Syracuse Doula

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Syracuse, NY
Syracuse Doula

Lactation, birth and postpartum support services, for CNY families, offering in-person and virtual options. I provide services within 1 hour of Syracuse, NY.

I’m Alicia, a DONA trained birth and postpartum doula, and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, supporting families throughout Central New York. I completed my birth doula training in 2019 and postpartum doula training in 2022, both through Beautiful Birth Choices of Rochester, NY. I became a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist through Lactation Education Resources in January 2024. I will work with you to uncover your confidence, strength, and natural intuition. Whether you desire a hospital birth, home birth, medical interventions, or a drug free experience, I will work with you to discover what’s most valuable and create a plan that empowers you throughout each trimester. I also offer virtual support for families outside of my radius, or who are looking to keep their in-person support to a minimum.

12/05/2025

Nettle leaf is one of my favorite nourishing herbs to incorporate into late pregnancy and early postpartum 🌿

Nettle is often celebrated for its rich nutrient profile (think iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C) which can be especially supportive during pregnancy and the postpartum season. Many parents turn to nettle to help with energy, recovery, and nutrient replenishment.

Consume it as a whole food, tea or infusion for its blood building benefits, or as a tincture when you your kidneys need support (think UTIs). Just remember it’s a diuretic, so you most likely will p*e a lot!!

When you’re able to get fresh nettle, it can be incorporated right into everyday foods, like soups, stews, and sauces. Use it just like you would spinach. I personally love it as a tea because it’s simple, gentle, and easy to find at the grocery store. 🫖 When you have a brand new baby, my motto is to keep things simple!

Nettle leaf tea was something I regularly consumed during my third trimester and into early postpartum, with the recommendation of my own midwife to support some mild anemia. Now, 18 months postpartum and still breastfeeding, I still include it semi-regularly to help support iron levels and overall nutrient balance.

That said, herbal consumption in pregnancy can be a controversial topic in the medical community. Recommendations vary widely, so it’s always good to do your own research and consult with your healthcare provider or midwife before adding any herbs or teas to your routine.

Have you tried nettle before? Share your favorite blend or way to use it in the comments 👇 🫶

12/03/2025

Every holiday season I have people come to me and say they’re nervous about how they’re going to maintain their breastmilk supply during the holidays.

Here are a few tips and reminders to carry you through this busy season 🫶

Have more questions and want to talk 1:1? I’m available for virtual support, where we can discuss your questions, concerns and figure out a strategy to get through the rest of the year without sacrificing your supply.

You’re not alone 🥰

11/20/2025

So many people don’t have a good understanding of how timing contractions works. Don’t wait until you go into labor to think about it! Here’s a simple explanation:

🕒 Duration
This is how long each contraction lasts.
Start the timer at the beginning of the contraction ➜ stop when it completely ends.

🕒 Frequency
This is how far apart your contractions are.
You measure from the start of one contraction to the start of the next — NOT at the end to the start.

Example:
If a contraction starts at 2:00 and the next one starts at 2:07 your contractions are 7 minutes apart.

Even though there are plenty of contraction timing apps, I think it’s both important and helpful to understand the basics so you’re not 100% reliant on your phone and technology.

So, when do you head to the hospital? When contractions are:
• About 4 or 5 minutes apart
• Lasting approximately 1 minute
• Have been consistent for about an hour
…that’s when many providers recommend heading in or calling your birth team, but I always recommend to talk to them about this and get aligned ahead of going into labor.

11/18/2025

The first 24 hours after birth matter so much for breastfeeding. Your newborn baby is still adjusting, learning, and waking up to the world. Feeding on demand is what helps your milk production get off to a strong start.

You might hear advice to “feed every 3 hours” or stick to a schedule, but in the first day, your baby’s cues are the guide. If you notice your baby rooting, stirring, bringing hands to mouth, or simply waking up you should offer them your breast.

Frequent feeding (often every 2–3 hours or more) helps:
• Stimulate your milk supply
• Stabilize baby’s blood sugar
• Keep baby calm and connected
• Lower the chance of painful engorgement later

One of the easiest ways to catch early cues? Practice skin-to-skin. It keeps baby more alert, regulated, and close enough to show you what they need.

