Margo Yudanova
Support for new families
baby sleep consulting & 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”
ABOUT ME
Helping new parents care for themselves and their baby is the first step in building a safe, emotionally healthy environment for the whole family. Welcoming a new life is magical, but it can also be overwhelming when faced with sleepless nights and the many challenges of caring for a newborn—feeding, soothing, and everything in between.
With over a decade of experience as a Certified Postpartum Doula (CD) and Certified Lactation Educator (CLE), I’ve had the privilege of working with many families, offering expert infant care, compassionate support, and sleep guidance. As a Certified Infant Sleep Consultant, I specialize in creating personalized sleep plans that work for your unique family dynamic. I offer expert sleep consultations tailored to your family’s specific needs and challenges, helping you navigate the complexities of infant sleep with confidence and ease.
Rather than simply instructing, I work alongside parents in a gentle and intuitive way. My approach helps you build confidence as you navigate feeding, soothing, and understanding your baby’s needs. There is no "one-size-fits-all" solution, but together, we’ll find what works best for your family.
Your baby’s safety is always my top priority. I’m Infant/Child & Adult CPR Certified, TrustLine Certified (cleared through criminal background checks), and fully vaccinated to keep your family safe and healthy.
Sleep is crucial to your baby’s development, and I specialize in helping parents improve sleep patterns in ways that are gentle and supportive. Whether it’s through my postpartum doula care or sleep training services, my goal is to ensure families feel rested, empowered, and confident in their new roles.
MY PHILOSOPHY
Welcoming a baby into your family is such a beautiful, transformative time—but I know it can also feel overwhelming, especially when you're running on little sleep. With over a decade of experience as a postpartum night doula, I’ve had the honor of supporting many families through those early, sleepless months, helping them navigate everything from feeding to soothing and, of course, sleep.
As a Certified Infant Sleep Consultant, I’m passionate about guiding parents in creating sleep routines that really work—because I know how much better everything feels when both you and your baby are well-rested. Whether it’s offering gentle, personalized sleep training or providing hands-on newborn care, I’m here to support you in whatever way feels right for your family.
In addition to sleep support, I’m also a Certified Postpartum Doula (CD) and Certified Lactation Educator (CLE), so I can offer guidance on feeding, whether it’s breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or a combination. My goal is always to work alongside you—gently guiding, encouraging, and helping you feel confident in your new role as a parent.
Your baby’s safety is always my top priority. I’m Infant/Child & Adult CPR Certified, TrustLine Certified (cleared through criminal background checks), and fully vaccinated to keep your family safe and healthy.
I truly believe there’s no "one right way" to parent. My approach is all about finding your way, supporting you as you build the confidence to care for your baby and establish a rhythm that works for your family. When our time together is over, my hope is that you’ll feel empowered and ready to take on this new chapter with joy and ease.
SERVICES
Sleep Consultation & Training for Babies
Sleep Consultation (0 + Months)
For families who need a professional opinion on their baby’s sleep without follow-up support. If sleep training is recommended, I can guide you to the best next steps!
Sleep Training Support Virtual (4 + Months)
This consultation offers comprehensive support, making sure you and your baby are on the right path to better sleep.
Overnight Sleep Training Support (4 + Months)
Hands-on in person assistance and guidance to implement personalized sleep changes, helping your child develop healthy sleep habits.
Postpartum Night Doula Support
2-5 nights weekly, 2-12 weeks, depending on availability. 8hr night session 9:30pm-5:30am/10pm-6am
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.
Lactation Support
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 milk supply concerns, pumping, and any other breastfeeding-related issues you may encounter.
Get Started Today
If you’re ready to help your child get better sleep, or if you have any questions about my services, please don’t hesitate to contact me!
“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, with many years of postpartum night doula care experience, 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 Postpartum Night Doula Support pricing
Lactation Support Virtual Consultation
Price: $200| Duration: 1-hour virtual consultation & 15-minute Follow-up phone call: review progress, address concerns, and adjust the plan.
Sleep Assessment Consultation (0 + Months)
Price: $175| Duration: 1-hour phone call
What’s Included:
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1-hour phone consultation to assess sleep concerns
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Advice on routines and sleep habits based on your baby’s needs
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Discuss your child’s sleep history, current challenges, and developmental milestones
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Receive tailored recommendations on sleep strategies that suit your family’s needs
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Understand whether further support is needed, helping you make informed decisions about sleep training
Not sure if sleep training is right for your baby? This consultation helps determine whether your baby needs formal sleep training or minor adjustments to their current routine. Ideal for parents who want expert advice without a full commitment.
Sleep Training Support Virtual Package (4+Months)
Price: $600 | Duration: 2 Weeks of Support
For families needing more ongoing guidance, this package provides a personalized sleep plan and virtual support as you make key changes to improve your baby’s sleep. This package combines consultation, follow-ups, and ongoing support over an extended period.
What’s Included:
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1-hour virtual consultation to review sleep history, challenges, and goals
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Customized sleep plan to guide your baby towards healthy sleep habits
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One 15 min Follow-up call each week for progress tracking
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1 week of daily check-ins via text/email to address any concerns or challenges during implementation (between the hours of 1PM - 8PM )
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*Extend your support for $150 for an additional week
Overnight In-Home Sleep Training Package (4 + Months)
Price: $1100 (First Night) / $950 (Each Additional Night)
Receive hands-on in person assistance and guidance to implement personalized sleep changes, helping your child develop healthy sleep habits.
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In-home overnight support (6:30 PM - 6:30 AM)
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1-hour virtual consultation to review sleep history, challenges, and goals. Assessment of your baby's temperament, sleep environment, routines, and behaviors
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Customized sleep plan to guide your baby towards healthy sleep habits
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Ongoing text/email support for questions and updates during sleep training (between the hours of 1PM - 8PM )
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1 follow-up call over 3 weeks to review progress
Half-Night Sleep Training Support Package (4+Months)
Price; $650 for First Night | $500 for Additional Nights
Ideal for parents needing in-home support during the first half of the night when their baby is most restless. This package also works well for parents who need sleep themselves but want to handle the second half of the night of sleep training on their own.
What’s Included:
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1-hour virtual consultation
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Personalized sleep plan
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6 consecutive hours of in-home support during the most challenging part of the night
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Emotional support and hands-on guidance in implementing the sleep plan
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Ongoing text/email support for questions and updates during sleep training (between the hours of 1PM - 8PM )
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1 follow-up call over 3 weeks to review progress
Contact me now to book a session or learn more about which package is right for you.
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 2011