Birth Savvy

Boston, Massachusetts

Birth Savvy

15 years of experience

Hi, we are Anna and Ashley, Registered Nurses specializing in High Risk Obstetrics and founders Of Birth Savvy LLC. Meet Ashley RN, BSN My career began in pediatric primary care and community health, but my true passion led me to Labor & Delivery in 2015. For several years, I worked at one of Boston’s top institutions, caring for high-risk and critically ill birthing patients. I was driven to expand my expertise beyond the delivery room—supporting families holistically throughout their entire pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. In 2021, I transitioned into Maternal Fetal Medicine, deepening my knowledge of complex pregnancies and high-risk care. My mission is to provide a culturally competent, integrated approach that nurtures both physical and emotional well-being. Beyond my professional experience, I’ve personally navigated a high-risk pregnancy and birth—a journey that sparked my Aha! moment: knowledge, paired with unwavering support, is the true key to empowerment in the perinatal and postpartum experience. That realization led me to create Birth Savvy, because every birthing person deserves high-quality education, autonomy, and confidence. I mix humor, encouragement, and real talk to help parents connect mind and body, fuel inner strength, and embrace birth without fear. I’m a Spinning Babies® Aware Practitioner, Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor, and trained in perinatal mental health. When I’m not empowering families, you’ll find me traveling, watching action movies, enjoying great food, listening to music, and, of course, being a mom! Meet Anna RN, MSN I’m Anna, a dedicated OB nurse with over 13 years of experience in labor and delivery, postpartum, antepartum, abortion care, and Maternal Fetal Medicine. My passion for childbirth started early, inspired by my grandmother’s stories shared around the dinner table. From the moment I stepped into nursing, I knew supporting families through pregnancy and birth was my calling. Beyond hospital-based care, I earned a Master’s in Public Health and worked in community health, providing vital reproductive care and family planning services. As a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Spinning Babies® Aware Practitioner, and Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) specialist, I bring a holistic and evidence-based approach to every birth experience. My goal is to help families feel calm, confident, and in control, no matter their journey. I founded Birth Savvy because the greatest joy in my career has been guiding parents toward empowered, informed choices—no matter how complex their situation may be. When I’m not working, you’ll find me cooking, traveling, re-learning piano, or tackling endless home improvement projects!

Marsha Montgomery

Boston, Massachusetts

5.0 (2 reviews)

Marsha Montgomery

31 years of experience
Accepts insurances

With over 30 years of experience in child care—including 16 years as a center director—I began my work as a postpartum doula in 2018. As a mom of three grown children (including two retired service members) and a proud new grandmother, I bring both professional expertise and personal insight to every family I support. I love helping new moms navigate the fourth trimester with confidence, combining my training and hands-on experience to make a meaningful difference in their transition. Supporting families during this special time is truly my passion. I’m here to answer your questions and walk alongside you on this beautiful journey.

Recent review

Discovering Blissful Sleep was a game-changer for me as a second-time mom. After struggling with months of sleep deprivation during my first postpartum experience, I wish I had met Marsha and her team sooner. They truly gave me the gift of sleep and restored my sanity during those early months. One of the most invaluable aspects of their service was the emotional support they provided. With no family nearby, their team became like an extended family for me. The care providers assigned to us were not only highly professional but also compassionate and understanding. They essentially took care of me as much as they did my baby - they listened to my concerns, offered practical advice, and were a constant sounding board throughout our first few months. I was impressed by their punctuality and reliability. They were always on time for appointments and their communication was clear and responsive. This professionalism instilled confidence in their services and made the entire experience stress-free. I wholeheartedly recommend Blissful Sleep to anyone expecting a baby. Whether you're a first-time parent or navigating the challenges of newborn parenthood again, their expertise and support are invaluable. They tailor their approach to fit your family's unique needs, ensuring you feel empowered and well-supported during this transformative time. In summary, Blissful Sleep exceeded my expectations in every way. Thanks to their guidance, my baby sleeps through the night! If you're looking for compassionate, professional, and effective sleep support, look no further than Blissful Sleep.

