Melinda Johnson

Trenton, New Jersey

5.0 (2 reviews)

Melinda Johnson

2 years of experience

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.

Renee Hennings

Lafayette, New Jersey

Renee Hennings

17 years of experience

I am a holistic birth doula and placenta encapsulator serving northern nj, northeastern pa, and lower sullivan and orange counties of ny. I have been serving families for birth doula services for 15 years and encapsulating placentas for over 11 years. I am here to help you have the birth you want, in whatever setting you want!

vicki Hedley

Neptune Township, New Jersey

vicki Hedley

30 years of experience

I have been attending births since 1996, first as a doula and childbirth educator and since 2008 as a licensed midwife in NJ and 2010 in NY. I have been in private practice and partnerships with wonderful midwives and have mentored many students through the process of becoming a midwife in the apprenticeship model. I believe birth is sacred, and that the sovereignty of the birthing person must be kept in mind throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Keeping reproductive justice at the forefront of the work midwives do is critical to reducing maternal and infant mortality in the United States. I believe that midwives have a responsibility to that work and are the answer to the maternal mortality crisis we are facing. I have had multiple leadership roles at both state and national levels and continues to volunteer helping to move midwifery forward in both NJ and NY with the goal of recreating systems so that birthing people can have access to the equitable and culturally congruent care they deserve. I am the mother to five amazing adult children and Grammy to four precious grandchildren. The birth of a child is an amazing mixture of physical happenings, emotional ups and downs and spiritual and personal growth. It brings with it the realization that we are powerful and powerless at the same time; that we can be in control while surrendering; and that nothing else at that moment, hour, day or even days matters, only the intensity of the work we have to do to bring this precious life from us, to us. It is a true blessing and an honor to be present, and I feel privileged to be a part of the journey.

Laura .

Lakewood, New Jersey

Laura .

6 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hello and welcome! I’m Laura, and I’m delighted to connect with you here. As a doula and a mother of three wonderful kids, I bring a deep understanding of the joys and challenges of parenthood. My journey into doula work was inspired by my own experiences, and I’m passionate about supporting families through the transformative journey of childbirth and beyond. With a warm and nurturing approach, I aim to provide personalized care and guidance, ensuring you feel empowered and confident every step of the way. Whether you’re beginning to explore your options or eagerly anticipating the arrival of your little one, I’m here to offer unwavering support and a comforting presence. Let’s work together to create a positive and empowering birth experience for you and your growing family.

Leah Katznelson

Larchmont, New York

Leah Katznelson

15 years of experience

My practice combines a holistic and diverse approach to clients prenatal, birth and postpartum experiences. I bring warm emotion support together with research based education to help guide you during your pregnancy and birth. In addition to traditional birth doula support, my services include Lactation, Hypnobirthing, Postpartum nutrition and support.

Joyce Havinga-Droop

Larchmont, New York

1.0 (1 review)

Joyce Havinga-Droop

15 years of experience

Hello my name is Joyce Havinga-Droop. I am a Birth Ambassador. What does that mean? It means that I will walk with you through the "new" land of pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum. I will provide you with information and education where needed. I will advocate and translate along the way. I will be diplomatic with your care providers and nurses. ​ I've lived in many different countries of the world and know how to respect and adapt to people's traditions and cultures. I am calm, reliable, knowledgeable, warm and above all I am passionate about birth. I love squishy babies and love caring for mamas and families. ​ "Your birth has the potential to be profoundly transformative in your life. It is the right of every person to have the birth that they desire and to make choices that are best for themselves, their baby, and their family."

Desiree Morgan

Levittown, Pennsylvania

Desiree Morgan

8 years of experience

Hello! My name is Desiree, I’m a certified doula and childbirth educator. Passionate about helping new and expecting families have a peaceful and informative birthing experience.

LaToya Southwell

Nyack, New York

5.0 (14 reviews)

LaToya Southwell

26 years of experience

Hello! My name is LaToya Southwell born in the beautiful Island of Antigua. I am a wife, a mother of 4 amazing children, a doula, Reiki practitioner, as well as CPR certified (pediatrics) and I reside in Nyack, NY. Being a doula is not a job, it is a calling and a blessing to be apart of such a beautiful journey. I am here to support, help where needed as well as educate. I am blessed to be a blessing!

Recent review

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.

Sarah Ludwig

Nyack, New York

Sarah Ludwig

15 years of experience

Hi! I am Sarah Ludwig and I offer childbirth education, labor, and postpartum support. I am passionate about preventable injury and work on outreach for both car seat and sleep safety.

