A mother of four has transformed her personal struggles with postpartum depression into a groundbreaking solution for new mothers. Brittany Starobin opened Haven Postnatal Retreat in midtown Atlanta in October 2024, creating the first luxury postpartum care center in the South. Located inside Atlanta’s prestigious Four Seasons hotel, this Black-owned facility offers comprehensive support for mothers up to 12 weeks postpartum.
Starobin’s journey to creating Haven began with her own difficult experiences during childbirth and recovery. She battled intense postpartum depression with each of her three pregnancies, experiencing significant gaps in postpartum care. Her personal struggles revealed a critical need for better maternal support in the United States.
The retreat represents a revolutionary approach to postpartum care in America, where such facilities remain uncommon. While postnatal retreats are standard practice in many Asian countries, the concept is relatively new in the United States. Haven fills this gap by providing personalized, luxury care experiences specifically designed for the fourth trimester of pregnancy.
Haven Postnatal Retreat Addresses Critical Gaps in American Maternal Healthcare
The lack of comprehensive postpartum support in America motivated Starobin to create her innovative retreat. She recognized a troubling pattern in how new mothers receive care compared to their babies. While infants receive regular checkups and monitoring, mothers often lack consistent support during their vulnerable recovery period.
“There’s this lack of support that currently exists in America,” Starobin explains with conviction. “We understand that when the baby gets here, the baby needs a checkup this many days after discharge, and then at a month, and then at two months. Yet, for the person that’s had the baby, there is no true support nor constant checkup on her.”
This observation led Starobin to apply her healthcare management background toward creating meaningful change. She wanted to become an agent for transformation in an industry that desperately needs improved maternal care. Her vision extends beyond luxury amenities to address life-threatening gaps in postpartum support systems.
Georgia’s High Maternal Mortality Rate Inspires Life-Saving Mission
Starobin’s decision to establish Haven in Georgia stems from the state’s alarming maternal mortality statistics. Georgia ranks among the worst states for maternal deaths, with many fatalities occurring during the vulnerable postpartum period. This crisis particularly affects Black mothers, who face disproportionately higher risks during pregnancy and after childbirth.
“[Haven] came from wanting to be that agent for change and thinking of how I can make an impact in this industry, especially within Georgia, where we have a high maternal mortality rate,” she states. Many people associate maternal mortality only with deaths during pregnancy, but the reality is more complex and devastating.
Furthermore, Starobin highlights a particularly tragic aspect of these statistics that often goes unrecognized. “Many people associate that with women dying during pregnancy. That is true. But there’s also a piece of that figure including women who are dying around 42 days postpartum due to suicide.” This sobering reality underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support during the postpartum period.
Luxury Amenities Create Healing Sanctuary for Vulnerable New Mothers
Haven Postnatal Retreat offers an impressive array of services designed to support mothers during their most vulnerable time. The facility provides 24-hour care from qualified nurses and doulas, ensuring round-the-clock professional support. Additionally, mothers can access daily classes and workshops that address various aspects of postpartum recovery and newborn care.
The retreat’s amenities extend far beyond basic care to create a truly luxurious healing environment. Guests enjoy spa access, professional massages, and gourmet meals prepared specifically for postpartum nutrition needs. High-end baby products are also provided, ensuring both mother and child receive premium care throughout their stay.
Rates for Haven’s comprehensive experience begin at $790 per night, with varying amenities based on the selected package. While this represents a significant investment, Starobin believes every mother deserves access to this level of care and support. The pricing reflects the retreat’s commitment to providing five-star luxury experiences during this critical recovery period.
Personal Experience with Postpartum Depression Drives Founder’s Passion
Starobin’s motivation for creating Haven stems directly from her own challenging experiences with postpartum depression. As a mother who gave birth three times and battled intense depression with each pregnancy, she understands firsthand the isolation and struggle many new mothers face. Her personal journey revealed the inadequacy of current postpartum support systems.
The founder’s interest in postnatal retreats began when she discovered similar facilities gaining popularity on social media platforms. Seeing these supportive environments made her wonder where such resources were during her own difficult postpartum periods. This realization sparked her determination to create change for other mothers facing similar challenges.
Moreover, Starobin recognizes that the postpartum period is often misunderstood by society and even healthcare providers. “During our postpartum period, especially early in postpartum, we’re often misunderstood,” she explains. “Your hormones are fluctuating, and sometimes you just need to be extended some grace to be heard and met where you’re at.”
Safe Space Philosophy Addresses Unique Needs of Postpartum Women
Haven’s approach goes beyond luxury amenities to create a genuinely safe and understanding environment for new mothers. Starobin recognizes that the postpartum period brings unique challenges that require specialized support and empathy. The retreat’s philosophy centers on meeting mothers exactly where they are in their recovery journey.
The facility prioritizes emotional and mental support alongside physical care, understanding that postpartum recovery involves multiple dimensions of healing. Staff members are trained to recognize the complex needs of new mothers, including hormonal fluctuations and emotional vulnerability. This comprehensive approach ensures that mothers receive holistic care during their stay.
Additionally, Haven serves as a sanctuary where mothers can process their experiences without judgment or misunderstanding. The retreat provides a community of support that many new mothers desperately need but rarely find in traditional healthcare settings. This supportive environment allows mothers to heal and gain confidence before returning to their daily lives.
Future Vision Includes Accessibility for All Socioeconomic Backgrounds
While Haven currently operates as a luxury facility, Starobin has ambitious plans to make similar experiences accessible to mothers from all economic backgrounds. She recognizes that the need for comprehensive postpartum support extends far beyond those who can afford premium rates. Her vision includes partnerships with major Atlanta corporations to expand access to quality postnatal care.
The founder is actively developing strategies to provide Haven’s services to any mother in need, regardless of financial circumstances. These partnerships would ensure that more families receive the strong, healthy start to their parenting journey that every child deserves. This expansion aligns with Starobin’s belief that quality postpartum care should be a right, not a privilege.
Currently, Haven has served numerous mothers and babies during its seven months of operation, creating positive outcomes that fuel Starobin’s passion. Watching other women receive the support she lacked during her own early motherhood experiences provides healing for her own journey while creating hope for the future.
Healing Journey Continues Through Helping Other Mothers Succeed
Operating Haven has provided unexpected therapeutic benefits for Starobin herself, creating a full-circle healing experience. Watching mothers receive comprehensive support and guidance helps heal the part of her that lacked access to similar resources during her own postpartum periods. This healing aspect adds deeper meaning to her work beyond business success.
“Seeing those other women get the support and the direction and the guidance that you maybe didn’t know that you needed, yet you still desired – it has been amazing,” Starobin reflects with evident satisfaction. Her words capture the profound impact of witnessing other mothers thrive with proper support systems in place.
The success stories emerging from Haven validate Starobin’s vision and fuel her continued commitment to maternal health advocacy. Each mother who leaves the retreat feeling stronger and more confident represents a victory against the systemic gaps in postpartum care. For Starobin, witnessing these transformations brings “pure joy” and confirms that her mission is making a real difference in mothers’ lives.
