Allison Petrides

New Canaan, Connecticut

Allison Petrides

7 years of experience

After birthing three children within a time span of five years, I couldn't help but recognize how overwhelming pregnancy, childbirth and parenting in general can be. I also had an unfavorable birthing experience with my first child. I was young, under-supported with financially limited options and felt "under-qualified" to be part of labor and delivery decision making. I simply left everything up to my obstetrician. I was told what to do and what not to do, what to take, where to go and even when to push. I was rarely asked for consent, but rather told what they were doing to me as they decided to do it. It all felt so clinical, as if I was in the hospital due to an illness rather than a healthy, natural event. I felt lonely, helpless and scared for three days straight. Needless to say, the experience left me wondering what could have been done differently and what choices each pregnant mother has to create a more empowered, positive birthing experience. ​ The moment I discovered doula work, it gave me a sense of relief learning that our society has a support system specially geared for the mother to be guided and assisted through this journey. I personally feel that our culture has brainwashed us to believe that childbirth is simply a painful burden to endure. (Cue television and movie clips where the laboring woman is screaming bloody murder and everyone is rushing around her as if there is a scary emergency to be remedied.) However, with the right knowledge and support, there can be such beauty and empowerment that comes with knowing all of your choices and feeling in control while fully trusting that your body has the capability and the strength to do exactly what it's meant to do - create new life and make miracles happen. ​ I am a certified labor doula (CLD) and certified postpartum doula (CPD) through CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association). I actively attend workshops, courses and continuing education classes on childbirth, hypnobirthing, fetal positioning, breastfeeding, postpartum, baby care basics and holding space for pregnancy loss in the Fairfield County, CT area. I am also Certified in Usui Reiki Levels I & II. ​ I am passionate about childbirth and I work incredibly hard to ensure that my clients have a positive and memorable birth experience however they may envision that to look like. My goal is for you to feel informed, respected and for your voice to be heard by your birthing team in your chosen birth environment.

Megan Mendoza

Darien, Connecticut

Megan Mendoza

5 years of experience

My name is Megan Mendoza, I’m a birth doula and am passionate about educating birthing people and helping them learn about their options when it comes to childbirth and postpartum. I have an incredible husband, David. Together we have two amazing and very energetic little boys Grover and August, and a sweet heart of a dog Lola. As a family we love to hike and travel as much as we can. While I was pregnant with our second (August) we traveled full time in a school bus converted into a tiny house. This is when I really found my voice to advocate for myself. Everyone thought (and told us several times!) that we were crazy for having a young toddler and expanding our family while we didn’t have a "typical" house. But I knew that it was possible and that I was going to have the birth I had dreamed about. A few months later I was able to have an empowered V-BAC birth. Through this experience I discovered my love for helping women find their own voices and to help advocate for themselves to have the empowered births they desire, whatever that may be.

Martha Alicia Hudson

Stamford, Connecticut

5.0 (8 reviews)

Martha Alicia Hudson

8 years of experience

With over 20 years of experience supporting families across six countries, I bring a deep understanding of the diverse ways cultures nurture parent-child relationships. My journey into birth work began as a Health Community Worker, advocating for immigrant Latino families in New York. Later, while working at a mental health agency in Connecticut, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that nurturing, consistent, and responsive caregiving has on a child’s development. This realization fueled my passion for family support and led me to become a Birth and Postpartum Doula, ensuring families receive guidance and care from the very start of their parenting journey. Three years ago, I earned my certification in Perinatal Mental Health, allowing me to further support families through the emotional complexities of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Fluent in both Spanish and English, I am dedicated to creating a compassionate and culturally informed space for every family I serve.

Recent review

Martha brought a level of joy, reassurance and experience to our daughters birth we didn’t even know we needed. Every step of the way through my pregnancy she checked in on me and provided the guidance I needed. Our birth changed pretty rapidly but Martha’s positivity and expertise made the entire experience more enjoyable. We were able to really focus on the birth while she helped guide those around us on decisions we made beforehand. Pregnancy doesn’t just stop after birth, the emotional and physical work continues after you’re home as well. Martha is there by your side through it all! She helped change my postpartum experience immensely, I cannot thank her enough. I will forever recommend The Knitting Doula!

- Ashley Z.