- Angela P.

Katie Panzer

Boston, Massachusetts

Katie Panzer

hi!

Deu Almeida

Boston, Massachusetts

Deu Almeida

7 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Plain and simple: I love all things pregnancy! After working in the music industry for nearly ten years, I experienced a deep and abrupt shift in my life trajectory upon becoming pregnant. Prior to my pregnancy, I had already declared my path of Maternal & Neonatal Health in my DrPH program, but experiencing the true miracle we call life confirmed that Maternal & Neonatal Health are in fact a huge part of my purpose, even so much so that I was willing to partially cut ties with the music business to fulfill this duty. That’s why and how I’m here for you today — I truly believe I was called to do this work. I’ve always had an interest in the unknowns of pregnancy. I was born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and have lived my life with a star-shaped G-tube patch and midline incision scar that represent the intersectionality of pregnancy, what can go wrong and how we can fix it. And upon marrying my husband, a heart transplant recipient, I became even more enthralled by the specialty of disease prevention in infants. Many wonder why I took the DrPH path as opposed to a traditional MD degree, and the truth is that nothing I’ve ever done in my life was conventional. It is my belief that addressing Maternal & Neonatal Health issues from the standpoint of public health practice is not only effective, but is also fulfilling. As a public health practitioner, I address the risks and patterns of pregnancy complications as a population-wide problem. I’m not a medical doctor because I am not interested in treating these conditions: I am a public health doctor because I am committed to preventing them altogether.

Yaffa Garber Tilles

Newton, Massachusetts

5.0 (1 review)

Yaffa Garber Tilles

12 years of experience

I am the mom to 3 rambunctious boys and the co-founder of the Boston Birth Village! My sister and I provide birth doula services, postpartum doula services, childbirth education classes, postpartum groups, and much more!

Recent review

Yaffa and I love working as a team! Here's a recent review from a birth doula client: From the first time we met Shira, we felt more at ease about our birthing time. Upon meeting Shira it is obvious how sweet, caring, and smart she is. Shira is very knowledgeable about pregnancy and birth, and she is super humble about her approach. She is here for you to answer your questions and make you feel prepared and comfortable. She doesn't push any personal agenda, she is a calm and peaceful presence who will guide you like a warm mother would, and with confidence. Shira is open minded. She was directly by my side taking my lead during my first birth, and both of our first HypnoBabies experience. She was the expert support and extra hands I needed alongside my husband. I had mostly back labor and she helped with counter pressure, positioning, and movement for 24+ hours! She said yes to all any any requests I had. When I decided to get an epidural/induction, she helped make that choice easier. She constantly shared my birth plan with the hospital staff to ensure everyone was on board with my vision so I didn't have to. It was very reassuring having her there and I truly couldn't have done it without her. The birth ended up being absolutely beautiful, magical, and a holy experience that I would be lucky and blessed to do over and over again. Thank you Shira!!

- Shira S.

Laura Miranda

Newton, Massachusetts

5.0 (1 review)

Laura Miranda

16 years of experience

Hello! I am an experienced newborn care specialist, postpartum doula and sleep consultant.

Recent review

We used Laura as a baby nurse for our twins for 4 months. She is an absolute expert. She got our twins on a great schedule that we were able to follow as we weaned off full time care and they were sleeping through the night by 3 months. I recommend her highly.

- Anna M.

Niki Striar

Newmarket, New Hampshire

Niki Striar

3 years of experience

Hi! I'm Niki! I am a certified birth and postpartum doula! As a postpartum doula, I am trained to help with all things newborn care, including feeding support, sleep, soothing, bathing, etc, as well as supporting parents through the postpartum period and transition to new-parenthood! Additionally, I can take care of light housework, local errands, and provide a wealth of knowledge and resources! I would love to chat more about your family's needs! Or feel free to reach out via my website rainbowrosedoula.com

Dayse Silva

Framingham, Massachusetts

5.0 (3 reviews)

