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Why Supporting New Parents Is the Epitome of ‘Hospitality’

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I’m a Hotelie with formal culinary training—and I’ve dedicated my career to helping families as a postpartum doula

By Kristin Stinavage ’16

As a graduate of both the Hotel School and the Culinary Institute of America, I’ve built my career at the crossroads of hospitality and care. Both fields are about anticipating needs, creating comfort, and offering nourishment—principles that have guided my transition into postpartum care as a chef and doula.

In postpartum support, these same hospitality skills are vital, particularly when caring for new mothers and their families.

When a woman gives birth, she embarks on a journey that demands physical recovery, emotional restoration, and mental resilience.

Unfortunately, the U.S. postpartum care system is lacking, with many women receiving just one follow-up visit at six weeks, despite recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for continuous care.

My work aims to fill this gap by providing holistic support that focuses on both nourishment and emotional well-being—not just for the birthing parent, but for their entire family.

When a woman gives birth, she embarks on a journey that demands physical recovery, emotional restoration, and mental resilience.

Growing up as one of four children in a home where both parents worked full time, I witnessed firsthand the challenges families face when there’s little support. My mother, a nurse, and my father, a microbiologist, were dedicated to providing for us, but they were often stretched thin.

Without extended family nearby and juggling demanding jobs, they didn’t have the resources to lean on extra help—whether that be a doula, more childcare, or simply someone to prepare a home-cooked meal.

Looking back, I wonder how different things might have been if my mother had access to the support I now offer to families.

Kristin Stinavage in a chef's uniform — In chef's whites during her culinary studies.

She struggled with her mental health, an issue exacerbated by the stress and lack of rest that comes with raising a family while working full time.

I often think about how a postpartum doula could have helped her—not just with physical recovery, but by easing some of the emotional burdens that she carried alone.

Knowing that there was someone to help with meals, childcare, or even a simple check-in could have made a world of difference in our household.

These reflections are what drive my passion for postpartum care. I know how hard it can be for parents, especially when support systems are limited.

That’s why my work centers around creating a nurturing environment that provides both physical and emotional care, making the transition into parenthood smoother for both the birthing parent and their partner.

Nutrition plays a critical role in postpartum recovery, yet many women face nutritional deficiencies after giving birth.

For instance, 70% of postpartum women are iron deficient, which directly impacts energy levels and the ability to heal. Nutrient-dense meals rich in iron, omega-3s, and other vital nutrients are essential for helping new mothers regain strength.

Omega-3s, especially, have been shown to reduce the risk of postpartum depression, with low levels of these fatty acids often linked to mood disturbances.

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My work centers around creating a nurturing environment that provides both physical and emotional care.

Postpartum foods like broths, stews, and warm, easily digestible meals offer more than just physical nourishment; they provide emotional comfort, a reminder that the birthing parent is cared for and supported.

This focus on food as care comes directly from my background in hospitality, where thoughtful, nourishing experiences are the cornerstone of service.

While much of postpartum care naturally centers on the birthing parent, my approach also focuses on equipping partners to better support the family and care for themselves.

Growing up in a family where both parents worked long hours, I saw how overwhelming it can be for a partner trying to balance their own needs with those of a growing family. Partners are often tasked with new responsibilities—caring for a newborn, supporting the birthing parent, and managing the home—all while navigating their own emotional and physical exhaustion.

Kristin Stinavage as a toddler eating spaghetti in a high chair — The author, enjoying (and wearing) a meal in toddlerhood.

Teaching partners to prepare simple, nourishing meals is one way I empower them to be more engaged in postpartum care. This not only helps them feel involved but also lightens the load on the birthing parent. I offer cooking lessons and meal prep kits that provide partners with opportunities to take an active role, which strengthens their connection to the recovery process.

Additionally, I guide partners on how proper nutrition supports healing and breastfeeding, allowing them to feel more capable in their caregiving.

Partners are also integral to supporting the emotional well-being of the birthing parent. Eighty percent of new mothers experience “baby blues,” and 10–20% develop postpartum depression, making the emotional support of a partner critical.

I work closely with partners to help them recognize these emotional shifts and offer practical ways to provide reassurance, encouragement, and calm during moments of stress.

In hospitality, we learn to anticipate needs. In postpartum care, this skill becomes even more essential, as new parents often don’t know what they need until they are in the moment.

In hospitality, we learn to anticipate needs. In postpartum care, this skill becomes even more essential.

My background has helped me cultivate an awareness that allows me to offer not only food but emotional nourishment and practical support—allowing new parents to focus on bonding with their baby.

Through this lens, the intersection of hospitality and healthcare isn’t just about service; it’s about care, connection, and empathy. Whether it’s through a warm bowl of broth, a listening ear, or a gentle reminder to rest, the work of a postpartum doula truly is about fostering nourishment in all its forms.

Seattle-based Hotelie Kristin Stinavage ’16, who also holds an associate’s degree from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), is the founder of Nurtured Feast, a business dedicated to providing postpartum support. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

(All photos provided.)

Published October 24, 2024