MaternityWise has been through an evolution since it's inception back in 2002. What began as a private doula practice quickly became a training opportunity for those who sought out a more balanced approach to maternity care support than what was available, which at the time were only two other organizations specifically training doulas. The discrepancies between what was available to women (either very pro-conventional medicine, or very anti-conventional medicine) led to the development of a comprehensive, standardized curriculum that could be moulded and used internationally. MaternityWise is unique in that we are the only Internationally recognized organization that holds such a standard. Our curriculum is based on whole-earth practices and "pure information". What this means is that while you will learn what is practiced locally in your country and community, you will also learn what the rest of the world is doing and how to incorporate that wisdom to challenge the status quo and bring improvements to maternity care everywhere. ​ "Pure Information" is a term we use to categorize the knowledge we share as an organization. It is pure, because no one profits from this information. We use intuitive wisdom blended with logic where science fails to provide answers. It is our favorite thing when science "proves" what we already know in our hearts to be true, as women and as mothers. ​ In 2017, MaternityWise International was re-born as The MaternityWise Institute. We remain an international, board-certifying organization providing education and credentials for labor and postpartum doulas as well as lactation support people. This is the year we also introduced the MaternityWise Educator program and the first of it's kind EpiDoula Program, training labor support companions how to decrease cesareans in mothers who have an epidural. ​ As MaternityWise Institute International grows, it continues this new chapter of excellence, with diverse leadership, continued educational enhancement and a premier mentoring program. What we have learned from the past and from participating in other programs around the globe, we are using to meet the real needs of our students so that MWI can become a standard to follow by all maternal health education programs out there! Our premier programs, and forward momentum, developing unique education to meet the ever-changing needs of the birthing family sets us apart. We invite you to join with us to change the birthing world!

Hello and welcome! I’m Stariera, a certified full spectrum doula, wellness coach and a master’s level social worker serving people throughout New York City. I enjoy working with people and have developed an understanding of human behavior psychology, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving. My decision to become a doula was born from a desire to support women earlier in the journey — from pregnancy through birth and into postpartum — helping them assess, explore, and process both the joyful and challenging emotions that can arise. I believe that when we recognize and tend to difficult feelings early, we can create space for healing, confidence, and connection in the newborn phase and beyond. Prior to Doula care, I bring 10 years of experience as a Social Worker supporting individuals and families overcome challenges such as health issues, emotional stress, housing instability, family conflict, and behavioral or socio-emotional needs. In addition, I supported mothers navigating postpartum depression and the emotional complexities that can come with new motherhood. Through that work, I developed a deep understanding of how critical emotional support, self-awareness, and self-care are to the postpartum experience — not just for surviving, but for thriving. This background allows me to hold space for clients with empathy, nonjudgmental, and a deep awareness of the complexes life can bring; especially during the perinatal period.

As a Newborn Care Specialist with 10 years of experience, I am dedicated to providing families with expert, personalized care during one of the most important transitions of their lives. I have worked extensively with both single newborns and multiples, always focusing on creating a nurturing, peaceful environment. My approach is rooted in building trust and providing families with the confidence and knowledge they need to thrive. With a deep understanding of newborn care, I tailor my services to meet each family’s unique needs, ensuring a smooth and joyful transition into parenthood.

Hello everyone, my name is Brielle, and I am a birth worker supporting families through both home and hospital birth experiences. All aspects of comprehensive birth support are my passion, and I believe deeply in empowering families to make informed choices that align with their values and circumstances. Coming from a background that honors both traditional wisdom and evidence-based practices, I believe birth can be a transformative experience when families feel genuinely supported and heard, regardless of their chosen birth setting. My practice serves as a bridge between different approaches to birth, bringing personalized, mother-centered support into all birthing environments. I'm guided by three core principles: Trust in women's innate capacity and their ability to make the best decisions for their families, Presence that creates calm space for families to process and navigate their birth experience, and Respectful Witnessing - being fully present for families without imposing my own agenda on their journey. With almost nine years of experience as a doula beginning in New York City, I've supported families across diverse settings and circumstances. My understanding of birth support has been enriched through studying with traditional practitioners internationally, and I come from a family lineage of midwifery that spiritually informs my approach to this work. My approach focuses on empowering families to access their own strength and wisdom wherever they choose to birth, combining time-tested support techniques with respect for modern medical care when needed. I believe every family deserves compassionate, knowledgeable support that honors their unique path to parenthood. Reach out if you'd like to connect on an intro call!

My name is Kayon also known as Shawna, I’m a patient loving and adaptable individual who loves working with babies.

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.

It was in 2019 that I interviewed my grandmother about her birthing experience, she told me about her mother, and how in the south at that time it was common to have a home birth, and your neighbors would serve as seasoned midwives and doulas. I felt called to this story, of your village coming to provide you with support and care at your most vulnerable. As a birth and postpartum doula, I have served over 100 families from all walks of life, offering calming, comforting support to them and their support system! I believe in providing physical, informational and emotional support to the families I work with. I meet every family I work with where they are in their journey and offer the kind of comfort and advocacy that is needed for a beautiful and holistic experience. My mission is to make sure you have the birth or postpartum experience you want, and to aim higher than safety

Hello mama I’m a Newborn Care Specialist- NCS works in the home I usually starts the day you come home with baby or the day of home birth. I work towards empower new parents to become confident in their new roles, by helping establish good feeding and sleeping routines and habits. They typically work overnight or work 24/7, for up to 3-4 months. I Will usually take on full care of your newborn overnight so parents can rest, with the exception of bringing baby to feed with the nursing parent. I am highly trained to educate and empower the parents in those first few months with their baby, which can often feel overwhelming .My philosophy includes helping families establish healthy routines, especially around feeding and sleep, by employing gentle, developmentally supportive techniques in a safe environment.

