VBAC Doulas in Jersey City, NJ

Hello! My name is Francesca (Fran, for short), and I am a DONA trained birth doula based in Brooklyn, NY. I serve the 5 boroughs and some parts of Long Island. Reproductive justice is the backbone of my practice and the reason I became a birth worker. I believe that everyone has the right to a safe birthing environment, free of any judgment and discrimination from anyone. I prioritize empowerment through gaining knowledge, building confidence, and reminding families of their autonomy. My goal with each family I serve is to be the doula they need and to create the environment they desire.

I'm Jen Ballew, a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator and pediatric sleep coach and the founder of The Parenthood Project USA. For over a decade I've helped exhausted families find real, sustainable rest, supporting more than 250 families along the way. My approach to sleep is warm, biology-first, and led by your child's nervous system, never cry-it-out or leaving a baby to cry alone. I work with everything from newborn sleep shaping in the early weeks to responsive coaching for older babies and toddlers, always building rhythms that fit your family rather than forcing a rigid method or anything not developmentally appropriate. My practice began in Southern California, where I spent ten years supporting local families through birth, postpartum, and sleep. Today the work is nationwide and fully virtual, and I'm expanding in person into New York City as I put down roots in Brooklyn. Wherever you are, my care can meet you there. My offerings reach across the whole journey into parenthood. Alongside sleep, I offer birth preparation through my program The Threshold, blending somatic practice, evidence-based education, and nervous system support, with a specialty in VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). My postpartum care supports recovery and the tender early weeks, including nourishing meal prep with healing foods rooted in traditional care, placenta encapsulation, and gentle postnatal bodywork. At the heart of it all, I believe bringing new life into the world is a profound rite of passage that deserves reverence, preparation, and care. I hold each family's path with deep respect, and I would be honored to walk alongside yours.

I am a mom of 2, birth and postpartum doula, IBCLC, childbirth educator, infant and family educator and infant sleep educator. I have been supporting families in pregnancies, postpartum and through the first 5 years for almost 2 decades. I also train and mentor aspiring doulas and IBCLCs.

Hi! I’m Rachel (she/they). Although I have been a witness and sometimes an active participant in births since a very young age, I’ve been working as a trained birth and postpartum doula since June 2018 and have supported 250+ families throughout the NYC area. I am a certified lactation support counselor, integrative lactation and baby feeding specialist, a trained lactation educator, doula mentor, placenta specialist and currently obtaining clinical hours at Jamaica Hospital to become an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). My philosophy is simple - there is no wrong way to birth as long as your choices and decisions through the journey are being heard and respected. In working together, I hope to co-create the vision for how you would like to feel during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum; helping you move through this time building confidence in your ability to decide what feels right for you. My style is rooted in mindfulness; working with the tools we already have to help us stay grounded and present in the moment. I have been a Brooklyn resident since 2004 and live one block away from Prospect Park with my child, Simone, and dogs, Elfie and Gyda. I have a BFA in Studio Art from Hunter, own a recurve bow, have a depth of knowledge in native new york plants and study herbalism. I am a LGBTQIA2S+ friendly doula - gender affirming care matters to me!

I am a descendant of an indigenous lineage of midwifes, herbalists and healers in Puebla and Veracruz Mexico. From countless generations of knowledge, we used ancient medicines and ceremonies to improve the quality of people's lives. My mission is a tireless advocate of informative humanizing treatment for pregnant bodies, postpartum care, generational healing and resilience.

Michelle is a Queens based doula and birth educator with additional training in the areas of trauma informed care, holding space for loss, abortion, queer/trans families, lactation/body feeding, and physiology of labor. She loves working with “older” parents, athletes/movers/performers/artists and members of the LGBTQ+ and poly families community. Prior to birth work, Michelle has worked as a professional baker, circus performer, teaching artist, and landscaper. She lives with her son, 2 cats (who are not friends), and varying number of fish. She’s an avid bike commuter, community gardener, knitter, and bibliophile.

I’m Erica Castillo a full-spectrum doula, body literacy educator, and folk herbalist walking the path toward becoming a home birth midwife. I offer culturally rooted care across the reproductive spectrum, including birth, postpartum, fertility, menstruation, and reproductive health support. My practice weaves together ancestral knowledge and contemporary support, grounded in the traditional healing ways of my African and Taíno ancestors. In many traditions, midwives were more than just birth attendants, they were community healers, herbalists, bodyworkers, and spiritual guides. That legacy shapes how I show up in this work: with reverence, skill, and a deep commitment to care that uplifts the whole person. For the last 8 years, I’ve supported families with a blend of intuition, evidence-based tools, and heart. If you’re looking for a grounded, culturally aligned doula who honors your intuition and uplifts your experience, and advocates for you, I’d be honored to support!

I am a compassionate and highly skilled Newborn Care Specialist with 22 years of experience , Birthing & Postpartum Doula, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and Patient Care Technician (PCT), dedicated to supporting families through every stage of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum journey. With a strong foundation in both medical care and holistic family support, I bring a unique blend of expertise that ensures mothers, babies, and families feel safe, nurtured, and empowered. My work is rooted in professionalism, empathy, and deep respect for each family’s unique needs and values.

