PARENTAL LEAVE COACHING IN PORTLAND

Support for the transition into parenthood — and back to work.

Welcoming a new baby is a life-changing season filled with joy, adjustments, and big unknowns. Between preparing for leave, caring for your newborn, and planning your return to work, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. Bridgetown Baby, in partnership with the Center for Parental Leave Leadership, now offers RETAIN™ Parental Leave Coaching — a proven, evidence-based approach to guide you and your family through every stage of parental leave with confidence, care, and clarity.

Why RETAIN™ Parental Leave Coaching?

Parental leave is one of the most pivotal transitions in life — yet so many families are left to figure it out on their own. Without support, it can feel overwhelming: balancing work demands, newborn care, identity shifts, and the return to professional life.

Parental Leave Coaching changes that.

With a certified RETAIN™ coach by your side, you don’t just “get through” parental leave — you experience it with more ease, confidence, and clarity. Coaching helps you:

  • Step into leave with a plan that reduces stress and creates peace of mind.

  • Build a supportive environment that allows you to rest, bond, and heal during your baby’s first months.

  • Return to work with a clear strategy for your career growth and family well-being.

  • Feel seen, supported, and less alone in one of life’s biggest transitions.

This isn’t about checking boxes or managing logistics — it’s about creating a leave that honors your role as both a parent and a professional, so you come back whole, grounded, and ready for what’s next.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH…

“Mindy was empathetic, honest and easy to talk to. She was very clear about each stage of the process and had great ideas for how to support me through this transition”.

—Leslie, First Time Mother

What Happens During the Different Phases of Parental Leave Coaching?

With RETAIN™ Coaching, you’re paired with a certified parental leave coach who helps you — and your manager, if applicable — design a thoughtful plan that keeps your career on track while protecting your well-being and family life. Your coach will provide personalized guidance and support through the three stages of leave:

Preparing for leave — making a plan for work, home, and family so you can start your leave with confidence.

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During leave — creating space for rest, bonding, and healing while staying connected in ways that feel right for you.

2.

Returning to work — navigating the transition back with a clear plan and ongoing support.

3.

Manager & Organization Level Benefits of Parental Leave Coaching

Resources to navigate FMLA and State Leave Laws with confidence

A family-friendly benefit to offer employees - increasing both attraction & retention of high quality talent

Save company resources on recruitment and training through improved retention, attendance & satisfaction

Increased employee work-satisfaction and decreased incidence of postpartum anxiety and mood disorders 

Higher retention of valuable talent through ensuring a strong, supportive team & company culture

Who is Parental Leave Coaching For?

  • Expectant or new parents who want a smoother transition into parenthood and back to work.

  • Employees who want structured, compassionate guidance for balancing career and caregiving.

  • Managers and employers who want to support their team members through this big transition while building stronger, more family-friendly workplaces.

At Bridgetown Baby, our parental leave coaches are also certified postpartum doulas. This means you’ll receive not only professional coaching for your career and workplace transition, but also emotional, physical, and informational support around caring for your newborn.

Parental Leave Coaching Packages for Portland Families

Every family’s journey looks different — that’s why we offer flexible coaching packages designed to meet your needs. Whether you’re an expecting parent, a new parent, or a manager supporting your team, our process provides structure, compassion, and expert guidance every step of the way. Choose from one of two packages:

Basic Package

Investment: $1,850 (Regular Rate) $1,050 (Bridgetown Baby Client Rate)

Perfect for parents who want foundational support as they prepare, take leave, and return to work.

You’ll receive:

  • A 90-minute Assessment & Planning session to map out your leave and create an offboarding plan.

  • 3 virtual coaching sessions to guide you through preparing, navigating postpartum, and returning to work.

  • Postpartum check-in (in-home for Portland Metro or virtual) to ease your transition and answer newborn care questions.

  • Personalized return-to-work plan to support your career and family balance.

  • 4 perinatal mental health screenings to help reduce the risk of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders.

Executive Package

Investment: $5,250 (Regular Rate) $2,750 (Bridgetown Baby Client Rate)

Ideal for families and workplaces seeking comprehensive support — with extended coaching for both employee and manager.

You’ll receive everything in the Basic Package, plus:

  • Up to 10 confidential coaching sessions for deeper, ongoing support before, during, and after leave.

  • A postpartum home visit (Portland Metro) or extended virtual support for newborn care, recovery, and adjustment.

  • Up to 10 perinatal mental health screenings for ongoing well-being.

  • Manager coaching sessions (3–4) with practical tools, resources, and strategies to build a strong, supportive workplace.

  • Optional upgrades: access to the CPLL Training Hub for both manager and parent.

About Mindy Baldwin - Your Parental Leave Coach

From her earliest days as a nanny and preschool teacher to earning her MA in education, Mindy has always been called to support families. After years as an Early Intervention Specialist, she found her true next calling as a postpartum doula and Bridgetown Baby’s first certified Parental Leave Coach.

Mindy brings a calm, confident presence and a gift for deep listening. She loves helping families navigate the newborn stage with care, rest, and reassurance — and guiding parents through the transition from worker, to parent, to working parent.

When she’s not supporting families, you’ll find Mindy paddling on the water, hugging trees, or exploring trails with her border collie, Piper.

  • Our coaches are both! As certified postpartum doulas, we support your emotional and physical transition into parenthood. As certified RETAIN™ Parental Leave Coaches, we guide you through the career and workplace side of leave.

  • Both. We support expecting/new parents directly and also work with employers to make parental leave smoother and more sustainable for everyone.

  • Yes! All coaching is available virtually. For families in Portland/Metro, we also offer in-home postpartum visits.

  • The earlier the better — ideally before you begin your leave. But we can support you at any point: preparing, during leave, or returning to work.

  • Answer here

Frequently Asked Questions About Parental Leave Coaching

“Mindy seamlessly fit into our family at a very precious and personal time. She offered the perfect amount of encouragement and support to help me come into trusting my motherly intuition.”

— Alix S., first time mom