Find a Doula Near Me in New York

Before Birth This was my first pregnancy, and having Julia come over twice before the birth was incredibly helpful. She reduced my anxiety and managed my expectations for both the birth and labor experience. Julia gave me strategies that made me feel comfortable and even excited for labor with my partner. She also prepared me in a way that made the entire process feel less scary. No matter how many books you read or how many articles you find online, nothing compares to having a personal discussion with someone who has been in that room hundreds of times. Her guidance was invaluable and cannot be measured in money. It was also extremely efficient: I thought I might need a labor class, but Julia provided all of that and more tailored specifically to me and my partner. At the Birth At the birth, Julia was fantastic. She transformed the hospital room by bringing beautiful lighting instead of harsh overhead lights and calming scents that helped create the peaceful environment I envisioned. She guided me through labor by suggesting positions, helping me understand each step of the process, and supporting me emotionally and physically. She struck the perfect balance — always there for us, yet working seamlessly with the hospital staff. Because of her presence and guidance, my partner and I felt supported, cared for and truly heard throughout the entire birthing experience. Julia also took G-rated photos to capture these special moments. I originally didn’t want photos, but now I can’t imagine not having them. They are priceless memories. If you are on the fence… get the photos!!! It’s one of the best decisions we made. Post Birth Post birth, Julia has continued to be an incredible resource. She supported me through my breastfeeding journey, helped me navigate the transition into motherhood, and taught me countless tips and tricks to care for my baby. These have been unbelievably valuable, even the small things, like baby massage techniques, new ways to do tummy time, how to calm my baby, and even how to put clothes on a newborn. Simple changes that suddenly make everything easier! But more importantly, she has been a trusted person I can reach out to, someone who has worked so many babies and mothers. Having that level of expertise just a phone call away has brought me so much comfort and confidence. I am truly grateful for everything she has done to support our family.

- J a.

Geeta supported our family as an overnight doula during the first few weeks of our daughter’s life, and having her in our home was such a relief and a pleasure. She not only made us feel more confident as parents, but took time to check in on my own recovery in addition to caring for our daughter. She was an absolute pleasure to work with!

- Abbie E.

Shelly brought with her such a good feminine energy. She was very supportive and listened carefully to all my needs I liked the team work that we created with her and my partner and the hospital stuff during the labor. She has loving hands for massage as well and in some point it felt like we have a small party which was great!

- Jenny S.

Latoya is an absolute blessing!!!! Her presence alone makes me feel so secure, comfortable, and understood. Her support, knowledge, and expertise take the experience with her OVER THE TOP. Highly, highly recommend her services whether you’re a first time, second time, or 3rd time mama !!!!!<3

- Alondi G.

First of all, I must commend the Doula Project itself as an invaluable advocate. Sometimes the medical establishment views us within categories--especially when we are unusual as a result of identity--while the Doula Project listens to us as individuals in order to advocate for us to have the birth closest to our ideal within the context of medical wisdom. From the start I really appreciated Vicki's encouraging me to ask questions, to determine what the range of choices was, and to understand the benefits and risks of each decision. In my own case, I did decide because of advanced maternal age and medical advice to have an induced labor. Vicki was there to meet me at the hospital when I checked in, and she made sure that between her and her Doula Project partner on my case, I always had a doula to advocate for me from start to finish, through 27 hours of labor and beyond. Indeed, Vicki took the first photo of my baby, within minutes of her birth! From our first pre-birth meeting, Vicki correctly identified me as a physically fit person who would benefit from maintaining a physically active relationship to my labor and delivery. I brought a yoga mat and pilates ring to the hospital, and Vicki advocated for my being able to use them, even though my baby had to be monitored throughout the induced labor: we set up my yoga and pilates equipment right next to the bed, and Vicki advocated for periodic breaks from the monitor, especially in light of the fact that my baby was doing so well throughout. When I delivered my daughter, I surprised a number of the doctors, including one who thought a C-section would be a foregone conclusion, by delivering vaginally, after only about five minutes of pushing. I am very grateful to Vicki for her steadfast advocacy that led to such a positive birth experience for me and my daughter.

- Georgette F.

When I got connected with Marissa, I just knew she was the right doula for me. I know there’s no such thing as perfect, but my spirit truly aligned with hers. I trusted God and felt at peace not choosing a backup doula, even though I had interviewed three. And I have no regrets. I was induced at 37 weeks, so I wasn’t able to fully follow my birthing plan. However, we had discussed it in depth, and she knew exactly what I wanted. Marissa was firm, supportive, and confident which I deeply appreciated. She wasn’t afraid to speak up for me. She made sure to ask me if decisions being made were truly what I wanted and ensured I understood everything happening. She also made sure she had all the information just like I did. I felt completely comfortable and safe with her. I didn’t feel like I had to track or manage everything because I knew she was doing that. She made sure I had water, juice, crackers everything I needed. I’m not used to being taken care of. I’m usually the strong friend, the one who handles everything on my own. So when Marissa was putting chapstick on my lips, socks on my feet, rubbing my back, and helping me stay comfortable, it honestly shocked me in the best way. It meant more than I can explain. Yes, she’s a doula but to me, it never felt like just a job to her. It felt genuine, loving, and intentional. I will always adore and appreciate her for how she showed up for me during one of the most important moments of my life.

- Jennifer Thomas

I met Brielle before even trying to get pregnant and knew that if I took that path, without a doubt, I wanted to have Brielle as part of my support system and as a guide. The knowledge she shared in just the minutes when we met showed me the depth that there is to know about pregnancy and birth. It was important for me and my partner to work with Brielle because of her spiritual and indigenous perspectives. After each session with her, we were overwhelmed with awe at the magic of life and thanking the universe for connecting us with Brielle. The word "enlightening" came to me a lot when talking to friends and family about our doula sessions. My partner and I felt very supported by Brielle on a knowledge level and an emotional level through the whole process. We're so grateful!

- Lexy

Mia became a part of our family shortly after the birth of our second child. Having hired an overnight doula for our first, we knew this time around, with two little ones under two, we’d need even more support. From the moment Mia arrived, she was extraordinary. She intuitively understood the rhythm of our home and our unique challenges. I trusted her completely with my newborn, which allowed me to give my toddler the attention she needed. Mia provided unwavering emotional support and was remarkably proactive, anticipating our needs before we could voice them. She brought calm and clarity during a time when I often felt overwhelmed, almost like the part of my brain that wasn’t functioning in the haze of postpartum. Whether it was preparing nourishing snacks, offering thoughtful breastfeeding support, or simply being a grounding presence, Mia was indispensable. Her presence during those intense early weeks was nothing short of a gift. I could not recommend Mia more highly. - Aisling S.

- Mia M.

Cathleen was an extremely caring doula. I am so grateful for having had her as my doula as she was always caring for me and guiding me to balance my body, mind, and soul while preparing to welcome my child to this world. She incorporated sound body movement with soul care, which I am sure influenced my homebirth experience. My labor lasted 12 hours (start to finish), and she was the only one there at the time of the birth because my baby came so speedily that the rest of the team did not arrive in time. I’m sure my baby chose her to be there because of her grounding presence and her positive vibrations. Will definitely choose her next time, and the next, and the next.

- Carleny C.

No one really prepares you for postpartum as a dad. I thought we’d just figure it out, but those first weeks were harder than I expected. My wife was exhausted, and I didn’t always know how to help in the ways that actually mattered. Getting support through Briie and her team made a huge difference. Having someone experienced in our home brought calm and structure when we needed it most. It gave my wife space to recover and gave me the confidence to step up. I’m really glad we didn’t try to just tough it out.

- Jonathan W.