Michelle Gabriel-Caldwell

West Orange, New Jersey

5.0 (3 reviews)

Michelle Gabriel-Caldwell

22 years of experience

Michelle is the owner of Baby, Please Birth Services Agency located in NJ but with a team serving the metropolitan areas of (NY, PA & CT) as well as Baltimore. She is a certified Doula and certified Childbirth Educator teaching the Bradley Method ®, and her own Holistic Course expressly for The Birth Center of NJ of which she is the Doula Director. Michelle serves on the National Black Doula Association (NBDA) Advisory Board where she revised the doula training curriculum to enhance the needs of Black Doulas working in systemically racist environments. As a NBDA Doula Instructor and Doula Mentor she spends her time providing critical thinking skills for her students to be successful and competent in their fields. She is also a Poppy Seed Health Advocate supporting birthing persons virtually where access otherwise would not exist financially. In addition, she established the NJ Virtual Doula Program for Overlook Hospital by galvanizing over 40 local doulas to volunteer their time during the COVID crisis. Michelle recently cross-trained with DONA International to build on her expertise as an educator. She is co-founder of The NJ Birth Justice Collective and Board Chairperson of The Perinatal Health Equity Initiative fostering awareness to Black Breastfeeding Families and Infant Mortality. Michelle tirelessly works in the birth industry since 2005; helping over 450 families navigate their birthing spaces, offering training for birth professionals while ensuring birth justice through state and national initiatives, serving on non-profit boards and panels, enhancing the platform through blogs and podcasts. A mother of two wonderful children born by amazing natural birth experiences. She has been married for 26 years to an incredible man who shares her birth passion, he teaches childbirth education classes with her to share the partner perspective. Michelle empowers others by offering education, support and advocacy. Michelle is also a full time Chemical Engineer working for a German Based company. She holds degrees in Chemistry, Mathematics and Chemical Engineering.

Recent review

Michelle was my doula for my second child. I was trying for a VBAC and had such a bad experience with my Cesarean that I had one simple request when I hired her, "Please keep me off that operating table!" She checked in with me throughout my pregnancy and gave advice when I was concerned about my weight gain. I wanted to be strong and in the best shape for a vaginal delivery. When I went in to labor spontaneously, my contractions would stop and start. By the 30th hour, I was losing faith and she guided me on "curb walking" to keep my contractions consistent! It worked! She then came to my house and put me through a circuit involving the stairs, floor and different positions on my couch. Active labor sped up quickly and she got me to the hospital ready to push because I was 10 cm dilated on arrival. In 4 pushes, my daughter was out! I can only imagine that had I not hired Michelle, I may have gone to the hospital too early and experienced that prodromal labor on a hospital monitor. I believe I would have been labeled "failure to progress" and wheeled in to the operating room for yet another c-section. My body just needed time and movement to get my active labor going. Michelle knew how to get me there. My 2nd birth felt like redemption and I can't thank Michelle enough!

- Sisi N.

Cecelia Henningham

Paterson, New Jersey

Cecelia Henningham

22 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi! I am Cecelia Henningham, a fully capable, competent, nurturing, and compassionate mother of three, who enjoys caring for others as a caregiver. I go above and beyond to ensure that I am able to provide for anyone that is entrusted in my care and I believe that my ability to show constant effort makes me fit for completing any given tasks that I’ve been assigned, as well as having acquired competencies in the newborn care industry throughout my years of experience and certification. My nurturing nature stems from my personal experience as a mother, which compels me to be quite compassionate and driven in caring for others, and in addition, I enjoy listening and communicating with others while still maintaining a professional demeanor. I believe my skillset, certifications and passion for this field will make me a prime candidate in taking care of your newborn. I am a certified Newborn Care Specialist / Postpartum Doula with over 18 years of experience and have cared for children aged from newborns to 18 years of age. I am highly skilled in infant care, and have acquired extensive knowledge of safety precautions, feeding techniques, and educational activities to stimulate the social, cognitive, and physical development of your child. I have also been fully vaccinated against Covid 19, Whooping cough, influenza, hepatitis, Tdap and MMR and have acquired certification in sleep condition, Infant CRP, and pediatric First Aide. As a Newborn Care Specialist /Postpartum Doula, I aim to provide vital personalized support to parents in the comfort of their home. My passion lies in offering guidance and instruction, to help in the building of confidence of parents,’ while still supporting their values and beliefs during the first few months of their baby’s life. From progressively teaching the babies to self sooth and establishing a healthy sleep pattern, to feeding in the middle of the night, and swaddling back to bed, all of which will help in the development of a healthy sleep schedule, providing comfort to both the baby and the parents.