Tykarah Pitt

Nyack, New York

5.0 (1 review)

Tykarah Pitt

8 years of experience

My name is Tykarah, and I am a traditional birth attendant and a devoted student of indigenous midwifery. With Jamaican (paternal) and American (maternal) roots, I embody a rich heritage that includes Irish immigrants, Creek, Maroons, and Syria. As a BLACK Afro-Indigenous woman, my spiritual and professional journey is deeply intertwined with my membership in the Divine Sisterhood Circle, a BIPOC women-led community dedicated to creating sacred, inclusive spaces where families feel safe, seen, heard, and supported. I am also a proud member of the Traditional Community Birth Workers (TBCW), focusing on preserving ancestral wisdom and traditional birth practices without the use of legend drugs or ultrasound. My offerings include a comprehensive range of services such as emotional, physical, and spiritual support throughout the birthing process. I provide energy work, massage therapy, traditional womb care, yoni steaming, belly wrapping, herbal teas and salves, placenta rituals, hip closing ceremonies, and meal preparation. Having completed extensive training in lactation consulting, birth assistance, holistic midwifery skills, and full spectrum doula work with a concentration on reproductive justice, I am committed to empowering and healing families through culturally affirming modalities. My philosophy centers on the sacredness of birth as a transformative ritual, where each family’s unique experience is honored and supported. By following the path of my ancestors and integrating the teachings of the Psalms, I strive to guide families through a journey of personal and collective growth, while fighting against systemic oppression and fostering holistic well-being.

Recent review

Ty will be a great match for you if you are looking for the following: -amazing massage body work -holistic and intuitive care -casual and flexible prenatal visits -community and ceremony -education from a place of experience and wisdom -empowerment through your birth process (she will not bring any fear into your birth space) -grounded centered energy

- Jaden R.

Stephanie Lafontant

Nyack, New York

5.0 (2 reviews)

Stephanie Lafontant

7 years of experience

A first generation Haitian American who has been working with birthing families since 2019.She is a full spectrum doula and became a Certified Lactation Counselor in 2022. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and Africana Latino Studies with a concentration In gender studies from SUNY Oneonta and a M.A. degree from the University at Binghamton, Vestal New York where she studied Sociology and DEI. The specialization to do birth work was a natural trajectory because she understands and is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that is sensitive to the cultural and social context. After having much difficulty breastfeeding her first born, and being a two time Hyperemesis Gravidarum survivor;supporting birthing people through their reproductive years was an absolute must. In particular she specializes in working with systematically marginalized individuals and the immigrant population. Stephanie is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that is sensitive to the cultural and social contexts. Stephanie is a member of the Rockland Breastfeeding Coalition. She is a full scholarship recipient of Black Maternal health Doula scholarship. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, listening to democracy now ,cooking, meeting new people, and unschooling herself and her two children. All Breastfed and birthed at home

Recent review

After struggling with severe pain during breastfeeding and hearing that discomfort was normal and to keep pushing through, I was beyond grateful when Stephanie came to my rescue. First off, Stephanie knows her stuff! She is so knowledge and passionate about sharing all she can to help with lactation. Stephanie was able to tweak my techniques, give me pointers, and boom, no more pain! With no judgement, and a kind attitude, Stephanie made it easy for me to relax and trust the process. Breastfeeding is NOT suppose to hurt! Who knew! If you're having any sort of issues with feeding or lactation, call Stephanie! Your welcome!

- Ori-Ann D.

Lauralee Lightwood-Mater

Bedminster Township, Pennsylvania

Lauralee Lightwood-Mater

8 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am passionate about supporting families through pregnancy, labor & birth as a birth doula. I provide prenatal childbirth education to all clients, making sure that everyone approaches childbirth with the basic understanding of what's going on internally, and how to work WITH your body's natural hormones, not against them, to get the best birthing experience possible. I support birth wherever it happens (home, hospital, or birthing center) and am especially passionate about supporting VBACs and home births.

carlene vermeal

Point Pleasant, New Jersey

3.7 (3 reviews)

carlene vermeal

5 years of experience

My calling for birth work started with a traumatic first birth, but has opened my eyes to the beauty that is child birth. I began educating myself which resulted in discovering what a doula was. I felt in my heart if I was able to rewrite my birth narrative, then I can be that person for others. I began attending births as a doula in November 2021. Along this journey, I became pregnant with my third child and was able to experience the difference the midwifery model of care can make. As I carried my child in my womb, attending mostly hospital births as a doula, I saw so many women not being heard or respected. I felt this urgency to become a midwife myself, because all women deserve to be supported. Birth is a natural event that sometimes needs medical attention and not the other way around. I was so inspired to make this my life’s work that I enrolled at the National College of Midwifery September 2022. I have not only been a victim myself but witnessed how our culture has stripped women of their birthing power. I have had three very different personal experiences with three very different births myself. One very medicalized birth turned into cesarean, one unmedicated vbac in a hospital and my last birth was at a birth center ! My hope and passion is to help other women feel the power that comes when their autonomy is left intact! I believe that birth is sacred. I believe in you and your ability to birth. I hold space for the spiritual, the physical, the emotional. I am here to help you with your fears, your hopes, and your dreams. In January 2023 I decided to attend a reiki 1 and 2 training. I have been incorporating this spiritual modality when requested. The pairing on energy work within the birth space has had a magical impact on my clients and my own personal enlightenment. I believe that every woman deserves to birth in a way that is safe for her and her baby, in a way that assures she feels honored and supported.

