Johanny Luna

New York, New York

Johanny Luna

6 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I’m Johanny Luna, mother of two and lifelong New Yorker, devoted to supporting birthing individuals and families through one of life’s most transformative experiences. I believe birth deserves compassionate, respectful care that honors each person’s unique journey. With over a decade in healthcare, I offer holistic support that blends evidence based knowledge with ancestral wisdom. As a bilingual doula, I’m especially passionate about empowering diverse communities to make informed choices and feel truly seen and supported through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. My work is rooted in trust, respect, and the belief that reproductive health thrives in strong, connected communities.

Denise Bolds MSW, Ed.D, CD(DONA), CLC, CBE

New York, New York

Denise Bolds MSW, Ed.D, CD(DONA), CLC, CBE

13 years of experience

Certified birth Doula, DONA International, CLC, childbirth educator, supporting high-risk pregnancies: VBACS, Advanced maternal age & more. Certified lactation counselor, placenta encapsulation services. Childbirth Instructor. Supporting Hospital and birth center births. Supporting NYC and Northern New Jersey. 12 years and 325 births of experience. I am a Black birthworker. Carrot Certified Provider

Kristen Penner

New York, New York

Kristen Penner

3 years of experience

Doula work found me after my own pregnancy and birth journey. I know how unexpected and sometimes frightening bringing a new life into this world can be and I want to help guide expecting parents on that path and through an empowering birth.

Stariera B

New York, New York

5.0 (2 reviews)

Stariera B

2 years of experience

Hello and welcome! I’m Stariera, a certified full spectrum doula, wellness coach and a master’s level social worker serving people throughout New York City. I enjoy working with people and have developed an understanding of human behavior psychology, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving. My decision to become a doula was born from a desire to support women earlier in the journey — from pregnancy through birth and into postpartum — helping them assess, explore, and process both the joyful and challenging emotions that can arise. I believe that when we recognize and tend to difficult feelings early, we can create space for healing, confidence, and connection in the newborn phase and beyond. Prior to Doula care, I bring 10 years of experience as a Social Worker supporting individuals and families overcome challenges such as health issues, emotional stress, housing instability, family conflict, and behavioral or socio-emotional needs. In addition, I supported mothers navigating postpartum depression and the emotional complexities that can come with new motherhood. Through that work, I developed a deep understanding of how critical emotional support, self-awareness, and self-care are to the postpartum experience — not just for surviving, but for thriving. This background allows me to hold space for clients with empathy, nonjudgmental, and a deep awareness of the complexes life can bring; especially during the perinatal period.

Recent review

Stariera has proven to be an exceptional doula, possessing all the qualities that make a great one. She is an excellent listener, warm-hearted, sensitive, and professional all at once. Her knowledge, confidence, and soothing voice set her apart. I highly recommend Stariera as your doula.

- angela diaz

Brielle Davis

New York, New York

Brielle Davis

10 years of experience

Hello everyone, my name is Brielle, and I am a birth worker supporting families through both home and hospital birth experiences. All aspects of comprehensive birth support are my passion, and I believe deeply in empowering families to make informed choices that align with their values and circumstances. Coming from a background that honors both traditional wisdom and evidence-based practices, I believe birth can be a transformative experience when families feel genuinely supported and heard, regardless of their chosen birth setting. My practice serves as a bridge between different approaches to birth, bringing personalized, mother-centered support into all birthing environments. I'm guided by three core principles: Trust in women's innate capacity and their ability to make the best decisions for their families, Presence that creates calm space for families to process and navigate their birth experience, and Respectful Witnessing - being fully present for families without imposing my own agenda on their journey. With almost nine years of experience as a doula beginning in New York City, I've supported families across diverse settings and circumstances. My understanding of birth support has been enriched through studying with traditional practitioners internationally, and I come from a family lineage of midwifery that spiritually informs my approach to this work. My approach focuses on empowering families to access their own strength and wisdom wherever they choose to birth, combining time-tested support techniques with respect for modern medical care when needed. I believe every family deserves compassionate, knowledgeable support that honors their unique path to parenthood. Reach out if you'd like to connect on an intro call!

Deborah Birnbaum

Brooklyn, New York

Deborah Birnbaum

11 years of experience

I am a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator who is committed to supporting "YOUR birth". I offer up-to-date, evidence-based information to expectant moms so that they can make informed decisions about their pregnancy and birth. I have experience in VBAC and other "complications." I also offer some vital information for Torah-true Jewish moms.

