CHAYA LIGHTEN

Edison, New Jersey

CHAYA LIGHTEN

22 years of experience
Accepts insurances

From the start of my career as a Physician Assistant, I was drawn to pediatrics and the mother-baby dyad. My PA journey kicked off on the pediatric ward at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, NY, where I was completely captivated by caring for children and families. Then, life brought me to Central NJ, where I had the opportunity to work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, caring for some of the tiniest, most vulnerable patients. I became a board-certified lactation consultant and was thrilled to offer lactation consultations and make a real difference for new parents and babies. Bringing together my neonatal and pediatric medical experience with lactation and breastfeeding medicine has been incredibly rewarding! I’m proud to be board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. But I didn’t stop there—I went on to get a Master's in Healthcare Administration from the University of Maryland, and I’ve continued to push myself to learn and grow in every way possible. I’ve trained in advanced bodywork techniques, including craniosacral therapy (CST) through the Upledger Institute and the Barnes Myofascial Release method. I’ve also attended the Oral Habilitation of the Breastfeeding Dyad course three times! Continuing education is a constant for me because I believe there’s always more to learn when it comes to helping families. I have 2 locations, in Edison and Brick, NJ and have focused on creating a collaborative practice which includes other specialists as well. Whether it’s kayaking, biking, or tending to our organic and medicinal garden, my family and I like finding new ways to stay active and connected with nature.

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!

CAVELLE FRANCIS

Valley Stream, New York

5.0 (4 reviews)

CAVELLE FRANCIS

13 years of experience

Hi everyone, my name is Cavelle Francis. A certified Newborn Care Specialist, sleep trainer, and virtual consultant located in the New York area. My expertise was acquired from extensive experience with parents and infants, complemented by specialized training from the University of Colorado through Coursera, the Newborn Care Training Academy, and Alison courses. I am truly passionate about guiding parents through the complexities of newborn care and fostering healthy sleep patterns in babies. I firmly believe that postpartum support is crucial for all mothers, whether they are new to motherhood or have been through it before. I aim to cultivate a supportive, non-judgmental space that honors each parent's unique journey. Ultimately, I aspire to empower every mother I work with to face the challenges of parenting with assurance. In my free time, I love to read, listen to podcasts, and travel. If you seek exceptional support on your parenting path, I would be thrilled to connect!

Recent review

Cavelle began working in our family in June 2021 taking care of our 6 day-old boy/girl twins for 8 weeks. “Taking care” is a very passive phrase to explain what Cavelle does. Cavelle and I formed a bond from the moment we met over facetime, where she offered an abundance of advise and wisdom in preparing for the twin’s arrival months before they came. I was a first time mom with zero knowledge and Cavelle has taught me absolutely everything about newborn childcare in way that is carefully and specifically tailored to the needs not only of each of my twins but also for me, and our family. Cavelle created a scheduled routine for the twins that was mindful of their growth and development as well as one that was practical for our lives in such a way that we thrived as a new family of four. Because of the way Cavelle structured and implemented our bedtime routine, our newborn twins were able to sleep in 8 hour stretches in the night by 6 weeks. I cannot emphasize enough how Cavelle’s care for the twins allowed for them to thrive and develop in their early weeks. To demonstrate Cavelle’s wealth of knowledge and expertise, when we faced medical issues or questions, our pediatrician always echoed Cavelle’s first given advice and plan of care. Thanks to Cavelle’s incredible work ethic and multi-tasking style, my husband and I were able to not only get sleep at night and be fully functioning during the day (which is unheard of for newborn parents) but also easily enjoy the luxury of one-on-one time out of the house because we knew that the twins were under the best care with no interruption in their routine. Cavelle provided guidance at every aspect of the newborn journey from breastfeeding, pumping, and breast care, to accompanying trips to the pediatrician, to soothing techniques and differentiating each type of cry for each baby. As a first time mom, Cavelle fostered confidence in me by giving me the tools required in understanding each of my twins’ individual needs and how to properly tend to them. Cavelle goes above and beyond just newborn care by putting her heart and soul into the inceptive upbringing of babies by instilling her love and exceptional expertise. It is the absolute best decision in having Cavelle join our family as a baby nurse for our twins. If you are considering Cavelle as a baby nurse, you cannot find a better person and will be fortunate to experience the hand of Cavelle in your child’s early days.

