LGBTQ+ Affirming Doulas in Manhattan, NY

My name is Briana, and I am a Full Spectrum Doula and Birth Photographer serving clients in NYC, Nassau County, and Westchester. I am certified and insured in birth, postpartum care, and breastfeeding education. My passion for supporting women through every stage—from preconception to postpartum—comes from my own journey through infertility, loss, and birth trauma. After the birth of my first child, I discovered my inner strength and a powerful drive to advocate for others. That experience led me to become certified and dedicate myself to providing compassionate, informed support to women navigating their own unique health journeys. I am the proud mother of three, including twins, and have gained invaluable knowledge in reproductive health, pelvic pain, pregnancy, and postpartum care through a combination of research, course training, and most importantly, hands-on experience. I offer a complimentary initial session to get to know you, understand your needs and preferences, and answer any questions you or your partner may have prior to booking care. Feel free to reach out by text or email—I’m here to support you. Phone: 914.414.1115 Email: ondemanddoulas@gmail.com Socials @demanddoula

Hi, I'm Mia, the founder and director of Gentle Beginnings Collective, and the person who will make sure your family is matched with exactly the right support. I started Gentle Beginnings because I believe the postpartum period deserves far more than it typically gets. Not a rushed visit. Not a generic checklist. A real relationship with a professional who is the right fit for your family, your home, and your needs. My job now is to make sure that match is perfect and then to stay involved every step of the way. I work personally with every family who comes to Gentle Beginnings to understand what you're looking for, what your postpartum experience has been like, and what kind of support will actually make a difference. Then I match you with the right member of our team. Welcome. I am so excited you’re here. https://www.gentlebeginningscollective.com/get-in-touch

Hi, My name is Christina. C I am a Full Spectrum Doula, Lactation Consultant & Placenta Encapsulator. I’m here to assist women and families during pregnancy, birth & postpartum. I started my birthwork journey in 2016. I have had the pleasure of being a part of 80+ births and assisting 69 families with specifically 4th-trimester support thus far on my Journey. I have always been empowered by the strength and inner power of our women and the beauty of birth since I was a young child. This is why I became a professional Birthworker, Or as many call it a “Doula”. Every woman deserves to have support through the monumental changes & transitions of pregnancy, birth & postpartum. I'm here to guide, educate, and assist you with the Journey. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Your Doula Chrissy.

Hello! I'm Hailey Henry, a compassionate full-spectrum doula based in New York City, committed to providing inclusive and personalized support through all stages of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Inspired by my loved ones' journeys into parenthood and my passion for reproductive justice, I trained with Doula Training International and specialize in supporting diverse experiences, including high-risk pregnancies, neurodivergent parents, and advanced maternal age. I believe in empowering families with evidence-based, non-judgmental care, ensuring that every birthing person feels valued and heard. Outside of my practice, I enjoy strolls with my dog, Benji, and eating all over NYC.

RV is an organizer, artist, and care worker who is curious about what holds us together. They weave disability justice and somatics into everything they do, which now includes supporting birthing people! RV just completed their coursework to become a doula, and they are seeking potential clients to support through their births. RV accompanies people through moments of transformation and crisis so that you can move through it with support and dignity. Too often, people are left to tend to their bodies and needs in isolation, which only makes things harder. RV works to weave in practices that strengthen community bonds, encourage people to lean on each other, and ground in the certainty that we are all deserving of care, no matter how beautifully complex our needs might be.

Andy Ramos is a Doula based in Queens, NY, specializing in inclusive, informed, and expansive care. They come to birthwork from a background in gender education, sex education, and reproductive advocacy, and have a deep commitment to ensuring all families have the best birth experience possible. Andy’s passion is truly about people – people feeling supported, feeling safe, and feeling heard. Outside of birthwork, they are a nonprofit professional, an active member of their community, and very into reading and knitting. Andy is trained as a Birth and Postpartum Doula through Carriage House Birth, Cornerstone Doula Trainings, and BADT, and holds an MPA-PNP from New York University.

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."

