Find a Newborn Care Specialist Near Me in Colchester, CT

My journey into birth work began at the intersection of science and intuition. With a degree in biology, I have a deep reverence for the physiological miracle of birth, but as a certified doula, I know that a healthy birth requires more than just clinical understanding it requires emotional safety, advocacy, and a grounded presence. I bridge the gap between evidence-based knowledge and the sacred, natural process of bringing life into the world. I am here to help you navigate your options with clarity and confidence, ensuring you feel empowered every step of the way.

Candace is incredibly knowledgeable and communicates in a way that feels both reassuring and empowering. It’s clear she genuinely cares about supporting families and creating a positive, informed birth experience. Even just from conversations and seeing her approach, it’s obvious she takes her role seriously. She’s thoughtful, well-informed, and brings a steady, reassuring energy that would make anyone feel more at ease during such an important time. 10 out of 10 would recommend.

- Raeven O.

Pawtucket, Rhode Island

5.0 (2 reviews)

Becca Clark

5 years of experience

Hi! My name is Becca. I am here for you to help you have an empowering birth and early parenthood experience! I love supporting people, and have a deep passion for birth work! In my work as a doula, I love incorporating mindfulness and confidence building to help my clients thrive. I find that these practices help clients build trust in their bodies and in themselves, as individuals and as parents, and connects them to their inner strength. Some fun facts about me: I love dancing, watching movies, and I am an animal lover! As a child, I grew up on a small farm. My cat Boo is my child. And I even walk dogs and pet sit on the side of my doula business!

I can’t say enough good things about Becca! From the very beginning, she was there to help me prepare both physically and emotionally. She’s not only incredibly knowledgeable but also so fun and kind, which made the whole process feel a lot less overwhelming. Becca helped me build muscle memory for key movements that would be useful during labor. But she made sure I was not overwhelmed with too much information to be able to stay in “laborland” as she calls. She guided me in identifying and addressing my fears before birth. Acknowledging those fears ahead of time gave me a sense of peace I didn’t even realize I needed. She also helped me create a value-based birth plan, ensuring it was respected by the hospital team (which was not standard care in the hospital!) During labor, Becca was absolutely incredible. She stayed with us for 24 hours straight (or maybe more? I lost track of time after a while lol), supporting not just me but my husband too by helping him to help me. Her positive energy made a huge impact. She created a calm, cozy space with her electric candles and soft voice where I felt safe and protected. She moved with me and held space. When a doctor dismissed my needs and concerns, Becca was right there to advocate for me and made sure my voice was heard. Her advice on pushing positions and paced pushing helped turn my baby, who was in a side position, allowing me to give birth vaginally without tearing!- which was one of my fears. Even after labor, when I felt completely drained and defeated, Becca was there with her positive, reassuring words. She kept reminding me of how strong I had been, especially when I stood up for myself when some of the providers weren’t as responsive as they should’ve been. It helped me to rewrite my birth story and made it a story of empowerment! Becca’s kindness, fun personality, and ability to create such a positive environment gave me the confidence to believe in myself. I truly don’t know how I would have gotten through the experience without her, and I’ll always be so grateful for the positive impact she had on me and my birth!

- Ebra E.

Middletown, Rhode Island

Kaley Davis

4 years of experience

I’m so glad you’re here. I’m am Certified Birth Educator, Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Certified Breastfeeding Counselor, End of Life Doula, Certified in Safe Sleep, and founder of Branches of Birth. Birth is new and important every single time- I believe this with every fiber of my being. Everyone deserves a safe, well-informed birth experience where they are made to feel valued and supported and my goal is to give you the tools, confidence, and all encompassing support to achieve your best birth. I believe in this process and in birthing without fear – it’s not as out of reach as it sounds! I came to this work with a passion for advocacy and empowerment and client-centered care. Empathy is truly the cornerstone of my practice and I approach each birth conscious of the fact that every birth is as unique as the families experiencing it.

