Experienced, practical support for life with a new baby

I’m Sherilyn Saporito, a DONA-certified postpartum doula serving families in the Pittsburgh area. For more than five years, I’ve supported families as they adjust to life with a new baby, providing practical help, guidance, and a non-judgmental approach during a time of enormous change.

I know that no two families, or babies, are alike. My role isn’t to tell you how to parent, but to listen, understand, and provide the right support that you need.

My work with families began long before I became a doula.

Before entering the world of postpartum support, I worked as a special education teacher and later as a service coordinator for children with disabilities. I also worked as a licensed Behavior Specialist Consultant, supporting children and families in their homes.

I also hold master’s degrees in Anthropology from the University of London and Special Education from Pace University. My background has given me a deep appreciation for the many different ways families live, care for children, and make decisions. I bring that perspective into my work as a doula with the belief that there is no one right way to be a family.

After becoming a mother myself, I experienced firsthand just how significant the transition to life with a baby can be. Eventually, I combined my professional experience in education with my interest in supporting new parents and became a postpartum doula.

Today, I am a DONA-certified postpartum doula and have supported more than 30 Pittsburgh families through the first weeks and months after bringing home a new baby.

My Approach

I understand how personal it is to invite someone into your home during the postpartum period. My hope is that families feel comfortable with me from the beginning and see me as a dependable and approachable source of support during a time when there can be a lot to learn and adjust to.

My approach is:

Practical

Having a new baby creates a lot of everyday needs. Sometimes the most helpful thing I can do is care for your baby while you sleep. Other times, it’s making a meal, folding baby laundry, restocking diapers, helping you troubleshoot a feeding routine, or simply taking a few things off your to-do list. I love to cook and I love to feed the families I work with!

Knowledgeable

I bring years of experience supporting all different kinds of families from different places, with different backgrounds, and different family structures and dynamics. I’m certified with DONA International and the State of Pennsylvania, am CPR certified, insured, and complete regular continuing education on postpartum support, best practices for infant care, and related topics. I share information, answer questions, and help you better understand what you’re experiencing without overwhelming you with unnecessary advice.

Non-Judgmental

There are many ways to feed, soothe, sleep, and care for a baby. My job isn’t to impose my preferences on your family. I respect that you are the expert on your own family and support you in making informed choices that feel right for you.

Calm and Flexible

Life with a newborn rarely goes according to plan. I adapt to what is happening in your home that day and focus on what would be most helpful. Some days may involve lots of questions and hands-on support while others may simply give you the opportunity to rest while someone experienced cares for your baby.

Supporting Busy Families

Many of the families I work with are busy professionals, from other countries, or are raising their children in Pittsburgh without helpful extended family nearby. I bring an adaptable, open-hearted lens to every family I support. I will honor your personal values, cultural practices, and family traditions and do my best to integrate into your unique household rhythm.

Some scenes from a postpartum doula shift