Planted

Postpartum

Cooking & Care

Why hire a postpartum doula and chef?

During pregnancy, parents-to-be plan for lots of things: how to set up the nursery, what kind of stroller to use, a plan for childcare and going back to work eventually. There is very little focus on the immediate weeks postpartum which are a time of sacred healing and connecting with a new baby for the birthing parent and partner. Historically, there were built-in supports for this time in multigenerational homes and communities. However, these days, most parents are not receiving the help they need to thrive. (The goal is more than just survival!) Hiring a postpartum professional can ease the transition into parenthood by allowing your family the nourishment and support needed to cross this threshold with strength and confidence.


About Malisa

Malisa is a mom of two located in Brooklyn. She had two drastically different postpartum experiences that brought her to this work. Rest, retreat and the sacred “first forty days” after birth became a transformational experience for her. As a former nanny, she brings a calm energy to hectic moments. She is a recovering picky eater who learned to love all sorts of food through learning to cook. She brings her love of cooking into her clients’ homes to help them feel held, nourished and warm. Malisa believes that a fully supported fourth trimester is central to having an empowered start to the journey of parenthood. This is the care that every new parent in the world deserves. Malisa supports families through all types of postpartum experiences including loss and adoption.

“As new parents, we really appreciated having Malisa’s assistance with meal prep. It was a game-changer. She took the time to understand our specific dietary needs and preferences, and created delicious and nutritious meals that supported my recovery as a new mom. Malisa's attention to detail was incredible!”

Logan and Megan, parents to Emerson born March 2023


Malisa’s training and experience:

  • Completed 12 week postpartum doula training with BADT in 2023

  • Trained and participates in ongoing mentorship with Alicia Allison of Clover+Timothy in 2023

  • “Babywearing for Birthworkers” led by Adrianne Stare in October 2023

  • “Pelvic Floor: A Training for Doulas and Birthworkers” led by Sonia Reiter in 2023

  • 7 years as a professional nanny in KY and Brooklyn

  • Mom of two kids born in 2020 and 2022

“ I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Malisa has been able to provide support I didn’t even know I needed! She is an invaluable part to any postpartum recovery!”

Nancy, mom to Nora born January 2023

When it comes to becoming a mother, there is no back; there is only through. After birthing her child, every woman must pass through this initial adjustment phase. It is a strange and beautiful limbo zone that is both exhausting and exciting, mysterious and monotonous. When she arrives at the other side of the postpartum phase after roughly a month and a half, she will most certainly be facing forward, prepared to take her next steps into motherhood.
— Heng Ou, The First Forty Days