Newborn sessions are such a fun way to connect with new parents. We often talk about how the first few weeks/months are going. Parenting, especially for first-time parents, can be overwhelming, and the right kind of support can make such a difference! I love being able to share helpful resources with parents that I’ve found through other clients or branding sessions. I’ve come across so many through all of you!

I know how helpful it can be to get a recommendation for resources related to sleep, feeding, or really anything to make the early years a bit easier as you adjust to your first child, second, or third…. Each child is so different, and you find different things work, so I started this series highlighting local providers and services in and around the Metrowest Massachusetts area, focused on helping newborns and parents. You can find a link to past posts here. 

Today, I’m featuring Abbie Hausermann and Tina Agostinelli of the Herd, an educational and support community for moms in Metrowest, Massachusetts. 

The Herd, LLC was born from two moms with a burning desire to create a welcoming and enriching space for new and expecting mothers and families. Tina, a lactation educator, and Abbie, a perinatal mental health expert, have been dreaming up this idea for years now.  As moms of two boys each, they know firsthand the chaos that ensues with becoming a mom. It can be wonderful, but let’s be real-it is also messy.

Recognizing the gap that exists in postpartum support was the biggest reason they decided to combine their passions to create a community women and families can come to to feel educated, nurtured, and empowered.

The Herd is excited to announce their summer series at The Bird and Bear in July and August.  Check out the schedule here!

Read on for our interview to learn more about their services and resources they recommend.  Also, follow them on Instagram to keep up to date on pop-ups and opportunities to connect. They were recently at Bloom and Grow in Natick for a fun moms’ night out event and plan to be back, soon! 

The Herd

What services does The Herd offer to new moms and expectant moms?

Currently, we offer pop-up style events and workshops to support new moms and families in all aspects of motherhood. Once we find our perfect brick and mortar location we hope to be not only a community resource but also a safe, welcoming landing place to get holistic support in the transition to parenthood. This will include support groups, mommy & me classes, educational workshops, mom’s night out events, and individual sessions with expert healthcare professionals who specialize in supporting mothers and families during the postpartum period.

Why are your services important/helpful for new and expectant moms?

Becoming a mom is a huge transition for you and your family. We firmly believe that women and families deserve support in all aspects of managing their physical and mental health. The community that the herd is creating is a magical, supportive place for moms to make connections with other local moms in similar stages of parenthood, all while providing exceptional care and education from specialists in the pregnancy and postpartum world.

What’s the best piece of advice you got as a new or expectant mom or advice that you would give to a new/expectant mom?

Abbie: My mom offered this advice to me when my first son was born: “Don’t make things harder on yourself than they need to be”. I have truly appreciated this perspective that while everything seems big in the little moments, listen to your own needs, follow your intuition-not social media’s suggestions, not what everyone wants you to do. In my opinion, the best way to mother is to tune out the outside noise and do what is best for you and your family.

Tina: “Take it one day at a time” and “be flexible, trust your gut and advocate for yourself.” the first 2 months postpartum is a whirlwind. Your hormones are out of control, you’re trying to adjust to a new lifestyle all while trying to keep a tiny human alive. It can be very challenging but everything comes and goes in phases and stages and they don’t last forever. In fact it truly does go by in the blink of an eye. Treat everyday as a “new day”, try not to dwell on the negatives too much, and rely on family & friends and seek support from professionals. It takes village, We were not meant to mother alone.

Do you have any resources for new/expectant moms?

www.abbiehausermannlicsw.com
www.breastfeedingbalance.com

 

Read more New and Expectant Mom resources!

Interested in booking a photo session with Sara?  Contact Sara!