Tizzony Lindo

Paterson, New Jersey

5.0 (1 review)

Tizzony Lindo

6 years of experience
Accepts insurances

With over five years of experience as a Newborn Care Specialist and Postpartum Doula, I’ve had the privilege of supporting families throughout New Jersey and New York. My work is rooted in compassion, professionalism, and a genuine passion for helping parents feel confident and cared for during the newborn stage. I’ve supported families of all types—first-time parents, multiples, and experienced parents adjusting to life with a new baby—providing guidance on sleep, feeding, recovery, and emotional support. My goal is to create a calm, nurturing environment where both baby and parents can thrive.

Recent review

I had the pleasure of working with Tizzony as our overnight newborn care specialist, and she was truly exceptional. From the very first night, she brought a sense of calm, confidence, and professionalism that made a world of difference during those exhausting early weeks. Tizzony was consistently punctual, attentive, and extremely knowledgeable about newborn care. She handled every aspect of nighttime care with ease from soothing and feeding to tracking sleep patterns and offering helpful insights tailored to our baby’s needs. Her gentle approach and intuition were especially valuable, and she always prioritized the baby’s comfort and well-being. What stood out most was her warm, caring personality. She treated our baby with genuine affection and patience, and she made us feel supported and reassured. Her communication was clear and thoughtful; each morning she provided a detailed recap of the night so we always knew how things went. Thanks to her support, our household got the rest we needed, and our baby benefited from consistent, skilled care. I would highly recommend Tizzony to any family looking for a trustworthy, experienced, and compassionate overnight newborn care specialist. She was truly wonderful to work with.

- Jeddie B.

Hollie Fallon

Ocean Township, New Jersey

5.0 (4 reviews)

Hollie Fallon

4 years of experience

DONA certified Birth doula, licensed massage therapist, personal trainer, Placenta Specialist and group fitness instructor, specializing in pre and post natal health and recovery. Hollie has had a love and passion for birth work for most of her adult life. After delivering her first baby 10 years ago, with the assistance of incredible doulas, she knew one day she would also become a doula. Hollie has been a massage therapist and personal trainer for nearly 20 years, working with pregnant and postpartum mothers, while raising her 3 boys. Once her youngest came to an age that she felt confident in moving into the birth worker world, she jumped in! Hollie has a deep passion for the amazing and magical experience of birth. She believes that every one who chooses to conceive, deserves the full support during this incredible time in their life.

Recent review

I honestly cannot thank Hollie enough for everything that she did to make my first pregnancy and birthing experience EXACTLY what I wanted them to be. I knew I wanted to work with a doula even before trying to get pregnant, because the statistics on medical care during childbirth for Black women in the US are shameful, and I wanted someone to be present during my birth who saw me as a person, and not just a patient. I reached out to Hollie towards the end of my third trimester, assuming the most I would get is some advice on how to finish out my last few weeks of pregnancy because it was so late, but from the first phone call, Hollie was genuinely interested in me and the family that my husband and I wanted to build and how we wanted to build it. She immediately made me feel safe. Hollie provided me constant support and advice whenever I needed it, no matter the time of the day. I always felt comfortable to reach out to her and never felt like a burden. Hollie was there for the birth of my baby girl and she set such a peaceful and encouraging atmosphere for me in the delivery room. She interacted really well with the hospital staff and made me and my husband feel equipped and knowledgeable enough to advocate for ourselves during my labor. Hollie had a great balance during my pregnancy and delivery of checking in without being overbearing or causing me to worry. And one of her superpowers is that she did a great job of giving information objectively without telling us what to do or making us feel pressured to choose one option over another. She was so incredibly supportive of all of our decisions. In the end, Hollie definitely set expectations well, and then exceeded those expectations. I never thought I'd be so comfortable during childbirth, and that is all thanks to Hollie. I couldn't have asked for a more kind, compassionate, attentive and knowledgeable doula than Hollie. Even now that my daughter is here, Hollie still checks in and I am able to ask her anything. If I have the opportunity to have Hollie present at all future births, I will do so in a heartbeat. I recommend Hollie to every pregnant woman I know and I truly hope they listen. Hollie is the absolute best.

