LGBTQ+ Affirming Doulas in Queens, NY

These providers list LGBTQ+ families as a specialty. Read their profiles and reviews, and message the ones who feel right for your family.

94 LGBTQ+ Affirming Doulas near Queens, NY

Caitlin LaBarge

New York, New York 5 years of experience

Caitlin LaBarge

Accepts insurance

Caitlin comes to Doula work from a background in theatre and physiology. She had fought to understand her own body as she grew up with Developmental Dyspraxia. However, what she always thought of as her greatest weakness, has turned into her greatest strength over the years. As a child every time Caitlin learned a new physical skill she had to break it down step by step for her brain to fully understand it. This gave her a great understanding of human physiology. She applied this understanding of the human body to help numerous clients while working as a personal trainer at Blink Fitness and New York Sports Club. Throughout her life Caitlin was always struck by the distrust of the human body when it came to birth. She had always been fascinated by/or even in awe of birth. During her own journey to having children she finally realized what she wanted to be when she grew up. A Doula. It combined her deep understanding of physiology with her desire to empower people to trust their own bodies, no matter what the birth plan. Caitlin took her DONA training in summer of 2021 and finished the DONA certification process at the end of 2022. Caitlin already has a wide range of experience when it comes to birth. Areas she experienced with include, home birth, hospital birth, birth center care, unmedicated birth, Hypnobirthing, preeclampsia, planned and emergency C-Section, pregnancy resulting from fertility treatment, induction, married and unmarried partners, interracial couples, parents with disabilities, pregnancy with special diets (Vegan, Gestational Diabetes, Kosher ect.) "My goal as a doula is to facilitate a positive birth experience for the growing family, whatever that birth experience may look like. I am happy to work with families with all different types of birth plans, backgrounds and family preferences. It is my strong belief that a Doula should be accessible to all birthing people regardless of gender, sexuality, race, disability, faith, or socioeconomic background."

Shane J

New York, New York 9 years of experience

5.0 (3 reviews)

Shane J

Hi ! My name is Shane and I am the Melanated Mermaid Doula Services. I am a trained Fullspectrum Doula with a focus on Birth and Postpartum services. I am also open to supporting abortion related services. I have a love for birth and preparing for the beautiful event. My passion with working with expectant families is to help them connect with one another, prepare and feel confident during and after their births. I want the people I work with to gain a confidence with their bodies but also feel safe and secure in advocating for their needs during pregnancy, labor and postpartum. I have a passion for nutrition and movement so I am sure to include different health measures and these two factors in my services as well. I have a degree in Psychology from Syracuse University and take what I learn from my formal training in the classroom and incorporate it in how I handle and care for my growing families during our time together. I love to laugh and bring joy in homes of the people I work with and hope that along with educating you on your body and body's super powers I can also bring comfort and confidence on this birth journey.

Recent review

I had the privilege of having Shane as my doula during my pregnancy and childbirth, and I cannot express enough gratitude for the support, knowledge, and comfort she provided throughout this journey. From the moment we began working together, Shane's warm and calming presence made me feel supported and understood. She possesses a deep knowledge of childbirth and postpartum care, which she shared with me in our prenatal meetings, empowering me with information and confidence as my due date approached. Shane was incredibly responsive to my needs and preferences, always ensuring that my birth plan was respected and advocated for. During labor, her expertise and soothing demeanor were invaluable, providing both physical and emotional support that significantly contributed to my positive birthing experience. She knew exactly when to offer words of encouragement, when to give me space, and how to assist in pain relief techniques that made a significant difference in managing my labor pains. Postpartum, Shane's support was just as impactful. She visited us at home, offering advice on newborn care, breastfeeding, and adjusting to our new family dynamic. Her follow-up care and genuine concern for our well-being were beyond what I had expected, making the transition into parenthood much smoother and less overwhelming. Shane's passion for her work and her compassionate approach to supporting families during one of the most transformative times of their lives is truly remarkable. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone looking for a doula who is knowledgeable, empathetic, and truly dedicated to providing the best possible care. Thank you, Shane, for being an essential part of our journey into parenthood. Your impact has been profound and will be remembered fondly.

- Daliah C.

