We recently connected with Kathleen Sullivan and have shared our conversation below.

Kathleen , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I have had the pleasure of being a Newborn Care Specialist and Postpartum Doula for the last 22 years.

I have worked with a royal family, women in shelters, celebrities, and everyone in between.
The word Doula has now become somewhat known however 22 years ago. I had no idea what a Doula was.
I did all the trainings and took all the courses and have been thrilled to provide this support to new parents.

Along with working in the home on the night, they check at the hospital, I also provide consultations where I teach everything from what products to get how to do my famous spa bath, and how your partner can help with everything!

Because I have been blessed with so much work 14 years ago I created a registry where I can provide work for other Postpartum Doula‘s, and Newborn Care Specialist .

My newest venture which I’m thrilled about is I am taking all my knowledge and going virtual! I will teach courses, have zoom classes, and My Consultation’s

The new website will be coming up shortly and it is called NewbornSavvy.com.

Please look for my new website mid October or November 1 of 2023!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a hardworking youthful senior with an optimistic outlook on life.  I am always looking for a challenge and better ways to enrich the lives of others.  As a youth, I was infatuated with babies and my teenage summers were filled with babysitting assignments, making a whopping 50 cents/hour!  Imagine that.  I still remember the names of every baby and child under my care.  After high school and college, I decided it was time to make a living and I shifted from the insurance business to cell phone sales.

After a successful career in the sales industry as a top producer, I experienced job burnout and wanted to find something more fulfilling and meaningful. Sounds like a cliche, but for me there had to be more.  I considered the possibility of becoming an estate manager until I stumbled upon on an ad in the L.A. Times that grabbed me: SUPPORTING NEW MOTHERS WITH THEIR NEWBORNS

Intrigued, I needed to explore this opportunity.  As said before, babies have always been a passion.  I met with a representative regarding the ad and we discussed the meaning of Postpartum and Doula.  The chance to be in a position of giving and caring while earning sounded enviable.  This was for me!  I enlisted in the program and began my training and received my certification.  Financially strapped, I put one foot in front of the other and I accepted every doula position that came my way. Three months later I created my own website, Softslumbers.com

Twenty-two years of valuable experience has evolved into a thriving business as a Newborn Care Specialist and Postpartum Doula.

A myriad of people including royalty, women in shelters, celebrities, LGBQT (and other wonderful humans) have engaged my services.  I am still thrilled to provide support to parents of newborn babies.  It never gets old.  Each baby is different and I enjoy teaching parents the nuances to make them “newborn savvy.”

My services are available from the minute my clients check out of the hospital.   Initial consultations provide knowledge about the newest and most recommended baby products available including hypo-allergenics for sensitive babies.  The most amazing feature of my repertoire, is my famous spa bath which I invite parents to partake, resulting in a relaxed, warm, content, and happy bundled baby.

Success has its merits and 14 years ago I created a registry that recruits other Postpartum Doulas and Newborn Care Specialists.  Blessed with so much work, if I am not available, I can provide fully trained

and experienced personnel to fulfill newborn care obligations.   It has been so rewarding being able to provide families with the support they need if I am personally booked.

Great expectations!  No pun intended, my newest venture is that I am taking my expertise and GOING VIRTUAL!  I plan to reach as many moms and dads as possible to depart the joys of newborn parenthood with specialized courses, zoom classes and informative consultations.  Keep your eyes open for the new website, coming up shortly:  NewbornSavvy.com.  It should be up and running by mid-October-November of 2023.  If you would like to stay in the know about the official launch of the website, please email my business coach, Lauren Ruvo, to get on my email list (I promise you will not be inundated with emails!), Lauren@Laurenruvo.com

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

One year ago, I decided I needed support and direction, so I began my search for a business coach on Yelp. I was hoping to find someone who I could partner with and I found Lauren Ruvo. It has been the best decision I have ever made. She has a wealth of knowledge and has made my life so much easier. We are the perfect balance of technology and experience. About a year ago I gratefully made Lauren my business partner. 

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

NATURAL ABILITY with EASE is the key.  New parents trust me and feel comfortable with their most precious commodity. I make every effort to listen and support new parents in a way that is not overwhelming and never forced.  Totally natural.

Contact Info:

• Website: Softslumbers.com
• Yelp: Check out Kathleen Sullivan CPD

Image Credits
Lauren Ruvo & Kathleen Sullivan