Ansar Muhammad

New York, New York

Ansar Muhammad

5 years of experience

It was in 2019 that I interviewed my grandmother about her birthing experience, she told me about her mother, and how in the south at that time it was common to have a home birth, and your neighbors would serve as seasoned midwives and doulas. I felt called to this story, of your village coming to provide you with support and care at your most vulnerable. As a birth and postpartum doula, I have served over 100 families from all walks of life, offering calming, comforting support to them and their support system! I believe in providing physical, informational and emotional support to the families I work with. I meet every family I work with where they are in their journey and offer the kind of comfort and advocacy that is needed for a beautiful and holistic experience. My mission is to make sure you have the birth or postpartum experience you want, and to aim higher than safety

Vicki Bloom

New York, New York

5.0 (10 reviews)

Vicki Bloom

16 years of experience

I have been helping to improve birth experiences in NYC and Westchester County for over a decade. This is my philosophy: You don’t become a different person when you become pregnant, begin labor, enter your birthing space, or bring your baby home for the first time. You’re still you, having an intense and transformative life experience. As your doula, I take the time to learn who you are and what will help you and your family to feel comfortable, informed, prepared, and ready to engage with your birth, both in advance and through the ever-changing moments of the birth process. I am passionate, flexible, and comforting, but also grounded, no-nonsense, and strongly evidence-based.

Recent review

First of all, I must commend the Doula Project itself as an invaluable advocate. Sometimes the medical establishment views us within categories--especially when we are unusual as a result of identity--while the Doula Project listens to us as individuals in order to advocate for us to have the birth closest to our ideal within the context of medical wisdom. From the start I really appreciated Vicki's encouraging me to ask questions, to determine what the range of choices was, and to understand the benefits and risks of each decision. In my own case, I did decide because of advanced maternal age and medical advice to have an induced labor. Vicki was there to meet me at the hospital when I checked in, and she made sure that between her and her Doula Project partner on my case, I always had a doula to advocate for me from start to finish, through 27 hours of labor and beyond. Indeed, Vicki took the first photo of my baby, within minutes of her birth! From our first pre-birth meeting, Vicki correctly identified me as a physically fit person who would benefit from maintaining a physically active relationship to my labor and delivery. I brought a yoga mat and pilates ring to the hospital, and Vicki advocated for my being able to use them, even though my baby had to be monitored throughout the induced labor: we set up my yoga and pilates equipment right next to the bed, and Vicki advocated for periodic breaks from the monitor, especially in light of the fact that my baby was doing so well throughout. When I delivered my daughter, I surprised a number of the doctors, including one who thought a C-section would be a foregone conclusion, by delivering vaginally, after only about five minutes of pushing. I am very grateful to Vicki for her steadfast advocacy that led to such a positive birth experience for me and my daughter.

- Georgette F.

Sandra Remy

New York, New York

5.0 (1 review)

Sandra Remy

3 years of experience

My name is Sandra Remy and I am a childbirth educator, doula, peer breastfeeding counselor, social worker, and proud mother of 4! I enjoy pulling from all of these roles and utilizing them to support my work with expectant mothers and their families. I believe that birth is a sacred process and should be treated as such. I also believe that having the birth experience that you desire takes preparation and intentional planning which is why I am a strong advocate for childbirth education. Having knowledge of the process of birth places you in a better position to advocate for yourself, baby, and family. It further develops your self-confidence and your confidence in your innate ability to give birth, and this is key to curating the birth experience you desire. If you are seeking someone who will: see you, hear you, respect your intellect and intuition, while also being compassionate, patient, and supportive of you as you prepare to birth you baby, then I encourage you to get in contact with me.

Recent review

Sandra is such a delightful soul. Her knowledge of doula work is phenomenal which makes the birthing process comforting and bearable. She works with both parents to ensure that they are prepared for possibilities. As a client, she has taught me breathing techniques, birthing exercises, how to be accepting of help, the birth phases and much more. She has become part of my family and I am honored to have her as my doula and now friend.

- Sharifa L.

Misty Gant

Brooklyn, New York

Misty Gant

6 years of experience

Misty is a Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula (via DONA and Lifespan Doulas) as well as a Certified Lactation Counselor, a Certified Hypnobabies Doula, Newborn Care Specialist and an Integrative Wellness Coach. She approaches each stage of pregnancy and postpartum with a holistic mindset. Misty strives to provide her clients with a warm and supportive space, along with tools to instill confidence, while they navigate this new phase of motherhood. She is also a trained Spinning Babies doula and yoga instructor.

Danielle Wachter

New York, New York

Danielle Wachter

3 years of experience

I am passionate about helping people have a positive pregnancy and birth experience. I believe that with the right support and team, pregnancy, labor, and delivery can be a special and memorable experience. My background is in statistics and technology, so I'm excited about supporting birthing people with research-backed and evidence-based recommendations in addition to emotional and intuitive support. I live in New York City with my husband and our 15-year-old Yorkie, Mercedes.