Dayse Silva

14 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Founded in 2025, Blooming Bonds was created with one clear mission: to provide exceptional, nurturing postpartum and newborn care that supports families during their most vulnerable and beautiful moments. We are committed to helping babies thrive and ensuring parents feel confident, supported, and well-rested as they bond and grow together. Behind Blooming Bonds is my 14 years of experience working with children—including caring for over 400 little ones—and 3 years dedicated specifically to newborn care. I am a certified Newborn Care Specialist and Postpartum Doula, CPR and First Aid certified, and fully vaccinated. With a degree in Psychology focused on child development and extensive experience in gentle sleep conditioning and training, I bring both expertise and compassion to every family I serve. Night care, in particular, has become a passion of mine, as it allows me to help new parents rest, recover, and confidently navigate the early days of their baby’s life.

Recent review

Dayse was amazing! She helped us when we needed it the most the first two months with our newborn. She treated our daughter like she was her own. She was punctual, easy to communicate with, flexible with scheduling, and helped by pointing out cues my wife and I were overlooking. Dayse will be coming back for all of our future children!

- Adam M.

Rafaela Sanchez Guerreiro

Framingham, Massachusetts

5.0 (1 review)

Rafaela Sanchez Guerreiro

8 years of experience

I am a 28-year-old Newborn Care Specialist from Brazil, with over 8 years of experience as a nanny and 2 years working as an NCS. I came to the USA as an au pair, which gave me the opportunity to develop a deep passion for newborn care. I am CPR certified, NCS certified, and I am currently working towards my postpartum doula certification. My skills include patience, feeding support, and sleep conditioning, all of which I have honed through my hands-on experience. I am dedicated to providing the highest level of care to both newborns and families, ensuring a supportive and nurturing environment. I believe that every newborn and family is unique, and my approach to care is rooted in patience, compassion, and evidence-based practices. My goal is to create a calm and nurturing environment where both baby and parents feel supported and confident. I prioritize gentle sleep conditioning, feeding support, and fostering healthy routines that work for each family’s needs. By continuously expanding my knowledge—such as pursuing my postpartum doula certification—I strive to provide the best care possible. I see my role not just as a caregiver, but as an educator and guide, helping families transition smoothly into their new chapter with their little one.

Recent review

I can’t recommend Rafaela enough! She took care of my first baby during the night, and her help was truly invaluable. As a new mom, I was exhausted, and knowing that my little one was in such capable and loving hands allowed me to finally get some rest. Rafaela is incredibly gentle, patient, and knowledgeable—she has this calming presence that instantly put me at ease. She knew exactly what to do, whether it was soothing, feeding, or simply making sure my baby was comfortable and safe. If you’re looking for someone trustworthy to care for your newborn at night, Rafaela is amazing!

- Chloe C.

Lauren Bolton

Quincy, Massachusetts

Lauren Bolton

5 years of experience

Hello, my name is Lauren and I am a birth and postpartum doula as well as bereavement. I am also a new parent educator and a childbirth educator. I love working with families and all aspects of preparing for your childbirth journey. I also have experience with Nicu postpartum care.

Oluwakemi Okufuwa

Braintree, Massachusetts

Oluwakemi Okufuwa

Accepts insurances

At Labor of love,we are here to support you all the way through your journey,it's about advocacy,helping you find your voice,making sure you're heard and it's all about you. Every birth is sacred and every Mother powerful.

Allie Cuozzo

Medfield, Massachusetts

5.0 (3 reviews)

Allie Cuozzo

3 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi there! Congratulations, expectant parent! I am a Certified Birth Doula & work in the Greater Boston area. I am passionate about providing access to birth support & am certified to take Mass Health members' insurance. I work with midwives in home birth settings; I work in hospitals in Boston, Framingham, Worcester, etc. This year, I was inducted into my college's Hall of Fame (sporty girl over here!) so I bring a physical strength alongside a deep serenity to all birth settings. I believe there is a sweet spot between kinetic intuition (let the person birth!!) & science therefore I arrive at this practice from this lens. I'm here to listen to what type of birth you're preparing for or beliefs you have as this is paramount to inform us (we're a team) & guide your birth in the most aligned & authentic way possible. When I am not on call, supporting pregnant people during prenatal visits, or nourishing folks during postpartum, I focus on building Earth Allies, my organic plant-based company that I founded in California. I am a mother to a two year old; I am in the process of adopting her out of the MA foster care system. May your pregnancy & birth be a positive one for YOU & your baby/babies.

