VBAC Doulas in New York, NY

Planning a vaginal birth after cesarean? These providers list VBAC support as a specialty, from preparing for labor to helping you talk through your options with your care team.

84 VBAC Doulas near New York, NY

Francesca Thompson-Phillip

Brooklyn, New York

5.0 (3 reviews)

Francesca Thompson-Phillip

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

Recent review

Francesca was an absolute godsend in our birthing process (vaginal, epidural, in hospital, low risk pregnancy with minimal complications) and we couldn't recommend her highly enough. Our connection to Francesca was unusually late - we were matched to her at 38 weeks of pregnancy but she made up for that rapidly. She used a quick virtual meeting to establish our birth preferences, and then used an in person meeting and offline content to give us techniques and guidance to feel prepared and supported in the short timeframe. During labor, Francesca struck a great balance between being there when we needed her guidance and support, but also knowing when we needed space either for mom herself or for the two of us. She helped with breathing techniques and positioning, reminded us to take time and not feel pressured in making decisions, and instilled confidence in us throughout. We couldn't be more grateful to have had Francesca for this life changing event, and would recommend her to any expecting couple.

- Erin O’Neil

Jen Ballew

Brooklyn, New York 11 years of experience

5.0 (3 reviews)

Jen Ballew Popular: among the most-viewed doulas in New York, last 60 days

Responds within a few hours

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

Recent review

My husband and I are so thankful to have worked with Jen through my first pregnancy. She worked with us through a series of educational sessions in our home which really worked for us. We were looking to get a hands-on learning experience to walk us through everything to expect for labor & delivery but really we got so much more. Yes, you will get insights on pregnancy, birth and postpartum but Jen gives you undivided support and care - it really feels like a personal journey. I felt comfortable being myself and sharing with her about my life and preferences which was crucial in creating my birth plan. Her sessions were so impactful. I recalled a lot of her key notes while I was in labor and was able to make decisions that felt right for me in the moment. Outside of this, my husband felt really confident and empowered in his role for me as well. I also found that everything she taught us on partner advocacy has gone beyond the delivery room and strengthened our relationship overall which has been a huge plus! It was amazing to have had her support and wealth of knowledge in preparation for the birth of my son. I highly recommend working with her if you’re looking to experience an informed, supported, and empowered journey!

- Francheska M.

Simone Toomer

Brooklyn, New York 15 years of experience

5.0 (8 reviews)

Simone Toomer Popular: among the most-viewed doulas in New York, last 60 days

NPI verified Responds within a day Accepts insurance

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

Recent review

I cannot say enough good things about Simone as our night doula and lactation consultant. From the moment she entered our home, she brought a sense of calm, compassion, and expertise that made an immediate difference in our postpartum experience. As a second-time mom navigating recovery, sleep deprivation, and feeding challenges, her presence was nothing short of a gift. She supported our entire family with such gentleness and professionalism. Her overnight care allowed us to get desperately needed rest, knowing our baby was in kind, capable hands. Her lactation guidance was equally invaluable. She offered evidence-based support with zero judgment—troubleshooting tummy issues, providing reassurance, and giving practical tools that worked. Thanks to her help, I went from overwhelmed and in pain to confident and empowered. I did not feel a bit of judgment when I chose to go from breastfeeding to formula due to my baby's tummy issues. She listened deeply, responded thoughtfully, and truly respected our parenting values. She didn’t just care for our baby—she cared for us. If you're looking for someone who is not only highly skilled but also emotionally attuned and reliable, I wholeheartedly recommend Simone. She’s an absolute gem and a vital part of our early parenting story.

- LeeAnne Thompson-Forte

Joan Sherwood

Brooklyn, New York 31 years of experience

5.0 (6 reviews)

Joan Sherwood Popular: among the most-viewed doulas in New York, last 60 days

Responds within a few hours

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

Recent review

Joan was my doula for both my pregnancies, one in 2014 for my now 8 year old and again during the pandemic for my 2 year old. I highly recommend Joan she provided such consistent support during both pregnancy, while birthing and postpartum. I was so fortune because Joan is just naturally resourceful and intuitive and she was right by my side every step the way. To this day I consider her such an empowering and beautiful human being and I am thankful that she was with me on my journey into motherhood -- I would choose her again and again and again!!!

- Donauta S.

Nubia Sormane Paula

Newark, New Jersey 7 years of experience

5.0 (7 reviews)

Nubia Sormane Paula

Responds within an hour

My name is Nubia Sormane Paula I'm a Doula, founder of Heart to Heart Love Doula Care, I'm Brazilian serving NJ/NY. Since a very young age with the i gave been in love with the miraculous life journey. As a 9 years old I was a colector of parents and babies magazines, helping family members with their babies made it easy to see how much I loved and wanted to be of service. And years later here I'am. From conception to birth, Postpartum and beyond. Every new birth is a new experience and lesson, my goal is to make every single family feel special, respected , listenned to, filled with knowledge and reminded of how powerful pregnant and birthing bodies are. Let's embark on this Journey together ❤️

Recent review

When I found out I was expecting, I felt a mix of excitement and anxiety. I knew I wanted support during my pregnancy and birth, but I wasn’t entirely sure what that would look like. After some research, I decided to hire a doula, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. From our first meeting, my doula was a calming presence. She not only helped me prepare emotionally for labor, but also educated me about my options, answered all my questions, and helped me feel more confident in my choices. During labor, she was a steady source of support, guiding me in each choice . Having a doula made my birth experience so much easier and lovely . I felt respected. Thank you for everything ??

- Thamara

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San Francisco, CA

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Austin, TX

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