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.

Kelley Nazarian

Bloomfield, New Jersey

Kelley Nazarian

6 years of experience

Hey there, I’m Kelley Nazarian and I grew up in Montclair, New Jersey. Currently, I reside in Bloomfield, New Jersey with my husband, two children, and our dog. I hold a Bachelors's degree from William Paterson University. I am a certified Postpartum ProDoula, an Infant Feeding Specialist, and a Reiki healer. I carry insurance and I am CPR-certified. As a postpartum doula and a mother myself, my focus is on getting to know my clients well so I can offer the best birth and after-birth services possible for both first-time moms and those who are having their second or third child. Each pregnancy is different. Some moms recover real quick, some moms need time to recover and recharge. This is where I come in. I help my clients build their own toolbox in order to support the value system of their families. I like to start this process during the pre-natal period to make for a smooth transition once the postpartum period has arrived. I offer postpartum support both virtually and in person. I also offer various packages to support all kinds of families and accommodate different needs. I teach Newborn Care classes. I offer bone broth deliveries for new mothers who are replenishing themselves from birth. Lastly, I also support families in times of bereavement and are grieving a loss in any capacity.

Jennifer Michel-Wilson

Queens, New York

5.0 (5 reviews)

Jennifer Michel-Wilson

9 years of experience

My name is Jennifer Michel-Wilson, owner of La Belle Doula Birth Support Services. I am a CD/PCD (DONA), CLC Birth, Postpartum, Bereavement and Holistic Fertility Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor & Educator as well a Certified Childbirth Educator.. La Belle Doula was founded upon the recognition of the extreme lack of compassion in maternal health care, and it became abundantly clear that this was to be my life’s work. My goal is to empower you by not only providing you with the education and tools needed, but also through being an empathetic support system as you go through this unique journey of your life. I put high values on overall well-being and cater to each woman’s individual needs in order to provide guidance & a shoulder to lean on during this complex and powerful experience. As a Doula, I believe in your vision, I trust in your strength, and I remind you of the power within you because every woman deserves a beautiful beginning and ending.

Recent review

My husband and I worked with Jennifer the last trimester of my pregnancy. She always made herself accessible for any questions, and we felt very well supported by her. Jennifer was extremely thorough, timely, and compassionate. She was a master at feeding us information at the right time as not to overwhelm us. My husband and I wound up taking a 6 hour birth class a month before our due date, and we felt so well prepared from Jennifer, that the information in the birth class seemed repetitive from what Jennifer had already instilled in us! The day I went into labor, Jennifer was accesible every moment. She was truly an advocate for us and made us feel safe and connected. My husband and I would absolutely recommend Jennifer to any couple looking for doula. My met several, and Jennifer was truly the best of the best. Thank you Jennifer!!

- Jessica C.

Arlene Maynard

Queens, New York

5.0 (1 review)

Arlene Maynard

28 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My name is Arlene Maynard and I draw upon 27 years of experience supporting families during the early days of parenthood as both a Newborn Care Specialist and Postpartum Doula.One of the most valuable lessons I have learnt is the importance of individualized support. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse array of families, including 74 sets of twins, 4 sets of triplets, and 1 set of quads. Each family's dynamics presented unique challenges, and I have come to appreciate that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to care. By actively listening and tailoring my support to meet their specific needs, I have been able to foster a nurturing environment that empowers parents and promotes the well-being of their newborns. My commitment to professional growth has led me to become a Pediatric Sleep Consultant, a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, a Certified Postpartum Doula, a Cache certified Newborn Care Specialist, an Advanced NCS through the NCSA, a Certified Perinatal Behavior Coach, and I am trained in the RIE method as well the Direct Connect Nurture method. My CPR certification further demonstrates my dedication to ensuring a safe atmosphere for newborns. These experiences have enriched my ability to provide comprehensive care that meets both the physical and emotional needs of families. I find great fulfillment in witnessing families gain confidence in their parenting skills and strive to create a supportive environment where they can share concerns and celebrate milestones. Throughout my years as a Newborn Care Specialist and Postpartum Doula, it has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of compassion, education, and community support. I am enthusiastic about gaining an opportunity to provide exceptional care for families as they navigate this rewarding yet challenging journey of welcoming a new life.