Ayesha Rahman

Northport, New York

4.2 (5 reviews)

Ayesha Rahman

4 years of experience

Ayesha is a certified doula and childbirth educator. She provides childbirth education to all her clients upon hire. Each client has different needs; therefore, she is willing to adjust and tailor each contract individually based on what support is needed. The services provided include pregnancy support, labor and delivery support, and postpartum support. For pregnancy support, Ayesha is available 24/7 upon hire to answer any non-medical questions. Ex- what to expect at doctor appointments. She also has personal experience with 2 pregnancies. For labor and delivery support, Ayesha can provide education and coping strategies for pain management and relaxation. Ex- positive affirmations, positioning, massages. She is a strong advocate for her clients and can communicate her clients’ preferences to others if needed. This is due to her experience working with nurses in her previous corporate job as a healthcare recruiter. For postpartum support, Ayesha can provide emotional companionship. Her postpartum services are similar to a “mommy’s helper” where she can do laundry, groceries, and/or babysit if needed as requested by the client.

Recent review

I can't say enough wonderful things about my friend Ayesha Rahman as a doula. From the moment I met her, it was clear she was passionate about supporting mothers through one of the most transformative experiences of their lives. Her calming presence, extensive knowledge, and genuine care make her an invaluable asset during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She goes above and beyond to ensure her clients feel empowered, informed, and supported every step of the way. When I was pregnant my second child, she would give me advice on my labor and delivery to make me feel more comfortable with the whole process. Our children were roughly the same age. She gave me a lot of support throughout pregnancy and made me feel calm about my birth plan decisions. I highly recommend Ayesha to anyone seeking a compassionate and skilled doula.

- Maira G.

Danielle Robeants

Coram, New York

Danielle Robeants

8 years of experience

Hello everyone, my name is Danielle Robeants and I am a Certified Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula located in Coram, New York . All the facets of birth are my joy and passion, and I'm always curious to learn more. Coming from a background in Direct Care/ Medical, I believe birth can be calm and peaceful if we set the right tone with positive energy to get there. My practice tries to create a judgment-free zone for all parents seeking informational and emotional support. In my free time, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband & two girls, road trips, sound healing, reiki, self care and a good latte with my bestie.

Taylor Pellicane-Ruggiero

East Northport, New York

Taylor Pellicane-Ruggiero

3 years of experience

Mom of 3 looking to provide support for all on their birth journey. Birth is beautiful. Here to help, hold, heal & honor Mom, baby & Partner throughout Motherhood

Davin Kennedy

Roxbury, Connecticut

Davin Kennedy

3 years of experience

Hi everyone! My experience with birth started with my first birth: my son was born peacefully at home in the water. I fell in love with birth right away, and began taking doula classes. My approach to prenatal, labor, and postpartum care is mother and family centered. I’ve also trained in labor massage, Ayurvedic postpartum nutrition, childbirth education, and as a lactation educator and placenta specialist. My goal is to offer support, assurance, and information to my families at every step of their early parenthood journey. My philosophy and education align best with mamas who are pursuing natural birth and holistic support. I have experience with VBACs, HBACs, and free births.

Nicole Kristensen

Brewster, New York

5.0 (1 review)

Nicole Kristensen

3 years of experience

As a Catholic doula and wellness coach, I help Catholic moms achieve holiness through a body, mind, and soul approach to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I offer prayerful pregnancy planning and coaching through a uniquely faith-based lens, physically support and pray with mamas during labor as a birth doula, and continue to walk with them through postpartum doula services and ongoing wellness coaching rooted in God's design for your body. My Philosophy: - Pregnancy, labor, and postpartum are an experience of God and a call to holiness. - A mother's voice should ALWAYS be respected in her pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. - No mother should have to do all of this alone - physical and prayerful support changes everything. - Fitness and wellness for mothers is less about achieving standards and more about maintaining balance so we can better serve our families.

Recent review

We had Nicole help us adjust to life with the baby as soon as we came home with our newborn from the hospital. She is very professional and helped us a lot in our early days with the baby - she was an amazing resource for us as new parents. While she helped us with baby laundry, bathing (she gave our baby the first bath, so we watched and learned) , cooking ( she is an amazing cook) , tidying up our house, baby care guidance, more importantly she gave us the confidence that we can do it ourselves! If it was nt for our babies grandparents living with us now, we would have definitely asked Nicole to come back for longer! She was amazing - Thanks Nicole!

- Nilu G.

Shantel Taylor

Brentwood, New York

Shantel Taylor

7 years of experience

As the founder and CEO of Doula S.M.I.L.E., my heart is dedicated to supporting and uplifting families during one of life’s most transformative experiences. I am a trained birth and postpartum doula through DONA International and a Certified Lactation Counselor. My goal is to help you achieve the birth and postpartum experience you’ve always dreamed of, surrounded by warmth and understanding.

