LGBTQ+ Affirming Doulas in East Orange, NJ

These providers list LGBTQ+ families as a specialty. Read their profiles and reviews, and message the ones who feel right for your family.

97 LGBTQ+ Affirming Doulas near East Orange, NJ

Neisha Streete

Port Chester, New York 6 years of experience

5.0 (3 reviews)

Neisha Streete

Accepts insurance

Hello! Most couples are looking for a positive environment where you feel respected, safe, and ready to welcome your new baby. I understand that as your doula I help set the tone and bring energy into your space that will be part of your family's blueprint forever. I have a compassionate, client-centered approach. I bring warmth, love, and extensive knowledge to each family as well as their providers. I bring strong advocacy skills while reducing fear and fostering confidence. I also provide lactation consultations and all modalities of massage including prenatal and postpartum.

Recent review

Hiring Neisha was one of the best decisions I made as I prepared for childbirth, and I would whole-heartedly recommend her to anyone. While I was initially unsure about whether I wanted to hire a doula, after interviewing Neisha I was convinced that it would be helpful to bring her on to support me and my husband before, during, and after the delivery of our first child, and I was not disappointed. I ultimately had a very positive birth experience, and I credit Neisha for giving me the preparation, knowledge, and validation needed to make informed decisions and clearly communicate my preferences during labor and delivery. Early on, she provided us with ample online resources to begin our childbirth preparation. During our prenatal meetings we developed a birth plan, practiced comfort techniques, and discussed the essentials of breastfeeding and newborn care. Throughout my labor Neisha calmly fielded our increasingly anxious calls about whether to take Pitocin and when to begin the epidural. She was a reassuring presence in the delivery room, suggesting alternative positions and providing encouragement to me and my husband through two hours of pushing. Postpartum, Neisha helped with breastfeeding, and continued to check in for several weeks after the end of our official contract as I dealt with a difficult and unexpected complication. Neisha’s professionalism and expertise combined with her warmth and sense of humor made her an invaluable part of my birth team. I would absolutely hire her again. (PS - she is also an incredible massage therapist!)

- Emma J.

Jenna Toulantis

Lebanon, New Jersey 3 years of experience

5.0 (11 reviews)

Jenna Toulantis

Hiring a doula who’s also a photographer seamlessly combines emotional support with the artistry of capturing intimate moments Beyond providing guidance during childbirth, a doulatog ensures that every poignant, transformative instance is beautifully documented, offering a dual role that enhances both the emotional and visual narrative of this profoundly personal journey

Recent review

I feel so blessed that I was able to have Jenna during the end of my pregnancy, during the birth of my son, and postpartum. It is so evident that she really cares so much, and I was so grateful for all the check ins during my pregnancy and postpartum!! No question was ever too much for her and I’m so grateful for her extensive knowledge, kindness and care. My birth didn’t go as I had initially planned, but Jenna helped us to ensure this birth experience was positive and helped us to navigate decisions we didn’t anticipate. She helped me feel at peace when I had questions and helped me feel empowered to make decisions that I knew were best for me. When I had complications after birth, she even drove back to the hospital to be there for me and my husband- I mean amazing!! My only regret is not finding her sooner! I didn’t initially plan on having a doula, but I am SO glad I found Jenna and would recommend her to anyone whether this is your first baby or your 3rd! I know my birth experience would have been drastically different if it weren’t for her. Thank you Jenna, we are so very thankful for you!!

- Erin M.

Allison Petrides

New Canaan, Connecticut 7 years of experience

Allison Petrides

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.

Maria Lodato

Bohemia, New York 2 years of experience

5.0 (1 review)

Maria Lodato

Hello families! My name is Maria and I am a new doula working towards my DONA certification and I can't wait to be apart of your birth team! As your doula, I offer compassionate and personalized support to ensure you feel empowered and cared for throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. With a deep commitment to your physical comfort and emotional well-being, I provide evidence-based information, continuous encouragement, and hands-on techniques to make your experience as smooth and positive as possible. Whether you desire a medicated or unmedicated birth, I respect your choices and advocate for your needs, helping you navigate the process with confidence. My goal is to create a calming presence, foster a sense of control, and support both you and your partner every step of the way. By choosing me as your doula, you gain a dedicated, nurturing guide who is fully invested in your birth experience and early parenthood transition. The philosophy of birth doula care is rooted in the belief that childbirth is a transformative experience that deserves respect, support, and informed decision-making.

Recent review

I had the most incredible experience with Maria! From start to finish, she was so attentive, supportive, and truly went above and beyond to make sure I had everything I needed. She listened to all my preferences and did exactly what I asked for, which made me feel so cared for and empowered. Her knowledge and calm presence made such a huge difference in my delivery—she helped me feel confident, comfortable, and prepared every step of the way. I honestly can’t imagine going through labor without her by my side. She played a huge role in making my birth experience so much better, and I’m beyond grateful. Highly recommend to any mama-to-be looking for the best support possible! 💛

- Aryielle R.

Iyonia (i-Yah-Na) Guinyard

Burlington, New Jersey 7 years of experience

5.0 (3 reviews)

Iyonia (i-Yah-Na) Guinyard

Accepts insurance

Greetings All My name is Iyonia Shavon. I have been a Certified Perinatal Doula, Uzazi Village, 2019, Certified Labor Doula, CAPPA 2023, & NJDLC Doula Mentor. In 2021 I became a NJ Medicaid Doula contract provider with all New Jersey Managed Care organizations and founded my private doula practice Kind Comforting Births LLC. In January of 2023 I contracted with Commercial Horizon BCBS NJ Omnia self pay plans . In August 2024 I expanded to offer services to Horizon BCBS Federal Employee Pilot Program for doula care! As of December 2025 I can now accept Carrot Insurance! I have a passion to serve my community and all birthing persons especially those in BIPOC communities in efforts to decrease infant & maternal mortality rates. I will honor your, voice, and ensure your are provided you with the birth experience you’ve dreamt of. My mission is to decrease the terrible disparities in maternal black health by serving birth by birth and mentoring future doulas.

Recent review

Iyonia was such a blessing as my doula. She was so informative, made us feel comfortable and confident about going into labor with a plan (and a plan b, c , d… and so on) to have the labor experience me and my husband wanted while also managing our expectations (very important)! I felt alone and lost during the birth of my first born. I felt like we were isolated and kind of “rushed” through the experience. But Iyonia made sure I, (and my support team) knew my RIGHTS as a patient, the birthing options available to us, and a plan to avoid the things that I was unhappy about with my first birth. You don’t know what you don’t know, so she made sure we knew what ask for. One experience I will always hold close to my heart was after my husband went to be with the baby after my c-section, she stayed with me, held my hand and continued to give me encouraging words at a time when emotions (and hormones) were about to get the best of me! I will always appreciate her for that. It made a huge difference.

- Brittany C.

FAQs

What does LGBTQ+ affirming care mean?

What should I ask a provider before hiring them?

How much does it cost to use Bornbir?

Keep looking

What parents are saying...

“I wish I knew about Bornbir sooner, as it's so important to surround yourself with experts who understand during those overwhelming moments and share evidence-based information.”

Kristen P.
San Francisco, CA

“I found my birth doula on Bornbir. After submitting my needs, I was able to connect with several awesome doulas that are within a local distance from me.”

Fiona G.
Austin, TX

“Bornbir is a powerful network. It makes connecting with maternal providers so much easier. It means supporting one another through this parenthood journey, no matter what stage you are in.”

Alice W.
Orlando, FL