I'm a Latina doula, born and raised in NYC, trained through Mama Glow. I offer culturally responsive, full-spectrum support for families of every background, honoring the traditions you bring to your birth. I became a doula after seeing how many mothers go through their most vulnerable moments without real support.

My name is Tiombe Bowman, and I’ve had the immense honor of supporting growing families as a birth and postpartum doula for over 15 years. I am a Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula (CD/PCD, DONA) and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) with a passion for nurturing, educating, and advocating for every family I serve. Over the years, I’ve supported over 200 births and walked alongside more than 200 families during their postpartum journeys. I’ve witnessed first-hand the transformative power of continuous, compassionate support—and how a doula’s presence can positively impact birth outcomes and emotional well-being. Whether you’re planning a hospital, home, or birth center birth, I’m here to support your vision—fully, joyfully, and without judgment.

Caitlin comes to Doula work from a background in theatre and physiology. She had fought to understand her own body as she grew up with Developmental Dyspraxia. However, what she always thought of as her greatest weakness, has turned into her greatest strength over the years. As a child every time Caitlin learned a new physical skill she had to break it down step by step for her brain to fully understand it. This gave her a great understanding of human physiology. She applied this understanding of the human body to help numerous clients while working as a personal trainer at Blink Fitness and New York Sports Club. Throughout her life Caitlin was always struck by the distrust of the human body when it came to birth. She had always been fascinated by/or even in awe of birth. During her own journey to having children she finally realized what she wanted to be when she grew up. A Doula. It combined her deep understanding of physiology with her desire to empower people to trust their own bodies, no matter what the birth plan. Caitlin took her DONA training in summer of 2021 and finished the DONA certification process at the end of 2022. Caitlin already has a wide range of experience when it comes to birth. Areas she experienced with include, home birth, hospital birth, birth center care, unmedicated birth, Hypnobirthing, preeclampsia, planned and emergency C-Section, pregnancy resulting from fertility treatment, induction, married and unmarried partners, interracial couples, parents with disabilities, pregnancy with special diets (Vegan, Gestational Diabetes, Kosher ect.) "My goal as a doula is to facilitate a positive birth experience for the growing family, whatever that birth experience may look like. I am happy to work with families with all different types of birth plans, backgrounds and family preferences. It is my strong belief that a Doula should be accessible to all birthing people regardless of gender, sexuality, race, disability, faith, or socioeconomic background."

I am Joan Sherwood, founder of Peaceful Beginnings To You. My calling to become a doula was born from a personal experience. During the birth of my child, I was left alone in a hospital room without any support. My spouse and brother were sent home because I was not in active labor. My water had broken, so I was admitted, and I faced the daunting process of labor alone, in a secluded area until it was time to push. This experience, where I delivered a 9 -pound, 2-ounce baby without my loved one's present, ignited my passion to ensure that no other person would have to endure such solitude. My journey as a doula began 25 years ago when I assisted a family member through labor. Since then, I have been a source of support and guidance for family and friends, which eventually led me to pursue certification as a birth doula through DONA International. I am deeply committed to holistic birth and postpartum care, and my extensive training reflects this dedication. My education includes a Family Development Credential, studies at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, the Center for Homeopathic Education, and the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences. I am also a certified Calm Birth Instructor, Infant Massage Instructor Trainer, Womb Sauna Practitioner, and have received postpartum training from Indigemama, BirthMama, Traditional Postpartum Practitioner, and Birth Arts International. My approach to doula care is centered on the needs of the laboring person. I come with no preconceived notions, and I remain as fluid and flexible as possible to meet the evolving needs of each individual. In addition, to running my private doula practice, I have provided doula care to underserved communities as a doula and doula mentor for a federally funded program in Brooklyn.

As a full-spectrum doula based in New Jersey, I provide compassionate, culturally centered support for families throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. My mission is to uplift, educate, and empower mothers, fathers, and families—ensuring they have the knowledge, advocacy, and emotional support they deserve during one of life’s most transformative journeys.

Hi Everyone, I'm Ashley, a Afro-Dominican & Puerto Rican mother to a 15 year old boy and a Certified Full Spectrum Doula and Lactation Counselor. Throughout my career, I have had the honor of supporting over 55 families and counting during their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey, helping them navigate all the transitions of bringing new life into the world. My passion for supporting families during this transformative time began when I experienced the birth of my own child. I realized the profound impact a skilled and compassionate doula can have on ones birthing experience because although I wasn't able to have a doula for my birth, I was able to teach myself and those supporting me the role of a doula during birth, which allowed me to achieve all of my birth goals. Through this passion, I have dedicated myself to supporting families through their pregnancy, birth and postpartum in a way that is personalized, empowering, and non-judgmental. I believe in creating a safe and nurturing space that allows families to make informed decisions and feel supported throughout their process. My approach is grounded in evidence-based research and tailored to the needs of each family. I provide emotional, physical and advocacy support as well as evidence-based education and access to resources you may need to help encourage a positive and fulfilling birth and postpartum experience. I am committed to continuing my education and professional development to ensure that I am providing the most up-to-date and effective care possible. Whether you're planning a home birth, hospital birth, or a birth center delivery and/or you're just looking for postpartum support, I am here to support you every step of the way. I look forward to the opportunity to help you achieve your ideal birth and postpartum experience.

