Emily Berninger - Birth Doula

About Emily

I'm a DONA-certified birth doula with a Master of Social Work from Columbia University, serving families in Kingston, Ulster County, Dutchess County, and throughout the Hudson Valley. With a decade of experience in social work, seven years of training and practice in Western herbalism, and my own journey through motherhood, I bring a compassionate, grounded, and holistic approach to birth support. My additional training includes Spinning Babies, Hypnobirthing, lactation support, and perinatal mental health. I combine evidence-based education, hands-on comfort techniques, and emotional support to help families feel informed, confident, and supported throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I believe that how we experience birth matters, not because there's one right way to give birth, but because every family deserves to feel heard, respected, and empowered in their choices. Whether you're planning a home or hospital birth, hoping for an unmedicated experience, or considering an epidural or other interventions, my role is to provide steady, nonjudgmental support tailored to your individual needs and preferences. Drawing on my clinical social work background, I offer a trauma-informed, body-positive, and inclusive approach, warmly welcoming LGBTQ+ families, single parents, and families of all backgrounds. My goal is to be a calming, reassuring presence and a trusted resource as you navigate the transformative experience of welcoming your baby.

Availability

Taking new clients

Due Feb – Sep 2027

Confirmed today

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Birth Doula services

From our first prenatal meeting through birth and postpartum, I offer personalized support tailored to your needs and preferences. My services include birth preparation, evidence-based education, hands-on comfort measures, emotional support, and advocacy. I also incorporate my background in Western herbalism, offering personalized herbal recommendations and handcrafted teas, along with postpartum support, newborn care guidance, and space to process and reflect on your birth experience.

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Certifications, training, and specialties

Certification and training

Birth Doula Training, Bastyr (2018)
Birth Doula Certificate, DONA International (2024)
Placenta Encapsulation, Carrie Kenner (2025)
Hypno-Doula Training, Hypnobabies (2025)
Lactation Support Training, Sharon Muza (2023)
Spinning Babies (2022)
Childbirth Class, w/ Penny Simpkin (2018)
All Pregnant People: Understanding Transgender Fertility, Pregnancy and Birth, Trans Fertility Co., (2025)
Fat Positive Provider Workshop, Christina Hughs (2023)

Education

Bachelor in Human Rights, Bard College (2007)
Master of Social Work, Columbia University (2012)

Memberships and affiliations

DONA
Hudson Valley Birth Network

Languages

English

Credentials

BA MSW

Specialties

Anxiety Anxiety and Depression Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Birth Doula Birth Support Birth Trauma Breastfeeding Assistance and Support High-Risk Pregnancy Home Birth Hospital Birth Hypnobirthing Method LGBTQ+ Low Milk Supply/Over Supply Mental Health Mindfulness Mood Disorders Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Pain Management Panic Parenting Support Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Perinatal Mood Disorders Placenta Encapsulation Positive Thinking Postpartum Care Pregnancy Complications Prenatal Care Prenatal Life Relaxation Techniques Stress Management Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Water birth

Certifications, training, and credentials are listed by the provider. Bornbir doesn't verify them, so ask Emily for a copy of any certificate you rely on.