postpartum family & newborn care

As a mother, social worker, daycare owner and doula, I saw the needs of families, especially with a new baby in the home. I've always naturally been drawn to serving families, especially those with young children. When my sister suggested I look into becoming a postpartum doula, I discovered a whole professional world of service and a strong desire to help as many families as possible. And that is how Lake Country Newborns was born. We help nurture newborns and infants by providing educated, experienced, fully screened newborn care specialist and postpartum doula care. 

I am personally experienced with twins, families with special needs and community resource referrals. I specialize in baby soothing techniques, solution-focused dialogue and virtual postpartum doula support as well.  I serve families overnight as needed but really shine in the daytime shifts; all that social work experience comes in handy working with new parents!

I love dogs, hiking, hot yoga and plant-based recipes.  My chiropractor hubby and I have two girls, a teen and tween and love living in Oconomowoc. I also truly love working as a doula and look forward to partnering with you.

• CAPPA trained Postpartum Doula
• CPR/First Aid Certified
• Nearly a decade long certified in-home daycare owner and provider
• Bachelor of Science in Communicative Disorders
• Masters in Social Work

After working with Maggie as a postpartum specialist with Lake Country Newborns, it became clear to us both that there is a need for more accessible lactation support in our area.  That inspired me to start my own practice and partner with Lake Country Newborns as the owner and sole practitioner of Lake Country Lactation, offering you flexible scheduling for virtual lactation counselor visits that work with your busy lifestyle.

As far back as I can remember, I wanted a career that allowed me to help people. Straight out of high school, and while obtaining my nursing degree, I began working as a Nursing Assistant on a medical floor. Upon graduating in 2009 I went straight to a Medical/Critical care floor where I trained other nurses, was in charge of our 34 bed unit and often filled in for our Chief Nursing Officer. I later completed my Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing in 2016-17, online through the University of Kentucky. 

I am a Registered Nurse (Labor, Delivery and Postpartum), a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and a Postpartum Caregiver with Lake Country Newborns. I am also a mother of two young boys, with whom I had two different breastfeeding experiences, completely related to the support available. It would be my absolute honor to help prepare and guide you and your family through your lactation experience, no matter what your goals may be. 

It wasn’t until my husband and I were struggling to conceive our first child that I started to feel as if working with new and growing families would be something I would enjoy and excel at. Our first was born in 2018 and the care we received in hospital and out solidified my desire to pursue working in Obstetrics and Lactation Support. I became a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) at the same time as starting as a Labor/Delivery & Postpartum (LDRP) Registered Nurse. When we had our second boy, in March 2020, I was grateful to have such an amazing network of LDRP nurses as friends to turn to for advice and support - something I feel is important whether it is your first child or your sixth! 

Supporting parents in their birthing experience and filling them with as much knowledge as I can before they are on their own at home, is something I look forward to every day that I work. It has been the change in my career that came at the most perfect time and has brought me so much joy and satisfaction in what I am proud to do for a living. 

I am excited for the opportunity to help families, in the comfort of their homes, to adjust to their changing lifestyles - a service I had always felt was lacking in the Postpartum period. With two small boys, and being the wife of a FireFighter/Paramedic, I understand many unique challenges that come with raising a young family. I look forward to helping your family grow together, while offering a wide range of support and advice that has come with many years in healthcare and being a Mom myself. 

• Labor, Delivery, Recovery & Postpartum Registered Nurse
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)
• Newborn Resuscitation, Basic Life Support & Advanced Life Support Certified
• Owner and sole practitioner of Lake Country Lactation

Hi! My name is Renee and I live in Merton with my husband, 5 kids, 2 year old golden retriever, 9 chickens, lizard, and a handful of fish. Our home wasn’t always this full of life and chaos, but if there was one thing having multiples has taught me, it is to expect and embrace the unexpected!  

When I found out baby #4 was actually BABIES #4 and #5, I went on a roller coaster of emotions. Not only were the majority of our friends no longer in the “baby stage”, I also didn’t have a single person close to me that had been through what I was about to go through. From a naturally higher risk pregnancy to changing family dynamics to being blessed with boys after years of all girls, I was in for a world of learning! 

