Business Profile: Tender Transitions

Business name: Tender Transitions

Owner: Leann Latus

Open date in Maple Grove: May 2011

Hours of operation: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, by appointment

Contact information: 612-991-5224 or leann.latus@gmail.com

Website: www.tendertransitionsmn.com

Maple Grove Patch: What services does your business provide?

Leann Latus: I am a postpartum doula and certified lactation counselor. I educate and support new parents on infant care, breastfeeding, and all that goes into transitioning into parenthood - all done in the comfort of your own home. I work with first-time parents, parents of multiples, and other parents who just need extra support in those first 12 weeks after they bring their baby home. In addition to infant and parenting education and breastfeeding support, I help with a myriad of everyday tasks including: errands, light household duties, meal preparation, giving parents needed breaks to ensure they are well rested. Anyone who has had a baby knows how these simple tasks suddenly become a major challenge!

Patch: What made you want to open a business in Maple Grove?

Latus: I have two children of my own and was very unprepared with the arrival of my first child. When I became pregnant with my second child I realized I needed more support so I hired my own postpartum doula. Ever since then I have had a passion for making this transition to parenthood an easier one through my business.

Patch: What are your specialties?

Latus: I am trained by DONA (Doulas of North America) - the leading international organization for birth and postpartum doula certification. I am also a certified lactation counselor through Healthy Children - the only competency-based lactation certification organization in the United States. I specialize in infant development and what to expect as a new parent. I also specialize in working with families who have gone through infertility challenges as well as mothers who plan to return to the workforce after their maternity leave. I personally went through infertility challenges and I spent 14 years in the corporate world as a marketing professional and understand the challenges of returning to work after the arrival of a new baby and as a breastfeeding mom.

Patch: What is your price range for your services?

Latus: My in-home, customized services run from $25-35 per hour depending on the requested services, number of babies, and distance from my location.

Patch: How are you different from other businesses that provide similar services? 

Latus: There are a small number of DONA-trained postpartum doulas in the Twin Cities so we are very busy! Many postpartum doulas only offer overnight assistance where my passion is in working with new parents during the day where I have the opportunity to educate them and answer the hundreds of questions that arise on any given day with a newborn.

Patch: What future plans to do you have for your business?

Latus: I am in the process of developing a few parenting classes that will be offered at various locations around the Twin Cities later this year.

Patch: Any final comments or additional information for customers?

Latus: Many new parents aren't aware of this service and may not understand the value until their little one arrives. Just ask any friend or family member who have gone through having a new baby and they will tell you how helpful it would have been if they had more help in those first weeks! Postpartum doulas schedule clients sometimes months in advance so it's important to find your doula and book her early!