Meet Jamie Bergren: Postpartum doula and pediatric sleep consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jamie Bergren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jamie, what matters most to you?
I work with a variety of family’s as a postpartum doula and a sleep consultant and the one principal I strive for above all else is empathy. I want to connect with my clients, feel what they are feeling so I can understand how to best serve them. I am a mom of two young children. I have experienced the sleepless nights, feeding struggles, anxiety, frustration and fear that I’m not good enough. When parents come to me for support I want them to know I’ve been there. I understand how they are feeling and I hope to make them feel comfortable so they can truly open up and get the support they need. Without feeling shame or fear of judgement. Too often parents feel like they are failing because their baby doesn’t sleep through the night, breastfeeding didn’t work out as planned, or all of the dozens of other things society tells them isn’t the ideal. I want to eliminate that feeling the best I can, show them they aren’t failing and help them reach what their ideal for their family is. Each family is unique, and should be treated and supported as such. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
There were a lot of perfectly placed pieces that brought me to where I am today with my career. I began as a nanny 15 years ago, well before the idea of having kids myself was even a thing. I loved being a nanny, not because I had an overwhelming desire to be with children but because I loved helping and being part of these families. I realized that helping families especially in the early months of parenthood was what I had a passion for and this is what lead me to become a postpartum doula. I did my training through DONA International, shortly after becoming certified the stars aligned just right and a doula acquaintance I knew happened to be looking for another postpartum doula for her group. This is how I ended up joining Balanced Beginnings doula and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I couldn’t of found a better group of women to work with. Our group has supported thousands of families throughout CO. Offering everything from birth work, private infant CPR, personalized yoga, cooking and postpartum support. We share the same goals and values, and we all love what we do, which makes us a great support system for our clients. While working as a postpartum doula I found parents struggled with two main things, feeding and sleep. I decided to expand my knowledge of sleep to better serve my clients so I become certified as a pediatric sleep consultant through the Family Sleep Institute. While completing my training the stars magically aligned again and another Denver based sleep consultant reached out to me. Gaby Wentworth, she had founded Rockabye Rockies 3 years prior and was looking for someone to add to her team. Again, just crazy perfect timing and a decision I will never regret. Gaby has become way more than a colleague, she’s a friend and someone who I can always make me laugh. Her understanding of her clients and true passion for the work has blown me away. Having her as a mentor has helped me become more confident in myself and made me the sleep consultant I am today. Together we offer our clients not only the knowledge of how to help their children sleep but the personal ongoing support they need to make it happen.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well first things first, if I have a friend in town we are getting a margarita from Matador in the Highlands. I just love that it’s a place I can go with friends or with my kids. The Highlands is also just a fun area to walk around and explore, and reminiscent of my years living down their in a 400sq/ft studio apartment. Another spot I would want to hit is my new neighborhood, Olde Town Arvada. The Bluegrass has these amazing garlic knots, and a sweet patio, Tap n Dough has great beer on tap, and Rhinlanders bakery has to die for strudels. But really my heart isn’t in a city or a restaurant it’s in the mountains. I’m a camping junky so I would have to hope my friend was down for some off grid time. Or at least a trip to some hot springs, Avalanche Ranch is by far the best family get away in Colorado, you really can’t beat hot springs on a farm and Strawberry hot springs is great for a romantic weekend.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have a great many shout outs. First, to all of the amazing moms that showed me what being a mom was before I was ever one myself. They encouraged and supported me, which in turn lead me to a career of support other new parents. To the amazing doula team I work with, Balanced Beginnings Doulas, Lisa, Haley and Jess. Each of these ladies has given me a unique gift of knowledge, which has helped me become a better doula. Also to Gaby Wentworth, the founder of Rockabye Rockies. She brought me on to her team with open arms, she’s mentored me and made me feel more confident in myself. And of course to my family. Jeff my husband, whom has always inspired me to follow my heart with my work and pushed me to take risks. And my kids, Laylee and Archer, the loves of my life. They have filled my world with joy and have made me the woman I am today.

Website: Balancedbeginningsdoulas.com. Rockabyerockies.com

Image Credits
Ali V photography Alyssa Mageath photography