Zen Holmes

New York, New York

Zen Holmes

9 years of experience

Zen Holmes is the founder of Comfy Momma Prenatal and Postpartum Support and offers doula services, lactation counseling, prenatal massage, prenatal yoga and guided meditations aimed at reducing fear and preparing the mind/body to relax during childbirth. She also offers childbirth education, newborn care and breastfeeding classes. Zen is a Midwifery Assistant and a Midwifery Student at Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery. Zen is a DONA certified birth doula and a Carriage House Birth trained postpartum doula. She is a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and a Certified Integrative Lactation and Feeding Specialist (ILFS). Zen received her certification as an Evidence Based Birth Instructor and offers to most up to date research in her classes. She is also trained in hypnobirthing and mindfulness. She uses visualizations, massage and sound therapy to help laboring moms feel grounded, relaxed and confident during the birthing process. Zen Holmes has been a NYS licensed massage therapist, specializing in prenatal and medical massage for 20 years. She is also a Reiki practitioner. She has 3 pregnancy massage certifications (MotherMassage, Loving Pregnancy Massage, and Bodywork for the Childbearing. She is also a proud mother of 5 amazing adults.

MaternityWise Institute

New York, New York

5.0 (1 review)

MaternityWise Institute

24 years of experience

MaternityWise has been through an evolution since it's inception back in 2002. What began as a private doula practice quickly became a training opportunity for those who sought out a more balanced approach to maternity care support than what was available, which at the time were only two other organizations specifically training doulas. The discrepancies between what was available to women (either very pro-conventional medicine, or very anti-conventional medicine) led to the development of a comprehensive, standardized curriculum that could be moulded and used internationally. MaternityWise is unique in that we are the only Internationally recognized organization that holds such a standard. Our curriculum is based on whole-earth practices and "pure information". What this means is that while you will learn what is practiced locally in your country and community, you will also learn what the rest of the world is doing and how to incorporate that wisdom to challenge the status quo and bring improvements to maternity care everywhere. ​ "Pure Information" is a term we use to categorize the knowledge we share as an organization. It is pure, because no one profits from this information. We use intuitive wisdom blended with logic where science fails to provide answers. It is our favorite thing when science "proves" what we already know in our hearts to be true, as women and as mothers. ​ In 2017, MaternityWise International was re-born as The MaternityWise Institute. We remain an international, board-certifying organization providing education and credentials for labor and postpartum doulas as well as lactation support people. This is the year we also introduced the MaternityWise Educator program and the first of it's kind EpiDoula Program, training labor support companions how to decrease cesareans in mothers who have an epidural. ​ As MaternityWise Institute International grows, it continues this new chapter of excellence, with diverse leadership, continued educational enhancement and a premier mentoring program. What we have learned from the past and from participating in other programs around the globe, we are using to meet the real needs of our students so that MWI can become a standard to follow by all maternal health education programs out there! Our premier programs, and forward momentum, developing unique education to meet the ever-changing needs of the birthing family sets us apart. We invite you to join with us to change the birthing world!

Recent review

I LOVE MWI! From the affordable prices, the super kind community, the amazing education, I can't recommend this organization enough. Not only this but they have payment plans, mentorship and more

- Cheylah B.

Carolynn Soba

New York, New York

5.0 (1 review)

Carolynn Soba

2 years of experience

As a current c-section mom of 2 under 2, I want to bring happiness, joy and education to new and seasoned mothers. I love to provide a judgement-free zone to parents of all kinds and strive for success. I currently live with my husband and daughters in The Bronx, NY. In my free-time I love to be outdoors, study astrology, and cook. I’m excited to connect with you!

Recent review

Carolynn was a such a HUGE help during our first week home with our baby girl. She came in with the calmest energy (even when we were a mess tbh), made sure I was eating, resting, and not losing my mind, and somehow always knew what both my sweetie and I needed. She helped me with breastfeeding, newborn care, and more. And yes, I actually got to nap… She was supportive, kind, funny, and zero judgment. Idk how we would’ve made it through that first week without her. We saw her a few times after that until we felt comfy to take on the world as a new family.

- Ashley G.

