Jade Newkirk

Montclair, New Jersey

5.0 (11 reviews)

Jade Newkirk

13 years of experience

Jade is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Birth Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, and mother. She brings years of experience, compassion, and a deep respect for the transformative journey of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. Jade takes an evidence-based, inclusive approach to perinatal care. She does not subscribe to one “right” way to give birth — instead, she supports all types of births and all families, whether that includes unmedicated labor, pain medication, cesarean birth, home birth, or hospital birth. Her goal is to help each family feel informed, respected, and empowered in their decisions. She is deeply committed to amplifying diverse voices in the birth space and works collaboratively with healthcare providers to ensure that care is respectful, culturally sensitive, and centered around the needs and preferences of each birthing person. Jade offers a wide range of services to support families through every stage of the perinatal experience, including: Holistic Lamaze Childbirth Education Classes “Breathing for Birth” Childbirth Prep Workshops In-home Prenatal & Postpartum Lactation Support Customized Newborn Care Classes Prenatal and Postnatal Support for Families Doula Mentorship In addition to her work with families, Jade is the Doula Program Director at Montclair B.A.B.Y., where she collaborates with her partner Kelli DeFlora to bring high-quality, nurturing, and educational programming to new and expectant families in the community.

Recent review

Before I went to Jade's childbirth class at Montclair BABY, I had never heard of a doula. Her class was holistic of all the options during labor and delivery, and my husband and I felt like Jade could be the perfect support person to ease my anxiety during pregnancy and labor. We were absolutely right. Jade offered continuous comfort and information for me throughout my pregnancy. She is extremely knowledgeable and thorough and gave advice for things I hadn't even considered. Being someone who has always been terrified of childbirth, Jade eased my anxiety leaps and bounds. We prepared for it beforehand, but once I went into labor, Jade supported us over the phone and at my home before we went to the hospital. My birth went from something that I used to fear, to something I now look back on with fond memories (I think that's a wild transformation) and I truly credit a lot of that to Jade. She was an advocate for me at the hospital, she rarely left my side except when I needed alone time with my husband, and she encouraged me. She worked cooperatively with the rest of the birth team. Dare I say birth was actually a little fun? I whole heartedly recommend Jade as a doula and would love to have her at my future births. There really aren't enough words to describe how grateful I am for her.

- Jen D.

Astrid Hufnagel

Montclair, New Jersey

Astrid Hufnagel

10 years of experience

When I had my "Little Prince" (Finn), and became involved in the birth world, I realized that I found a calling! Working with families through their pregnancies, and helping them embrace the new phase of life after birth, brings me much joy and satisfaction. I have a creative side, with a passion for photography. I also have a love for travel and exploring the outdoors. My experiences with my boys have made me attune to the struggles one can endure in pregnancy, birth, and the post-partum period. I am a researcher at heart and am extremely resourceful. If I don’t know an answer, I am confident that with some time and research I can come back to a situation with various angles and options to help families navigate this new and exciting time in their lives. I look forward to being a part of your journey!

Catherine Fenelus

Brooklyn, New York

Catherine Fenelus

3 years of experience

I am a dedicated newborn care specialist and postpartum doula committed to supporting families during this transformative time. My focus is on nurturing both mom and baby, providing compassionate guidance and practical support to ensure a smooth transition into parenthood. With a passion for holistic care, I create a warm and safe environment where families can thrive and bond. I’m excited to be part of your journey and help you embrace the joys of new beginnings!

Chaya Bruck

Brooklyn, New York

Chaya Bruck

9 years of experience

Warm and compassionate Doula and dancing for birth instructor.

Jessica Dauksza

New City, New York

Jessica Dauksza

3 years of experience

Hi! I’m Jess, I am a Certified postpartum doula ready to love, nurture and care for YOU and baby in postpartum. I offer a mother-centered approach to postpartum care. I know how important sleep, nourishing the body with good food, and emotional and physical support is. Let’s connect!