Worcester, Massachusetts

Myriam Lukoff

3 years of experience

Myriam Lukoff, a native French speaker originally from Montreal is a compassionate doula and trained in Spinning Babies now living in Shrewsbury. With a degree in physiology from McGill University and over two decades experience in early childhood education, she integrates her knowledge and passion working with families towards a profound dedication in accompanying mothers on their unique childbirth journey. Myriam strives to empower women discovering and embracing their innate strength during pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. She blends cultural sensitivity with unwavering support, ensuring every mother's voice is heard and honored. Her desire to become a doula was a result of how remarkably different and transformative each of her personal childbirth experiences were. Her volunteer work with organizations such as JFCS’s ‘Journey to Safety’ has deepened her commitment towards women feeling empowered, including those affected by domestic violence, highlighting her commitment to the safety and wellbeing of mothers and their children. Beyond her doula role, Myriam is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loves reading novels, playing the piano and spending time with her family.

Hopedale, Massachusetts

Kristen Barraford

2 years of experience

Hi! I’m a birth and postpartum doula passionate about helping families feel calm, informed and supported during one of the most transformative times in life. My approach is grounded in gentle encouragement, evidence based information and intuitive care. I believe birth isn’t just a medical event that brings life into this world but a spiritual, vulnerable and transformative time and you as a mother deserve extra support.

Kristen was an incredible support during my pregnancy and birth. She brought such calm and reassuring energy and always seemed to know exactly what I needed in the moment. Her advice was amazing and truly helped me understand my options and achieve the birth experience I wanted. Her knowledge and encouragement gave me the confidence to trust my body and my choices. I am so grateful for her presence she made such a difference in my birthing experience. Kristen’s support went beyond me as she also gently guided my husband and showed him how to be actively involved in the process. Because of her, he felt confident and engaged, and together we were able to navigate birth as a united team. Her ability to support not just the birthing person but the partner as well sets her apart, and I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a truly empowering birth experience.

- Emma W.

Milford, Massachusetts

5.0 (23 reviews)

Marsha Montgomery

32 years of experience

With over 30 years of experience in child care—including 16 years as a center director—I began my work as a postpartum doula in 2018. As a mom of three grown children (including two retired service members) and a proud new grandmother, I bring both professional expertise and personal insight to every family I support. I love helping new moms navigate the fourth trimester with confidence, combining my training and hands-on experience to make a meaningful difference in their transition. Supporting families during this special time is truly my passion. I’m here to answer your questions and walk alongside you on this beautiful journey.

I cannot recommend Blissful Sleep enough! We have used them twice now, and their timeliness and reliability really stood out compared to other services we’ve tried. The doulas are natural at soothing and caring for babies, and they were incredibly helpful with establishing routines. Beyond just childcare, they did dishes, washed bottles and pump parts, and helped with other chores, which gave us more time for sleep. We appreciated how flexible they were. They always adjusted to whatever we needed that specific morning—some days that meant letting the baby sleep as long as possible, and other days they had her changed and fed so she was ready for our morning rush to school/ work. If our baby didn't need anything in the morning they would brew coffee and read to the older kiddos. They go above and beyond to support the whole family.

- Leah Nation

Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

Smitha Gudapakkam

3 years of experience

My name is Smitha Gudapakkam and I am a CAPPA-certified postpartum doula passionate about supporting mothers during one of life's most transformative periods. My doula style is empathetic, observant, and empowering—I'm dedicated to truly seeing mothers and validating their experiences, especially those who feel overlooked or dismissed. There's nothing more rewarding than witnessing that moment when a mother feels truly validated about her struggles and realizes that these postpartum-related challenges can be addressed. I provide comprehensive support for both your physical recovery and mental health journey. Whether you're navigating healing from birth, adjusting to feeding challenges, dealing with sleep deprivation, or working through the emotional shifts that come with new motherhood, I'm here to guide and support you every step of the way. Drawing from my Indian heritage, I bring time-honored nourishing practices and cultural wisdom that nurture both body and mind to complement modern postpartum care. As a mother myself to an incredible daughter who inspires me daily, I understand firsthand the beautiful complexity of early motherhood—the overwhelming love mixed with unexpected challenges, the need for both practical support and emotional validation. My personal journey through postpartum, combined with my professional training, allows me to offer you both the expertise of a certified doula and the understanding of someone who's walked this path. I'm here to help you navigate this amazing journey with confidence, knowing you have someone in your corner who truly gets it.

