H.A. Hang: Sara Bloom

The coolest part of our business has always been our clients. We’re amazed by all they do: CEOs and business owners, world travelers, authors, inventors, healers, entrepreneurs, newscasters, artists, pro athletes, musicians, caretakers, and philanthropists. 

We launched this series to share the stories of our clients and form connections within the H.A. community. Enjoy!

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Home Appétit: You're a physician, but have set up a practice with a unique focus—what do you do?
Dr. Sara Bloom: I specialize in maternal wellness. I did my training in family medicine and decided to open my practice after my son was born because I realized there was a lack of care and attention for the mom, especially after that six week postpartum appointment. I really personally felt a need. I currently do integrative health care for moms and moms-to-be, but my true passion is postpartum wellness.

How does this fit into traditional postpartum care?
I work as an addition to an OB/GYN or a primary care physician. I don't take over either of those positions. Our society has normalized moms being exhausted and feeling unwell—but being a mom is not a diagnosis. There's no reason to be unwell in motherhood. Yes, it's exhausting and challenging. But it doesn't mean you have to suffer, especially knowing that you can serve your family better if you are at your best. There's a lot of things that go under the radar because we're so used to assuming this type of exhaustion is part of motherhood.

What are some examples?
It could be as simple as low vitamin D levels or low iron after being pregnant and breastfeeding. We do a lot of personalized diagnostic testing to see if there are any pathological issues going on. Small fixes with a big impact. We see some thyroid disorders, blood sugar disregulation. Small fixes with a big impact on the way a mom is feeling.

What does working with you look like?
It’s currently telemedicine, but the goal is to eventually have a brick-and-mortar space. Being all virtual has been nice for patients, especially so new moms don’t have to leave their babies—myself included. I work with people in three ways: One-on-One Sessions; through my Group Wellness Program; or through a service called The Motherload, which focuses on diagnostic testing and a personalized health plan based on results. 

What is the basis of your approach?
My philosophy is based on Five Pillars of Wellness. One of them is nutrition—it’s really important what you put in your body. It’s one reason I love Home Appétit!

Well, thanks for that shout out!
The second pillar is “Feel,” which is all about your relationships with yourself and others. You have a new identity as a mom and there’s definitely a bit of therapy involved in that. It’s important that moms are heard and their feelings validated. There's this no man's land where maybe you don't need to see a psychiatrist but you still need support and guidance.

What are the other three pillars?
“Movement,” and what that looks like now. You were doing HIIT classes before, is that right for right now? Then there is “Be,” which is your unique biology and where the diagnostic testing comes in—there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to medicine. I like to see everyone at their own individualized levels and track them over time. Then there is “Sleep.”

This focus makes total sense and—as you're laying it out—makes me realize how badly this approach is needed.
OBGYNs, PAs, PCPs—they all want to help patients. But they exist in a system that doesn’t allow for the time to take care of patients in the ways that are needed sometimes. I’m trying to bridge that gap in conventional care. We always hear that famous line, “it takes a village.” But where is this village?

How did you get to where you are now? Are you from Philly?
I grew up in New York City and practiced medicine there. My husband and I were part of that mass exodus out of the city during covid. We always knew we would migrate to the suburbs but expanded our search to the Philadelphia area. My husband was still working in New York at that time and needed something fairly commutable. We fell in love with a house on the Main Line and read up on the area and made the move. Kind of random—but it’s been great for us. We love the schools and architecture.

Does your husband still work in New York?
No! He left tech and started a company that is investing in agriculture. His first project is called Bloom Farm in Oley, Pennsylvania. They have planted about two thousand chestnut trees and have a wellness component. It was just in the New York Times and Fast Company. Who knows, maybe even a collab with Home Appétit at some point!

Dr. Bloom is starting a postpartum depletion program on June 12th. Learn more about her business and philosophy here and follow her on Instagram here.