Today we’d like to introduce you to Lin Cook.
Hi Lin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Mother’s Helper in 1988 after the birth of my son. I had several pregnancies that didn’t end with a baby. I had devoted a lot of time to reading and learning everything about pregnancy, birth and lactation. After my beautiful son was born, I planned out the business to assist other mothers. I got my first client when he was 10 weeks old and I’ve never looked back. Mother’s Helper first offered postpartum inhome care that includes; answering mom and baby care questions, preparing food, running errands, laundry and arranging all the new gifts and products bought in the nursery. I also offer overnights to care for the infant while parents catch up on much needed rest. During those nights, I make suggestions for them all to get better sleep on nights with no help. In the mid 1990s I became certified as a Bradley Childbirth Educator/Doula and Infant Massage Instructor. Bradley class prepares couples to work together in labor towards natural birth using relaxation. Infant Massage class helps in many ways but eliminating gas and constipation as well as enhancing learning and memory bring families to this class! It also gives Dad a way to be included. As a labor doula I assist couples with comfort measures, explain benefits/risks if any interventions are recommended and remind them of what is normal. In 2006 I spearheaded a committee of 6 moms to get the Breastfeeding in Public law passed in SC. As IBCLC, I do inhome visits with weighted feeds and care plan. I also rent pumps and scales. I continue to serve Lowcountry families with these services.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No one knew what a doula is in 1988 in Charleston SC! I constantly had to explain what a doula is, the different types and the difference between midwife and doula. I had to demonstrate at births that I was an addition to the team at her birth place, no matter the location of home, birth center or hospital.
As you know, we’re big fans of Mother’s Helper. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At this stage of my career I also offer a mentor program for new doulas. I love teaching those new to the profession. I also speak at various professional trainings.
How do you think about happiness?
I really get close to my clients due to the intimate type of services provided. I get joy from attending births or from providing simple lactation solutions. Many of my friends today started as clients.
Pricing:
- Bradley class 12 weeks $350
- Labor doula $1600
- Lactation $200; followup $150
- Bradley/Lactation $500
- Doula/Lactation $1700; all 3 is $2000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mothershelper.biz
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linmothershelper/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linmothershelper/
- Youtube: Mothers Helper I think
