LGBTQ+ Affirming Doulas in Newark, NJ

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.

Hello, my name is Lelia Marino and I am a full spectrum doula, herbalist, and reiki practitioner located in Staten Island, New York. My motto is supporting you from womb to world, and I am dedicated to providing compassionate and holistic care for individuals and families during the journey of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. As a full spectrum doula, I support individuals through all pregnancy outcomes, including abortion and miscarriage. I also incorporate herbalism and reiki into my practice to provide physical and emotional support for my clients. I am committed to creating a safe and empowering space for individuals and families to make informed decisions and have a positive birthing experience.

Hi Parents! My name is Anjanette & I absolutely adore all things pregnancy, birth & postpartum. Being able to witness the first breath of life has been nothing short of amazing. Nurturing & caregiving is a part of who I am. I care for my families the same way I would care for my own. I have cared for patients & their families across the entirety of my adult life. Even though this is my soul’s work, celebrating 25 years in the healthcare industry still feels a little surreal. Birth & Beyond, NYC, is my labor of love, created to support expectant families in New York & New Jersey. I am here to support the vision of my families & guide them each step of pregnancy & beyond. I offer an array of services designed to support the unique needs of you & your family. Birth is a transformative journey that will always be celebrated & honored in this space. All the beautiful variations of birth are welcome here :) I offer birth doula support, childbirth ed, babywearing education, placenta encapsulation, sound therapy & reiki. I am a mama of 2 (of the best children), Registered Nurse, former NICU Care Manager, full spectrum doula & birth assistant with training in grief & loss. I’m a Brooklyn native, currently enjoying life in Staten Island, NY. Feel free to connect with me or visit my website to learn more. ————————————————————- Giving birth takes a woman's deepest fears about herself and shows her that she is stronger than them. -Unknown

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

Hello! My name is Kelsey and I am a birth/postpartum doula. I believe in the magic and science of affirmation and empowerment. My calling is to hold space and listen to people’s stories in the hopes of helping them reveal more of their authentic selves. I support ALL birth plans and believe that there is no one perfect way to give birth. My superpower is "mothering the mother" and I focus on new parents receiving the time and care they need to be their best selves so they can walk into the chapter of parenthood balanced and calm. I am the woman you want in your corner during this exciting and vulnerable transition. Reach out and let's see if we're a good fit!

Simone has been holding space for expecting and postpartum families for over 10 years. Birth has a powerful way of healing and transforming you, and her first birth did just that. The ability to have 2 empowered births the way she wanted, gave light to the need for advocacy, education and doula support amongst the birthing community, especially black families. Simone is a mother, doula, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, childbirth educator and infant sleep educator. She has been teaching and mentoring doulas along the way and excited to dive deeper into holding the hands of the next generation of birth workers.

Hi! I’m Ari, and I am a Birth Doula in the process of getting my certification with Carriage House Birth. I am located in Brooklyn and am available to serve the 5 boroughs and eastern NJ. I don’t look like most other doulas, and I want to work with families who look different, too. As a male-assigned queer person, I believe that all birthing people deserve support that encourages them to have confidence in their bodies, and swim in the awe inspiring capabilities of what our bodies can do. I know I can be your fiercest advocate and cheerleader, working with both you and your partner to bring new life into this world. Because of my unique position, I know I am prepared to work with families of all kinds, with special focuses in engaging the non-gestational parent in the process, and being a voice of reason when helping queer families grow.

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.

As a professional in the childcare industry for over 15 years, my next step to become a Post Partum Doula was truly an incredible choice. In my Post Partum Doula practice, I actively strive to hold space for ALL PEOPLE and families. Birth parents, adoptive parents, foster parents, queer families, BIPOC families, families of different structures, and all different walls of life. EVERYONE deserves support during the post partum period, no matter what.

Hi I'm Chena, lovingly known as Chey by the communities I serve as a Holistic Full-Spectrum Doula. I specializes in care for minority families, but serve all leading with the philosophy of believing and promoting the beliefs of natural physiological birth. I do so by teaching the steps of holistic wellness through mind, body and spirit connection with a special emphasis on the importance of mental health. I'm a Wife, a Mom of three children and the Owner and Operator of Butta's Holistic Services. My business is family centered where I mentor others in community care, encouraging sisterhood and promoting the importance of family support. I love having the opportunity to work with whole families and supporting clients through fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and early childhood stages.

Services include a comprehensive Client Intake and interview meeting. Two prenatal visits (preferably one in your home), birth plan support and planning, materials and resources created for your keeping, continuous support from active labor through the hour+ after your birth, and one postpartum visit at your home. I’ve been a middle and high school teacher and administrator for 24+ years and bring a wide breadth of experience in educating you specifically how you need it, including tailored materials and resources. I believe staying in contact and feeling connected, especially during the third trimester is helpful and can be comforting. Being informed, knowledgeable, and empowered in your decisions can truly have amazing effects on your, and your partner’s, birthing experience. The more you know, the less you fear. This is your birth. I’m here to support you, how you best feel supported.

Viviana is an experienced DONA-trained, Certified Birth and Post Partum Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor as well as a Certified Childbirth Educator. Additionally, she is trained in Traditional Postpartum Practices. She became a doula soon after having her third child in 2008 and realizing the importance of needing someone informed to support and guidance through the journey into motherhood. Viviana is devoted to helping families navigate through this journey into parenthood with confidence. As a mother of five, she know the importance and difference of having a supportive birth team with each pregnancy as journey is its own story, She had been honored to serve over 300 families in the Tristate Area.

