Postpartum & Newborn support

Helping moms and babies achieve balance—physically and emotionally

About the owner:

Sara Keller, PT, DPT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who has 15 years of experience in pediatric physical therapy including typical development as well as medically complex newborns in the settings of home health, outpatient, and inpatient rehabilitation. Sara graduated from Michigan State University and then pursued her doctorate degree at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. She is CPR certified and has a passion for newborn care, especially in the home environment. In addition to her clinical and professional background, Sara is also a mom of 5 beautiful children. She strives to fill a large gap in postpartum care for new and seasoned moms who arrive home in a newborn bliss but also often overwhelmed, flooded with emotions, a million questions and a new baby to take care of. She hopes to provide moms with guidance, education, and care for themselves and their precious infant as they embark on this new journey in motherhood.

Services

Fresh 48

Welcome home! This session is meant for the first 48 (to 72) hours of arriving home from the hospital.

  • Checking in with mom

  • Checking in with baby

  • Provide up to 1 hour nap or alone time for mom

  • Education on infant positioning, soothing techniques, facilitating symmetry, sleep safety, feeding basics, and other topics discussed as they come up in a casual and relaxed session

    • talk through postpartum emotions, healing, tips/tricks for recovery

    • learning to trust instincts

Follow up session

0-6 months

Baby and mom wellness visit, discussion, and follow up as discussed during initial session

Developmental Session (0-12 months)

Wellness, Milestones, and Infant Development

Proactive support to keep motor skills on track and build caregiver confidence.

Common topics include:

  • milestones and typical development

  • gross motor skills

  • fine motor skills

  • tummy time

  • baby gear/equipment

  • soothing and swaddling

  • preventing flat head

  • toy recommendations

  • babywearing

  • infant massage

*This session does not take place of an infant requiring physical therapy services as referred by his/her pediatrician.

Renew & Recharge

0-6 months

Not interested in any session other than having a qualified professional take care of your infant while you do what you need to take care of yourself? The renew & recharge session is for you! Take a nap, make a cup of coffee (and drink it too), play with your older children, go for a walk, and take care of your mental health.

Book a session

-Invest in your post partum mental health and give your newborn a head start!

Fresh 48 session: $150

  • Contact Sara by text or email with your due date (most choose to book in their second trimester). I will pencil in your due date and then wait to hear of your baby’s arrival and schedule with you directly.

Follow up session: $100

Developmental session: $150

  • Can be a continuation from established clients or new clients who would like a session focused on providing hands on ideas for home to facilitate gross and fine motor milestones during baby’s first year.

Renew & Recharge: $100 (1.25 hours)

  • Can request up to 3 consecutive hours per day as schedule allows

PACKAGE DEALS

(great way to save at time of booking or to give as a gift to an expecting family member or friend)

  • Fresh 48 + 3 follow up sessions: $400

  • 5 Developmental sessions (recommended around 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 months): $650

  • 3 Renew & Recharge sessions: $250

*Balanced Beginnings, LLC does not participate with healthcare insurance plans and all services are to be paid out of pocket.

How long is a session?

-Session length is highly dependent on the individual mom and infant. Fresh 48 and follow up sessions can vary from 20-90 minutes depending on the needs, desires, and individual plan. Developmental sessions are typically 30-60 minutes. Renew and recharge session time will be discussed prior to session based on moms purpose for the session and pre-determined time frame.

FAQ’s

What if my house is a mess and I’m not sure if I’ll feel comfortable having someone come in during this vulnerable time?

-I know having someone, even close friends or family, come into your home during this phase can be overwhelming. I’ve been there and assure you this is a no judgement visit. It is expected that your house is a mess, you have no make up on, you might be fully dressed, milk is here there and everywhere, and everything in between! I promise I am focused on the well-being of yourself and your baby and don’t even notice the rest!

How far will you travel?

-I’m currently accepting clients in the following locations: Caledonia, Alto, Middleville, Hastings, Cascade, Ada, Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Byron Center

Please feel free to reach out if you are outside of this zone and we can discuss travel fees and availability

* Trusted professional service includes proper hand washing and sanitation protocols. All sessions can be modified based on length of hospital stay for mom or baby, multiples, home birth, etc.

Email: sara.balancedbeginnings@gmail.com

Text: 616-581-2810

Contact us