How Does The Nesting Place Support and Empower Pregnant and Postpartum Moms?

After fifteen years in private practice, therapist Alison Herman noticed a recurring theme among her young female clients in the New Jersey/Rockland County suburbs - many new and expectant moms felt isolated and lacked a sense of community. In spring 2019, she decided to address this issue. Teaming up with her close friend and "right arm" Barbara Hayer, the licensed clinical social worker and Birth Doula established The Nesting Place, an inclusive wellness center in Ridgewood, New Jersey, catering to pregnant and postpartum moms/parents.

Alison, the Founder, envisions The Nesting Place as a comprehensive resource for new and expectant mothers, providing a range of services to support them during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum phase.

The Nesting Place stands out mostly due to its network of doulas. The term doula originates from the Greek word meaning "one who serves." In contemporary times, a birth doula is a trained professional who offers emotional and physical support to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the initial postpartum period. Similarly, a postpartum doula assists mothers after giving birth by attending to their needs and aiding in their emotional and physical recovery. Responsibilities may include assisting with bathing or breastfeeding, caring for the baby to allow the mother to rest, or preparing light meals for the family. A postpartum doula also educates new parents, ensuring they feel more knowledgeable, confident, and secure once the doula's work is complete. By fostering trust in their own intuitions and instincts, parents are better equipped to navigate the challenges of early parenthood. The Nesting Place is known for its exceptional reputation, with Alison, a psychotherapist and birth doula, and Barb, who has a background in early childhood education and business, overseeing a team of birth and postpartum doulas across New Jersey and beyond, personally selecting and matching each doula with new moms based on their personalities and preferences.

At The Nesting Place, another essential service available is lactation support and consulting. Breastfeeding can be challenging, and new mothers often struggle to know where to start. The Nesting Place offers personalized assistance to mothers interested in breastfeeding, provided by an in-house IBCLC (international board-certified lactation counselor) who assists with latching, positioning, pumping, and other related aspects.

There are several additional offerings such as complimentary pregnancy and new mom support groups, counseling, infant/child CPR, hypnobirthing, childbirth education/lamaze, perinatal massages, acupuncture

and other necessities for a new family. Classes and services take place virtually or at The Nesting Place in Ridgewood, with in-home and private options also available. The virtual pregnancy and new moms group(s) provide support to pregnant and new moms who may feel isolated and lonely, allowing them to connect with like-minded women in the area, similar to those who have shared their experiences with Alison over the years.

It is also important to note that Alison and Barb assists all mothers, irrespective of their relationship status, background, or financial circumstances. Alison states, "We are dedicated to helping every mother and strive not to turn anyone away. If a mother desires to have a doula for support throughout her pregnancy and birth, Barb and I make every effort to accommodate her, "As a social worker, this is a top priority for me."

If you want to discuss doula options, take a birthing class, join a support group, or meet other local moms, contact Alison & Barb. DM @thenestingplacenjny on Facebook or Instagram, call 201.623.3629, or fill out the form on the website.