Julie was born and raised on Long Island and has always loved children which lead her to becoming a performer at Disney World while she was in high school. She later became a stunt woman in film and television until she met her wife and settled back on the Island to start their family. After having their son she realized that life had a new plan in store. She was so inspired by her doula that she trained with the Long Island Doula Association while pregnant with her daughter. She believes that having a birth doula can look different for each family to support their unique journey and so excited to be a birth doula, and can’t wait to be by your side.

Hi, I’m Seana (like Shauna!) I’m a Certified Labor Doula, Certified DONA Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Support Educator (CLSE), and Perinatal Mental Health–Certified (PMH-C) provider, and a mom of three. I support families in Monmouth and Ocean County, New Jersey through pregnancy, birth, and the tender early weeks postpartum. My care is calm, nurturing, and non-judgmental, shaped by both my professional training and my own lived experience of motherhood. Whether I’m supporting you through labor or helping you adjust to life with a new baby, I’m here to offer a steady, reassuring presence. From hands-on comfort during birth to feeding support, newborn care, emotional reassurance, and practical help postpartum, my goal is to help you feel supported, understood, and more confident throughout the transition into parenthood.

✨Full-Spectrum Doula: Certified + Experienced ✨Holistic + Evidence-Based Support 📍Travel Doula Services available within the continental US! -Currently accepting clients in South Florida!

About Us Hi, I’m Andrea, a dedicated and compassionate doula committed to supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. My journey into birth work began when I discovered my passion for advocating for birthing people and creating empowering experiences. In 2020, I officially stepped into my role as a doula, combining my love for community, education, and emotional support to guide families through one of the most transformative moments of their lives. ​ At Drea’s Heart, I believe that every birthing person deserves to feel informed, confident, and supported. Whether you’re preparing for birth, navigating postpartum, or seeking a nurturing presence during this journey, I’m here to hold space for you. My approach is heart-centered, evidence-based, and deeply rooted in advocacy, ensuring you feel heard and respected every step of the way I would be honored to walk alongside you on this journey. Let’s connect and create a birth experience that reflects your needs, values, and heart. Advocating with heart, supporting with purpose, Andrea

My love for the birthing world started at a young age. I followed my dreams and became a Labor and Delivery nurse. I have been a nurse for 11 years (the 9 most recent years being on Labor and Delivery and post partum). I am a mom to 4 gorgeous children, each of who came into the world with their very own unique birthing story and feeding journey. Each one of my journeys has provided me the ability to educate and advocate for my patients and clients. My love for advocating, support, education and the birthing world led me to obtain my birth and postpartum doula certifications. I believe in customizing plans that meet each family's goals and needs! I'm excited to be considered a part of your journey! Now Accepting new clients with limited October 2025 Availability. Full availability November 2025-all of 2026. Serving Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange and Ulster Counties in NY, Bergen County NJ and Fairfield CT and NYC

Greetings All My name is Iyonia Shavon. I have been a Certified Perinatal Doula, Uzazi Village, 2019, Certified Labor Doula, CAPPA 2023, & NJDLC Doula Mentor. In 2021 I became a NJ Medicaid Doula contract provider with all New Jersey Managed Care organizations and founded my private doula practice Kind Comforting Births LLC. In January of 2023 I contracted with Commercial Horizon BCBS NJ Omnia self pay plans . In August 2024 I expanded to offer services to Horizon BCBS Federal Employee Pilot Program for doula care! As of December 2025 I can now accept Carrot Insurance! I have a passion to serve my community and all birthing persons especially those in BIPOC communities in efforts to decrease infant & maternal mortality rates. I will honor your, voice, and ensure your are provided you with the birth experience you’ve dreamt of. My mission is to decrease the terrible disparities in maternal black health by serving birth by birth and mentoring future doulas.

Hi! I was born and raised in Peekskill, NY, and currently split my time between Westchester County and New Jersey. I’m a compassionate and intuitive birth doula dedicated to creating a calm, supportive, and empowering experience for every family I serve. My approach combines hands-on doula care, active listening, emotional reassurance, and a grounding presence to help clients feel seen, informed, and confident throughout their journey. With six years of massage experience, I bring a deep understanding of the body, relaxation, comfort, and therapeutic touch to my work. I honor each person’s unique needs, preferences, and birth experience while offering gentle, intentional support. My goal is to create a space where you can breathe deeply, trust yourself, and feel cared for every step of the way.

I’m Erica Castillo a full-spectrum doula, body literacy educator, and folk herbalist walking the path toward becoming a home birth midwife. I offer culturally rooted care across the reproductive spectrum, including birth, postpartum, fertility, menstruation, and reproductive health support. My practice weaves together ancestral knowledge and contemporary support, grounded in the traditional healing ways of my African and Taíno ancestors. In many traditions, midwives were more than just birth attendants, they were community healers, herbalists, bodyworkers, and spiritual guides. That legacy shapes how I show up in this work: with reverence, skill, and a deep commitment to care that uplifts the whole person. For the last 8 years, I’ve supported families with a blend of intuition, evidence-based tools, and heart. If you’re looking for a grounded, culturally aligned doula who honors your intuition and uplifts your experience, and advocates for you, I’d be honored to support!