- Deanna R.

Kelley Matthews

Ocean Township, New Jersey

Kelley Matthews

5 years of experience

My ultimate goal is to connect with my clients to help them feel empowered, supported and safe. Fertility through postpartum is such a sacred journey, and all families deserve to be nurtured along the way.

Sydia Waite Maxwell

Paterson, New Jersey

Sydia Waite Maxwell

11 years of experience

Hello, my name is Sydia Waite Maxwell, and I’m a Certified Newborn Care Specialist and postpartum doula with over 15 years of experience supporting families throughout New York and New Jersey. I specialize in overnight newborn care, helping parents establish healthy sleep habits, feeding routines, and confidence during the early weeks of their baby’s life. My goal is to create a calm, nurturing environment that allows both parents and babies to rest and thrive.

Charnell Stamp

Maplewood, New Jersey

Charnell Stamp

11 years of experience

I am a vaccinated Newborn Care Specialist with ten years of experience with different families of different cultures looking for an opportunity to apply my skills to more families I have a knowledgeable brand of care with the ability to collaborate with parents to establish a solid foundation and routines that will give a sense of stability in the home. A confident child caretaker who is emotionally mature, down-to-earth, and has high energy levels and an ability to develop close relationships with children and their parents. Able to continue to increase my experience and develop my abilities with every family I worked with. My earlier roles have strengthened my capabilities to be keen on excellent details, accuracy, and with time management.I am a driven, self-starter,organized, and passionate person who always has a smile on my face. I have a great devotion to their well-being and their development while they are in my care. I am open to what is needed as well as being very flexible.I am a pet lover and has a license to drive and a passport to travel.I love to travel with families and have been hired just to aid with traveling with them.

Stacy Bevill

West Orange, New Jersey

Stacy Bevill

4 years of experience

Hello! My name is Stacy, and I am a certified birth and postpartum doula, and childbirth educator located in Northern New Jersey. I love serving and supporting families as they prepare to welcome their bundle(s) of love! To that end, my husband and I work together as a Doula/Doulo team to prepare and support couples to parent/co-parent as a team. My background is in education, and birth work is a beautiful calling that wonderfully utilizes my passion to serve families, particularly in marginalized communities. In my spare time, I love gardening, water activities and sculpting.

Carla Ward

Ocean Township, New Jersey

Carla Ward

11 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hello and congratulations! My name is Carla Ward. As a Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, Lactation Counselor and Reiki Master, I strive to share information and techniques to help birthing parents attain a positive, informed, and empowered birthing experience and journey into parenthood. Whether you are striving for a home birth, hospital birth, or birth center birth, adding a doula to your team is an invaluable measure! I firmly believe that a calm, focused, centered and peaceful birth is achievable no matter where it takes place. My goal as a doula and educator is to help you to be the "birthing goddess" you are meant to be! My practice is a judgement-free philosophy were all are welcome as we explore pregnancy, birth, feeding, and parenthood!

Christine Caliendo

Holmdel, New Jersey

Christine Caliendo

4 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My name is Christine. I am a DONA certified birth doula and placenta encapsulator in the Jersey Shore area. Let's connect!

Leeann Gill

Fairfield, Connecticut

Leeann Gill

11 years of experience

Hello! I’m Leeann, a devoted newborn professional with over 10 years of experience supporting families and nurturing little ones through every stage of early development. I’m a Certified Newborn Care Specialist, Certified Feeding Training Consultant, and Certified Lactation Specialist — blending knowledge, compassion, and practical support to help parents feel confident and babies thrive. My passion for working with newborns began early in my career as a nanny, where I discovered how meaningful it is to provide calm, reliable care that truly makes a difference in a family’s life. I believe every baby deserves a gentle start, and every parent deserves peace of mind. Families describe me as warm, patient, and dependable, with a natural ability to create a peaceful environment that supports healthy growth, bonding, and rest. Whether it’s guiding feeding routines, establishing healthy sleep habits, or simply offering reassurance, I bring both expertise and heart with my care.

