My name is Anna Machasic, and I am the Executive Director and founder of Helping Hands Postpartum Support. I originally launched this service as a for-profit venture in February of 2019, and at that time, I began to bring attention to Helping Hands by providing occasional free support to new families.

In doing so, I realized how beneficial this service truly was to the people I was serving. It’s hard to ask for help, and even harder when it comes at a significant financial cost. This is when the idea for Helping Hands as a charitable organization was born.

We, as birthing people, are made to feel as though this transition should “come naturally” or that we should “bounce back” or “enjoy every moment.” There is still sadly a lot of shame around needing help as a new parent.

But pregnancy, birth and recovery are incredibly hard work! Add to that sleep deprivation, fierce hormone shifts, round-the-clock infant care, lactation, and growing into a whole new version of yourself. It’s an unfair expectation to say the least. We all truly need someone on our side who gets it.

I’ve lived though the postpartum period twice. I have two beautiful daughters, Lucy, 12, and Norah, 9. They are wild and wonderful, and in large part, the reason I do this work. As a result of my own experience, I am acutely aware of both the raw beauty and incredible struggles that accompany this transition, and I would be honored to be a part of your supportive village.

For your peace of mind, I will also provide some background as well. I am CPR/first aid certified, fully vaccinated and boosted. I received my bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Eastern Michigan University. Before doing this work, I enjoyed a 20+ year career as a nanny specializing in infant care and postpartum support. During the COVID shutdown, my husband and I also became licensed foster parents, providing care to two young children. I have experience with multiples, and medically fragile babies. I am also a proud LGBTQ+ ally.

I love to garden, spend time in nature, read, learn new things, snuggle babies (of course), and be with my family.