- Daniella Z.

Chamal Brown

Valley Stream, New York

Chamal Brown

13 years of experience

I am a Newborn Care specialist who love caring for children,am patient, gentle am a specialist who love caring for children,am patient, gentle am a professional Newborn Care specialist who love caring for children,am patient, gentle and responsible individual who take pride in taking care of children. I have a Diploma in Early Childhood Development, CPR certified and train to work with Autistic children. During my garnered experience working with children age 0-14 which include pre mature babies and children with special needs,am really good at getting your baby on a Routine, recommending baby products, soothing techniques, reliefing you at night for a peaceful sleep and offer emotional support.

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.

Monica Mena

Garden City, New York

Monica Mena

8 years of experience

A dedicated and compassionate nurse with a wealth of experience spanning seven years. Focused on providing exceptional care in a community healthcare setting, with a strong emphasis on maternal care, newborn and toddler growth and development, and pediatrics. As a specialist in maternal care, Nurse Monica has supported and guided countless mothers through the transformative journey of childbirth. Her expertise extends to newborn and toddler growth and development, where she strives to provide families with the knowledge and support needed to navigate the crucial early years of a child's life. We are excited to be bringing these services and expertise to homes and communities across Long Island, the goal is to achieve personalized and compassionate care for every single client that signs up for our services and make a difference in the lives of mothers, babies and their families.

Kate Curry

E ATLANTC BCH, New York

Kate Curry

7 years of experience

Hi, I'm Kate! Through collaboration, understanding, evidence-based approaches, and mindfulness, we can make BIG changes to help your family get the rest you need. As a licensed elementary school teacher and certified sleep coach, I can help give you the tools you need to help your little one sleep independently. First, I will learn about your little one and your situation. Then we will collaborate together to create a personalized sleep plan that fits your needs and your comfortability. I the offer support to help you implement the plan and troubleshoot things that come up.

Lucia Oliveira

Bridgewater Township, New Jersey

Lucia Oliveira

5 years of experience

Hello! My name is Lucia and I'm the owner and founder of Dreaming of Lulubies, a sleep consulting practice that empowers parents to instill healthy sleep habits in their children and teach them how to sleep independently while still building connections together. I work with families (virtually) around the world!

Aniyah Talbert

Franklin Township, New Jersey

5.0 (3 reviews)

Aniyah Talbert

3 years of experience

Hello, my name is Aniyah Talbert. My business is named Tiny Miracles. I am a Birth and Postpartum Doula located in Somerset, New Jersey. My background primarily is in early childhood education and development. And now shifting into social work. My practice tries provides you with emotional support, tools to help advocate for yourself, and an overall sense of community. I aim to help you create a peaceful birthing experience and postpartum experience.

Recent review

Aniyah provided services for me when I gave birth to my son. She was very attentive to my needs and helped to keep me calm during my delivery. When I went into labor she dropped what she was doing to be by my side and checked on me every day until I was discharged. She was the absolute best and I highly recommend!

- Amira T.

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.

Kayla Wheelan

Somerville, New Jersey

5.0 (3 reviews)

Kayla Wheelan

8 years of experience

Welcome! We are an established, experienced & professional birth service agency that combines the talents and individuality of our doulas, to provide families with well rounded and dependable labor & postpartum care, from start to finish. Also including placenta encapsulation services.