Recent review

I can’t say enough good things about Carly, Angela and Amanda. I was beyond impressed with how much I learned from them about my pregnancy and future delivery. Because of that, I was not scared to give birth and I trusted that they would be by my side when the day came. I can’t describe the sense of relief, and safety I felt having them in my corner. During my delivery, Carly was my rock. She supported me 200% and backed me up with every decision that I made. Hiring a doula was the best decision that I made during my pregnancy and I can’t wait to get to work with Carly, Angela and Amanda for all of my future pregnancies! I love them so much!

- Alyssa Z.

Oliviana Lumetta

Brick Township, New Jersey

Oliviana Lumetta

3 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

Anna Christensen

Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Anna Christensen

Hi, I'm Anna. I'm a birth and postpartum doula in Bucks County, PA. I love creating a calm and positive atmosphere for laboring and birth, and supporting you in whatever birth plan works best for you. I will be there every step of the way to gently coach you, encourage you, and help you connect with your innate strength as a woman. During postpartum, my goal is to make you feel nurtured, supported and cared for, so you can be your best self. Because I believe a happy, healthy mom leads to a happy family.

Natalie Scantlebury

Eddington, Pennsylvania

Natalie Scantlebury

3 years of experience

I’m Natalie, founder of Loops & Kisses Doula Services. I provide intentional, holistic, and culturally attuned support for families who want to feel safe, seen, and in control of their birth and postpartum journey. My approach blends evidence-based information, intuitive care, and hands-on support so you’re not just surviving these transitions, you’re moving through them with confidence and clarity. Whether it’s building a birth plan that reflects your vision, creating space for rest and healing in postpartum, or helping you navigate conversations with your care team, I’m here to protect your autonomy, center your voice, and hold space for your lived experiences.

Bianca Chambers

Montgomery Township, Pennsylvania

Bianca Chambers

3 years of experience

I’m Bianca, the heart behind Our Sacred Circle. I became a doula after my own birth experience showed me how powerful it is to feel truly seen, supported, and safe. This work is deeply personal. I’m here to walk beside you through birth, healing, and life’s sacred transitions. we all deserve care, connection, and the chance to remember the power we already hold within.

Sarah Gallagher

Berkeley Township, New Jersey

5.0 (1 review)

Sarah Gallagher

12 years of experience

Hi there! My name is Sarah and I am a certified birth and postpartum doula. I am located in Central Jersey. Supporting families through the vulnerable time of birth and postpartum is something I am incredibly passionate about. I believe all families deserve to be supported. I am here to empower all families, from LGBTQ to teen moms, as they navigate through this beautiful process. I attend all births, from cesarean section to homebirth. I am CPR certified as well as working through nursing school with the end goal of being a midwife. Additionally, I am in the honors society for school as well. From doula to nursing, I put my whole heart in providing an amazing experience.

Recent review

Sarah was an excellent addition to our birth team! I could not have had a vaginal birth without her. She was compassionate, knowledgeable and so attentive. She made me feel supported and listened to. I truly cannot recommend Sarah enough

- Ashley K.

Sarina Harty

Peekskill, New York

Sarina Harty

4 years of experience
Accepts insurances

As a birth and postpartum doula, I am honored to share my story with you. My commitment to supporting and empowering families during the transformative experience of childbirth is deeply rooted in my own origin story. I am originally from Laredo, Texas, a city on the Texas-Mexico border. Raised in Mexican-American upbringings, I grew up on the frontera, minutes from the border. I moved to New York City in 2009 to attend New York University’s Steinhardt’s School Counseling and Guidance program. After living in Manhattan and Queens, I moved to the suburbs, Peekskill, NY in 2020. My birth and postpartum doula journey began during 2022 when I recognized the need for comprehensive, inclusive and compassionate support for expectant parents. Drawing from my personal birth experience as a woman of color, a mother and extensive knowledge as a certified doula, I set out to create a space that celebrates the beauty and strength of childbirth. Thus, Mariposa Doula Care was born in 2022. Outside of my doula work, I am an avid advocate for immigration, holding space for the BIPOC community and dedicating time to community education. My devotion to fostering a positive birthing experience extends to empowering families with knowledge and resources, ensuring they embark on their parenting journey with confidence. When not immersed in the world of birth and postpartum care, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter and discovering new outdoor spots in Westchester County. I aim to provide doula care to all families, all backgrounds including but not limited to: BIPOC, single parents, LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent families.

Laura Siddons

Farmingdale, New York

Laura Siddons

17 years of experience

We offer support groups and classes for expectant and new parents.