My name is Chamaine, I am Birthing Postpartum Doula with a deep commitment to supporting families through one of life’s most transformative experiences. I bring a nurturing presence and a calm, reassuring approach to help create a warm and comforting environment where parents feel truly supported and valued. My mission is to offer compassionate, knowledgeable care to families welcoming new life—guiding them through both the joyful moments and the inevitable challenges with patience, empathy, and expertise. In addition to my core practice, I have experience working in kosher kitchens and providing attentive, respectful care for infants following their bris, ensuring families feel confident and cared for during this sacred time.

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.

Hi there, I'm Winnie. I know that welcoming a baby into the world is one of the most meaningful transitions a family can experience. As your doula, I’m here to support you through it with care that’s steady, thoughtful, and tailored to your needs. My role is to provide calm, knowledgeable support—whether that means helping you prepare, being fully present during labor, or checking in during those early postpartum days. My approach is practical, personal, and rooted in respect—for your body, your choices, and your goals for this experience. I believe every birth is unique. I take time to listen, to understand your preferences, and to help you prepare with clarity and confidence. I’ll walk alongside you with the kind of support that adapts when things change, and holds steady when you need it most. Our first conversation isn’t about pressure—it’s about connection. You’ll have space to share what you’re hoping for, ask questions, and get a feel for how I work. If it feels like the right fit, we’ll move forward together. Whether we connect months before or closer to your due date, I’d love to hear from you when the time feels right. My Values in This Work: • Advocacy that respects your decisions • Cultural awareness and sensitivity • Emotional and physical safety • Respect for your pace and preferences • Centering your voice in every step • Honest communication and transparency • Confidence built through clear, informed support My Experience: I’ve worked as a birth and postpartum doula for 2 years, supporting over 15 births in hospitals, birth centers, and home settings. My experience includes both medicated and unmedicated labors, VBACs, inductions, and support for first-time and returning parents. I offer both virtual and in-person support, and I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each family. From preparing a birth plan to hands-on labor support, I’m here to help you feel prepared, heard, and cared for—every step of the way.

Hi my name is Kiva Marriott I’m a naturing and compassionate mother of 2 who finds fulfillment in caregiving I’m an experienced newborn caregiver

Hello! I am a Aliya Barnes, the owner of The PPLS Birth. Our mission is to return birth to the people and give the power back to the community. I am a full spectrum doula specializing with first time moms and young moms! I am a huge advocate for education! Please feel free to reach out for all childbirth education as well as birth services. I look forward to meeting you 🙂

s life has centered around the service industry for 20+ years. She has served the developmentally disabled, domestic violence victims, and even disadvantaged youth. However she has come to find that doula work is the home she has been searching for. Becoming a Birth Doula has been a humbling accomplishment. Her passion to see you through pre-conception, pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period is unwavering. Tia is the proud mom of a 7 year old son who was a miracle after 7 years of dealing with infertility. Inclusive of her desire to support you during your birth, she is excited to work with moms during the postpartum period helping create a strong bond between themselves and baby. Because she has been all of the clients that she serves, Metoodoula services is all encompassing of each individual birthing persons needs.

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 ✨

Debra Pascali-Bonaro  is the Founder & President of the revolutionary online childbirth class Pleasurable Birth Essentials,  Director of the award-winning documentary Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret, co-writer of “Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth” and host of  Orgasmic Birth: The Podcast, all of which explore intimacy and how to bring healing,  love, and pleasure into your birth and life. Debra is also a DONA Birth and postpartum Doula Trainer and Lamaze Childbirth Educator.

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

I am a perinatal mental health certified art psychotherapist supporting those who identify as caregivers in cultivating creative resilience. My psychotherapy approach is grounded in principles of cultural humility, humanism, and the healing power of an empathic creative process. I believe that the act of creating something——in any form——with embodied, full presence can combat burnout and stress symptoms, while engaging the symbolism within a work of art or art-making process can lead to insight into deeper conflict or sometimes hidden issues through the safe distance of metaphor. Whether it's through verbal psychotherapy, an active creative process, or combination of the two, the lens through which we explore concerns is focused on self discovery, healing, and empowerment.

I am one of the most experienced doulas in the country, having supported nearly 700 families in birth and over 1600 families prenatally and postpartum. I am also the author of Your Birth Plan: A Guide to Navigating All of Your Choices in Childbirth. I'd love to speak with you more about your plans and my services.

Hello family! My name is Raquel Sims, and I am delighted to introduce myself to you as Doula Rose. I am a certified doula with NJDLC Health Connect One, with a deeper focus on the fertility aspect of doula care. My journey into the world of doula support began from a deep passion for empowering individuals and couples through their fertility experiences. I am committed to providing compassionate, knowledgeable, and personalized support to those navigating the intricacies of conception, fertility treatments, and reproductive health. My approach to doula care is rooted in holistic wellness and individualized attention. I believe in the importance of fostering a supportive and nurturing environment that honors each person's unique fertility journey. Whether you are seeking guidance, emotional support, or practical advice, I am here to walk alongside you every step of the way!