Robin Dini

Guilford, Connecticut

Robin Dini

4 years of experience

Robin loves all aspects of being a doula and supporting clients through pregnancy and preparing for labor. She has found a niche in prenatal and birth support with the addition of birth photography. It is an incredible honor to share her clients' birth story through photographs and document their first chapter of their child's life on earth. She also enjoy supporting her clients when they are home with their baby for the first night postpartum. Several of her birth clients have hired her to stay overnight during those first days at home to help them get the sleep they need by caring for baby and helping set up the essential supplies to care for their newborn. Since she was a young child, she has always felt the desire to care for others. Robin created Within Motherhood after answering the call to support women on their journey into motherhood.

Wendy Wilson

New Milford, Connecticut

Wendy Wilson

3 years of experience

Hello! I’m Wendy, a devoted certified birth and postpartum doula, newborn care speci alist, and nutrition & wellness consultant. I’m passionate about supporting families through natural birth and empowering mothers with personalized care. My expertise in natural methods and holistic nutrition ensures that you and your baby receive the best start possible, guid ed by a commitment to empowering and nurturing11 both mother and child.

Laura Siddons

Farmingdale, New York

Laura Siddons

17 years of experience

We offer support groups and classes for expectant and new parents.

Rita Buchanan

West Babylon, New York

Rita Buchanan

19 years of experience

Hello there !!! My name is Rita Buchanan and I am a birth Doula !! I have spent 17 years of my life working in Obstetrics and Gynecology. It was then when I realized my passion for birth work . Comforting , assisting and emotionally supporting woman and families has been very rewarding to me. As a former teen mom , now a mother of three and grandmother of two , I know how important it is to be a voice to those that feel unheard . To provide advocacy and hold space to those in need. To be apart of something much bigger than myself . This is my true calling . I love people and pray I get the chance to touch as many lives , through birth work and humanly possible. Every family I get to assist is my great joy ..

Joyce Havinga-Droop

Larchmont, New York

1.0 (1 review)

Joyce Havinga-Droop

15 years of experience

Hello my name is Joyce Havinga-Droop. I am a Birth Ambassador. What does that mean? It means that I will walk with you through the "new" land of pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum. I will provide you with information and education where needed. I will advocate and translate along the way. I will be diplomatic with your care providers and nurses. ​ I've lived in many different countries of the world and know how to respect and adapt to people's traditions and cultures. I am calm, reliable, knowledgeable, warm and above all I am passionate about birth. I love squishy babies and love caring for mamas and families. ​ "Your birth has the potential to be profoundly transformative in your life. It is the right of every person to have the birth that they desire and to make choices that are best for themselves, their baby, and their family."

Leah Katznelson

Larchmont, New York

Leah Katznelson

15 years of experience

My practice combines a holistic and diverse approach to clients prenatal, birth and postpartum experiences. I bring warm emotion support together with research based education to help guide you during your pregnancy and birth. In addition to traditional birth doula support, my services include Lactation, Hypnobirthing, Postpartum nutrition and support.

Bethany Wallace

Plainville, Connecticut

5.0 (1 review)

Bethany Wallace

5 years of experience

Although I didn’t know it then, my journey towards becoming a doula began nearly 15 years ago with the birth of my first child. My labor and birth experience was far from empowering and while I was overjoyed to have my son, I always wished things had gone differently- that I had been listened to when I tried to assert myself, that I had been given alternative pain management options when I said I didn’t want an epidural, that the nurses and doctors had explained what they were doing and given me choices before just going ahead and doing it. I always wished that I had felt more in control in that delivery room. Flash forward 14 years to the birth of my second child, and things went exactly as I could have hoped for largely in part due to the team of amazing people I chose to surround myself with. I switched to a Midwife group that took the time to listen to me and honor all of my wishes; I chose a birthing center where I knew I would have plenty of options, but still have the safety and security of a hospital and NICU nearby should something go wrong; and I hired my doula! She made me feel safe, secure, listened to, and protected. She was there as my advocate (though I never had to use her as such because my Midwife was so amazing), she was there as a shoulder to lean on, and she made sure my wife and I had all that we needed during my labor and the birth of my daughter. Between kiddo number one and kiddo number two, a lot happened- 14 years worth of happenings! During that time in-between, I owned and operated Bloom Yoga Fitness Studios in Southington, CT. I taught thousands of hours of yoga- hundreds of them to pregnant clients. And I also became a Licensed Massage Therapist certified in Pregnancy Massage. My personal birth experiences, my decade of yoga teaching, my time as a massage therapist all led me to where I am today. I am now a Birth Doula working with clients in Hartford, New Haven and Middlesex counties. I still teach yoga and perform massage and you’ll see many of my doula offerings include yoga, meditation, and massage. I am passionate about birthing people making informed choices that feel right for them and it’s an honor to standby my clients as they take the amazing journey that is labor and birth.

