterns, routines, and any challenges you're facing. You will receive guidance on sleep training methods, soothing techniques, and ways to promote healthy sleep habits.
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Based on the assessment, I'll create a sleep plan that fits your family's lifestyle and goals, your baby's developmental stage and how it affects sleep, along with age-appropriate sleep expectations.
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Two Follow-Up 30-Minute Phone Calls Sessions: Encouragement to help you stay on track and navigate any obstacles along the way. I'll review your progress, address any concerns or questions that may have arisen, and make adjustments to the sleep plan as needed.
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Detailed Notes and Recommendations: During the consultation, I'll take thorough notes of our discussion, recommendations, and the customized sleep plan. You'll receive a summary of the key points discussed, along with any additional tips or resources to support you in implementing the sleep training techniques effectively.
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Two weeks of on-going support via tex or e-mail (between 1pm -9pm). Feel free to reach out between sessions with any questions, updates, or concerns. I'm here to provide timely guidance and support whenever you need it.
Prenatal & Newborn Sleep Consultation (0-4 Months) - $350
Equips you with the knowledge, strategies, and support you need to lay the foundation for healthy sleep habits for your newborn.
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Understanding Sleep Cycles: Gain insight into the sleep patterns and needs of newborns, including frequent night waking and daytime naps. Receive guidance on how to respond to your baby's nighttime needs while also encouraging longer stretches of sleep.
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Breastfeeding and Sleep: Receive guidance on how breastfeeding impacts newborn sleep and strategies for balancing feeding and sleep needs. Learn about optimal feeding routines to support better sleep for both baby and parents.
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Establishing Healthy Sleep Associations: Learn how to create positive sleep associations and routines to help your baby learn to self-soothe and develop healthy sleep habits.
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30-Minute follow up call over 2-week time. Follow-up consultation to address any emerging sleep challenges.
* 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 201