Amanda (Mandi) Montanez-Eckel

Accept insurances
Birth & Postpartum Doula
Westwood, New Jersey
5.0
About me

If you’re the type of person who likes to feel prepared, we will likely be a good fit. Birth and the early postpartum period are some of the most transformative moments in a family’s life and I truly love supporting families through that transition. I’m a DONA Certified birth and postpartum doula serving Northern and Central New Jersey, the Hudson Valley, and New York City. My work focuses on helping parents feel informed, prepared, and steady through pregnancy, labor, and the early weeks with a new baby. My own experiences with birth deepened my appreciation for how important thoughtful preparation and steady support can be. As a mother myself, I understand how meaningful — and sometimes overwhelming — the transition into parenthood can feel and care deeply about supporting families during that time.

Education

BA Anthropology & Psychology (2012)

Certification and training

Birth Certification DONA (2025)

Spinning Babies Workshop (2025)

Memberships and affiliations

DONA

Credentials
CD (DONA)
Specialties
Birth Doula Birth Support Breastfeeding Assistance and Support Breastfeeding Support Cesarean, Episiotomy and Scar Pain Childbirth Education Evidence-Based Care Exclusive Pumping/Bottle Feeding Home Birth Hospital Birth Infant Care Labor Doula Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Newborn Care Pain Management Postpartum Care Postpartum Doula Care Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum
Languages

English

Accepted insurances
Carrot
Service introduction

Birth is unpredictable, but preparation makes a big difference. During pregnancy we talk through how labor works, ways to prepare for the unexpected and ways partners can stay involved and confident. When labor begins, I provide steady support so families can focus on the work of birth. I happily provide this support no matter how you choose to birth! Postpartum support is sometimes left to chance, even though the early weeks can be the most intense. I also provide daytime and overnight postpartum care, helping families navigate feeding, recovery, newborn care, and the transition into life with a new baby.

Packages
Birth Support: The Guided Shift (most popular for 1st time parents)
Comprehensive birth prep and continuous labor support. Includes: 3-4 in depth prenatal sessions | Monthly call check-ins | CBE integrated into sessions | Birth Planing and Partner Preperation | On-Call support from 37 weeks | Continuous Labor Supoort | 2-hr Immediate postpartum support | 1 Postpartum follow-up
$2,700.00
USD Flat rate
Birth + Postpartum Support: The Continuum
Extended Support from pregnancy through the early postpartum period. Includes: 3-4x prenatal sessions | Monthly Check-in Calls during pregnancy | Birth Planning and Partner Preparation | Continuous Labor Support | 1-2hr Immediate Postpartum Support Following Birth | 2x Postpartum visits (can upgrade to overnight visits if needed
$3,450.00
USD Flat rate
Birth Support: The Steady Ground
A foundational birth doula package focused on preparation and steady support through labor. Includes: 2x prenatal sessions | Birth Planning Guidance | 24/7 On-Call Support from 37 Weeks | Continuous Labor Support | 1-2hr Immediate Postpartum Support | 1x Postpartum Follow-up
$2,200.00
USD Flat rate
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Ratings and reviews
Average
5.0
# of Reviews
5
5.0

I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about my experience with Mandi! From the very beginning, she brought such calm, positive energy and made me feel empowered, informed, and supported every step of the way. Her presence during labor was exactly what I needed—encouraging, grounding, and deeply compassionate. She listened to what I wanted, respected my choices, and offered gentle guidance when I needed it most. I felt truly seen and cared for. Having her by my side made a world of difference, and I’m so grateful she was part of my birth story. If you’re considering hiring a doula, stop searching—you’ve found the best. Thank you, Mandi, for being such a beautiful part of this journey!

- Kelly Muller

5.0

To say having Mandi during my pregnancy, in preparation for my birth, and during my labor was a life saver would be an understatement. I am beyond thankful to have had her for guidance and comfort through all of it. I didn’t even think to have a doula prior to having Mandi recommended to me and now I couldn’t imagine labor without one.

- M. Pellegriti

5.0

I can't say enough good things about my experience with Mandi. She was amazing in every aspect of my birth. From the very beginning she was caring, understanding, and willing to go above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable. My husband and I opted to have a repeat c-section and Mandi helped us prepare. Although this was my second C-section I was very nervous because I didn’t know what to expect with a planned c section. We had multiple visits with Mandi, virtual and In person. Each time we spoke with her she had new print outs and more information for us to go over. She is very detail oriented and doesn't miss a single step. The day of my c-section Mandi met me at the hospital and was with me the whole time. She advocated for me and never let me forget that she was there to make sure I get the birth that I wanted and deserved. She stayed with us from 8am until I was settled in my room which wasn’t until about 12am. She was on top of the nurses to make sure I got the medication I needed in a timely fashion. She would not leave my side unless she knew I was comfortable. I had told mandi I wanted to breastfeed . If it wasn’t for her help and knowledge of breastfeeding I Dont think I would have put in as much effort as I did. With her guidance and my constant texts to her I was able to breast feed and pump. Her motivation kept me going. After we came home with my son, Mandi came to help me get settled into my new role Of being a mom of 2. She did so much to help me around the house. She did laundry, dishes, made sure i ate and drank water, and most of all helped me perfect my son’s latch. It was like a breath of fresh air having someone else take care of all of my everyday chores so I was able to bond with my new baby. I will continue to recommend Mandi to everyone and anyone that will begin to tell me they are pregnant. I will never forget all that she did for me and my family.

- Vanessa

5.0

I couldn't say enough about the support Mandi provided me throughout my pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. During my pregnancy she was always available, checking in on me, reassuring me, and providing me with the information I felt I most needed. I knew she was making a difference in my pregnancy journey then but it became even more clear when Mandi helped me through my labor and the birth of my daughter. She was a constant comfort throughout a sometimes very difficult labor. She supported me every step of the way and I truly feel like she labored as hard as I did! When we were nearing a possible c-section, my doctor allowed her to join us in the operating room and I think he knew how much I needed her to get through the final stretch of my labor. With her encouragement, I was able to deliver my daughter only a few minutes later and avoided a c-section. In postpartum, Mandi took care of me at a time when I was in desperate need of someone caring for me while I cared for my daughter and navigated all of the newness of postpartum. I am so beyond grateful for Mandi and know she will continue to be an amazing support to more women going forward in her career.

- Maria Pellegriti

5.0

I am beyond grateful to have had Mandi be a part of the birth of my daughter. Her knowledge and experience helped me to feel extremely prepared, but also flexible in my expectations when things didn't turn out exactly as planned. Her presence during labor and delivery was soothing and calming and her recommendations throughout were appreciated. Although my labor and delivery did not go as any of us expected, Mandi helped me to feel safe and heard throughout the process. She was extremely comforting for both me and my mother. When I ended up with an emergency c section, it meant a lot to both me and my mom that Mandi was able to stay in the OR with me when my mom went with my baby. Mandi was consoling and comforting and made a stressful and scary situation less frightening. I am beyond grateful that Mandi was with us & I would highly recommend her services for any expecting mother. She was available, responsive, comforting, knowledgeable, kind, and supportive from start to finish!

- Kelly Muller

Frequently asked questions
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Do you support cesarean births?
Do you support hospital, birth center and home births?
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