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Meet Kathleen Sullivan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Sullivan.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
At age 50, after having a successful career in the corporate world, I decided I wanted out, I wanted to do something that would light me up! I was looking for a new career I would be fulfilled by; where I could contribute to the well-being and support of others, particularly women. I found a little ad in the Los Angeles Times classifieds that said “helping new mothers and their newborns.”

I knew I had a good sensibility about babies so I went on the interview and that was when I discovered what being a Doula was all about. And I was in from then on. I got certified as a Postpartum Doula and as a Newborn Care Specialist. I studied several specialties such as lactation consulting and RIE and began working supporting and educating parents from firstborn parents and single parents to growing families to homeless moms. Since then, I created a website in which I provide placement of experienced, professional doulas and household staff. Recently, I started a new endeavor called Newborn Consults where I hold online new parenting classes and go out to provide one on one training. I worked to build a successful network across the Southern California region, and having a diversified business allows me to provide consulting, coaching and placement services across all stages from birth onwards. I now have an exceptional network where I’m deeply connected and fulfilled by all of my interactions. My passion now is to help my clients understand the complexity and challenges women face to re-identify, connect and engage so they may move confidently into parenthood.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In the early part of my career in the corporate world, I was in sales and I was very successful the result of changing my career and the meaning in my life at the age of 50 was it would potentially be quite financially challenging. There were some leaner times while I learned how to be self-employed. I worked crazy days and nights as a doula but also continued my education and built a network of incredible women. By putting one foot in front of the other, I’m successful 20 years later!

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Certified Postpartum Doula and Newborn Care Specialist, previously known as a “baby nurse.” I educate and support and guide new parents confidently into parenthood. Becoming a parent will be the most important transition and job you’ll ever have and it is imperative you have a professional support during this time. Over and over again, at some point my clients look over at me (sleepily) and ask how people do this without help? I teach them everything they need to know, beginning with what to do in the hospital and what to avoid right on through bringing their new baby home that very first day, which is when I begin. I teach parents about routines versus scheduling, breast-feeding, partner support, soothing and calming techniques, swaddling and more, all while supporting new mother in her healing.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was born and raised right here in Los Angeles, is it rare you meet a native Angeleno these days? I’m the middle sister of two boys so I’m strong and resilient and have the innate ability to take care of everyone. Over the years, I’ve lived and worked from the Valley to the Palisades to Beverly Hills to Silverlake and several points in between.

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