Lyssa Zawalski - Postpartum Doula

About Lyssa

My name is Lyssa Zawalski, and I am a postpartum doula undergoing certification with DONA. My path towards becoming a postpartum doula was a winding one, with stops along the way as a teacher, social worker, and product manager. While I have found a depth to each of these titles, becoming a postpartum doula has felt like so much more. Quickly after giving birth to my daughter, I realized that I was underprepared and undereducated on what came next. Postpartum was filled with navigating solo parenting, PMADs (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders), and lack of a “village.” Once enough time had passed and I could more objectively look back at my postpartum period, the most glaring observation was that I had desperately needed help. I needed support in understanding how to feed my baby, what infant sleep looked like, how to find ways to take care of myself (which felt impossible at times). Having a postpartum doula would have changed my postpartum experience as well as the early years of parenthood. I cannot imagine a more tender time to support a family. I truly believe the care and support that we receive in our postpartum period determines so much of how we start our parenting journeys. Thank you for being here, and thank you for trusting me with the most precious pieces of your heart.

Postpartum Doula packages and pricing

1 Month

Includes:
1 hour intake
1 hour postpartum planning session
4 sessions (3 hours each)

$420 USD · Flat rate

2 Months

Includes:
1 hour intake
1 hour postpartum planning session
8 sessions (3 hours each)

$840 USD · Flat rate

3 Month Package

Includes:
1 hour intake
1 hour postpartum plan
12 Sessions (3 hours each)

$1,260 USD · Flat rate

What to expect

I offer both service packages (1 month, 2 months, and 3 months of care) or a "build your own" package so that you can get the amount of help that you need. I offer a postpartum planning session that we will have before delivering baby. You can also add additional sessions at any time, pending my previously scheduled clients. Let's work together to build the package that best suits you!

Reviews for Lyssa Zawalski

5.0 3 reviews

5.0

August 19, 2024

Lyssa has been an ongoing guide to motherhood, since she had her daughter. Her unfiltered honesty in motherhood was very real, deep and a refreshing view compared to posed family photos. When I had my second baby, I thought it was going to be different, since I knew what to do this time around. In a sense, it was. However, when the lack of sleep crept in, I called upon Lyssa. She knew the anxiety, the deep seated feelings I felt, and had already lived the intrusive thoughts I had. She was present for the hardest parts, and I can NOT thank her enough for seeing me and understanding motherhood, by walking with me on this journey.

— Kathryn M.

5.0

July 14, 2024

Lyssa is one of the kindest, most wonderful people on the planet! She is a great listener, knowledgeable, and truly one of a kind. I highly recommend working with Lyssa as your postpartum Doula. She is simply the best!

— Myles M.

5.0

July 8, 2024

Lyssa is a fantastic post partum doula. She will ease the transition for new parents after welcoming home a new baby. She has incredible knowledge on the required skills and best practices to form a healthy and balanced home fit for raising young children while also maintaining your own sense of self. Lyssa is professionally trained and truly has a passion for this incredible service. Cannot recommend her enough!

— Aaron B.

Ready to talk with Lyssa?

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Certifications, training, and specialties

Certification and training

DONA International Postpartum Doula 4-day Intensive Training (2024)
DONA International - Breastfeeding Basics for Professionals (2024)

Education

Bachelors in Secondary Education (2010)
Bachelors in English (2010)

Languages

English

Specialties

Abortion Doula Care Anxiety Anxiety and Depression Babywearing Breastfeeding Assistance and Support Breastfeeding Support Building Healthy Communication Evidence-Based Care Healthy Eating Identity Development Infant Care Keeping Fit Latch Issues Mental Health Mindfulness Newborn Care Parenting Parenting Support Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Perinatal Mood Disorders Postnatal Yoga Postpartum Care Postpartum Depression Postpartum Doula Care Postpartum Life Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Relationship Issues Returning to work (pumping, breastmilk storage, etc) Safety Self-Compassion Self-Esteem Sexual Health Sibling Preparation Teenagers Toddlers Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Tweens Yoga

Frequently asked questions

What can I expect from a session with Nook?

Three hour sessions so that I can support for at least one full sleep-wake cycle for a newborn A safe place to discuss your birthing experience(s) A listening ear for things that feel challenging in this new stage Building and executing self-care/self-support plans Referrals out to professional services where needed (ex: mental health services) Support through the partnership transitions that come with having a baby Opportunities to connect 1-1 with your partner or any older children, as well as strategies to support connection with your family members throughout the first 12 weeks Evidence based information and education about important newborn milestones and postpartum experiences (ex: feeding, sleeping, postpartum hormones and emotions, etc.) Appointment advocacy (can attend medical appointments to support parents) Light household tasks (ex: throwing in a load of laundry)* Caring for the infant while the parent(s) shower, nap, cook, go for a walk, etc.* * Please note that light housework and child support are not pillars of postpartum doula support. If there are extensive needs for housework and childcare support, I can provide references for professionals in those areas.

What is the process for working with Nook?

It all begins with a complimentary consultation. We need to make sure we are a good fit for each other, especially considering how sensitive this time can be for families. Next, we will complete an intake intake interview where we discuss family goals, medical and mental health history, partnership plans, special family circumstances, policies and procedures, etc. It is also where you will receive the Letter of Agreement which will need to be signed before we continue any future sessions. From there you will decide which package works best for you and your family, and we will begin!

If I buy a package, do I have to use the sessions once a week?

Nope! You can use your package sessions whenever feels right for you/schedules permitting. Ideally we would meet at least once per week, hence the packages named by months. Whether you were to build-your-own plan or buy a package, we would also discuss how often you'd want support on a weekly basis and come up with the best schedule for your family.

Will we have all of our sessions in-home?

Optimally, yes. All sessions (including the intake and postpartum plan) will happen in your home. I do provide virtual support for people who are outside of Colorado/too far for me to drive for a weekly visit. And we can use that option if there is a more emergent situation without possibility for rescheduling (ex: a sibling is sick and it is best for me to not be in your space)

Are there any other supports/specialties you provide?

I am a 200 hour certified yoga teacher and feel strongly about the benefits of meditation. If you are interested in utilizing any of these supports in our sessions, we can absolutely do so! I also love art, music, and dancing. We can add any (or none) of these into our time together to make sure you are getting the support you need! I was a middle and high school teacher for 7 years, and I worked in varying social work fields. I am well-versed in teens and family dynamics, and am here to support with parenting as well.