Recent review

We used Arlene as our postpartum doula for the first six weeks after the birth of our son and we were very happy with her service. Not only was she very compassionate, but she was super knowledgeable. She actually helped to save my breastfeeding journey with her little tips and tricks.

- Keira S.

Kelsey Saracer

Greenwich, Connecticut

5.0 (1 review)

Kelsey Saracer

6 years of experience

Hello! My name is Kelsey Saracer and I am a CAPPA certified Postpartum Doula and CPSM certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant. I am passionate about helping other families find their parenting confidence through support, mentoring, advice, and lots of listening. As a postpartum doula I love to educate parents about the wonders of newborns and support both day and night. As a sleep consultant I help you understand your baby's sleep and make a personalized plan to help you maximize their sleep based on their age, personality, your parenting style, and your goals.

Recent review

Kelsey was an amazing partner! Our son loved her. She's sweet and truly cares not only about your baby but also your wellbeing as a new parent. She gave us tips and ticks for getting our little dude to sleep (and keep him asleep), feeding, had great advice on baby gear and recommended some new mom resources for me. Kelsey is great and any parent (and baby!) would be lucky to work with her!

- Carly L.

Keshia Jackman

Newark, New Jersey

Keshia Jackman

2 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi! My name is Keshia Jackman, located in Newark, NJ. I trained as a community doula with Ancient Song Doula Services. I am dedicated to helping parents navigate through their pregnancy safely, and with as little intervention as possible. In my spare time, I like to read, listen to music and play my occasional video game. I'm also part of a community choir.

Vanessa Stennett

Montvale, New Jersey

Vanessa Stennett

8 years of experience

Hi, my name is Vanessa Stennett, a dedicated and compassionate Newborn Care Specialist with over 7+ years of experience supporting families through the beautiful, often overwhelming, first months of their baby's life. I specialize in creating peaceful sleep environments, guiding new parents through feeding challenges and fostering healthy development through age appropriate activities while maintaining detailed records of feedings and sleep patterns. I am CPR & First Aid certified, fully vaccinated and have extensive training in infant care. My philosophy centers on empowering parents with knowledge and confidence, working as a team to tailor care to your unique family's needs, ensuring a harmonious postpartum period for everyone. When not caring for little ones, I enjoy reading up on the latest infant development research,music, traveling, socializing and working with charitable organizations for infants and widows. I am passionate about making this special time joyful and manageable and would love the opportunity to learn and support more about your family.

Josette Severino

Brooklyn, New York

Josette Severino

5 years of experience

Hello, wonderful community members! 🌸 I'm delighted to introduce myself as a trained Doula on the path to certification. My name is Josette, and I'm here to offer my services to support you during your incredible journey into parenthood. As a mother and Brooklyn native I am committed to providing compassionate and personalized care to families in our vibrant community. With a focus on emotional well-being, childbirth education, and women empowerment. Additionally, I offer nesting services where I assist in prepping for your new bundle of joy, ensuring your home is a warm and welcoming environment for your growing family. I am eager to be a part of your village. Let's connect!

Julia Melchoir

Brooklyn, New York

Julia Melchoir

31 years of experience

My name is Julia Melchoir and I have been a certified Newborn Care Specialist for the past 20 years. During this time my caring and nurturing skills have given me the knowledge and experience each newborn needs to develop. My specialties are being a night nurse that enables me, and gives me the opportunity to love, care, and understand each baby from their simplest cry, to each facial expression. In this way, I can identify when a baby is either colicky, or uncomfortable with a wet diaper. This act of love is what makes me perform to my highest and best whilst taking care of any baby.

Nicole Spearman Akwe, CD

Bayonne, New Jersey

Nicole Spearman Akwe, CD

12 years of experience

I have been providing birthing support, assistance, and care since 2013 nationally across the United States with a specialty in birth/miscarriage/abortion aftercare. So far, I have attended 4 births and have provided prenatal and post-partum services for over 10+ women. I am walking in my calling and I believe that all women deserve to have affordable support and care during birth. I am an African-American certified Muslim doula and I'm willing to work with all walks of life, religions, and cultures. I am so excited to meet new mothers!