Recent review

I'll start by saying I interviewed at least a half dozen doulas and Bethany was the only one I felt a true connection with. She was so easy to talk to, knowledgeable, and comforting just from our first conversation. My goal was an unmedicated hospital birth, and she helped me feel so prepared and capable during our journey from the home visits to the hospital and all the texts in between. She's a plethora of knowledge and resources! She was awesome about checking in and always keeping an open line of communication and encouraging questions (which I had a lot of random ones along the way as a first time mom). My hospital birth couldn't have gone better - she was there before the doc rooting me on and advocating on my behalf throughout the prices. Our post partum visit was the therapy session I needed. I am so thankful for Bethany and her services. She does incredible work and was meant for her role! Vivian, Jason and I thank you!!

- Avery B.

Keriann Cartwright

Middletown, Connecticut

5.0 (6 reviews)

Keriann Cartwright

4 years of experience

Hello! I'm Keriann. I have been a doula since 2023 but a mother since 2018. I have two kids, many pets and a wonderful husband. I am a very spiritual person and am Christian if that is important criteria for you. When I am not working I enjoy reading, baking, traveling and working on my family farm. I so look forward to speaking with new clients here and changing lives through birth work.

Recent review

Keriann provided such wonderful preparation for my second child. She is very well educated and I found her informational guides to be very helpful. She also provided me with such interesting and transformational things like prenatal yoga and reiki. I had never done these before and I feel they really impacted my birth positively.

- Joy P.

LaToya Southwell

Nyack, New York

5.0 (14 reviews)

LaToya Southwell

26 years of experience

Hello! My name is LaToya Southwell born in the beautiful Island of Antigua. I am a wife, a mother of 4 amazing children, a doula, Reiki practitioner, as well as CPR certified (pediatrics) and I reside in Nyack, NY. Being a doula is not a job, it is a calling and a blessing to be apart of such a beautiful journey. I am here to support, help where needed as well as educate. I am blessed to be a blessing!

Recent review

Latoya is an absolute blessing!!!! Her presence alone makes me feel so secure, comfortable, and understood. Her support, knowledge, and expertise take the experience with her OVER THE TOP. Highly, highly recommend her services whether you’re a first time, second time, or 3rd time mama !!!!!<3

- Alondi G.

Stephanie Lafontant

Nyack, New York

5.0 (2 reviews)

Stephanie Lafontant

7 years of experience

A first generation Haitian American who has been working with birthing families since 2019.She is a full spectrum doula and became a Certified Lactation Counselor in 2022. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and Africana Latino Studies with a concentration In gender studies from SUNY Oneonta and a M.A. degree from the University at Binghamton, Vestal New York where she studied Sociology and DEI. The specialization to do birth work was a natural trajectory because she understands and is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that is sensitive to the cultural and social context. After having much difficulty breastfeeding her first born, and being a two time Hyperemesis Gravidarum survivor;supporting birthing people through their reproductive years was an absolute must. In particular she specializes in working with systematically marginalized individuals and the immigrant population. Stephanie is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that is sensitive to the cultural and social contexts. Stephanie is a member of the Rockland Breastfeeding Coalition. She is a full scholarship recipient of Black Maternal health Doula scholarship. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, listening to democracy now ,cooking, meeting new people, and unschooling herself and her two children. All Breastfed and birthed at home

Recent review

After struggling with severe pain during breastfeeding and hearing that discomfort was normal and to keep pushing through, I was beyond grateful when Stephanie came to my rescue. First off, Stephanie knows her stuff! She is so knowledge and passionate about sharing all she can to help with lactation. Stephanie was able to tweak my techniques, give me pointers, and boom, no more pain! With no judgement, and a kind attitude, Stephanie made it easy for me to relax and trust the process. Breastfeeding is NOT suppose to hurt! Who knew! If you're having any sort of issues with feeding or lactation, call Stephanie! Your welcome!

- Ori-Ann D.

Sarah Ludwig

Nyack, New York

Sarah Ludwig

15 years of experience

Hi! I am Sarah Ludwig and I offer childbirth education, labor, and postpartum support. I am passionate about preventable injury and work on outreach for both car seat and sleep safety.