Christina R. CD, CBS

Saddle River, New Jersey

5.0 (4 reviews)

Christina R. CD, CBS

16 years of experience

Christina is a Certified Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, and Breastfeeding Specialist dedicated to maternal-baby well-being. Her commitment to birth work and mother-baby care is strongly grounded by her belief in the power of extending matricentric care to women. With 15 years of experience supporting mothers and babies, Christina has devoted her career to providing compassionate care, tailored to the dynamic and evolving needs of each mother and baby. Christina offers a comprehensive range of care services, including prenatal, birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding support. Her expertise guides the new mother toward feeling her best prenatally, empowered during birth, confident in her innate ability to care for her baby, and prepared to navigate the postpartum period. Christina believes in the importance of women being cared for, valued, seen, and understood during one of life's most significant transitions, woman to mother. Serving Northern & Central NJ, Hudson Valley NY (including Rockland, Westchester, Orange and Putnam Counties), NYC & Fairfield County CT.

Recent review

Christina was amazing, and her services were worth every penny! I ended up having a Caeseran so she was not able to join us in OR- but was able to meet up with us once I got back into my L&D room from PACU. She was a passionate advocate for me, overall staff at my hospital was amazing with the exception of one RN- but Christina went to bat for me! She was supportive while pregnant and never in a hurry or rushed during our weekly calls. If I were to have a second baby in the future (I am first time mom) I would totally use Christina’s services again!

- Erin M.

TARAH ALEXIS

Asbury Park, New Jersey

TARAH ALEXIS

2 years of experience

Hello! I’m Tarah, the founder of Nurturing Embrace Doula Services. I’m passionate about sowing support, wellness, and confident care for families during one of life’s most significant transitions. With a background in teaching and coaching, as a DONA-certified doula, and currently training as a childbirth educator and Postpartum Doula, I bring a wealth of experience to guide you through this journey. I offer personalized, nurturing support, including: Prenatal Support: Evidence-based education, emotional guidance, and birth planning. Orgasmic Birth Practitioner: Create a sacred space for your birth journey. My duty is to honor your strength and beauty as we transform love into life. Labor and Birth Support: Continuous physical, emotional, and advocacy support for a calm, empowering experience. Postpartum Care: Hands-on help, resources, and encouragement for recovery and bonding. My approach is about creating a nurturing, inclusive space that honors your unique values, preferences, and cultural traditions. I strive to build strong, trusting relationships to empower you and your family every step of the way. Plus, with my culinary expertise, I offer postpartum meal preparation—delicious, healing meals to nourish your body and soul. I’d love to support you during this special time. Feel free to reach out to learn more about how I can help!

Lesley Franco

Asbury Park, New Jersey

5.0 (1 review)

Lesley Franco

29 years of experience

Hello-my name is Lesley Franco. I am a licensed Certified Professional Midwife located in Asbury Park, NJ and serve families in the 1 hour vicinity. I offer respectful, individualized care for folks wishing to birth in the comfort of their own home, as well as The Birth Center of NJ. I offer a "Hello Visit" - a free, 1 hour consultation in my office - to get all of your questions answered and allow us to see if we're a "good fit".

Recent review

I had my dream Homebirth with Lesley and her partner Vicki. It went very well, I felt supported as she constantly brought me my water to keep me hydrated, checked all of my vitals appropriately, and her energy that she brought into my birth space was just beautiful. She is very kind, patient, knowledgeable, and professional. She has a lot of resources available like a mini library that you can rent books from that will help you with pregnancy and beyond. I loved that I could call or email her anytime with any question I had, it really helped reaffirm my decisions/concerns. She does a terrific job giving advice without judgement or pressing her opinion on you. She was very thorough during my prenatal appointments, I didn't feel rushed and she respected all my decisions. I will definitely be using her for my subsequent pregnancies and births.

