Melinda Johnson

Trenton, New Jersey

5.0 (2 reviews)

Melinda Johnson

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.

Linda Stopsky

Port Jefferson Station, New York

Linda Stopsky

31 years of experience

I am a Registered nurse for 40 years and an IBCLC ( lactation consultant ) for 30 years.

Oliviana Lumetta

Brick Township, New Jersey

Oliviana Lumetta

2 years of experience

Hi I’m Oliviana! I am a new doula working towards getting fully certified. I have many years of experience with children from working in daycare settings and babysitting. I am looking forward to helping women feel empowered during their labor and to have the experience that they want. I also will be able to provide nigh doula services, post partum services and lactation services

Jenna Papaioannou

Yardley, Pennsylvania

Jenna Papaioannou

3 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.

April Ippolito-Torres

Coram, New York

5.0 (1 review)

April Ippolito-Torres

7 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi, I’m April and I am so glad you are here! I am a lactation provider, infant bodyworker, and perinatal supporter with a background in psychology. Above all, I am a Mommy to two wild sons and one sweet daughter. I have dedicated my career to empowering and informing women alike on how to utilize their innate abilities to achieve optimal well-being for themselves and their babies. With a holistic approach, I provide comprehensive support and address concerns and challenges. I promote a positive and nurturing environment through active and empathetic listening. Understanding the importance of personalized care, I tailor my guidance to families’ unique needs, applying evidence-based practices and drawing from my extensive knowledge. I aim to educate and encourage mothers while offering solutions to common problems and ensuring a fulfilling transformation into motherhood. Whether addressing latch issues, correcting torticollis, or recognizing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, I have a genuine desire to help mothers succeed and obtain their goals. My commitment extends beyond our initial interaction, as I strive to build lasting connections with mothers as they confidently grow their families. It is an honor to get to work with the mother/baby DYAD and a privilege to witness each relationship thrive while navigating new norms and creating a beautiful, rewarding story.

Recent review

Working with April has made such a difference in my postpartum period. I am so glad I decided to extend my learning by booking with April when my son turned 3 weeks old. I have learned so much after just a couple of sessions with April, and my experience with breastfeeding went from crying often, wondering if I could keep going to now thoroughly enjoying the process and what it gives to myself and my son. My son is 5 months and still breastfeeding beautifully today. April's approach considers the entire experience, baby's overall health, and mom's well being as well! She is extremely knowledgeable on a multitude of topics (both as a professional and as an experienced, nursing mother herself), she is very encouraging, and she is so empowering. She not only helps me problem-solve and find success as I navigate nursing, but she shows me that I already have the strength inside of me to do well and that I'm truly not alone. That has felt like the warmest hug as a first time postpartum mother, and patient care I really value. Not to mention that my son is always so calm with her! He receives craniosacral therapy treatment from her and I am always amazed at how relaxed he is during and after our sessions. Breastfeeding has brought up many questions for me but I have found many answers (and so much comfort) under April's guidance.

- Jessica Michelle D.