Cynthia Omala

Brooklyn, New York

Cynthia Omala

12 years of experience

Cynthia is an educated, multi-skilled newborn care specialist passionate about caretaking and professional development. She specialilizes in rehabilitative care and can work 24/7, nighttime and daytime schedules. She has cared for numerous newborns throughout her career is seeking short-term and long-term contracts. Cynthia has been in the childcare industry for over 10years. Cynthia is certified Newborn Care Specialist through Summers Sleep secrets and also a sleep consultant. Cynthia is certified in CPR and first Aid has experience working with premature infants and twins. Cynthia has worked in many different family settings. Cynthia has worked with single parents, interracial couples, high-profile families, and traditional families. There are a variety of family designs in the world and believe that family is family. Cynthia is kind, and caring, you will never see her without a smile. Cynthia is a great newborn care specialist who combines knowledge, compassion, and practical skills to provide excellent care for newborns and support to families.

Keshia Jackman

Newark, New Jersey

Keshia Jackman

2 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi! My name is Keshia Jackman, located in Newark, NJ. I trained as a community doula with Ancient Song Doula Services. I am dedicated to helping parents navigate through their pregnancy safely, and with as little intervention as possible. In my spare time, I like to read, listen to music and play my occasional video game. I'm also part of a community choir.

JAMIE MCGUIRE

Huntington, New York

JAMIE MCGUIRE

5 years of experience

Hi I'm Jamie, The Doting Doula. I am a postpartum doula and lactation education counselor and I am here to make your life in the fourth trimester a little bit easier! I offer both overnight and daytime support as well as lactation counseling.

Arlene Maynard

Queens, New York

5.0 (1 review)

Arlene Maynard

28 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My name is Arlene Maynard and I draw upon 27 years of experience supporting families during the early days of parenthood as both a Newborn Care Specialist and Postpartum Doula.One of the most valuable lessons I have learnt is the importance of individualized support. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse array of families, including 74 sets of twins, 4 sets of triplets, and 1 set of quads. Each family's dynamics presented unique challenges, and I have come to appreciate that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to care. By actively listening and tailoring my support to meet their specific needs, I have been able to foster a nurturing environment that empowers parents and promotes the well-being of their newborns. My commitment to professional growth has led me to become a Pediatric Sleep Consultant, a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, a Certified Postpartum Doula, a Cache certified Newborn Care Specialist, an Advanced NCS through the NCSA, a Certified Perinatal Behavior Coach, and I am trained in the RIE method as well the Direct Connect Nurture method. My CPR certification further demonstrates my dedication to ensuring a safe atmosphere for newborns. These experiences have enriched my ability to provide comprehensive care that meets both the physical and emotional needs of families. I find great fulfillment in witnessing families gain confidence in their parenting skills and strive to create a supportive environment where they can share concerns and celebrate milestones. Throughout my years as a Newborn Care Specialist and Postpartum Doula, it has reinforced my belief in the transformative power of compassion, education, and community support. I am enthusiastic about gaining an opportunity to provide exceptional care for families as they navigate this rewarding yet challenging journey of welcoming a new life.

Recent review

We used Arlene as our postpartum doula for the first six weeks after the birth of our son and we were very happy with her service. Not only was she very compassionate, but she was super knowledgeable. She actually helped to save my breastfeeding journey with her little tips and tricks.

- Keira S.

Kei Gravesande-Wilson

East Orange, New Jersey

5.0 (5 reviews)

Kei Gravesande-Wilson

4 years of experience

Hi there! I’m Kei Gravesande-Wilson, your caring and supportive doula based in East Orange, New Jersey. Becoming a parent is one of life’s greatest adventures, but it can also be overwhelming. That’s where I come in! As a birth and postpartum doula, I’m here to support you and your partner every step of the way – from the excitement of pregnancy to the blissful (and sometimes chaotic!) early days with your baby. I believe in creating a calm and supportive environment, whether you’re dreaming of a natural birth or planning a C-section. I’m passionate about helping new parents feel confident and empowered, and I’m always happy to share my knowledge about breastfeeding, and baby care, or just offer a listening ear. Let’s work together to make your journey into parenthood as smooth and joyful as possible.

