I’m Kathleen Stern— a lactation consultant, birth/postpartum doula and mom of two tweens. I love working with parents to offer real-time relief and practical tips and to remind them that they’re doing a great job. My goal is to build your confidence and provide relief so that you feel better when my visit ends.
I got into the perinatal world after I had my own colicky baby in 2014. I was filled with exhaustion, self-doubt, and received conflicting advice from well-meaning family and friends. For my second baby, I worked with a postpartum doula to provide me with the nonjudgmental, hands-on support I knew I would need. The difference between my first and second postpartum experiences prompted me to become a doula and lactation professional. In 2020, I founded Boston Area Doulas, a successful doula agency. In 2025, I transferred ownership to a trusted colleague. Today, I serve as an advisor for Boston Area Doulas.
Prior to working with infants and families, I earned a Masters in Teaching and had a rewarding 15-year education career— teaching students (mostly middle school English), coaching teachers, and helping others recognize their own strengths.
My best advice for expecting families is, “Reach out for help before you think you need it. You’re not supposed to be able to do this by yourself.”
I live in the North Shore with my 12 and 9 year-old daughters and labradoodle. When I’m not with my family or holding babies, I love to garden, be active, and be by the water.
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IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) Candidate
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Board Member, Massachusetts Lactation Consultant Association
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Certified Infant Feeding Specialist
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Certified Postpartum and Birth Doula
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BLS/CPR Certified (American Red Cross)
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Founder of Boston Area Doulas, which served 700+ families
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Childbirth and Newborn Care Educator
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Certified Body Ready Method® Pro
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Certified VBAC Specialist
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Trinity College (BA), Simmons University (MA Teaching)
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MA Teaching License: English (Gr 8-12); English as a Second Language (Gr 5-12)