Lisa Rentas-Ollivierre

New York, New York 10 years of experience

5.0 (2 reviews)

Lisa Rentas-Ollivierre

Welcoming a new baby into your life is one of the most joyous—and sometimes overwhelming—experiences you will have as a growing family. That is where I come in as your friendly Baby Coach, I like calling myself a Family Mom because I am here for Mom, Dad, siblings, and even your Fur-baby. My mission is to make this beautiful journey a little easier and a lot more enjoyable for the entire family. You might be wondering why you should choose me. I am here to listen, understand, and support you without any judgment. I am a mother and grandmother and have many years of experience as a professional baby coach. I am flexible and will work to understand your preferences, meet the specific needs of your family, and share tips and tricks to help you navigate those sleepless nights and busy days. I thank you for choosing me.

Recent review

Lisa was exactly what we needed when our baby was born. As first time parents, we had absolutely no idea what we were doing. We were overwhelmed and tired and needed a lot of guidance. Lisa not only took unbelievable care of our baby, but she took care of us too. Focussing on my post-partum needs and making sure that I was doing and healing well, while simultaneously caring for our baby with the highest quality of care, was exactly what Lisa did for the 7 weeks she spent with us. She taught us as she did, making sure that when it was time to say goodbye, my husband and I felt confident and well-grounded with a solid foundation and a deep understanding of how to care for our baby. She was also extremely easy to have around which made the newborn trenches a little more enjoyable. We love Lisa, she'll be back for the next one!

- Lily L.

Vicki Bloom

New York, New York 16 years of experience

5.0 (10 reviews)

Vicki Bloom

I have been helping to improve birth experiences in NYC and Westchester County for over a decade. This is my philosophy: You don’t become a different person when you become pregnant, begin labor, enter your birthing space, or bring your baby home for the first time. You’re still you, having an intense and transformative life experience. As your doula, I take the time to learn who you are and what will help you and your family to feel comfortable, informed, prepared, and ready to engage with your birth, both in advance and through the ever-changing moments of the birth process. I am passionate, flexible, and comforting, but also grounded, no-nonsense, and strongly evidence-based.

Recent review

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.

MaternityWise Institute

New York, New York 24 years of experience

5.0 (1 review)

MaternityWise Institute

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!

Recent review

I LOVE MWI! From the affordable prices, the super kind community, the amazing education, I can't recommend this organization enough. Not only this but they have payment plans, mentorship and more

- Cheylah B.

Karina McCarthy

New York, New York 20 years of experience

5.0 (1 review)

Karina McCarthy

I work in homes and virtually as a Newborn Care Specialist and Postpartum Doula, dedicated to supporting families during the earliest and most transformative stage of parenthood. My work centers on evidence-based newborn care, sleep shaping/sleep conditioning, feeding support, and creating calm, sustainable routines that help both babies and parents thrive. I believe the postpartum period deserves thoughtful, knowledgeable guidance, and I approach each family with professionalism, discretion, and deep respect for their values. My goal is not only to care for newborns overnight, during the day, and 24/7, but also to empower parents with the confidence and education they need long after my time in their home has ended. I primarily work through the agency Well Supported Family, which provides experienced in-home newborn and postpartum support for families across the United States. Our team includes Newborn Care Specialists, Postpartum Doulas, RNs and LPNs who offer overnight newborn care, daytime postpartum support, and extended care for families adjusting to life with a new baby. Our work focuses on safe sleep practices, feeding support, and helping parents establish sustainable routines so the entire family can rest and recover during the early weeks at home. I cannot contact on this site, so please email info@wellsupportedfamily.com

Recent review

Working with Karina during the first months was truly one of the best decisions we made as new parents. From the very first night, we felt calm knowing our baby was in capable, knowledgeable hands. She not only helped us establish a gentle and sustainable sleep routine but also took the time to explain the ‘why’ behind everything, which gave us so much confidence. Our home felt peaceful, our baby was thriving, and we were finally able to rest. We’re incredibly grateful for the professionalism, warmth, and steady guidance during such a vulnerable time!

- Jenny M.

Marissa scanapieco

Teaneck, New Jersey 2 years of experience

5.0 (4 reviews)

Marissa scanapieco

Hi everyone, My name is Marissa and I am a certified Full Spectrum Doula located in Bergen County, New Jersey. My goal is to provide families with all the tools, and support needed when transitioning into this beautiful new chapter of their lives.