Hello, my name is Lelia Marino and I am a full spectrum doula, herbalist, and reiki practitioner located in Staten Island, New York. My motto is supporting you from womb to world, and I am dedicated to providing compassionate and holistic care for individuals and families during the journey of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. As a full spectrum doula, I support individuals through all pregnancy outcomes, including abortion and miscarriage. I also incorporate herbalism and reiki into my practice to provide physical and emotional support for my clients. I am committed to creating a safe and empowering space for individuals and families to make informed decisions and have a positive birthing experience.

Hi, I'm Taylor Clarke-Cameron, a birth and postpartum doula and childbirth educator based in New Jersey. Since launching my doula practice in December 2024, I've had the privilege of supporting 15 families and attending 13 births, and every single one has deepened my commitment to this work. Before stepping into birth work, I spent over a decade as a school administrator — advocating for individuals, navigating complex systems, and building trust with families during some of the most pivotal moments of their lives. That foundation shapes everything I do as a doula: I show up informed, steady, and fully in your corner. My mission is simple: every birthing person deserves to feel informed, empowered, and supported — no exceptions. I am proudly affirming of all families, including single parents, multicultural and multi-religious families, LGBTQIA+ families, parents with disabilities, parents who are neurodivergent, and those growing their families through adoption. My Approach Universal Support, Personal Touch Birth is universal—it's happened across cultures, centuries, and countless galaxies of human experience. Yet YOUR birth is uniquely yours, a wonder that deserves celebration and support tailored specifically to your needs. Whether you're a single parent writing your own heroic story, part of a multicultural or multi-religious family blending beautiful traditions, navigating parenthood in the LGBTQIA+ community, a differently-abled parent, a neurodivergent parent, or creating your family through adoption—I am here for YOU. Your journey matters, your choices are valid, and your experience deserves nothing less than stellar support.

I am a certified Birth Doula and Yoga Instructor with years of experience. My practice is trauma-informed and size inclusive from a Health At Every Size perspective. I have a grounded and empathetic presence, with a dash of joyful and playful energy. When receiving care from me, expect to be met with compassion, attuned too, deeply cared for, and fiercely advocated for. In my free time, I enjoy reading, making tea blends, cuddling with my cats, and connecting deeply with nature.

Hi, I’m Jacqueline, but you can call me Jacqui. I’m a full-spectrum doula who believes birth is both sacred and deeply human — not something to “manage,” but something to be supported with care, humor, and grounding energy. My background as an esthetician, medical assistant, and ordained minister means I show up with a calming presence, steady hands, and the ability to connect with just about anyone. I see each family as unique, and I honor every birth plan, every emotion, and every cultural layer that shapes the journey into parenthood. I’m here to hold space, advocate when needed, and help parents feel informed, respected, and genuinely cared for. My philosophy is simple: YOU deserve a birth experience that feels safe, supported, and authentically yours. I show up as both a guide and a teammate — someone who listens first, encourages often, and helps you tap into your own strength. Whether it’s breathwork at 2 a.m., a good laugh when things get intense, or quiet reassurance in the moments that matter most, I’m committed to walking alongside your family with compassion and confidence. My goal is to help you feel prepared, empowered, and never alone during one of the most transformative moments of your life. My hobbies are reading, crafting, hosting karaoke nights at local bars, helping my partner run a part-time catering business and cuddling with our Beagle-mix Emo. I look forward to meeting you!!

My name is Oldine Cyrius My approach is centered on creating a safe, supportive environment where families feel heard and valued. I believe in the power of positive birth experiences and work to facilitate these through education, advocacy, and hands-on support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. As a mother, I've lived the challenges and joys of parenting, and this informs my empathetic and practical approach to caring for new families. My goal is to help families navigate the journey of childbirth with confidence and joy, knowing that the support they receive can have a lasting impact on their lives. As a doula and midwife for 13 years experiences, I am dedicated to supporting women and families through the journey of childbirth, providing care that is both nurturing and empowering. My philosophy is rooted in the belief that every birth is unique and deserving of respect, and that women should be at the center of their care, making informed decisions about their bodies and their babies. Having experienced motherhood myself, as the mom of a beautiful daughter, I bring a deep understanding of the emotional and physical aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting to my work. This personal experience, combined with my professional training, allows me to offer comprehensive support that addresses the whole family's needs.

I’m Kayla, founder of The Melanated Apple, and I believe mothers deserve to be mothered, too. ✨ As a full-spectrum doula and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, I offer birth support, feeding guidance, newborn care, and daytime and overnight postpartum support. I also bring a softer touch to your fourth trimester through belly binding, herbal baths and foot soaks, gentle relaxation massage, and calming sound experiences. Imagine having someone help you settle your baby, bring you a warm foot soak, and make space for you to exhale. That’s the kind of thoughtful, personal care I love to give. From your first questions to your quietest postpartum moments, you deserve care that feels as good as it is supportive. 🌺