- Alexis S.

Elizabeth Alleva

Wilton, Connecticut

5.0 (1 review)

Elizabeth Alleva

11 years of experience

Elizabeth Alleva is a leading voice in childbirth education. She is dedicated to empowering women to embrace birth as a transformative and joyful experience. Drawing on over a decade of expertise in guiding women through one of life’s most profound moments, Elizabeth has developed a holistic approach focusing on mental strength, relaxation, and the deep connection between mind and body. Her dance and arts background has given her an exceptional understanding of the body’s innate capabilities, which she seamlessly integrates into her childbirth teaching. Elizabeth’s journey into this work began after the birth of her son Mason, when she realized the immense power of a calm, confident, and informed birthing experience. Since then, she has helped countless women overcome their fears and anxieties, guiding them through techniques that enable them to approach birth calmly. Her teachings go beyond the physical, offering women the emotional tools to step into motherhood with a sense of empowerment and purpose. Elizabeth holds a BA in Dance, a BA in Sociology from Wesleyan University, and an MA in Dance Education from New York University. She is certified by the HypnoBirthing International Childbirth Education Program. She offers in-person and virtual sessions from her serene woodland home in Wilton, Connecticut, creating a safe and nurturing space for families worldwide. Elizabeth’s mission is to equip women with the confidence to welcome their babies joyfully! Liz Alleva Certified HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator hypnobirthingmommy@gmail.com 917-363-4968 www.hypnobirthingmommy.com

Recent review

Liz was an amazing instructor; I loved her class so much I connected her and my doula to refer each other! Everything learned in class will be wonderful to have in my treasure chest on my birthing day. It was great she included my husband Anthony as well. The videos were great to see and I couldn’t be more obsessed with rainbow tapes! They’ve literally saved my sleeping!! Hypnobirthing is an amazing concept I want everyone to know about and believe in. We don’t need medication or to be uncomfortable. We need to believe in ourselves and Liz did a wonderful job teaching us this 🙂 thank you Liz!” -Lauren B. Had a wonderful experience taking this HypnoBirthing course! I would highly recommend, Liz’s knowledge and dedication is phenomenal. -Julia W. I completed my HypnoBirthing course with Liz when I was 34 weeks pregnant. Liz was down-to-earth, eager to help and support. With the knowledge from Liz’s course and the tools given to us by HypnoBirthing Mommys, we were able to do a completely unmedicated birth. I was able to labor primarily at home and was able to manage my surges just with our HypnoBirthing tools. When we went to the hospital, the doctors and nurses were surprised at my demeanor (at first they did not believe I was in labor and talked about sending me home). They asked my husband if I was always this calm and controlled. I attribute this to having gone through the HypnoBirthing Mommys course and practicing for the five weeks between starting the course and when our son was born. As someone who was very worried about having a traumatic birth, I cannot advocate enough for this course and Liz as an instructor! -Danielle J.

- HypnoBirthing F.

Ivy Mkahe

Woodbridge Township, New Jersey

5.0 (2 reviews)

Ivy Mkahe

9 years of experience

I provide compassionate, evidence-based doula support for expectant families seeking an empowered and holistic birth experience. I specialize in prenatal education, continuous labor support, and postpartum care, ensuring that birthing individuals and their families feel informed, nurtured, and confident throughout their journey. My hope is to create a calm, supportive, and judgment-free space where families can embrace birth with trust, strength, and peace. Whether you desire hands-on comfort techniques, advocacy in a hospital setting, or emotional reassurance in your home birth, Ivy Haven Birthwork is dedicated to honoring your unique path to parenthood.