Recent review

Kayla is amazing!! I used her for placenta encapsulation for my last two babies and couldn’t be happier! She has such a great personality and made us feel so comfortable and excited about the whole process. She was prompt with coming to pick up the placenta and had the pills back to us so quickly. I didn’t do placenta encapsulation with my first baby and I certainly noticed a difference when using them with my last two! 10/10 recommend!

- Sheryl A.

Allison Ambort-Gubelli

Rockville Centre, New York

Allison Ambort-Gubelli

9 years of experience

I am a Long Island mother to three energetic kiddos, an occupational therapist and certified pediatric sleep consultant with Sleep Wise Consulting. My mission has always been to support the children and families I serve, to do the things they want, and need to do in everyday life, despite whatever challenges are in their way. I specialize in real-time, in-home, and virtual support to walk you through every step of your journey to restful and restorative sleep.

Dominicque Brown

Franklin Township, New Jersey

5.0 (3 reviews)

Dominicque Brown

7 years of experience

As an African American birthing doula in New Jersey, I am dedicated to supporting and empowering parents throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. I believe in the importance of culturally competent care and strive to create a safe and inclusive space for all families. My goal is to provide evidence-based information, emotional and physical support, and advocacy for my clients, helping them to have a positive and empowering birth experience. I am passionate about the transformative power of childbirth and the strength and resilience of the human body. I am honored to be a part of each family's unique and beautiful story.

Recent review

She has 17 nieces and nephews all together!!! Wow! As a birthing doula in New Jersey, Dominicque comes highly recommended by past clients. Her calming presence and extensive knowledge of the birthing process make her an excellent support person for expecting mothers. She is attentive, compassionate, and dedicated to providing the best care for both mother and baby. Her expertise in natural birthing techniques and pain management make her an invaluable asset during labor and delivery. Overall, Dominicque's clients have praised her professionalism, expertise, and unwavering support during their birthing experiences.

- Eddie H.

Leticia Almeida

Long Beach, New York

5.0 (1 review)

Leticia Almeida

11 years of experience

I am fortunate to have been raised by a village of strong and caring women, and because I have always been in contact with babies and new mothers, I naturally developed a passion for childbirth and women's care. Seven years later, and in a different country, I became a certified doula providing emotional, physical, and informational support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth. I truly enjoy helping families navigate the birthing process and make informed decisions about their care by sharing the knowledge I have received from wise women since my early days. I am trained in various comfort measures such as massage, breathing techniques, and positioning and can provide guidance and support to your partners and other support persons. I also have over eight years of experience in postpartum support and breastfeeding guidance. I believe in empowering families and fostering a positive birth experience. For that reason, I am currently studying to become a midwife, so I can widen the care I provide to women of all ages. During my free time, I am always working on some craft, practicing yoga, caring for my plants, and learning more about the fantastic feminine body and energy. I am available to support your family in your birth journey, and I am excited to be a part of such a remarkable time in your lives.

Recent review

Leticia’s support during my transition to parenthood was beyond appreciated. She was a wealth of knowledge, always offering a listening ear and able to guide me to resources and information to make my own decisions. She was my peace and calmness when I was overwhelmed. She helped take care of my baby so I wouldn’t forget to take care of myself! I trusted her to treat him as her own. She was gentle, caring and nurturing toward my son. I felt supported and confident as a new mom because I had Leticia in my corner, willing to help in any way needed. I was extremely fortunate to have her assistance and would highly recommend her to other families.

- Kristen P.