Recent review

Allie came into our lives at such a pivotal moment in time and I will forever be grateful that our paths crossed when they did. As a first time mom, I had spent hours of time reading, listening, and meditating in preparation for our twin home birth - I knew that I wanted a support person in addition to my husband, but I didn't know exactly what that looked like in practical form. I'd had another doula planning to accompany our home birth, but in the final weeks of my pregnancy, she was not able to support me after all. That's where Allie gracefully came into the picture. I was connected with Allie through my midwife's glowing recommendation of her. By the end of our first visit, I truly felt as though we had been friends for years. I am so grateful to have met her when I did, as I ended up going into labor the next day! Allie is kind, compassionate, affirming, gentle, empathetic, and has such a beautiful heart for mamas and their birth experiences. I went through active labor for several hours with my husband before we asked Allie to head our way. I will always be amazed at how much lighter my contractions felt as soon as Allie arrived. She quietly and seamlessly entered into my birthing den and as she held space for my surges while my husband could take a rest, I noticeably felt so much more relaxed and at peace. Even though labor was progressing quickly, it all felt significantly smoother with Allie's presence at my side. She kept me hydrated and nourished so that as my body did the handwork, my mind could be at rest. This was happening. This was right. This was meant to be We welcomed our Lana Rose at 6:12pm after a 12 hour labor. Our Esme Jane came just a short 10 minutes later at 6:22pm. Allie was there to hold my hand and my heart through the most empowering experience of my life. She captured the most beautiful moments on camera that I will cherish forever, and cared for me so thoroughly and attentively in my hours after the birth. Allie is, in short, like both a sister and a best friend all wrapped into one amazing soul. Her presence made every difference not only for me, but also for my husband. We will forever be grateful to her for sharing her heart with us in abundance on that special day.

- Amelia T.

Kolby Castelli

Westborough, Massachusetts

5.0 (1 review)

Kolby Castelli

7 years of experience

Hi, I’m Kolby, a full spectrum doula! I come from a big family and have always loved birth & babies. I have been working with children for the past 10 years. In college, I studied nursing (my mom is a nurse), as well as reproductive health. As a doula, I love being able to care for babies and help families adjust to this new stage of life. It makes me happy knowing I’m making a difference in someone’s home. Building relationships and trust with families is important to me, something I take seriously as your doula. Prior to becoming a doula, I worked as an overnight newborn care specialist, nanny and infant teacher– supporting babies and collaborating with parents. I also LOVE working with multiples– I have worked with several multiples families including twins and triplets.

Recent review

Kolby did an amazing job helping me adjust to life with my triplets- TRULY couldn't have done it without her! She helped me mainly with nights so I could get some sleep and helped with some light chores around the house (bottles, baby laundry, meal prep). We won't be having anymore kids but if we did we’d 100% use her again.

- Ariel W.

Jessica Bready

Westborough, Massachusetts

5.0 (1 review)

Jessica Bready

10 years of experience

I’m a Homebirth midwife who also loves to serve as a doula. I have years of experience with unmedicated, natural births, but can also support in any context. I believe every birthing person deserves compassion, love, and kindness as they bring a baby through. I’m here to listen to your desires, help educate you on the options you have, and stand by you through your birthing/early parenting process. I’ve attended over 400 births and counting :) When not at a birth I spend my days playing with my son, hiking with my dog, cooking and exploring. Happy to help as a birth or postpartum doula, homebirth midwife, or lactation specialist.