Reflecting back, connecting with a veteran mom of multiples to help answer questions, give advice, and ease some of my fears would have been an invaluable support to my pre and post natal journey. This fueled my connection with Lake Country Newborns and a desire to support moms of multiples throughout their pregnancy journey and during the first few weeks of the homecoming of their precious babes.  While the other postpartum specialists come into your home and provide direct care, we will work closely together before babies come home to put a plan together and keep in touch regularly after babies are home to get into a good routine.  

Our children are now ages 12, 10, 8, 4, and 4. We love to go on adventures- either in our own backyard or to a local hiking trail, and our favorite place to vacation is in the Northwoods. In our home, we try hard to promote a healthy balance of sports and extracurriculars with a love of animals and nature. Some days it feels like we’re crushing it, and others we count down every minute until bedtime. I believe in routines and care patterns that work for your family, flexibility at all times, and above all else, space for feeling the big feelings that come with the incredible journey of parenting.  

• B.S. Special Education (Birth to 21) 
• M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction 
• Managing Multiples Certificate from Newborn Care Training Academy 
• Mom of 5  

 Hi, I am Ashley! I'm a mama to two kiddos, a dog mom to two pups, and married to my high school sweetheart. We enjoy spending as much time outside as possible, traveling when we can, watching the Packers on Sundays, and hanging out with our families. 

I have a lot of experience working in health care and social service settings including at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Medical College of Wisconsin, and Make-A-Wish Wisconsin. I've always loved working with clients and their families and supporting others which led me to getting a Bachelors of Science in Human Services and Leadership. 

I always knew that I wanted to help others and work with families, but it wasn't until I went through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period that I realized how much I wanted to help and support other moms. My personal experiences include C-section deliveries and recovery, pandemic pregnancies and deliveries, breastfeeding, sleep training, setting and maintaining schedules, and so much

more that I hope I can use to help other moms feel supported and empowered in their own journey. 

I am so excited to be a part of Lake Country Newborns and work with moms and families through their postpartum period.

• Bachelor of Science in Human Service and Leadership
• DONA trained Postpartum Doula
• CPR/First Aid Certified
• Over a decade of working in healthcare supporting patients and families 

Hi, my name is Amber, and I’m a momma to two adventurous, nature loving kiddos enjoying every season Wisconsin has to offer. In our free time, you’ll find us soaking up the sun and enjoying the outdoors, camping, fishing and hiking, and any other pastime that will occupy our free time.

I began caring for patients as early as a teenager working as a CNA. I quickly knew caregiving was my calling. Building trusting relationships and providing compassionate care came naturally to me. I take pride in advocating for my clients and effortlessly bonding with patients. After four years of providing care as a CNA, I began working as a Licensed Practical Nurse. I have six years of various nursing positions’ experience. I’ve found that one-on-one care has been the most rewarding, and I feel my clients are drawn to my nurturing, genuine presence.

As a Newborn Care Specialist, Nurse, and Momma myself, I’m excited to be a helping hand with your family and navigating the newborn stage with you! Through the sleep deprived nights and EVERYTHING new with your little one, I assure you an ear to vent to, a shoulder to cry on and an abundance of patience to care for your new baby. A refreshed momma is a relaxed momma. I want my presence in your home to be a relief and to leave with you feeling refreshed mentally and physically.

• Basic Life Support CPR
• Newborn Care Specialist
• Licensed Practical Nurse

Hi, my name is Becky.  I live in Oconomowoc with my husband and two sons ages 14 and 12.  I have always had the heart and passion to work with babies and children.  Growing up my mom ran an in-home daycare and this gave me a great opportunity at a young age to explore my nurturing side.  I always wanted to help.  

I started babysitting at age 12 and in 2000, I moved to Ohio to be a live-in nanny.  I worked for a family for five years until they moved out of state.  They had three children, including one with Down Syndrome.  After that I worked for a few families and their babies, until starting my own family in 2007.  During this time, I earned a reputation as a baby whisperer!

I have lots of experience working both days and overnights.  When my children started school, I took the opportunity to volunteer in their elementary school as much as I could. During this time I also helped my friend care for her mother with dementia.  This all lead me to start subbing in the school district and then eventually becoming an employee, combining my love for children and my natural patience for those with special needs.  I have been a special education paraprofessional for the past 5 years.  This has been an amazing experience working with children who have Autism, Emotional or Behavioral Disorders, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder just to name a few.

