Melinda Johnson

Trenton, New Jersey

5.0 (2 reviews)

Melinda Johnson

2 years of experience

Melanin Star Birth Services vows to bring protective care, defensive advocacy, informed education, soft support and spiritual essence to my future clients and BIPOC communities. All client information will be kept confidential and shared only with necessary personnel involved in care, with prior consent. I am committed to providing culturally sensitive care. Clients are encouraged to share their cultural practices and preferences to enhance their experience. Our services are open to all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

Recent review

With the skill and training Melinda’s will provide support around you. It can also help to increase your motivation and drive to make healthy lifestyle changes. Feeling well supported during pregnancy can offer a sense of connection and belonging, as well as emotional comfort and reassurance, which can help you manage any worries or concerns that may arise.

- Tanya J.

Crystal Alexander

Oceanport, New Jersey

Crystal Alexander

36 years of experience

Hello, I am a registered nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. I am a graduate of Binghamton University. I am a member of the International Nursing Honor society Sigma Theta Tau. I am passionate about helping parents realize their breastfeeding goals. I have been a nurse for 34 years and a lactation consultant for 15 years. I take a natural approach to feeding babies so both parents and babies are comfortable. I strive to achieve the best possible outcomes with a realistic and achievable method. If you’re planning to breastfeed or are already in the process and need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to assisting you on your parenting journey.

jordan shrum

Ocean Township, New Jersey

jordan shrum

3 years of experience

Hello everyone, my name is Jordan Shrum and I am currently in training, working towards my Birth Doula Certification with Birth Arts International. Providing emotional, physical and spiritual support to moms is my passion. I believe that birth should be held in calm and peaceful atmosphere, and with the right mind set and positive thinking, it can be achieved. After the delivery of my second child, my son, I knew in my heart that supporting mothers was my calling. Hold the vision, trust the process ✨

Diane Bernstein

Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania

5.0 (1 review)

Diane Bernstein

5 years of experience
Accepts insurances

IBCLC serving breast and chestfeeding families in the Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties in PA and Mercer and Hunterdon counties in NJ.

Recent review

Diane is deeply caring and smart. I felt truly listened to when working with Diane. She supported not only my nursing journey, but also my motherhood journey. From the first fragile days postpartum through weaning, Diane sees mothers as whole people and validates all the many emotions that come with this wild ride. She is incredibly knowledgeable. She always had many suggestions and resources for any issue I faced through nursing two children. In particular, when I struggled with Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation (BAA) while nursing my toddler, Diane was a wealth of information. I felt awful and didn't know how to explain what was going on, but I felt safe reaching out to Diane for help. She made me feel seen and understood. Diane helped me understand what was happening and work through ways to ease the BAA. While many lactation consultants are primarily versed in working with babies, Diane is a sage guide through extended breastfeeding as well. I am so thankful for Diane's loving guidance.

- Kristen L.

Jenna Papaioannou

Yardley, Pennsylvania

Jenna Papaioannou

4 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi there! I’m Jenna, and I’m so glad you’re considering me to help guide you through your motherhood journey. As a board-certified occupational therapist with over nine years of experience, I specialize in maternal and pediatric care and truly love what I do. As a mom of two, I truly understand the joys and challenges of welcoming a new baby into your family, and I bring that experience into every patient interaction. ​ I’m particularly passionate about helping new moms navigate the early days of feeding their newborns. I also emphasize postpartum wellness, knowing how important it is for moms to take care of their own health, too. My goal is to be a resource for both you and your baby, helping you build a strong, healthy foundation as a family. ​ When I'm not driving all around town doing home visits, I enjoy spending time with my kids and husband, cooking comforting meals, snuggling with my pitbull, listening to podcasts, and watching anything on Bravo. I look forward to meeting you and your little one, learning about your unique family, and supporting you every step of the way.

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.

Svetlana Tenenbaum

Brooklyn, New York

(2 reviews)

Svetlana Tenenbaum

24 years of experience

Lactation consultant with over two decades of private practice experience, Svetlana offers in-home consultations to new and expectant mothers in Brooklyn and across New York City. Her expertise and personalized approach ensure that you receive the best support when dealing with breastfeeding challenges.

Jamie Owens

Denville, New Jersey

Jamie Owens

18 years of experience

Jamie Owens is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) since 2012 and a Registered Nurse specializing in Women's Health since 2008. Jamie went to Syracuse University where she majored in Women's Studies and Studio Art. She then went on to an accelerated (BSN) Nursing Program at Quinnipiac University. Jamie has extensive experience working with breastfeeding/chestfeeding families. She worked at New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell as an RN on the Postpartum Unit for five and a half years and then on the Labor and Delivery Unit for a year and a half. She has been seeing patients privately at their homes for lactation consulting since she received her certificate in 2012. She left the hospital work-life in December of 2015 once she gave birth to her baby girl. After taking 11 months off to be with her baby, she began her private practice in Jersey City and surrounding areas. Jamie saw clients in their home and taught breastfeeding workshops. Jamie and her family moved to Denville NJ in April of 2017 where she has continued her lactation consulting practice and breastfeeding workshops. Jamie contributed as a "breastfeeding expert" and freelance writer for the website www.mother.ly. Jamie is also a lactation practitioner for the website/app Maven. Jamie has always had a passion for women's health and advocacy. After breastfeeding her own two children for a total of 5.5 years, her love and dedication to breastfeeding only got stronger. She is also a LGBTQI+ ally and loves to assist all kinds of families in their breastfeeding/chestfeeding journeys. She is filled with energy and passion and will do whatever it takes to make her clients feel comfortable, confident, and cared for.