Recent review

If you're in search of someone well-versed in both holistic care and Western scientific knowledge, with a non-judgmental approach, Jessy is an exceptional choice. After interviewing three different midwifery practices, it became evident that Jessy Bready not only brought an incredible depth of experience but also had an extensive network of support to draw upon. I was looking for someone who had a warm, grounded presence, someone who could geek out about science while also delving into herbal remedies and the phases of the moon. Someone who truly saw the journey to motherhood as a magical union of heaven and earth. With Jessy, I experienced the most remarkable pregnancy journey. I cherished our monthly check-ups, which often included my husband, and were filled with questions and answers. She referred us to an excellent maternal fetal medicine doctor for all the tests I chose to undergo, including ultrasounds, which complemented our primarily non-hospital midwifery care. When the time for childbirth arrived, Jessy went above and beyond, assisting my husband in supporting me through my water labor. She provided gentle guidance and touch, and after about 30 hours of intense labor with no progress, we faced a decision. While I had dreamt of a homebirth, Jessy and her team helped me make the tough choice to transfer to the hospital for pain management at 3 am. She made me feel empowered for listening to my body and inner voice, rather than shaming me for not being able to proceed at home. Jessy joined us at the hospital, explaining the forthcoming procedures and seamlessly translating medical terminology for the doctors. Her confidence was evident, and the doctors respected her knowledge. While I believed our prenatal care was exceptional, it was Jessy's postpartum and breastfeeding support that truly amazed me. In the six weeks following our baby's birth, Jessy proved to be an invaluable asset to our family. She helped my milk come in, taught me how to latch, and provided emotional support. She even offered medical assistance when my blood pressure was slightly higher than normal. Not having to leave my home and venture into a doctor's office with my newborn for the first six weeks (except for our initial doctor's visit) was absolutely incredible! Having Jessy as a part of our birthing team was not only incredible for me but also for my husband and our baby girl. We are eternally grateful for the way she prepared us for parenthood, and we believe that everyone should have access to the level of care she provided. Although we didn't have a homebirth, my birthing experience was everything I had ever hoped for. Thank you, Jessy!!! <3

- Laura L.

Sara Epstein

Sharon, Massachusetts

Sara Epstein

19 years of experience

Nurturing evidence based care focusing on listening to the mother's/couple's birth vision and needs and assisting in the manifestation of a positive birth experience offering comfort measures, optimal fetal positioning (spinning babies!), breath strategies, information and encouragement. Hospital, Home Birth, VBAC, Water Birth, Hypnobirting, 40+ pregnancy and Lactation Counseling

Smitha Gudapakkam

Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

Smitha Gudapakkam

2 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My name is Smitha Gudapakkam and I am a CAPPA-certified postpartum doula passionate about supporting mothers during one of life's most transformative periods. My doula style is empathetic, observant, and empowering—I'm dedicated to truly seeing mothers and validating their experiences, especially those who feel overlooked or dismissed. There's nothing more rewarding than witnessing that moment when a mother feels truly validated about her struggles and realizes that these postpartum-related challenges can be addressed. I provide comprehensive support for both your physical recovery and mental health journey. Whether you're navigating healing from birth, adjusting to feeding challenges, dealing with sleep deprivation, or working through the emotional shifts that come with new motherhood, I'm here to guide and support you every step of the way. Drawing from my Indian heritage, I bring time-honored nourishing practices and cultural wisdom that nurture both body and mind to complement modern postpartum care. As a mother myself to an incredible daughter who inspires me daily, I understand firsthand the beautiful complexity of early motherhood—the overwhelming love mixed with unexpected challenges, the need for both practical support and emotional validation. My personal journey through postpartum, combined with my professional training, allows me to offer you both the expertise of a certified doula and the understanding of someone who's walked this path. I'm here to help you navigate this amazing journey with confidence, knowing you have someone in your corner who truly gets it.