Hi, I’m Catherine — a Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula and mom who believes every mother deserves to feel supported, heard, and cared for. My approach is rooted in “mothering the mother,” providing a safe, judgment-free space where families can feel confident and informed throughout their journey. As a birth doula, I support families through unmedicated births, inductions, epidurals, VBACs, and cesarean births. I use comfort measures like movement, positioning, breathing, counter-pressure, massage, and hands-on support while helping families understand their options and advocate for themselves. As a postpartum doula, I focus on caring for the whole family while making sure mom is cared for, too. From newborn care and feeding support to postpartum recovery, nutritious meals, and helping you get the rest you need, my goal is simple: to help you feel supported, confident, and cared for during one of the biggest transitions of your life.

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.

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.

Hi, I’m jasmine spacher (SHE/HER) cd(chb), CLC I graduated in 1999 from The National Holistic Institute in Emeryville, CA with a certificate in Massage Therapy and Health Education. While attending school I worked with autistic children, both one on one as well as homeschooling autistic children, utilizing music and movement therapy during the home school sessions. I have been attending births for clients and friends since 2002, completing my first doula training through DONA with Debra-Pascali Bonaro (Orgasmic Birth) in 2009. I attended the Assistant Midwifery program at The Farm with Ina May Gaskin and other Farm midwives, and completed my Watsu (water shiatsu) training with Joanne Santana there at The Farm in Summertown, TN. I re-certified with Carriage House Birth in June 2012 because I fell in love with the philosophy and curriculum they had compiled. In 2014, wanting to be able to support my clients more fully in postpartum, I became a Certified Lactation Counselor. I bring education, support, understanding, strength and positivity to each birth. I draw from all of my experience using reflexology, music & movement, spinning babies, massage, visualization among other therapies to foster relaxation and strength through each stage of labor. It is important to me to bring everyone together to work as a team:, the nurses, doctor and partner. I feel every birthing person deserves to have the birth they desire and I will work to make sure you and your partner feel empowered every step of the way.

Empathetic and skilled Birth Doula with 7 years of active experience supporting birthing families in diverse settings across New York City. Known for creating a calm and empowering birth environment, I offer comprehensive care through every stage of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum recovery. My approach is centered on informed choice, client advocacy, inclusivity, and holistic wellness, with additional expertise in womb reiki, lactation consulting and postpartum mental health support.

Hi ! My name is Shane and I am the Melanated Mermaid Doula Services. I am a trained Fullspectrum Doula with a focus on Birth and Postpartum services. I am also open to supporting abortion related services. I have a love for birth and preparing for the beautiful event. My passion with working with expectant families is to help them connect with one another, prepare and feel confident during and after their births. I want the people I work with to gain a confidence with their bodies but also feel safe and secure in advocating for their needs during pregnancy, labor and postpartum. I have a passion for nutrition and movement so I am sure to include different health measures and these two factors in my services as well. I have a degree in Psychology from Syracuse University and take what I learn from my formal training in the classroom and incorporate it in how I handle and care for my growing families during our time together. I love to laugh and bring joy in homes of the people I work with and hope that along with educating you on your body and body's super powers I can also bring comfort and confidence on this birth journey.

I'm Jada Shapiro, expert birth and postpartum doula since 2002! I've worked with thousands of families between attending births, teaching childbirth classes, and supporting people as a postpartum doula or lactation counselor. I'm also the founder of Birth Day Presence (doula training center) and Boober (childbirth education classes and doula support). I am a mom and stepmom to 4 girls in their late teens. My passion is to support birth and postpartum parents unconditionally through education, compassion, and a calm, strong, confident presence to allow you to move through pregnancy, birth and postpartum in your own way.

Greetings, my name is Aisolen Marcial and I am a certified Full Spectrum Holistic Doula located in New York City area. I have minimal limits in supporting folks and their families, having done this work already for over 10 years. Birth & postpartum support is not a cookie-cutter stencil and should not be treated as such. I am a mom of 2 beautiful girls and enjoy traveling, plants and self-care.

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.

Welcoming a new baby into your life is one of the most joyous—and sometimes overwhelming—experiences you will have as a growing family. That is where I come in as your friendly Baby Coach, I like calling myself a Family Mom because I am here for Mom, Dad, siblings, and even your Fur-baby. My mission is to make this beautiful journey a little easier and a lot more enjoyable for the entire family. You might be wondering why you should choose me. I am here to listen, understand, and support you without any judgment. I am a mother and grandmother and have many years of experience as a professional baby coach. I am flexible and will work to understand your preferences, meet the specific needs of your family, and share tips and tricks to help you navigate those sleepless nights and busy days. I thank you for choosing me.

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.

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!

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