Recent review

I truly cannot say enough amazing things about my experience with Marissa. From the very beginning, she was always there for me, answering all of my texts and calls whenever I had questions, concerns, or just needed reassurance. As a first time mom, having someone so knowledgeable, supportive, and caring by my side made such a difference. She helped me create a birth plan that reflected exactly what I wanted and made sure I felt informed and prepared. She guided me mentally as I prepared for a natural birth, while always allowing me to make my own decisions without any judgment. She supported my choices and empowered me to have the birth experience that felt right for me. When contractions started and I went into labor, she was nothing short of amazing. She remained calm, professional, and knew exactly how to help me through every moment. When I felt overwhelmed or like I couldn’t do it anymore, she reminded me of my strength and talked me through it. She held my hand when I needed comfort, helped position me in different ways to encourage labor to progress, and advocated for me whenever I needed her voice. She was also such a huge support for my husband. She helped him understand what was happening throughout labor and guided both of us through the process with confidence. During a time that can feel scary and unknown, especially as first time parents, she made us feel safe, supported, and prepared. I trusted her completely and felt so comfortable in her care and with her advice. She played such an important role in helping me have the birth experience I hoped for. I would highly recommend her to everyone I know, and I will absolutely be using her again when it’s time for baby number two!

- Nancy Polisi

Neisha Streete

Port Chester, New York 6 years of experience

5.0 (3 reviews)

Neisha Streete

Accepts insurance

Hello! Most couples are looking for a positive environment where you feel respected, safe, and ready to welcome your new baby. I understand that as your doula I help set the tone and bring energy into your space that will be part of your family's blueprint forever. I have a compassionate, client-centered approach. I bring warmth, love, and extensive knowledge to each family as well as their providers. I bring strong advocacy skills while reducing fear and fostering confidence. I also provide lactation consultations and all modalities of massage including prenatal and postpartum.

Recent review

Hiring Neisha was one of the best decisions I made as I prepared for childbirth, and I would whole-heartedly recommend her to anyone. While I was initially unsure about whether I wanted to hire a doula, after interviewing Neisha I was convinced that it would be helpful to bring her on to support me and my husband before, during, and after the delivery of our first child, and I was not disappointed. I ultimately had a very positive birth experience, and I credit Neisha for giving me the preparation, knowledge, and validation needed to make informed decisions and clearly communicate my preferences during labor and delivery. Early on, she provided us with ample online resources to begin our childbirth preparation. During our prenatal meetings we developed a birth plan, practiced comfort techniques, and discussed the essentials of breastfeeding and newborn care. Throughout my labor Neisha calmly fielded our increasingly anxious calls about whether to take Pitocin and when to begin the epidural. She was a reassuring presence in the delivery room, suggesting alternative positions and providing encouragement to me and my husband through two hours of pushing. Postpartum, Neisha helped with breastfeeding, and continued to check in for several weeks after the end of our official contract as I dealt with a difficult and unexpected complication. Neisha’s professionalism and expertise combined with her warmth and sense of humor made her an invaluable part of my birth team. I would absolutely hire her again. (PS - she is also an incredible massage therapist!)

- Emma J.

Kristina Victoratos Gardenier CD, DONA

Paramus, New Jersey 2 years of experience

5.0 (1 review)

Kristina Victoratos Gardenier CD, DONA

Hi! I'm Kristina Victoratos Gardenier. After years of navigating my own fertility struggles, I felt a deep calling to shift my career from the corporate world—where I spent 12 years in AdTech—to a path that truly fulfills me. My experiences, both personal and professional, naturally led me to the health and wellness space, where I can combine my background in sales, my firsthand medical experiences, and my passion for caregiving into meaningful work. Caring for sick family members has profoundly shaped my approach to support and advocacy, making my transition into birth work feel seamless. As a certified fertility coach and a DONA certified birth doula, I am honored to guide families from preconception through birth, providing compassionate, evidence-based care every step of the way. I take a holistic, client-centered approach, ensuring you feel empowered, informed, and confident throughout your journey. Whether you’re trying to conceive or preparing for labor, I am here to support you with personalized coaching, education, and advocacy within the medical system. I am trained in a variety of comfort measures, including the use of birth balls, peanut balls, laboring positions, and natural techniques for induction, stress management, and pain relief. If you have a partner, I will also help ensure they are actively involved in your birth experience. Giving birth is a life-changing moment—one you will carry with you forever. My goal is to create a supportive, uplifting experience where you feel heard, respected, and empowered every step of the way.

Recent review

Kristina was an amazing doula! She helped us through our pregnancy journey and ensured that my husband and I were educated and empowered for labor and delivery. We would highly recommend her services!

- Blair E.

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