Ines Serna

Union City, New Jersey

Ines Serna

8 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Ines Serna is a mother, childbirth educator, and doula with a Master of Health Sciences in Public Health. She became interested in pregnancy and the birth process after having her first child in 2010. Shortly after, Ines started working for the childbirth education department at a prestigious Bergen County hospital, where she gained a great deal of knowledge about maternity services. After the birth of her second child in 2014, she decided to become a childbirth educator. Through her two birth experiences, she realized that the power of knowledge can have a positive impact on birth outcomes. While working as a childbirth educator at the hospital, Ines saw the necessity of giving additional support to her clients. She has trained with DONA International to obtain all the required skills to assist mothers during the birth process. Ines is dedicated to expanding her knowledge by attending maternal and child health conferences, seminars, and networking with health professionals in the community. Ines’s extensive hospital experience has allowed her to see and understand the need to continue advocating for patient-centered care. She believes a patient’s personal preferences, such as values, cultural traditions, family support, and lifestyles, must be taken into consideration. Ines is passionate about supporting expectant parents by making sure they understand that they have options before, during, and after birth. She firmly believes that EVERY woman deserves a good support network. A network that consists of health professionals, along with family, friends, and, of course, the support of a doula, is the greatest gift parents can experience in their lifetime. If you wish to contact me and schedule an appointment, please visit my website https://thelaborlounge.org/contact/

Antasia Mccray

New York, New York

5.0 (3 reviews)

Antasia Mccray

4 years of experience

I am a mother to a 5 year old and have loved children since I was a child myself. I have always been someone who enjoys helping people. I started on the path towards nursing, earning my Associate’s degree in Fall of 2022. After mostly completing my degree in summer of 2022, I realized my personality wouldn't shine in nursing. I am more empathetic and personable, which lead me to becoming a doula. I started with birth doula in August and it opened my eyes to my passion for birthwork. Shortly after, I took the postpartum doula workshop. That led me to also taking infant CPR, and earning a certified lactation support counselor as well. I am looking forward to sitting for the Lamaze CBE exam Fall of 2023. I have worked with families both prior to these certifications and currently and I can’t wait to explore and learn more

Recent review

Antasia was an incredible support for my husband and I when we needed overnight care for our newborn. After interviewing many people, we had been turned off by those who were strict about their approach and seemed to want to impose their practices on our family. As new parents, we needed tenderness and flexibility—someone who would care for our son at night and allow us to sleep peacefully knowing our son was safe and being tended to the way we choose to raise him. Antasia was a calm and responsive presence, working with us to adapt to changes as our newborn developed and we grew as parents. She was always on time and communicated proactively in the rare instance there was a scheduling issue. At the start of every visit she asked us what changed and what was new, which was helpful as newborns change on a weekly basis and so did our approach. We were always at peace knowing Antasia was coming. I also was able to recover from insomnia due to Antasia’s presence and my confidence in her to look after our child while we slept. Our only regret was not meeting her sooner so we could have had her with our family on day 1 coming home from the hospital.

- Ruani R.

Sasha Chapple

Jersey City, New Jersey

Sasha Chapple

12 years of experience

Hello! I am a Full Spectrum doula. I believe everyone deserves empowered reproductive experiences

Rajah Ferdinand

Brooklyn, New York

Rajah Ferdinand

2 years of experience

Hi! I’m Rajah Ferdinand — a newly trained birth and postpartum doula based in NYC. I’ve completed certified postpartum doula training through A.N.E.W. Village at Kingsborough Community College, and I’m deeply passionate about helping families feel supported, informed, and truly cared for throughout birth and the early days of parenting. I offer a calm, nurturing presence, whether you need hands-on newborn care, emotional support, help with healing after birth, or a steady voice during labor. As a doula, my focus is on you — your voice, your choices, and your peace of mind. I’m currently accepting clients at sliding-scale rates as I grow my experience. If you’re looking for nonjudgmental, culturally aware, and affirming care, I’d love to connect with you and support your journey.

Sasha Lazare

New York, New York

Sasha Lazare

3 years of experience

Hi! I’m Sasha Lazare and I am a DONA trained birth doula. Originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, I moved to New York to attend acting school many years ago. I first felt called to be a doula after the birth of my first daughter when a complicated pregnancy and birth was made joyful and empowering by my own incredible doula. After the birth of my second daughter with the life-changing assistance of that same doula, I felt a deep desire to be a permanent part of these sacred birthing spaces, and to share with other birthing people what my doula gave to me. I treat each birth with compassion, respect, and humor, and deeply honor each unique experience. I am steadfast in my belief that all birthing people deserve non-judgmental, unwavering support. I live in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn with my husband, two daughters, and our dog Eloise. I am so grateful to be a part of your journey.

Kaylastarasia Ebron

Queens, New York

Kaylastarasia Ebron

4 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am a Lactation Specialist, I breastfed for 4 years. I have a Bachelors Degree in Maternal Child Health: Human Lactation and A Master’s Degree in Maternal Child Health System. I have also served hundreds of families as a Breastfeeding Peer Counselor. I am also a full spectrum Doula trained under Ancient Songs Doula Services. I have had a pleasure supporting so many families and am truly enjoying the journey into doula work.