Recent review

I cannot express enough gratitude for the incredible support I received from my birth and postpartum doula, Kei. From my third trimester all the way through labor and the first four weeks postpartum, Kei was a constant source of guidance, comfort, and strength. Kei provided me with an abundance of resources, including recipes, guides, exercises, and daily affirmations, which were invaluable during my pregnancy. She was instrumental in helping me stick to my birthing plan, yet was flexible and adaptive when changes were necessary during labor and delivery. One of the many thoughtful gestures Kei made was gifting me a birth exercise ball and warm compresses for breastfeeding. Her knowledge on breastfeeding and pumping was extensive; she not only educated me on the process but also made me a special lactation tea that significantly helped increase my milk production. Her hands-on approach in showing me how to breastfeed, along with tips for storage, was incredibly reassuring for a first-time mom like me. Kei's expertise didn't stop there. She helped our baby accept a pacifier, something we struggled with on our own, and showed us various tools and techniques to soothe our baby during those tough middle-of-the-night crying spells. Her 24/7 availability was a lifeline, especially when I experienced Braxton Hicks contractions and needed reassurance. During labor, Kei's support was unwavering. She stayed with me for over 24 hours in the hospital, ensuring I never lacked anything, whether it was physical comfort or emotional encouragement. Kei's presence gave me the confidence and strength I needed to navigate this new chapter of my life. I left this experience not just with a supportive doula but with a life-long friend. I wholeheartedly recommend Kei's doula services to anyone seeking comprehensive prenatal and postpartum support. Her dedication, compassion, and expertise are unmatched. Thank you, Kei, for being an indispensable part of my journey into motherhood.

- Danielle B.

Kiva Marriott

Brooklyn, New York

Kiva Marriott

30 years of experience

Hi my name is Kiva Marriott I’m a naturing and compassionate mother of 2 who finds fulfillment in caregiving I’m an experienced newborn caregiver

Jennifer Michel-Wilson

Queens, New York

5.0 (5 reviews)

Jennifer Michel-Wilson

9 years of experience

My name is Jennifer Michel-Wilson, owner of La Belle Doula Birth Support Services. I am a CD/PCD (DONA), CLC Birth, Postpartum, Bereavement and Holistic Fertility Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor & Educator as well a Certified Childbirth Educator.. La Belle Doula was founded upon the recognition of the extreme lack of compassion in maternal health care, and it became abundantly clear that this was to be my life’s work. My goal is to empower you by not only providing you with the education and tools needed, but also through being an empathetic support system as you go through this unique journey of your life. I put high values on overall well-being and cater to each woman’s individual needs in order to provide guidance & a shoulder to lean on during this complex and powerful experience. As a Doula, I believe in your vision, I trust in your strength, and I remind you of the power within you because every woman deserves a beautiful beginning and ending.

Recent review

My husband and I worked with Jennifer the last trimester of my pregnancy. She always made herself accessible for any questions, and we felt very well supported by her. Jennifer was extremely thorough, timely, and compassionate. She was a master at feeding us information at the right time as not to overwhelm us. My husband and I wound up taking a 6 hour birth class a month before our due date, and we felt so well prepared from Jennifer, that the information in the birth class seemed repetitive from what Jennifer had already instilled in us! The day I went into labor, Jennifer was accesible every moment. She was truly an advocate for us and made us feel safe and connected. My husband and I would absolutely recommend Jennifer to any couple looking for doula. My met several, and Jennifer was truly the best of the best. Thank you Jennifer!!

- Jessica C.

Emily Neiman

Verona, New Jersey

Emily Neiman

5 years of experience

Exhausted from being up all night? Overwhelmed with naps and schedules? Struggling with bedtime? Stressed about early morning wake ups? Emily is a certified baby and child sleep coach based in New Jersey (with ability to work remotely with clients all over the country) who provides expert guidance, customized sleep plans, and 1:1 coaching to help your child sleep. When your child sleeps, all of you sleep.

Nicole Spearman Akwe, CD

Bayonne, New Jersey

Nicole Spearman Akwe, CD

12 years of experience

I have been providing birthing support, assistance, and care since 2013 nationally across the United States with a specialty in birth/miscarriage/abortion aftercare. So far, I have attended 4 births and have provided prenatal and post-partum services for over 10+ women. I am walking in my calling and I believe that all women deserve to have affordable support and care during birth. I am an African-American certified Muslim doula and I'm willing to work with all walks of life, religions, and cultures. I am so excited to meet new mothers!