Alisa J Underwood, RN BSN IBCLC

Denville, New Jersey

Alisa J Underwood, RN BSN IBCLC

30 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hey Mommys and Daddys, I am a former NICU nurse with an extensive background in Mother Baby nursing care. I have four of my own kids and know first hand how overwhelming bringing home a new baby can be. I take a more relaxed approach to breastfeeding as simply put it works and who doesn't need less pressure and stress!

Geeta Asamoah-Kyei

New York, New York

5.0 (17 reviews)

Geeta Asamoah-Kyei

9 years of experience

I am so excited to meet you! I am a graduate from Brooklyn College (go bulldogs) with a Health and Nutrition degree. I love cheesy fiction books (don't Judge). They just give me an escape from the chaos of this world. The birthing world has always been a passion of mine, and being a part of the support system for any birthing person through education, breathing exercises, comfort and relaxation techniques and aromatherapy is what I enjoy most. I spend most days reading through evidence based research on birth, postpartum and breastfeeding to be well equipped support person for my clients. My clients are my number one priority and they have my unconditional support. I see each pregnancy as a unique miracle.I help women embark on their birthing journey gently through tested and proven methods. I also patiently answer questions and address concerns you may have and provide advice best suited to your situation. Please get in touch to set up an initial consultation. I look forward to meeting you, and always remember you are stronger than you think.

Recent review

Geeta is amazing and we loved having her as a post-partum doula. She was incredibly helpful, kind, and soothing during the daytime sessions and was an absolute life saver during the night sessions. She was amazing with our daughter (and our pets!), and really put us at ease when she was around. We felt so comfortable with her and knew our daughter was in good hands; we would absolutely recommend her to anyone considering a post-partum doula.

- John & A.

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.

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.

Kristen Criscitelli

New York, New York

5.0 (1 review)

Kristen Criscitelli

16 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi! My name is Kristen and I am a registered dietitian with over a decade of experience and a certified lactation counselor. I have worked with countless clients helping them optimize their health prior to and during pregnancy, through their fourth trimester, and throughout breastfeeding as well. Over the years I have helped parents feel confident when feeding and nourishing themselves (and their little ones)! My method is surprisingly simple. I provide you with the latest scientific information, personalized for your unique needs, while working through all the external and internal influences that determine your food choices. I have a child of my own and experienced firsthand the ups and downs of pregnancy, as well as the difficulties many face when breastfeeding (and eventually starting solids!). Together, we work to achieve the goals you set out to accomplish, and I’m there cheering you on every step of the way!

Recent review

Kristen was extremely helpful and supportive with providing information for nursing/ feeding infants with food allergies and sensitivities. She is very knowledgeable in the field and provided really useful tips and advice when it came to identifying the allergy, adapting diet while nursing, weaning to formula, as well as introducing solids. Highly recommend!!!

- Heather D.

Claudia Batista

New York, New York

Claudia Batista

12 years of experience

My name is Claudia Batista Santos and I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). I obtained my degree in Dietetics from Lehman College. I also have a Masters in Healthcare Administration. I work as a Breastfeeding Coordinator in a NYC WIC Program. I have completed a wide variety of ongoing provider education and advancement in caring for the breastfeeding/chestfeeding dyad and can speak Spanish fluently. I am very passionate about all things moms and babies, but education about breastfeeding/chestfeeding is my love. I’ve lived in NYC since I moved to the USA from the Dominican Republic when I was 14 years old. When I’m not helping families with lactation, you can find me traveling to different countries and discovering new flavors. I look forward to meeting you and your growing family

Rachel Andre

Brooklyn, New York

Rachel Andre

8 years of experience

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!

Nadine Kennedy

Brooklyn, New York

Nadine Kennedy

22 years of experience

Hi, I’m Nadine Kennedy, and I’m so glad you’re here. If you're preparing to welcome a baby or already holding your little one in your arms please know you don’t have to figure it all out alone. As a certified Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist (NCS), and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), I’m here to offer gentle, personalized support during this tender season of transition. I understand the beauty and the chaos that can come with early parenthood, and I’m here to help you feel more confident, more rested, and fully supported as you navigate it all. My care is rooted in compassion, respect, and a deep belief in your ability to parent well. I show up with warmth, a listening ear, and practical help for everything from breastfeeding and bottle feeding to sleep routines and emotional recovery. I adapt to your style and needs sometimes that means quietly supporting in the background, and sometimes it means stepping in with clarity and direction. And if what you need is a strong hand to guide you through the tough or uncertain moments, I’m that person too. My goal is to walk alongside you in whatever way serves you best calmly, confidently, and with your unique journey in mind. You were never meant to do this alone, and I’d be honored to be part of your support team as you begin this sacred new chapter.

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.

Christina Crosland

New York, New York

5.0 (1 review)

Christina Crosland

11 years of experience

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.

Recent review

Christina came into our lives when we found out we were expecting shortly after me an my spouse were married. As first time parents we had no idea what expect or do especially because we relocated to a state an city with no family or friends near. Christina educated us in ways we wouldn't expect an prepared us for the most challenging yet beautiful experience to come. She was my Birth and Post-partum Doula she assisted us up until our daughter Mila was 4 months old. Thank You Christina ❤️

- Ashley B.

Mnm-Marlyn Menelas

Brooklyn, New York

Mnm-Marlyn Menelas

5 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I have been a birth doula for over 3 years now. I’ve supported vaginal and planned and unplanned C-section births as well as births in a birth center. I provide education as well as comfort. And believe in a balanced holistic approach that embraces and utilizes modern medicine as is desired. I also provide placenta encapsulation services, pregnancy fitness, postpartum belly binding, acupressure support and as a certified Reiki Master, provide reiki energetic healing.

Ruqayyah Ahmed

Brooklyn, New York

Ruqayyah Ahmed

13 years of experience

A Full Spectrum Birth, Postpartum doula and lactation educator with 12 years experience