Smitha Gudapakkam

Shrewsbury, Massachusetts

Smitha Gudapakkam

3 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My name is Smitha Gudapakkam and I am a CAPPA-certified postpartum doula passionate about supporting mothers during one of life's most transformative periods. My doula style is empathetic, observant, and empowering—I'm dedicated to truly seeing mothers and validating their experiences, especially those who feel overlooked or dismissed. There's nothing more rewarding than witnessing that moment when a mother feels truly validated about her struggles and realizes that these postpartum-related challenges can be addressed. I provide comprehensive support for both your physical recovery and mental health journey. Whether you're navigating healing from birth, adjusting to feeding challenges, dealing with sleep deprivation, or working through the emotional shifts that come with new motherhood, I'm here to guide and support you every step of the way. Drawing from my Indian heritage, I bring time-honored nourishing practices and cultural wisdom that nurture both body and mind to complement modern postpartum care. As a mother myself to an incredible daughter who inspires me daily, I understand firsthand the beautiful complexity of early motherhood—the overwhelming love mixed with unexpected challenges, the need for both practical support and emotional validation. My personal journey through postpartum, combined with my professional training, allows me to offer you both the expertise of a certified doula and the understanding of someone who's walked this path. I'm here to help you navigate this amazing journey with confidence, knowing you have someone in your corner who truly gets it.

Edwige Jean

Boston, Massachusetts

Edwige Jean

7 years of experience

My name is Edwige, I am a dedicated professional with a BS in Maternal Child Health specializing in Human Lactation. With over 15+ years of experience in OB/GYN, I also provide in-patient and out-patient Lactation support. Breastfeeding is natural but is not always an easy process for some. I love empowering parents with essential knowledge to support their baby's feeding journey and help them reach their feeding goals.

Shantel Collins

Worcester, Massachusetts

Shantel Collins

5 years of experience
Accepts insurances

It is my pleasure to serve as a doula with love for my neighbor, respect for the philology of birth, and pride in my community. I am here to assist birthing parents and partners with receiving the prenatal and postpartum care they deserve, and to assist with protecting the memories of pregnancy and birth.

Myriam Lukoff

Worcester, Massachusetts

Myriam Lukoff

3 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Myriam Lukoff, a native French speaker originally from Montreal is a compassionate doula and trained in Spinning Babies now living in Shrewsbury. With a degree in physiology from McGill University and over two decades experience in early childhood education, she integrates her knowledge and passion working with families towards a profound dedication in accompanying mothers on their unique childbirth journey. Myriam strives to empower women discovering and embracing their innate strength during pregnancy, childbirth and beyond. She blends cultural sensitivity with unwavering support, ensuring every mother's voice is heard and honored. Her desire to become a doula was a result of how remarkably different and transformative each of her personal childbirth experiences were. Her volunteer work with organizations such as JFCS’s ‘Journey to Safety’ has deepened her commitment towards women feeling empowered, including those affected by domestic violence, highlighting her commitment to the safety and wellbeing of mothers and their children. Beyond her doula role, Myriam is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loves reading novels, playing the piano and spending time with her family.

Carly Matzke Nguyen

Worcester, Massachusetts

Carly Matzke Nguyen

2 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am a birth doula trained by Warm Welcome Birth Services. I am a registered MassHealth provider, which means if you are a member, my services will be covered by state insurance. Informed by my experience seeing the homebirths of my two younger siblings (and being born at home with a midwife myself), I believe that everyone giving birth deserves to feel seen, heard, and respected, no matter where they give birth. In my work, I value autonomy and informed consent. I am committed to providing trauma-informed, inclusive, and justice-oriented care for all, including people of color, queer and trans folks, disabled people, and those belonging to all types of family structures. I'm also happy to talk about how to center faith/spirituality in birthing experiences!

Lauren Bolton

Quincy, Massachusetts

Lauren Bolton

6 years of experience

Hello, my name is Lauren and I am a birth and postpartum doula as well as bereavement. I am also a new parent educator and a childbirth educator. I love working with families and all aspects of preparing for your childbirth journey. I also have experience with Nicu postpartum care.

Yaffa Garber Tilles

Newton, Massachusetts

5.0 (1 review)

Yaffa Garber Tilles

13 years of experience

I am the mom to 3 rambunctious boys and the co-founder of the Boston Birth Village! My sister and I provide birth doula services, postpartum doula services, childbirth education classes, postpartum groups, and much more!