Attleboro, Massachusetts

Ceniyah Webster

2 years of experience

Hello, my name is Cenivah! l am a trained Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) & Post Partum Doula (PPD). I have CPR, First Aid & BLS certifications. Along with my Basic & Advanced babysitting certification all through Red Cross. I obtain a Bachelors degree in Health Science and am a nursing student. I currently work at Brewster Ambulance as a Telecommunications Operator. I have experience with postpartum families, 24-hour care and newborns/infants from youngest being 2 weeks to 6 months being the oldest. Ultimately, I want to be a supportive partner for your family. I look forward to the opportunity to bring my dedication and skills to your home!

Providence, Rhode Island

5.0 (5 reviews)

Nicole Rizzo

14 years of experience

I’m a Postpartum Doula and Newborn Care Specialist with more than a decade of experience caring for babies and children. There is so much information and noise surrounding new parenthood, and I love helping families sort through it all and figure out what actually makes sense for them. I don’t believe there is one right way to feed a baby, get through the night, set up a home, or build a family life. I look at your family, your priorities, your resources, your home, and your lifestyle to help anticipate what you might need and find solutions that fit. I offer experience, practical support, and clarity to help you figure out what works for your family. My goal is to instill confidence, support rest, and help your family find its own way forward.

Nicole was one of the best investments we made as first-time parents! She made us feel much more prepared for postpartum life. Her care was really tailored to what our family needed. Before I gave birth she came over and spent the day putting together baby gear, sterilizing bottles, and preparing our home for a newborn. With her help we were able to make the perfect registry. She also curated a the best list of children’s books we will be referencing for years. :) After I gave birth Nicole was always available to answer our questions about newborn care, soothing, sleep, baby wearing, postpartum recovery, developmental play and anything else we threw at her. We always felt comfortable asking her questions. Beyond all of her knowledge and support, Nicole is just an incredibly kind person. Her warmth, patience, and calm presence made such a huge difference during this transition. She listened to what mattered to us and never pushed unnecessary products or opinions. We really can’t recommend her enough, especially for first-time parents.

- Sage Schmett & Madeleine Daly

Montville, Connecticut

Kaitlyn Reed

7 years of experience

Hi! I'm Kaitlyn. I am a DONA Certified Birth Doula and a Rhode Island Certified Perinatal Doula experienced in working with those choosing to have a home birth or water birth, those walking through birth anxiety, and those needing strong human rights advocacy in the hospital setting. I utilize evidence-based childbirth education to teach, Spinning Babies techniques to physically support, trauma-informed care to emotionally support, and Birth Monopoly training to encourage advocacy with my clients. I take an overall holistic and natural-minded approach to care. I work with my clients throughout their pregnancy, continuously through labor and birth, and for a few weeks postpartum in the hospital, at home, and in birth centers. I also offer supportive care during the postpartum period with physical and emotional support for mother's, newborn care, cooking, light cleaning, and more. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and prior to becoming a Birth Doula, I spent a decade professionally teaching. My career has been spent educating and caring for children and their families, which has proven to be extremely beneficial to my birth work. It’s my desire to continue supporting and loving families as they engage in the most important moments of their lives. I birthed both of my children at home and I have a deep love and respect for home births. Through my own pregnancy and birth experiences, I found that having proper support from people you truly trust and feel safe with is absolutely essential for a satisfying birth experience. I'm eager to support you, educate you, reassure you, and help you advocate for everything you want your birth to be. It's my goal to ensure you always feel safe, heard, loved, respected, and empowered throughout your journey.