I am very excited to be a part of Lake Country Newborns and share my knowledge, helping hands and baby whispering with you and your family.    

• Newborn Care Specialist NCTA trained 
• CPR/AED/First Aid Certified 
• Crisis Prevention Institute trained 
• Nanny and childcare experience 
• ALICE trained 

My name is Angela.  My husband and I live in Hartland, WI.  We are the proud parents of three boys, ages 7, 12, and 14.  My boys enjoy playing hockey, soccer, baseball, and my oldest son also has a strong foundation in music.  My husband and I love being a part of their sports lives and the hockey season pretty much takes up most of our lives!  We also have many pets, including THREE dogs and a cat.  We enjoy being outdoors and love taking family trips.   

I graduated from High School in 1997, and earned an Associates Degree in Art.  Once I realized I wanted to continue my education and focus more on children, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree of Science at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, with a major in Child Psychology.  I began my career working with children with special needs, specifically, as a therapist for children with Autism.  

Once I became a mom, I chose to stay home full-time and raise my boys as well as care for other children in my home.    I have been so blessed to be a stay-at-home with all three of my sons while also being able to provide in-home childcare.  I have over twenty years of childcare experience with not only raising my own three babies, but with providing childcare to kids ranging in ages of infant to school age, and even a child in high school (with special needs).  I have provided both part-time and full-time care, in addition to drop-in care and overnight hours.  

I have always enjoyed being around children of all different ages, but my passion is working with new babies.   I am highly motivated and look forward to sharing my education and knowledge of newborns in combination with my experiences of raising my own babies, with new moms that are seeking a gentle, caring, and loving helping hand.   

• NCTA trained Newborn Care Specialist 
• Infant CPR/First Aid/AED Certified 
• 20 years of Childcare Provider Experience 
• Bachelor of Science in Child Psychology 
• Associates Degree of Art

Ever since I was a small child, I found myself drawn to the "helping" professions. Initially pursuing nursing in college, then changing my major to psychology, I knew that nurturing others for their best well-being was my intended path. When my first child was born nearly 23 years ago, I found myself amazed by the miraculous beauty of pregnancy, birth, and the needs of new mothers. This fueled a passion within me to become a doula, though it wasn't something I pursued until quite later.   

As a strong empath, I have a natural bent to provide meaningful emotional support to my clients. My desire to encourage and empower mothers gives my clients a peaceful reassurance as they embark on the various stages of parenting. Clients can count on my attention to detail, compassion, and solid communication skills. Having a child brings significant life change, and my goal is to be a steadfast support in each growing family.  

Married nearly 25 years, I'm a seasoned mama to five children and Grammy to two babies. There's nothing I enjoy more than equipping and supporting others, and I consider it an honor and a privilege each time I'm trusted into the lives of a new family.   

• Birth Arts International trained and certified Doula 
• CPR/First Aid Certified 
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

I have always loved working with children.  Growing up, I had a blended family with seven siblings, and I started babysitting when I was twelve years old.  After high school, I was not sure what I wanted to do but knew I loved being around and caring for children.  I started my professional career in daycare, as a teacher in rooms ranging from infants to school age children.  I became a mother myself at 23 - to TWINS!  I gained so much knowledge from my own experiences (preterm labor, vaginal delivery as well as an emergency cesarean, NICU stay, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, supplementing, and multiples of course!) and I decided to pursue a future in the medical field, focusing of course on children and infants.  

I got my CNA and after working on a medical unit for experience, I took a risk and applied to be an Obstetrics Technician and I got it!  I worked with laboring mothers, assisted in both vaginal deliveries and scrubbed surgeries, newborn care for both the nursery and NICU, as well as postpartum care for mothers and families.  I did this all for five years.

After I had my son, who is now three (and has given me even more personal experience - gestational diabetes, full term delivery, TOLAC and successful VBAC, lip tie, frequent ear infections) and the stresses of the pandemic on the healthcare field, I knew it was time for a change.  I am so excited to be working with Lake Country Newborns and be able to provide personalized care for families.

• CPR/First Aid Certified
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Obstetrics Technician
• Associate Degree in Liberal Arts
• Completed Shaken Baby Syndrome and SIDS trainings
• Introduction to Childcare Profession Certificate
• Fundamentals or Infant & Toddler Care Certificate
• Skills & Strategies of a Childcare Teacher Certificate