WHAT WE DO
WHAT IS A PERINATAL PROFESSIONAL?
This section was originally titled “what is a postpartum doula?” but since it’s inception, Invisible Thread has evolved to include much more than. At the beginning the major focus was the immediate postpartum period with an additional focus on lactation assistance. However as families asked more questions and requested more information it was clear that I needed to expand my areas of expertise.
From trying to conceive to the early stages of toddlerhood, perinatal is the word I prefer to use. I consider it an umbrella term to encapsulate every stage of pregnancy and the first year postpartum. Further it is a more inclusive term as all parents/caregivers experience the perinatal period. While my primary goals are to simultaneously support the birthing person and newborn, partners and loved ones, such as grandparents, deserve care and information as well.
Now, I have not only well-rounded knowledge in all areas of the perinatal period but have build a local resource list of related providers. As everyone has heard at least once in their lives, “it takes a village to raise a child” but to me it takes a village to raise parents as well.
“An invisible red thread connects those that are destined to meet regardless of time, place, and circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break.”
Alyssa DeGeorge
Certified Postpartum Doula (CPD), Certified Lactation Consultant (CLC), Perinatal Mental Health Professional (PMH-C) Psychotherapy Track, Certified Abortion Doula (CAD), Birth Doula (BD), Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) & M. Ed.
Alyssa has always been drawn to helping, supporting, and encouraging others. She began her secondary education by completing her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders at Emerson College (with a focus in Speech Language Pathology) and her dual Master's Degree in Special Education at Lesley University. She taught Special Education for a few years in Boston and on the South Shore before leaving the field to have her children. Alyssa became passionate about the postpartum period after the birth of her first daughter in 2018.
During her first pregnancy, Alyssa was totally overwhelmed and realized how underprepared birthing parents can be when trying to conceive and for pregnancy, birth, and the entire journey ahead. In order to attempt to gain control of feeling completely lost, Alyssa defaulted to what she knew—extensively researching every aspect of newborn care (but also knows now this was a symptom of postpartum anxiety). After she made it through her first year she found healing in supporting friends and family members with her newly acquired knowledge.
When her second daughter was born in 2020, she felt more at ease since she was far more prepared for caring for her baby but her entire pregnancy unfolded during the early months of the pandemic. As for this postpartum period, she felt solid in her baby care and parenting skills but was totally challenged by simultaneously raising her young toddler and newborn while isolated and with undiagnosed Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). It was after finding her incredible therapist that Alyssa decided to channel her energy into building communities and supporting as many families as possible. She started this business by Googling “what type of professional can support parents during the postpartum period” and the rest is history.
The South Shore has always home to Alyssa and her immediate family. She grew up in Cohasset and moved to Scituate in 2021 with her husband, two children, Emilia & Hayden, and two French Bulldogs, Mitchell & Frannie. This move was to be closer to her village so she can be a village for others. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach, learning and taking every course possible, yoga, cooking, making guest appearances as a bartender at her parent’s restaurant, True North Kitchen + Bar in North Weymouth, and is an aspiring gardener (note: this has been part of my bio for like 3 years and LITTLE progress has been made).
