Erin Hughes

I often tell new parents, “Never say ‘I will never’ when it comes to parenting.” Every baby, child, parent, and family is unique. I do not believe there is one “right” way to parent—only many thoughtful, beautifully imperfect ways to find what works for your family.

With eight years of postpartum experience and nearly 300 families supported, I see my role as a calm, knowledgeable guide through the transition into parenthood—or into life with another child. I offer evidence-based education, practical suggestions, and personal perspective without judgment. My ultimate goal is to help parents trust themselves, build confidence, and find their own rhythm.

I have extensive training and experience in newborn care, infant feeding, lactation support, babywearing, sibling transitions, infant development, postpartum mood and anxiety concerns, soothing techniques, and healthy sleep routines. Clients frequently describe my presence as relaxed, reassuring, and grounding—and many have called my newborn-soothing techniques some of the most effective they have ever seen.

My path to postpartum work began in science. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Maryland and a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University. I then spent a decade working as a regulatory scientist in bioethics, science policy, and legal and regulatory affairs alongside the FDA and FDA-regulated biotechnology companies.

Although I valued my career in regulatory science, becoming a mother to two daughters revealed where my strengths truly flourished. I was fascinated by infant development and the transition into parenthood. I also experienced difficult periods of postpartum depression, which deepened my understanding of how important compassionate, nonjudgmental support can be during the fourth trimester.

My own birth experiences also helped lead me to doula work. Despite taking Bradley Method classes, my first birth included 50 hours of labor and was far more challenging than my husband and I anticipated. We hired a birth doula for our second daughter’s birth, and her quiet, steady presence made an unforgettable difference. She showed me how powerful it can be to have someone remain calmly and consistently beside you when everything feels uncertain.

A few years later, I left the corporate world to pursue a more fulfilling career as a DONA-trained birth doula, certified postpartum doula, and childbirth and infant-care educator.

As a lifelong nurturer, I am deeply interested in infant and child development. I believe in meeting children where they are developmentally and recognizing that babies and young children are often far more capable than adults realize. My experience also includes play-based and child-led learning, homeschooling, cooperative education, and supporting children across many ages and developmental stages.

Outside of doula work, I love spending time with my daughters, taking spontaneous road trips, listening to music and podcasts, reading, drawing, volunteering with animal shelters, and caring for our family’s small zoo—a dog, two cats, and two free-roaming house rabbits who are convinced they run the household.

Training and Education

• Eight years of postpartum support experience
• Nearly 300 families supported
• Certified Postpartum Doula, MaternityWise
• Certified in Infant Sleep Solutions, MaternityWise
• Certified Lactation Support and Educator, MaternityWise
• Childbirth and Infant-Care Educator
• Spinning Babies comfort-measures training
• Adult, Child and Infant First Aid/CPR/AED Certified, American Red Cross
• Master of Science in Biotechnology, Johns Hopkins University
• Bachelor of Science in Biology, University of Maryland
• Former regulatory scientist

My goal is not to tell you how to parent. It is to provide the knowledge, reassurance, and practical support you need to discover the approach that feels right for you and your baby.