Recent review

Yaffa and I love working as a team! Here's a recent review from a birth doula client: From the first time we met Shira, we felt more at ease about our birthing time. Upon meeting Shira it is obvious how sweet, caring, and smart she is. Shira is very knowledgeable about pregnancy and birth, and she is super humble about her approach. She is here for you to answer your questions and make you feel prepared and comfortable. She doesn't push any personal agenda, she is a calm and peaceful presence who will guide you like a warm mother would, and with confidence. Shira is open minded. She was directly by my side taking my lead during my first birth, and both of our first HypnoBabies experience. She was the expert support and extra hands I needed alongside my husband. I had mostly back labor and she helped with counter pressure, positioning, and movement for 24+ hours! She said yes to all any any requests I had. When I decided to get an epidural/induction, she helped make that choice easier. She constantly shared my birth plan with the hospital staff to ensure everyone was on board with my vision so I didn't have to. It was very reassuring having her there and I truly couldn't have done it without her. The birth ended up being absolutely beautiful, magical, and a holy experience that I would be lucky and blessed to do over and over again. Thank you Shira!!

- Shira S.

Kayanna James

Worcester, Massachusetts

5.0 (2 reviews)

Kayanna James

Accepts insurances

As a dedicated advocate, passionate follower of God, and accomplished entrepreneur, I find joy in bringing people together. By day, I’m a writer and aspiring politician; by night, I’m a compassionate doula supporting families through transformative moments. Rooted in a deep love for community, I actively engage with organizations that empower women and girls, connecting them to vital resources and opportunities. Birth is a transformative journey that deeply affects an individual on emotional, physical, and spiritual levels. I believe that preparing for and experiencing birth empowers and illuminates not only women, but everyone involved in the process.

Recent review

I honestly can’t say enough great things about Doula Kayanna James. She was recommended to me by a family member, and from the very first conversation, I could tell why she’s so loved and respected in the community. From start to finish, she was such a calming, supportive presence throughout my pregnancy and birth experience. Kayanna went above and beyond to make sure I felt prepared, confident, and cared for. She signed me up for classes that taught me so much about labor and what to expect as a first-time mom, things I would have never known otherwise. When it came time to give birth, she was right there with me, offering amazing tips and techniques to help me cope through the pain and stay focused. Her voice, her encouragement, and her gentle guidance helped me stay grounded through every contraction. What really stood out to me was how much she truly cares. She checked in on me before and after the birth, making sure I was healing well and adjusting to motherhood. It didn’t feel like I was working with a service; it felt like I had someone in my corner who genuinely wanted the best for me and my baby. If you’re thinking about having a doula, I can’t recommend Kayanna James enough. She’s knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly dedicated to the families she supports. You can tell she loves what she does, and it shows in every way. I’m beyond grateful for her guidance and care, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

- Sybrina D.

Laura Miranda

Newton, Massachusetts

5.0 (1 review)

Laura Miranda

17 years of experience

Hello! I am an experienced newborn care specialist, postpartum doula and sleep consultant.

Recent review

We used Laura as a baby nurse for our twins for 4 months. She is an absolute expert. She got our twins on a great schedule that we were able to follow as we weaned off full time care and they were sleeping through the night by 3 months. I recommend her highly.

- Anna M.

Jade' Gray-Gray

Boston, Massachusetts

4.6 (9 reviews)

Jade' Gray-Gray

13 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My name is Jade C. Gray-Gray, and I am a MassHealth Approved, Certified Full Spectrum Doula, specializing in trauma-informed care, reproductive justice, safe space, and freedom-centered support. I bring 12 years of experience working with infants through age 11, and I am fully trained in prenatal and postpartum support, breastfeeding education, and newborn care. In addition to my doula expertise, I have strong skills in healthy co-parenting guidance, helping families build communication, stability, and a nurturing foundation that supports a well-rounded child. My mission is to provide care that is compassionate, informed, and centered around the needs of the families I serve.

Recent review

Jade has been an incredible advocate and support for my family. She was my son’s teacher and went above and beyond to ensure he had what he needed to thrive. Even years later, she continues to stay connected with us, which speaks to her genuine care and dedication. Although I haven’t worked with her directly in her doula role, I have every confidence that the same compassion, advocacy, and commitment she showed my family will make her an outstanding support to any parent or family she serves.

- Staisha S.

Brittany Thomez

Westerly, Rhode Island

Brittany Thomez

3 years of experience

Hello! I am a recent graduate of Eyla Cuenca's Uncovering Birth's (www.uncoveringbirth.com) Mastercourse in doula training and I am eager to support expecting mothers. I believe that having a empowered birth experience will lead to a mindful and loving life for not only the mother, but her family and generations to come. I began LIFEVINE in 2012 and have been supporting families as a nanny, caregiver and business owner for years and look forward to this next phase of service reaching expecting mothers. I am currently in Rhode Island, but am available to travel to Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York.

