Welcoming a baby home is a whirlwind — exciting, emotional, exhausting, and full of wonder all at once. I spend a lot of time with families during those early, uncertain weeks of caring for a newborn, and over time, I’ve curated a list of local resources, professionals, and places I wholeheartedly recommend. My hope is that when you land here, you already feel a little more supported knowing where to turn.
Many of my clients choose either The Valley Hospital (Paramus), Hackensack University Medical Center, or Pascack Valley Medical Center for their delivery care. Valley Hospital is especially popular because it offers private birthing suites, a full Center for Childbirth, and a Level III NICU — the highest level of neonatal care in the region.
If you have questions about labor options, gentler C-sections, or doula support, Valley’s birth program also offers integrative techniques. Their Center for Family Education provides both in-person and virtual classes to help new parents feel confident and prepared.
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come easily, and having a trusted consultant can make all the difference. Two lactation consultants I often recommend are Rebecca Koyf, IBCLC and Little Milky Way. Both provide compassionate, evidence-based support during what can be an overwhelming and emotional time for new parents.
For birth support, postpartum care, placenta services, and more, my clients love Lizzy — The Fitness Doula
and Bloom Baby Doulas. Both offer personalized, heart-centered care to help you feel physically and emotionally supported before, during, and after birth.
When you’re deep in registry mode or shopping for essentials, these local favorites offer both expertise and selection: Bambi Baby (Paramus, NJ)— car seats, bassinets, strollers, and a hands-on shopping experience buybuyBABY — available online, with fast delivery and a wide selection of trusted brands
You matter too. For pregnancy massage, bodywork, and gentle movement, check out The Nesting Place (Ridgewood) and Perfectly Kneaded (Ridgewood).For prenatal or postpartum-safe fitness, Ho-Ho-Kus Yoga, Flow Yoga, and The Bar Method Ridgewood
all offer thoughtful, body-sensitive classes that focus on strength and restoration.
Let’s be real — you’ll need caffeine and a change of scenery. Soma Café & Crêperie in Waldwick, Rey Sol Coffee, and Sook Pastry
in Ridgewood (with gluten-free options for the girlies like me) are cozy, stroller-friendly gems for a quick recharge or a quiet moment out of the house.
On a nice day, James McFaul Environmental Center in Wyckoff is a peaceful place to stroll, breathe, and reset with baby in tow.
For those extra-special moments before baby arrives — or after — check out View A Miracle NJ in Hackensack for 3D/4D ultrasounds and heartbeat bears.
And of course, when you’re ready to capture the newborn chapter, my studio in Waldwick (just about 20 minutes from most Bergen County towns) is designed for comfort, safety, and beautifully natural newborn portraits you’ll cherish forever.
As a Bergen County newborn photographer, I love connecting families with local experts and small businesses that make those early days easier and more supported. My goal is for you to feel cared for — both in front of my camera and beyond.