Meet The Doula
Karen Zamperini
I have been a doula since 2010 and am a mother of 3. I have parented on 4 continents and now with my expat days behind me I have returned to the Main Line Philadelphia area with the best approaches from all over the world. I have many certifications in the birth, breastfeeding and postpartum areas, including hypnotherapy. Philadelphia has a rich community of Perinatal Professionals so I am able to ensure that you have a full team to support your needs.
Holistic Approach
Mind, body and life. When we support all three areas, the major life transition of welcoming a baby becomes much more manageable and even joyful. It is always a big event but doesn't have to include sufferingl When the right supports are in place even very challenging situations can be handled.
Judgement-Free Preparation & Support
My grandmother always said,"Every baby writes their own book". I like to say,"Every family writes their own book." I trust you to make the best decisions for yourself. My role is to help you navigate the options so that you can make confident decisions with the resources you need to support your choices.
OFFERINGS
Postpartum Doula Support
I offer both daytime and overnight postpartum support. Daytime offers more opportunities for education and skill development (but also rest and nutrition). During the night, we prioritize your rest. Breastfeeding support, developing routines and skills such as babywearing, soothing, bathing and diapering are part of the process. My goal is that by the time our work together is done, you will miss me but you know you don't need me. Though I do care for babies, my job is to support and develop parents. Postpartum planning is included in any support package so you can maximize our time together. We will also identify your needs and other resources for fulfilling those needs. I will provide referrals to other professionals and give guidance on how to best allow your friends and family to support you. You will not be alone and you do not need to reinvent the wheel.
Breastfeeding Support & Preparation
Breastfeeding support is part of my postpartum services but can also be booked separately. I specialize in low supply and can also do flange fitting based on my training the and Tential issues that may impact supply and develop a plan proactively. My goal is to prevent to Triple Feed Train Wreck that happens to so many after birth. Sometimes we need to breastfeed, bottlefeed and pump but not all 3 every 2-3 hours. When the transition to breastfeeding is strategic and controlled we reduce stress and increase sleep and success. Breastfeeding support is part of my postpartum services but can also be booked separately. I specialize in low supply and can also do flange fitting based on my training through Babies in Common FITS Guide.
Hello Birth Hypnobirthing Childbirth Course
Hypnobirthing helps you remain more calm, comfortable and in control during pregnancy and birth. It can help build confidence, reduce anxiety and improve sleep in pregnancy, Though many clients who use hypnobirthing choose to birth unmedicated, it can be just as supportive to clients planning to utilize pain medications. The course also prepares partners with specific cues and techniques to be helpful during birth. Courses are 4 sessions, 3 virtual and 1 in person.
Body Ready Method & Restore Your Core
Both offer a functional movement approach to body preparation for birth and recovery from birth. How we live in our bodies impacts our muscle and fascia which can impact fetal positioning and ease of birth. Birth and recovery are made much easier by balancing the body, expanding range of motion, stabilizing joints and creating yield in the pelvic floor prenatally. I am certified in both Body Ready Method and RYC so reach out if you have questions or would like an in-person individual assessment. Links to the amazing online programs are here: Body Ready Method and RYC.