Katie Panzer

Boston, Massachusetts

Katie Panzer

2 years of experience

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Christie Ziomek

Duxbury, Massachusetts

5.0 (1 review)

Christie Ziomek

2 years of experience

Hi! I am Christie Ziomek, BS, IBCLC - the face behind Flourish Feeding. I am a Mom to two wild boys, a Degreed Nutritionist and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. My mission as a Lactation Consultant is to provide an inclusive and safe space where parents can find a sense of calm and confidence. My goal is to help you feel empowered to follow your feeding goals that are best for your family and lifestyle. There is no one sized fits all answer to infant feeding. I believe it takes two (parent and baby) to find the right feeding solution and every families journey has their own twists and turns along the way. When I am not with you, you can find me by the beach, running, gardening, doing crafts or having dance parties with the kids or taking on too many DIY home projects. I am here to help you and your baby thrive and flourish through your journey!

Recent review

Christie is nurturing, compassionate, and caring in her approach to supporting moms and babies’ feeding needs. She truly has your best interest in mind and is flexible working to tailor a plan that meets your specific situation, needs and desires. You can trust Christie to provide you the expertise and resources to make effective changes that help you and your baby thrive and instill confidence in you when you’re at your most vulnerable. Christie’s support has made a big difference in my life and I can’t recommend her enough!

- Kara P.

Margo Jones

Brookline, Massachusetts

Margo Jones

9 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I’m a compassionate lactation provider offering both virtual and in home consultations. There are so many factors within both the breastfeeding parent and baby that can impact the experience. I also practice infant craniosacral therapy, which is a very gentle manual therapy that can help release tension in the baby and optimize function for breastfeeding. I especially love offering continual care over the course of the breastfeeding journey. I am in network with Aetna, Mass General Brigham, United and Cigna.

Eleanor Klibaner-Schiff

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Eleanor Klibaner-Schiff

Accepts insurances

Hi! My name is Eleanor and I'm a newly-trained birth doula excited to support you. I'm passionate about patient advocacy, making sure your needs are heard, and providing evidence-based information and support throughout pregnancy and labor.

Sharla Lloyd Halperin

Boston, Massachusetts

5.0 (3 reviews)

Sharla Lloyd Halperin

29 years of experience
Accepts insurances

It's said that breastfeeding a baby is the most natural thing in the world, but it doesn't always come naturally. Like many new parents, I experienced a few challenges while breastfeeding my own children. I want to help others avoid or overcome similar difficulties, if possible. The nursing dyad is such a special relationship and I want as many people as possible to get a chance to experience it. Here in America, lactation consultants are often the only health professional visiting a new family in their home, and sometimes we are the only health care worker seeing a new mom in the first six weeks postpartum. I feel really lucky to be one of the first people to meet the new baby! An IBCLC is a unique professional for your family's unique needs. We are small parts sister, friend, nurse, doula, nutritionist, therapist, parenting coach, biology teacher, and detective! We are an important part of your postpartum support system!

Recent review

Working with Sharla has been a game changing experience for my family as we navigate the challenges feeding our newborn. She is warm and engaging with the ability to demystify a complicated and pressure filled subject. After both initial and follow up appointments we have been left feeling well take care of and well prepared.

- Phil G.