Remove the stress of thinking about the clock and schedules in the first moments of your baby’s life and focus on keeping them close and following their cues 🫶

11/13/2025

Feeding your baby often comes with so many questions, no matter how much you’ve read or prepared. I’m available to answer your questions and make things a little easier 🫶

Now through the end of the year, my Virtual Lactation Support & Education sessions are $10 off.

Whether you’re pregnant and planning ahead or already feeding your baby, we can talk about:
✨ Establishing your supply
✨ Latching and positioning
✨ Pumping or bottle feeding schedules
✨ Returning to work
✨ Weaning
…and more. All visits are tailored to your questions and goals.

Offer valid through December 31st. Tap the link in my bio or email alicia@syracusedoula.com to schedule your visit.

11/07/2025

✨Does breastmilk even matter after a year?

Yes! Even after a year, breastmilk stays rich in antibodies, healthy fats, and immune support. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up to 2 years and beyond, if it’s what feels right to you and your baby.

I never thought I would be breastfeeding at 17 months, but here I am. I only pump about once or twice a month now, and do it mostly to stay comfortable and prevent mastitis.

Breastfeeding at this stage definitely feels so much more “freeing” than in the early days and months. It’s one thing to study it, but quite another to actually get to experience it. I’m not focused on supply anymore, just following my body and my son’s lead as we slowly move toward weaning.

If you’ve found something that’s helped you on your breastfeeding journey share it below ⬇️ I love hearing what’s worked for other moms, and I know it’s helpful for them to see the encouragement of others!

And if you have questions at any stage of breastfeeding, I’m a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and here to help you feel confident and supported. Reach out to we can talk🫶

11/04/2025

Is your support system rock solid? If it’s not, I highly recommend doing some work to try and get one.

I know it’s not always easy, but I promise it’s going to help you so much throughout pregnancy, early postpartum, and all the other stages of parenting to follow.

Drop your tips and favorite resources below for getting the support you deserve and need ⬇️

11/01/2025

⏰ Oops… did you forget that our clocks go back an hour tonight? Because I did 🙋🏼‍♀️

There’s so much advice out there about prepping your kids all week for the time change, but if you didn’t have time or totally forgot, that’s okay.❤️

You’re not alone, and your kids WILL eventually adjust. Be gentle with yourself, parenting while tired is already enough. Personally, I’m just planning on some extra coffee this week ☕️

Did you forget about the time change, or are you a parent that gets your kids prepared throughout the week? Let me know below, and share any tips if you have them!

10/28/2025

A doula’s role is never to replace your partner, it’s to help both of you feel supported and confident.

Through virtual doula care, I guide families in preparing before labor begins, so that when the big day arrives, you and your partner feel informed, empowered, and prepared.

Your baby’s birth is an important day for both of you, and with the right preparation, your partner can feel calm, capable, and ready to hold space for you every step of the way.

Interested in learning how virtual doula support can help you both feel prepared for birth? Let’s connect.

10/22/2025

Happy due date to me! Five years ago today I was due with my daughter… and she took her time, arriving 8 days later 🫠

If you’re past your due date and feeling nervous, frustrated or anxious, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and so have many of my clients. It’s easy to be “over it” and want to throw all plans of going into labor spontaneously out the window, even if you and baby are healthy.

Waiting can be such an emotional time. Having a supportive partner and medical provider who respect your wishes makes all the difference.

I was lucky to feel safe and cared for while my team kept a close eye on me and reassured me that it’s very normal for babies to come on their own timeline.

If you’re in that waiting space right now, know that you’re not alone and that doulas provide support throughout all stages of pregnancy, not just during birth. I’m here to help you feel grounded, informed, and supported while you wait for your baby to arrive 🫶

10/17/2025

Is it about time for your baby to start eating solids? 🍓🥦🥑

If you’re breastfeeding (this includes you pumping moms!) you might be worried about how starting solid foods could impact your milk supply.

These three tips will help you get started, so that you can introduce your baby to the solid foods that they need while also protecting your milk supply.

As you gradually introduce more solid foods into your baby’s diet, it’s normal for your milk supply to gradually decrease.

If you still have questions or concerns, I am a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and available for virtual support. I’m also always happy to discuss your concerns and refer out to the many wonderful IBCLCs in our area who can also support you 🫶

Address

Syracuse, NY

Website

http://www.aliciasuskin.com/

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