Antionette Wearing

Bayonne, New Jersey

Antionette Wearing

4 years of experience

As a full-spectrum doula, my purpose is to hold space for pregnant people through the profound journey of creating life - offering compassionate support during the prenatal, birth, and postpartum stages. I am here to help them reclaim their voice, reconnect with their creativity, and step into their inherent power as they navigate not only the physical aspects of birth but the emotional and spiritual transitions of life. Through every stage, I aim to empower them to feel seen, heard, and deeply supported in their transformation. I am committed to educating and uplifting my clients by sharing the rich history of Black women in birth work, ensuring that their stories are included in the broader narrative. I empower people to write and reclaim their own birth narratives, allowing their voices to be heard and honoring the legacy of Black women in this sacred space.

Jade Newkirk

Montclair, New Jersey

5.0 (11 reviews)

Jade Newkirk

13 years of experience

Jade is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Birth Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, and mother. She brings years of experience, compassion, and a deep respect for the transformative journey of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. Jade takes an evidence-based, inclusive approach to perinatal care. She does not subscribe to one “right” way to give birth — instead, she supports all types of births and all families, whether that includes unmedicated labor, pain medication, cesarean birth, home birth, or hospital birth. Her goal is to help each family feel informed, respected, and empowered in their decisions. She is deeply committed to amplifying diverse voices in the birth space and works collaboratively with healthcare providers to ensure that care is respectful, culturally sensitive, and centered around the needs and preferences of each birthing person. Jade offers a wide range of services to support families through every stage of the perinatal experience, including: Holistic Lamaze Childbirth Education Classes “Breathing for Birth” Childbirth Prep Workshops In-home Prenatal & Postpartum Lactation Support Customized Newborn Care Classes Prenatal and Postnatal Support for Families Doula Mentorship In addition to her work with families, Jade is the Doula Program Director at Montclair B.A.B.Y., where she collaborates with her partner Kelli DeFlora to bring high-quality, nurturing, and educational programming to new and expectant families in the community.

Recent review

Before I went to Jade's childbirth class at Montclair BABY, I had never heard of a doula. Her class was holistic of all the options during labor and delivery, and my husband and I felt like Jade could be the perfect support person to ease my anxiety during pregnancy and labor. We were absolutely right. Jade offered continuous comfort and information for me throughout my pregnancy. She is extremely knowledgeable and thorough and gave advice for things I hadn't even considered. Being someone who has always been terrified of childbirth, Jade eased my anxiety leaps and bounds. We prepared for it beforehand, but once I went into labor, Jade supported us over the phone and at my home before we went to the hospital. My birth went from something that I used to fear, to something I now look back on with fond memories (I think that's a wild transformation) and I truly credit a lot of that to Jade. She was an advocate for me at the hospital, she rarely left my side except when I needed alone time with my husband, and she encouraged me. She worked cooperatively with the rest of the birth team. Dare I say birth was actually a little fun? I whole heartedly recommend Jade as a doula and would love to have her at my future births. There really aren't enough words to describe how grateful I am for her.

- Jen D.

Astrid Hufnagel

Montclair, New Jersey

Astrid Hufnagel

10 years of experience

When I had my "Little Prince" (Finn), and became involved in the birth world, I realized that I found a calling! Working with families through their pregnancies, and helping them embrace the new phase of life after birth, brings me much joy and satisfaction. I have a creative side, with a passion for photography. I also have a love for travel and exploring the outdoors. My experiences with my boys have made me attune to the struggles one can endure in pregnancy, birth, and the post-partum period. I am a researcher at heart and am extremely resourceful. If I don’t know an answer, I am confident that with some time and research I can come back to a situation with various angles and options to help families navigate this new and exciting time in their lives. I look forward to being a part of your journey!

Odinakhon Majidova

Brooklyn, New York

Odinakhon Majidova

8 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hello, my name is Odinakhon Majidova. I am a certified Home Health Aide (HHA) and a caring, reliable newborn caregiver with over 2 years of experience supporting families and providing overnight infant care. I have worked in hospitals in Uzbekistan and recently completed a Medical Assistant diploma in Brooklyn, NY. I specialize in newborn and infant care, especially at night, helping babies sleep safely and comfortably while supporting new mothers during recovery.