Birth Savvy

Boston, Massachusetts

Birth Savvy

16 years of experience

Hi, we are Anna and Ashley, Registered Nurses specializing in High Risk Obstetrics and founders Of Birth Savvy LLC. Meet Ashley RN, BSN My career began in pediatric primary care and community health, but my true passion led me to Labor & Delivery in 2015. For several years, I worked at one of Boston’s top institutions, caring for high-risk and critically ill birthing patients. I was driven to expand my expertise beyond the delivery room—supporting families holistically throughout their entire pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. In 2021, I transitioned into Maternal Fetal Medicine, deepening my knowledge of complex pregnancies and high-risk care. My mission is to provide a culturally competent, integrated approach that nurtures both physical and emotional well-being. Beyond my professional experience, I’ve personally navigated a high-risk pregnancy and birth—a journey that sparked my Aha! moment: knowledge, paired with unwavering support, is the true key to empowerment in the perinatal and postpartum experience. That realization led me to create Birth Savvy, because every birthing person deserves high-quality education, autonomy, and confidence. I mix humor, encouragement, and real talk to help parents connect mind and body, fuel inner strength, and embrace birth without fear. I’m a Spinning Babies® Aware Practitioner, Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), CPR/AED/First Aid Instructor, and trained in perinatal mental health. When I’m not empowering families, you’ll find me traveling, watching action movies, enjoying great food, listening to music, and, of course, being a mom! Meet Anna RN, MSN I’m Anna, a dedicated OB nurse with over 13 years of experience in labor and delivery, postpartum, antepartum, abortion care, and Maternal Fetal Medicine. My passion for childbirth started early, inspired by my grandmother’s stories shared around the dinner table. From the moment I stepped into nursing, I knew supporting families through pregnancy and birth was my calling. Beyond hospital-based care, I earned a Master’s in Public Health and worked in community health, providing vital reproductive care and family planning services. As a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC), Spinning Babies® Aware Practitioner, and Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) specialist, I bring a holistic and evidence-based approach to every birth experience. My goal is to help families feel calm, confident, and in control, no matter their journey. I founded Birth Savvy because the greatest joy in my career has been guiding parents toward empowered, informed choices—no matter how complex their situation may be. When I’m not working, you’ll find me cooking, traveling, re-learning piano, or tackling endless home improvement projects!

Alana Martinusen

Boston, Massachusetts

Alana Martinusen

Accepts insurances

I have been dedicated to women’s health since the beginning of my public health journey. When I began university, I started volunteering with the Women's Resource Center on campus. This allowed me to plan events and educate students about sexual health and wellness. I was later hired on as a sexual violence educator as well. I was on the pre-medicine track, but realized that my true passions were helping improve health outcomes for people. I decided to get my Master's of Public Health at Boston University. Through the program, I dedicated a lot of my time to researching maternal health outcomes, especially for women of color. I have been fortunate to be able to use my passions for reproductive justice in my research at Boston Medical Center. Much of my work focuses on family planning and health disparities in repro spaces. In my work, I have been fortunate to work with amazing birth workers, which inspired my own doula journey. Birth should be an empowering and liberating experience for families, and I strive for this in my doula work. My approach is completely client-centered so that clients can feel supported and advocated for during their process. When I'm not engaged in birth work, I enjoy cooking, reading, and playing with my fur baby, Fezzik. My ultimate goal is to become a midwife so that I can continue centering reproductive justice in my work.

Marsha Montgomery

Boston, Massachusetts

5.0 (2 reviews)

Marsha Montgomery

32 years of experience
Accepts insurances

With over 30 years of experience in child care—including 16 years as a center director—I began my work as a postpartum doula in 2018. As a mom of three grown children (including two retired service members) and a proud new grandmother, I bring both professional expertise and personal insight to every family I support. I love helping new moms navigate the fourth trimester with confidence, combining my training and hands-on experience to make a meaningful difference in their transition. Supporting families during this special time is truly my passion. I’m here to answer your questions and walk alongside you on this beautiful journey.

Recent review

Discovering Blissful Sleep was a game-changer for me as a second-time mom. After struggling with months of sleep deprivation during my first postpartum experience, I wish I had met Marsha and her team sooner. They truly gave me the gift of sleep and restored my sanity during those early months. One of the most invaluable aspects of their service was the emotional support they provided. With no family nearby, their team became like an extended family for me. The care providers assigned to us were not only highly professional but also compassionate and understanding. They essentially took care of me as much as they did my baby - they listened to my concerns, offered practical advice, and were a constant sounding board throughout our first few months. I was impressed by their punctuality and reliability. They were always on time for appointments and their communication was clear and responsive. This professionalism instilled confidence in their services and made the entire experience stress-free. I wholeheartedly recommend Blissful Sleep to anyone expecting a baby. Whether you're a first-time parent or navigating the challenges of newborn parenthood again, their expertise and support are invaluable. They tailor their approach to fit your family's unique needs, ensuring you feel empowered and well-supported during this transformative time. In summary, Blissful Sleep exceeded my expectations in every way. Thanks to their guidance, my baby sleeps through the night! If you're looking for compassionate, professional, and effective sleep support, look no further than Blissful Sleep.

- Angela P.

Mother's Helpers

Boston, Massachusetts

5.0 (5 reviews)

Mother's Helpers

43 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am a Mother and Grandmother and have owned Mother's Helpers since 1992. I love helping families find care. I enjoy speaking with expectant and new parents to be able to make the best match.

Recent review

We had a wonderful experience with Mother's Helpers and our night doula, Kim! Kim was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, professional and helpful. We learned so much from her as we transitioned into being parents and could not be more grateful. Working with Karen was also wonderful and we couldn't recommend Mother's Helpers more!

- Caroline W.