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.

01/19/2026

Placenta encapsulation is one way moms can choose to support their postpartum recovery. 💁🏼‍♀️🫶

In many cultures, people choose to ingest their placenta after giving birth. I use the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) method to prepare all placenta capsules, which involves steaming the placenta with herbs, dehydrating it at a low temperature, grinding it into fine powder and placing the powder into capsules.

Although studies on placentophagy are limited, many people have reported some or all of the the following benefits afterconsuming their placenta:

* Faster recovery time
* Stabilize mood and hormones
* Increased energy
* Increased breastmilk supply
* Reduced postpartum bleeding

If you encapsulated your placenta, what did you think? And if you’re interested in this service, leave me a comment below or email me to find out more!

01/14/2026

Trying to make an effort to show my face more on here and make sure it’s clear to you guys what services I offer and my values as a birth worker and small business owner.

A lot of people are curious what my scope and overall role is as a doula, especially since I’m currently not supporting people in the room when their baby is born.

The truth is, it’s not a straightforward answer. Every client has different needs, and I try my best to educate, inform, support and comfort them in the ways that are needed for their unique pregnancy journey.

Hopefully this video helps answer what it is I provide my clients, and how valuable a doula can be even if the support is virtual 🫶

01/05/2026

Happy New Year (a few days late 😅)! Here’s a few business and service updates for 2026.

Although at the moment I’m still limiting my in-person birth and postpartum support to repeat clients and friends, I’m excited to hopefully grow current offerings, offer some new services and set goals for my business.

Stay for some additional updates on my new and updated services in the next week or so 🫶

12/30/2025

Will red raspberry leaf tea put you into labor? If you’re using it as a last ditch effort to go into labor spontaneously, probably not. But let’s talk about its purpose and how it has been used historically throughout pregnancy.

Historically, it’s been used throughout pregnancy (especially the third trimester) to tone the uterus, not force contractions.

I’ve seen a lot of doctors say it’s okay to start drinking at 37 weeks, but many herbalists and providers who have studied herbal medicine would recommend starting earlier in the third trimester.

While it can cause mild uterine activity, the real magic the real magic behind it is how it can strengthen the uterus to make your contractions more productive and efficient once you go into labor.

Consistency matters. Start slow with 1 cup a day, then once you’re full term, work up to 3 to 4 cups daily if it feels right for your body.

I often see people not drink it regularly or wait until 40 or 41 weeks, try it for a few days, and then say it “didn’t work.” But this isn’t an herb that works on a deadline, and if you wait until the last minute it probably won’t hurt you but it probably won’t be much help.

✨ Friendly reminder: herbs aren’t one-size-fits-all. What feels supportive for one pregnancy might not be right for another, so it’s always a good idea to listen to your body and check in with your provider or a trusted herbalist before adding anything new.

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🫶

Address

Syracuse, NY

Website

http://www.aliciasuskin.com/

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