Recent review

Working with Ivy Haven Birthwork was one of the best decisions I made during my pregnancy. From the very beginning, I felt so seen, heard, and genuinely supported. This wasn’t just about information or checklists — it was about having someone walk beside me with calm, grounded presence every step of the way. Throughout my pregnancy, I always felt like I had a safe space to ask questions, process emotions, and explore my birth preferences without any judgment. Every visit left me feeling more prepared, more empowered, and more connected to my body and my baby. During labor and birth, Ivy Haven showed up with such quiet strength and intuition — anticipating what I needed before I even had to ask. Whether it was hands-on comfort, encouraging words, or just holding space, the support was everything I hoped for and more. I truly don’t know how I would have navigated it all without that presence. And postpartum… wow. Having someone check in on me — not just the baby — made all the difference. Ivy held space for my recovery, my questions, my tears, and my joy. From helping with practical tips to simply sitting and listening, I felt truly cared for in those tender first weeks. Now, with my baby girl nearly four months old, I still carry the strength and grounding I gained from my experience with Ivy. I’m endlessly grateful.

- Claudia C.

ashley Sherrer

Tinton Falls, New Jersey

ashley Sherrer

3 years of experience

Hello, My name is Ashley and I am extremely excited to become your doula if I am so lucky to be chosen. I have extensive knowledge in the medical field and have a degree in Biology from Rutgers University. I believe that every mom should be in charge of her birth process. Although, every birth is unique and some may not go as plan it is important for me as your doula to assist you in any way that I can to make sure you feel empowered, in control, and heard throughout your birthing experience. Once we decide to work together I always like to know a little bit more about my moms and what their dos and donts consist of when in the birthing room. Communicating your needs prior to the birth allows everyone to better understand what you are looking for and how those goals can be met. I am extremely flexible with pricing because I believe quality care for you and your newborn is priceless.I hope to hear from you soon and remember your birth your way.

Lauren Franco Lucas

Colts Neck, New Jersey

Lauren Franco Lucas

15 years of experience

Birth Doula (DONA Trained) , Postpartum Doula (DONA Trained), Certified Lactation Counselor (ALPP) MS in Physician Assistant Studies, BA in Biology, 15 years experience in obstetrics, gynecology, women’s health, infertility and reproductive endocrinology. Mother of 5 children.

Kim Jones

Croton On Hudson, New York

5.0 (6 reviews)

Kim Jones

16 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am a certified, insured, CPR & 1st aid certified, seasoned professional doula. I have supported countless families during my career. Many families have used my services for each of their babies and referred me to their family and friends. I believe a doula should offer compassionate flexible support throughout the ever changing needs and phases of care. It brings me joy to be doing what I love and what has come naturally, after raising my 4 children, including singletons and multiples born via normal spontaneous vaginal delivery and a Cesarean section.

Recent review

Kim spent 3 weeks with our family as a night doula and we could not be more grateful for her. Kim knowledgeable, personable and a joy to have in your home, she took excellent care of our newborn and made the transition in the first postpartum weeks easy for the entire family. I highly recommend Kim for families looking for a postpartum doula!

- Daryl S.

Karen V. M. Smith

Bridgeport, Connecticut

5.0 (1 review)

Karen V. M. Smith

4 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am a sole practitioner providing relief of Prestress tension and inflammation of joints. B*B ( Before Birth) I offer Reiki Healing ( only if requested), Breathing techniques and natural pain medicine D*B ( During Birth) I come with calming teas , mind control exercised and herbal remedies for Postpartum stress. A*B ( After Birth) I have 30 years of Natural Therapies under my belt. Providing a peaceful environment comes naturally. I've developed a 6 step program to heal mind, body and soul called " The Recovery plan" . Ways to heal yourself It involves, * Breathing exercises, mind control technics, self massage, pressure points , self circulation, examples of natural hygiene and cold water solutions, identifying vitamin and minerals in your backyard.aka Garden Salad, dance and vocal cord therapy. (To alleviate stress and provide pure joy) My motto is " get in where you fit in" so I will blend my gifts with yours and create a wonderful birthing experience together with 💘

Recent review

Let me start off by saying, Karen was heaven sent. My experience with with her was something I never thought I needed, if you’re looking for a doula she’s a perfect fit. I 1,000% recommend her, 10/10. I feel her work is something every mom to be should experience. I feel she helped heal my mind body and soul in a matter of 3 days. My baby girl and I will for ever be grateful for your help in our life, and when I’m ready to have another baby i have you on speed dial. I really do appreciate the time and energy you put into us.

- Vernice J.