Building the Village: Atlanta Postpartum Doula Support and Nourishment with Genesis Doula Services
At Aspen Grove Counseling & Wellness, we know that early parenthood can feel both beautiful and overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating it without a trusted support network. That’s why we’re excited to share a blog series highlighting local professionals and small businesses offering compassionate, grounded care for new and expecting parents in the Atlanta and Decatur area. You can check out the entire series here.
Each post is a chance to learn more about the people behind the services — what they do, why they do it, and how they’re helping build a more connected and supportive village for families in transition.
This week, we’re honored to introduce you to Tess Ferrara, certified postpartum doula and founder of Genesis Doula Services.
Tess blends evidence-based care with deeply personalized support, offering in-home and virtual services to help new families rest, recover, and grow in confidence. Whether she’s preparing nourishing meals, offering newborn education, or simply giving a parent the chance to take a shower and breathe, her work centers the truth that healing, rest, and connection are not luxuries — they’re essential.
Getting to Know Genesis Doula Services
Welcome, Tess and thank you for sharing your story with us! Can you start by telling us a little about yourself and the work you do?
“I am a certified postpartum doula and perinatal nutritional expert. I offer in home and virtual care for new families, helping them with newborn and postpartum education, home logistics, and emotional affirmations. Families can ask all of their questions, get the rest they need, talk through the challenges, take a shower, bond with their baby, or whatever they are needing in that moment. Nutritionally, I will always cook for families! Either as an add-on during an in home visit or as a standalone service, cooking for new families ensures that nutritionally dense meals and drinks are accessible and promoting of healing, bonding, and resting.”
Do you offer in-person, virtual, or hybrid services?
“I offer in-person meal services, in home postpartum visits, and virtual postpartum visits. Many families choose a combination in order to meet their needs.”
What inspired you to start working with new and soon-to-be parents?
“Like many in the postpartum space, my own birth and postpartum experiences confirmed my desire to help new moms. There is so much focus placed on pregnancy, and the months after baby is born is virtually void of care, education, and rest. With each of my three boys, I became more and more passionate about being part of a change.”
What are some of the common challenges your clients face in early parenthood, and how do you support them through that?
“Most families struggle with the steep learning curve of their new human. There is so little confidence as they get to know what their baby likes/needs and what they as parents need. This lack of confidence is compounded by guilt/shame in not knowing differently, lack of sleep, hormonal swings, and challenging family dynamics. When I come into a home, I add my knowledge of babies and the postpartum healing journey to the problem solving so that parents can increase their confidence and comfort with their baby. That and a good meal, a shower, and a nap can make a world of difference for a new parent.”
“You are getting to know who your child is and who you are as a parent. Try something out — if it didn’t work, no problem! Try something different next time.”
What makes your approach unique or different from others in your field?
“My role as a postpartum doula is NOT to make parenting decisions for a family. Only the parent can know what their values and goals are. My job is to ensure a family has access to current, accurate research-based evidence so that they can make an informed decision. This is unique to the postpartum doula role (as many families are ready with specific suggestions on the right way to raise/feed/swaddle/cuddle baby). Additionally, my goal is for a family to graduate. I want a family to feel rested, confident, and connected in their community as parents and for them to no longer need my support!”
Are there particular moments in your work that feel especially meaningful or rewarding?
“Graduation day brings me so much joy! When a family feels that they have all the tools they need and confidence/ability to access their resources, I know I have done my job. Getting through the first few months with their baby is a true marathon that truly requires rest, nutrition, and education. When they feel cared for and ready to move forward, I am so proud! The other most rewarding part of this work is when a family refers one of their friends or family members. There is often a stigma behind asking for help because we feel like we should be able to "do this" on our own. When friends share resources and realities with others, it norms the importance of care and community. Referrals are the best!”
Can you share one thing you wish all new parents knew or believed about themselves?
“I wish that all new parents knew that the first month in particular is a giant experiment. You are getting to know who your child is and who you are as a parent. Try something out - if it didn't work, no problem! Try something different next time. We are not expected to have all of the answers and know what to do in every moment of this journey, especially not when our body and brain are so raw and stretched. We need to be kind to ourselves and surround ourselves with people who can care for us while we figure out this new dyad.”
What’s something you wish more people understood or asked about your work?
“Postpartum doula work is for everyone! Many people associate postpartum only with postpartum depression, a diagnosable and treatable mental health disorder. Doula care is for everyone, though, no matter your birth story, your family support, your anxiety/depression levels. I also wish more people checked with their insurance companies about postpartum doula care coverage. You might be surprised!”
How can someone know if your service might be a good fit for them?
“Hiring a postpartum doula is not a small decision. You are considering bringing someone into your journey when you are at your most raw, tender, stretched (physically, emotionally, mentally, and hormonally) state. Having a consultation is essential to make sure my approach and energy fits your needs!”
We’re so grateful to Tess for the work she’s doing to reshape what postpartum support can look like. Her care is not just for families facing specific challenges, but for any parent who deserves rest, nourishment, and confidence in the early days.
Genesis Doula Services offers a powerful reminder that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a wise, courageous step toward healing. Postpartum care should not be seen as optional — it’s a foundation that allows families to thrive.
You can learn more about Tess and her services at Genesis Doula Services, or follow along at @genesisdoulaservicesatl.
About the Author - Aspen Grove Counseling and Wellness
Aspen Grove Counseling & Wellness is a Decatur-based therapy practice supporting individuals and couples across Georgia. We offer warm, steady, emotionally attuned care through all stages of parenting — from pregnancy and postpartum to the ongoing changes of family life.
Our specialties include pregnancy/postpartum therapy, couples counseling for parents, and The Intentional Babymoon — a private, retreat-style intensive designed to help partners reconnect, communicate, and prepare for life after baby.
Whether you’re navigating new parenthood, shifting identities, or the long-term work of caring for others while staying connected to yourself, you deserve support that honors the full complexity of your experience. We’re here to walk alongside you.