Kaitlyn has been a long time friend. We were both excited when we found out that we were both pregnant and only a day apart with our boys! This was my first pregnancy and her second. Unfortunately, we live in different states and didn’t see each other much in person. When I was 17 I lost my mom and Kaitlyn was always by my side. The same holds true, even in different states, during my pregnancy. Kaitlyn was always a text, Snapchat, or voice message away from answering any questions I would have. No question or concern was too much to ask! At 20 weeks I learned my son had a cyst in his brain that could indicate a chromosomal abnormality (at 27 weeks we found out that he would be ok after many appointments at a specialist). Kaitlyn was my first call, she kept me calm and although there were no answers she could give me that would take the worry away, it was a blessing to have someone virtually there to support me. I went into labor first and had a hospital birth, everything was beautiful for the first couple of hours and then reality hit. If only postpartum held the same excitement feeling I felt for 9 months. Kaitlyn was in labor at that time and I still felt the love and support that I had throughout my pregnancy. It wasn’t until a month or so after giving birth when she mentioned about becoming a doula and I couldn’t agree more that she would be perfect for that profession! She was doing the work of a doula, virtually, but it didn’t feel like we were 100 of miles apart. If we both were up during the night (throughout pregnancy and postpartum) we would text or Snapchat each other videos of whatever issue we were having. She had advice that I would’ve never thought of. Being that my mom passed away and this was my first pregnancy, I didn’t have that women to go to for advice, to cry to, or just to share our struggles with. Kaitlyn was that person for me, granted she is not my mom but she is someone who would give me honest advice, someone who would wipe my tears through the phone with laughter. She did all this before making it her profession. Her compassion and care make her the best choice for anyone to choose her to be their doula.

- Ashley L.

Norwich, Connecticut

Amya Johnson

12 years of experience

Hello my name is Amya, I am 21 years old. I was born and raised in the groton/newlondon area. I am the oldest out of 10, i have 5 sisters and 4 brothers. I love working with newborns and kids. I am a mother myself, My daughter just turned 4 months. Her name is Azariyah. Fun fact - my mom named all of her kids starting with the letter A, so i am keeping the trend going lol. I enjoy taking care of others it comes natural to me. Birth is such a beautiful experience to go through. To me there will never be enough time to soak it all in. Postpartum is very challenging with trying to heal, taking care of yourself and also taking care of your little one. Trust me when i say i know! Everyone parents different, and i am a parent who does not judge ! I would love to help you out with your little one and your transition to feel back to yourself again.

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.

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.

Vernon Rockvl, Connecticut

Rachel Sauter

Hi, I'm Rachel - a certified postpartum and birth Doula (CBI)! Rooted in a lifelong background in healthcare, empathy and compassion have shaped who I am for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been the one people turn to: the steady listener, the voice of reason, and the person who shows up without judgment during life’s most vulnerable moments. Becoming a Doula felt like coming home. It allowed me to bring together my healthcare experience and my natural calling to support families with presence, compassion, and steadiness. Described as a calm, soothing energy and a "baby whisperer" by clients, I offer a warm and comforting presence that the whole family can lean on. I’m honored to support clients as they navigate pregnancy, birth, and life with a new baby. My role is to be your steady presence and a source of reassurance, evidence-based guidance, emotional support, and calm in moments of uncertainty. If you’re looking for someone who will meet you exactly where you are and support you through every step of your journey, I would love to walk alongside you.

Vernon Rockvl, Connecticut

Hilary Rudenauer

6 years of experience

Hi, I'm Hilary! I'm the mama of two amazing kiddos, Calla and Sage, and an oversized, wanna-be lapdog named Rondo. I'm a wife, daughter, sister, friend, yogi, gardener, adventurer and lover of all things mama and baby. After struggling to become a mother myself, experiencing a difficult birth process, and navigating postpartum depression, I became passionate about supporting individuals and families through the beautiful, terrifying, rewarding, and overwhelming transitions of pregnancy and new parenthood.