Cristina Feliciano-Moreira

Abington, Massachusetts

Cristina Feliciano-Moreira

2 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hello! I'm Cristina, a passionate postpartum doula with a deep love for working with children and supporting families. My journey began with the challenges of motherhood, leading me to become a stay-at-home mom before transitioning to a daycare and then a nanny, where I witnessed the struggles new mothers face during the postpartum period. In response to the pandemic, I opened a home daycare and realized the profound impact I could have on families during this vulnerable time. I am dedicated to providing compassionate care, evidence-based information, and practical assistance to empower families as they navigate this transitional phase.

Allison Tabales

Gardner, Massachusetts

5.0 (1 review)

Allison Tabales

2 years of experience

Hi Mamas! I'm Ally, a mama of two boys, registered nurse, and doula. The newborn phase is a precious and transformative time in your parenthood journey. It can also come with an overwhelming change and stress. As a doula, I support families through this transition, prioritizing your space, comfort, and recovery in the early postpartum. Each family's care is individualized to best meet your needs.

Recent review

I don't think there are enough words to describe how grateful I felt to having received Ally's help before baby arrived, and first month. Before my son arrived she helped me prepare his nursery. We went over my hospital bag, my birth plan, my goals for postpartum. This was my second pregnancy and delivery was a emergency C-section. She helped educate me on post care for my healing. I had no knowledge on healing for a C-section, it wasn't on remotely on my birth plan. She would check my incision, gave me tips on care, exercises and massages(for when I got clearance). I really struggled my first month with breastfeeding and if I didn't have Ally's advice, knowledge and assistance with latching on I don't think I would've continued breastfeeding. After I nursed my son and he was settled I could nap and she would watch over him, do light cleaning, wake me for next feeding, and even gave a light snack. She was extremely patient, knowledgeable and a wonderful listener. Moments that I felt overwhelmed she was able to listen and give me support and remind me I'm doing great. I am a single mom of two. Having her services helped me so much. Thank you Ally for helping me and my babyboy, truly. You gave me the confidence, support and guidance I really needed. You're amazing! I recommend all mamas to work with Ally's! I can't wait to have baby number 3! Thank you Ally again!

- DeJanee A.

Kayanna James

Worcester, Massachusetts

5.0 (2 reviews)

Kayanna James

Accepts insurances

As a dedicated advocate, passionate follower of God, and accomplished entrepreneur, I find joy in bringing people together. By day, I’m a writer and aspiring politician; by night, I’m a compassionate doula supporting families through transformative moments. Rooted in a deep love for community, I actively engage with organizations that empower women and girls, connecting them to vital resources and opportunities. Birth is a transformative journey that deeply affects an individual on emotional, physical, and spiritual levels. I believe that preparing for and experiencing birth empowers and illuminates not only women, but everyone involved in the process.

Recent review

I honestly can’t say enough great things about Doula Kayanna James. She was recommended to me by a family member, and from the very first conversation, I could tell why she’s so loved and respected in the community. From start to finish, she was such a calming, supportive presence throughout my pregnancy and birth experience. Kayanna went above and beyond to make sure I felt prepared, confident, and cared for. She signed me up for classes that taught me so much about labor and what to expect as a first-time mom, things I would have never known otherwise. When it came time to give birth, she was right there with me, offering amazing tips and techniques to help me cope through the pain and stay focused. Her voice, her encouragement, and her gentle guidance helped me stay grounded through every contraction. What really stood out to me was how much she truly cares. She checked in on me before and after the birth, making sure I was healing well and adjusting to motherhood. It didn’t feel like I was working with a service; it felt like I had someone in my corner who genuinely wanted the best for me and my baby. If you’re thinking about having a doula, I can’t recommend Kayanna James enough. She’s knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly dedicated to the families she supports. You can tell she loves what she does, and it shows in every way. I’m beyond grateful for her guidance and care, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

- Sybrina D.

Loreal Drayton

Worcester, Massachusetts

Loreal Drayton

I’m a mommy, a doula, and a human services graduate with a deep passion for supporting families through every stage of their birth journey. My role is to empower you during some of the most intimate, vulnerable, and transformative moments of your life — from pregnancy and birth to the postpartum experience.