Megan Mendoza

Darien, Connecticut

Megan Mendoza

5 years of experience

My name is Megan Mendoza, I’m a birth doula and am passionate about educating birthing people and helping them learn about their options when it comes to childbirth and postpartum. I have an incredible husband, David. Together we have two amazing and very energetic little boys Grover and August, and a sweet heart of a dog Lola. As a family we love to hike and travel as much as we can. While I was pregnant with our second (August) we traveled full time in a school bus converted into a tiny house. This is when I really found my voice to advocate for myself. Everyone thought (and told us several times!) that we were crazy for having a young toddler and expanding our family while we didn’t have a "typical" house. But I knew that it was possible and that I was going to have the birth I had dreamed about. A few months later I was able to have an empowered V-BAC birth. Through this experience I discovered my love for helping women find their own voices and to help advocate for themselves to have the empowered births they desire, whatever that may be.

Ivanna Garcia

Newark, New Jersey

Ivanna Garcia

14 years of experience

I have over 10 years of experience caring for children from newborns to teenagers. I’ve supported families with overnight infant care, daily routines, and creating fun, safe environments that fit each child’s personality. Families often describe me as reliable, nurturing, and patient, with a strong ability to connect with kids at every stage.

Aliya Barnes

West Orange, New Jersey

5.0 (3 reviews)

Aliya Barnes

5 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hello! I am a Aliya Barnes, the owner of The PPLS Birth. Our mission is to return birth to the people and give the power back to the community. I am a full spectrum doula specializing with first time moms and young moms! I am a huge advocate for education! Please feel free to reach out for all childbirth education as well as birth services. I look forward to meeting you 🙂

Recent review

Aliya is amazing! She helped me write my birth plan, offered different things I didn’t even know I wanted and schooled both me and my partner on things we had no knowledge about. She made me feel more confident going into my induction. (Babygirl didn’t wanna come out) She was there for basically the whole thing. She supported me in ways I can’t thank her enough for. She made sure all my needs were met and the doctors were doing exactly what I asked. I truly don’t know what I would’ve done without her.

- Cameron B.

Antionette Wearing

Bayonne, New Jersey

Antionette Wearing

4 years of experience

As a full-spectrum doula, my purpose is to hold space for pregnant people through the profound journey of creating life - offering compassionate support during the prenatal, birth, and postpartum stages. I am here to help them reclaim their voice, reconnect with their creativity, and step into their inherent power as they navigate not only the physical aspects of birth but the emotional and spiritual transitions of life. Through every stage, I aim to empower them to feel seen, heard, and deeply supported in their transformation. I am committed to educating and uplifting my clients by sharing the rich history of Black women in birth work, ensuring that their stories are included in the broader narrative. I empower people to write and reclaim their own birth narratives, allowing their voices to be heard and honoring the legacy of Black women in this sacred space.

Josette Severino

Brooklyn, New York

Josette Severino

5 years of experience

Hello, wonderful community members! 🌸 I'm delighted to introduce myself as a trained Doula on the path to certification. My name is Josette, and I'm here to offer my services to support you during your incredible journey into parenthood. As a mother and Brooklyn native I am committed to providing compassionate and personalized care to families in our vibrant community. With a focus on emotional well-being, childbirth education, and women empowerment. Additionally, I offer nesting services where I assist in prepping for your new bundle of joy, ensuring your home is a warm and welcoming environment for your growing family. I am eager to be a part of your village. Let's connect!

Julia Melchoir

Brooklyn, New York

Julia Melchoir

31 years of experience

My name is Julia Melchoir and I have been a certified Newborn Care Specialist for the past 20 years. During this time my caring and nurturing skills have given me the knowledge and experience each newborn needs to develop. My specialties are being a night nurse that enables me, and gives me the opportunity to love, care, and understand each baby from their simplest cry, to each facial expression. In this way, I can identify when a baby is either colicky, or uncomfortable with a wet diaper. This act of love is what makes me perform to my highest and best whilst taking care of any baby.