Sarina Harty

Peekskill, New York

Sarina Harty

4 years of experience
Accepts insurances

As a birth and postpartum doula, I am honored to share my story with you. My commitment to supporting and empowering families during the transformative experience of childbirth is deeply rooted in my own origin story. I am originally from Laredo, Texas, a city on the Texas-Mexico border. Raised in Mexican-American upbringings, I grew up on the frontera, minutes from the border. I moved to New York City in 2009 to attend New York University’s Steinhardt’s School Counseling and Guidance program. After living in Manhattan and Queens, I moved to the suburbs, Peekskill, NY in 2020. My birth and postpartum doula journey began during 2022 when I recognized the need for comprehensive, inclusive and compassionate support for expectant parents. Drawing from my personal birth experience as a woman of color, a mother and extensive knowledge as a certified doula, I set out to create a space that celebrates the beauty and strength of childbirth. Thus, Mariposa Doula Care was born in 2022. Outside of my doula work, I am an avid advocate for immigration, holding space for the BIPOC community and dedicating time to community education. My devotion to fostering a positive birthing experience extends to empowering families with knowledge and resources, ensuring they embark on their parenting journey with confidence. When not immersed in the world of birth and postpartum care, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter and discovering new outdoor spots in Westchester County. I aim to provide doula care to all families, all backgrounds including but not limited to: BIPOC, single parents, LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent families.

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.

Trisha DeFelice

Stamford, Connecticut

Trisha DeFelice

16 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi! My name is Trisha, I’m a certified postpartum doula who offers travel contracts to those seeking support! My husband and I moved from Stamford, CT to NC 5 years ago where I started my doula business. I am based in North Carolina, but I regularly return to Connecticut where I was born and raised to support families through postpartum! I’m certified through ProDoula and have over 15 years of experience caring for newborns and supporting families during the postpartum period. I frequently visit the Fairfield County area to spend time with my family and friends, and I love being able to give back to the community that raised me by offering in-person postpartum care while I’m there. Whether you’re looking for overnight care, daytime support, or a calming presence during those early weeks, I’d be honored to be part of your journey.

Ariel Aguilera

Stamford, Connecticut

5.0 (1 review)

Ariel Aguilera

10 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Ariel Aguilera has been working with newborns and young babies her entire life. Since 2013, starting at a family house with a preemie baby, over to a low-income daycare where she took care of 7 babies by herself in the nursery area, to come to the United States in 2018 to become an au pair, and off to a childcare career. Ariel completed her training course through Newborn Care Solutions and is a CACHE Certified Newborn Care Specialist. She has experience working with special needs and multiples; besides being a mom herself. Her expertise lies in routine and sleep hygiene. Besides hands-on experience, Ariel also has a training course on how to identify Brachycephaly & Plagiocephaly, is a trained sleep trainer/consultant, and is a CAPPA Lactation Educator & Postpartum Doula. Pediatric CPR, AED, and First Aid, and being up to date on her vaccinations are also on her resume.

Recent review

We had a wonderful experience with Ariel as our postpartum doula. We would recommend her.

- Sarah N.

Allison Panesar

Stamford, Connecticut

5.0 (1 review)

Allison Panesar

6 years of experience

Hi, I’m Allison! I’m a mom of two and pediatric sleep consultant certified through The Family Sleep Institute. I founded The Sleep Collaborative to offer families research-backed, compassionate sleep solutions for improving their children’s sleep. I have expertise in all sleep training methods, ranging from extremely gentle ones all the way to extinction. I provide a safe, judgement free zone for parents and always make sure that my recommendations fall within their comfort zone. My plans and recommendations are personalized for each unique child/family, and I never offer a one-size-fits all approach! Please reach out to see how I can start helping your family.

Recent review

We were a little skeptical that anything would work. Our baby wouldn’t sleep through the night. Now he does. We would review her 5 stars a million times. Unbelievable! Worth every penny.

- Alexander T.

Sara McGovern

Sea Bright, New Jersey

Sara McGovern

4 years of experience

I was called to serve families postpartum after experiencing deeply nourishing and restorative postpartum doula care during those first few weeks with my son. I love providing new families with the gift of time to bond with their new child and of a steady presence to build their parenting confidence alongside. I serve new families by anticipating and attending to the many changing needs in the early postpartum period - rest and recovery from birth, facilitating baby-parent bonding, setting up the home to service new baby care, baby care guidance and truly finding your confidence and intuition as a parent.