New London, Connecticut

Gretchen Grinsteinner

4 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Gretchen, and I am a parenting coach and certified sleep counselor with a master's degree in developmental psychology. My favorite job of all though is being a mom to my two sweet boys and teaching them everything I know about baking and art! I love helping mothers nurture calm, connected relationships with their babies and toddlers through gentle wisdom, firm boundaries, and evidence-based support through the early years. I believe that simple, subtle change is often make the biggest impacts in parenting and sleep. Through guidance, advocacy, and unwavering support, I’ll empower you to trust yourself, navigate change with confidence, and step into your natural strengths as a mother. -Gretchen

Gretchen is a very warm soul and has a passion for nurturing people. She provides so much helpful information backed up with research. I trust her wholeheartedly.

- Bridgette V.

Hartford, Connecticut

Victoria Hall

23 years of experience

I'm Victoria Hall, a Birth & Postpartum Doula, Certified Newborn Care Specialist, and Career Nanny. With over 15 years of hands-on experience, I provide comprehensive care for families before and after childbirth. My passion is to empower parents, nurture newborns, and bring peace of mind to families during this special time. Whether you need emotional support, newborn guidance, or help around the home, I'm here to serve with compassion and professionalism.

Hartford, Connecticut

Ashlynn Smith

11 years of experience

Hi my name is Ashlynn and I am the owner of Nurtured Blossoms Doula Care. I have 9 years of experience working with children and families across the lifespan. I also have a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Colorado State University Pueblo. I completed postpartum doula training with DONA. I then started working as a postpartum doula with San Antonio Birth Doulas where the emphasis was on serving teen and lower-income families. Nurtured Blossoms Doula Care was then born and I have continued to serve families as a postpartum doula. I have always had a passion for all things birth, postpartum, child development, and helping others especially parents. When I had my first I struggled with postpartum depression, navigating working after having a baby, breastfeeding pain, and just normal new parent transitions. I then realized just how important having support after having a baby is! It's amazing how much just a little bit of additional support can make a difference in your postpartum experience. Having a baby whether it's your first or fifth will always be a transition, but every mother and family deserves to be supported, nurtured, and educated during the postpartum period. When I am not serving families as a postpartum doula I reside with my two kids and husband in Vernon, Connecticut. Where I enjoy spending time in nature, reading a good book, and visiting farmer's markets, or a local coffee shop.

West Hartford, Connecticut

Karen Anderson

31 years of experience

Hi, and welcome to Wholehearted Welcome. I’m Karen—but you’re more than welcome to call me Nana. I’m a mother of three—twins born by C-section and a daughter lovingly welcomed through adoption—and a proud grandmother of five, including one cherished bonus grandchild. I’m currently working toward my certification through Mama Glow, and I offer birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum support, along with sibling prep when needed. I come to this work as an elder, a world citizen, and someone who shows up with open arms, a full heart, and a deep belief that birth is a sacred journey. I’m the kind of doula who jumps in with both feet—ready to hold space, advocate, laugh with you, cry with you, and do what needs to be done. Whether you’re parenting solo, welcoming through adoption, or finding your way as a new family, I create a warm, steady, and wholehearted space where you’ll feel supported every step of the way.

Karen is a soulful and passionate birthworker whose presence is truly a joy. She cares deeply for her clients and is committed to ensuring they receive the highest level of respect and compassionate care.

- Karma T.

New Britain, Connecticut

Lilly Serrano

3 years of experience

My name is Lilly Serrano, I am a bilingual (Spanish) birth doula from CT. I am engaged to an amazing partner, and a mama to a beautiful daughter and two fur babies. I was raised around a village of empowering women and mothers, and that is all I ever aspired to be in life. I am here to remind expecting mamas that they can achieve anything and everything they set their minds to, and hopefully make that journey feel a little less overwhelming along the way!