Kei Gravesande-Wilson

East Orange, New Jersey

5.0 (5 reviews)

Kei Gravesande-Wilson

4 years of experience

Hi there! I’m Kei Gravesande-Wilson, your caring and supportive doula based in East Orange, New Jersey. Becoming a parent is one of life’s greatest adventures, but it can also be overwhelming. That’s where I come in! As a birth and postpartum doula, I’m here to support you and your partner every step of the way – from the excitement of pregnancy to the blissful (and sometimes chaotic!) early days with your baby. I believe in creating a calm and supportive environment, whether you’re dreaming of a natural birth or planning a C-section. I’m passionate about helping new parents feel confident and empowered, and I’m always happy to share my knowledge about breastfeeding, and baby care, or just offer a listening ear. Let’s work together to make your journey into parenthood as smooth and joyful as possible.

Recent review

I cannot express enough gratitude for the incredible support I received from my birth and postpartum doula, Kei. From my third trimester all the way through labor and the first four weeks postpartum, Kei was a constant source of guidance, comfort, and strength. Kei provided me with an abundance of resources, including recipes, guides, exercises, and daily affirmations, which were invaluable during my pregnancy. She was instrumental in helping me stick to my birthing plan, yet was flexible and adaptive when changes were necessary during labor and delivery. One of the many thoughtful gestures Kei made was gifting me a birth exercise ball and warm compresses for breastfeeding. Her knowledge on breastfeeding and pumping was extensive; she not only educated me on the process but also made me a special lactation tea that significantly helped increase my milk production. Her hands-on approach in showing me how to breastfeed, along with tips for storage, was incredibly reassuring for a first-time mom like me. Kei's expertise didn't stop there. She helped our baby accept a pacifier, something we struggled with on our own, and showed us various tools and techniques to soothe our baby during those tough middle-of-the-night crying spells. Her 24/7 availability was a lifeline, especially when I experienced Braxton Hicks contractions and needed reassurance. During labor, Kei's support was unwavering. She stayed with me for over 24 hours in the hospital, ensuring I never lacked anything, whether it was physical comfort or emotional encouragement. Kei's presence gave me the confidence and strength I needed to navigate this new chapter of my life. I left this experience not just with a supportive doula but with a life-long friend. I wholeheartedly recommend Kei's doula services to anyone seeking comprehensive prenatal and postpartum support. Her dedication, compassion, and expertise are unmatched. Thank you, Kei, for being an indispensable part of my journey into motherhood.

- Danielle B.

Ivanna Garcia

Newark, New Jersey

Ivanna Garcia

14 years of experience

I have over 10 years of experience caring for children from newborns to teenagers. I’ve supported families with overnight infant care, daily routines, and creating fun, safe environments that fit each child’s personality. Families often describe me as reliable, nurturing, and patient, with a strong ability to connect with kids at every stage.

Judy White

Wyckoff, New Jersey

Judy White

7 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Congratulations on your doula search! I am birth & postpartum doula, with special training in perinatal loss, as well as a Certified Lactation Counselor. If you are looking for an experienced doula from Bergen County with inclusive experience of supporting families on their birth journey, I may be the perfect fit! My experience includes surrogacy, teen pregnancy, vbac, medicated & natural birth. Aa the parent of 4 young adults, I am comfortable and experienced in birth center, hospital and home birth, provided you are in the care of a provider. My business is registered in the state of NJ, insured, and all of my credentials are current. Check my Google reviews or reach out so I can connect you a client who has personal experience working with me! Best wishes for a beautiful, powerful, and memorable birth.

Odayne Williams

Newark, New Jersey

Odayne Williams

2 years of experience
Accepts insurances

As a full-spectrum doula based in New Jersey, I provide compassionate, culturally centered support for families throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. My mission is to uplift, educate, and empower mothers, fathers, and families—ensuring they have the knowledge, advocacy, and emotional support they deserve during one of life’s most transformative journeys.

Mary Mendoza

Thornwood, New York

Mary Mendoza

21 years of experience

Compassionate and reliable night nanny with 20 years of experience caring for newborns and infants overnight. I specialize in establishing healthy sleep routines, providing newborn care, and supporting parents during the early stages of infancy. CPR and First Aid certified. Available for full-time, part-time, or temporary overnight care. Let me help your family get the rest you need!