Workshops for Birth Workers
(co-hosted by East River Doula Collective)

“It’s Not Morning Sickness! The Truth About Hyperemesis Gravidarum” with Andrea Stefens, Hyperemesis Coach
Tues 4/2/24 @ 10am on Zoom

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a very serious disease of pregnancy that is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and under-treated. It can have lasting physical consequences to both mother and baby as well as possible long-term consequences for the mental health of the mother. Andrea Stefens will teach you about the symptoms, the lived reality, the impact on families, the newest research into the causes and treatments, and the best way to support women who are suffering from this very dangerous and isolating pregnancy complication. 

Andrea Stefens is a hyperemesis coach. She’s a two-time HG survivor who uses her experience with HG and what she’s learned in over 12 years of being a practicing creative arts therapist to coach women through HG and processing the experience afterwards. Her passion is sharing coping skills, support, information, and lessons in self-advocacy with these women and their families during what can be one of the most difficult experiences in their lives.

Previous Workshops

“Supporting New Parents in Injury Prevention” Stephanie Wu, OT, CHT, CEAS
Tues 3/19/24 @ 10am on Zoom

During this presentation participants will be provided with a high level overview of anatomy of the upper extremity (shoulder/elbow/wrist/hand) as it pertains to potential musculoskeletal or peripheral nerve disorders that may arise in new parents.  Participants will learn common risk factors for such disorders due to the nature of caring for an infant.  The instructor will offer general joint protection strategies and positional guidelines to increase comfort and ease of taking care of baby. Participants will be provided with general symptoms to monitor for in the upper extremity, and when to consider referring to a specialist such as a hand/upper extremity MD or a certified hand therapist.

Stephanie Wu is an occupational therapist, certified hand therapist, and certified ergonomic assessment specialist. Stephanie has been a licensed OT for 10 years.  She has also completed coursework in perinatal mental health through Maternal Mental Health NOW and Postpartum Support International.

Stephanie is the founder of H.O.M.E. MAMA, a private practice dedicated to providing in-home maternal health support.  She offers in-home hand therapy services to individuals who have pain in their arms or hands during pregnancy or after giving birth; provides ergonomic assessments and interventions to reduce the chances of getting new injuries as a result of everyday childcare tasks; and provides holistic occupational therapy to help moms adjust to this new phase of life.  At H.O.M.E. clients receive hands-on support and practical strategies to alleviate pain and increase comfort to ease the physical demands of baby care.  Stephanie is a mother of a boy (born May 2020) and a daughter (born May 2022).  She understands firsthand how demanding and overwhelming motherhood can be. You can follow H.O.M.E. MAMA on Instagram @home_mama_nyc for tips, learning moments, and more.

“Postpartum Pelvic Health & Intimacy” with Natalie Toshkoff, DPT, PT
Wed 3/13/24 @ 10am on Zoom

Spend time with our pelvic floor therapist Natalie of Take Flight Physical Therapy to have an honest and supportive discussion on the role of the pelvic floor post-birth in overall health, healing, and intimacy. Learn to perform self-administered healing techniques and pelvic floor-related breathwork. We will also discuss pelvic floor function and common symptoms..

Natalie founded Take Flight Physical Therapy after having her first child and realizing there were no pelvic floor physical therapists in her neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens.  She is passionate about serving her local community, providing one-on-one individualized care and educating people about pelvic health. Her goal is to help people eliminate symptoms and return to the activities they love.

“Helping Perinatal Clients Tame the Anxiety Beast” with Olivia Bergeron, LCSW
Tues 3/5/24 @ 10am on Zoom

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders are the number one complication clients face during pregnancy and postpartum. Learn how to spot clients struggling with anxiety and where to go for help.

Olivia Bergeron, LCSW has held thousands of sessions over nearly 20 years with moms and dads needing help with mental health and parenting issues. She sees psychotherapy clients virtually in New York, New Jersey and Florida and works with parents around the world. Living in New York City with three kids, she is very familiar with the challenges and joys parents experience!