Joann Thelusma

Boston, Massachusetts

Joann Thelusma

7 years of experience

As a doula, I not only bear witness to the birth of babies, but to the birth of parents. I watch in the background as parents harness their strength to unspeakable levels, welcoming the newest, littlest members of the family with emotions that swell and carry the room. As you draw from your inner core strength, physically and spiritually, I am in awe. And I recognize that you deserve continuous support services throughout the first year of your child’s life to ensure optimal outcomes for your beautiful family. Learn more about the principles that dictate Aila Birth Village by clicking here. Aila, pronounced I-la, means “from the strong place”. As such, I am committed to providing you with the support and resources you need to effectively build up your family. My expanded services now include antepartum support, birth support, postpartum support, childbirth education, breastfeeding education, infant sleep consultations, and even a special Back to Work planning program. I believe that you have a fundamental right to experience a beautiful birth as you define it. I recognize that this is a sacred, transformative time for you and your family, and I will treat it with authentic reverence. This means your feelings should be heard, your preferences should be honored, your reproductive rights respected, your heart protected, and your body enveloped with the love and support of your birth team. To this end, I provide you with evidence-based tools and resources that places you and your baby’s needs at the center. No matter the setting of birth - hospital, birthing center, or home birth – and no matter the type of birth – vaginal, c-section, or via surrogate - your birth can be empowering. My hope is that my support is virtuous and exemplary and this is reflected in how you feel during our time together.

Jodi Utter

Boston, Massachusetts

Jodi Utter

12 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi! I am a mom of 5 adult children, a retired school nurse and a long time postpartum and birth doula. I live in the Boston area and love to support families as they build confidence in parenting their baby.

Adonica Shaw

Boston, Massachusetts

Adonica Shaw

17 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Adonica Shaw is a Certified International Health Coach, doula, student midwife, and patient advocate. As the founder and CEO of Wingwomen, she's a powerful voice for women who are navigating their reproductive health. She built the platform after a Preeclampsia diagnosis in 2017. The experience later became a catalyst for creating the telehealth company which also provides access to health coaching to women with Endometriosis and PCOS. As a women's health advocate, she serves on the Birth Equity Accountability through Measurement (BEAM) Advisory Panel on the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). She is a Patient Advocate for the Preeclampsia Foundation and Momma’s Voices where she regularly collaborates with institutions like Stanford Medicine and the California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative to drive awareness for initiatives around Preeclampsia and maternal health.

Hannah DeMoss

Boston, Massachusetts

Hannah DeMoss

4 years of experience

Hello! I’m happy to cross your path in your search for a doula. I am a trained birth doula with experience serving a range of clients, but I have a particular passion in serving those who have been affected by violence. I am motivated to promote an atmosphere where my clients can explore what they need to feel safe and grounded, with the intention of helping my clients build a more positive and trusting relationship with their body. My healing-centered approach centers autonomy and promotes my client’s wisdom in decision making and creation of their birth plans that tailor to their needs. I have experience serving clients who are survivors of sexual violence and community violence. In my 9-5 job I support hospitals in becoming more trauma-informed and survivor-centered. Please reach out if you are interested in talking more about my services. Wishing you a healthy and positive pregnancy and birth!

Rachel Freedman

Boston, Massachusetts

Rachel Freedman

4 years of experience

Hi! My name is Rachel Freedman and I’m here to help you with all things baby! I am a certified childbirth educator and doula! Currently, I am a student at Simmons University studying Public Health, and I am set to graduate in December of 2023. I fell in love with doula care due to its caring and relationship-driven nature. I am here for you, to be the helper that you need during this life-changing experience. My birth philosophy is that pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood is the experience of a lifetime that you have the ability to shape. You are in charge of your pregnancy, your birth, and your baby. I am simply here to provide physical, emotional, and informational support.

Nancy Figuereo

Boston, Massachusetts

5.0 (2 reviews)

Nancy Figuereo

4 years of experience

Hello! My name is Nancy and I am a birth and postpartum doula in the greater Boston area! I am 26 years old and believe everyone deserves an empowering and loving birth experience and postpartum journey. I have been a Doula for about a year now and an OBGYN nurse for about 3 years. This is all I have loved to do and I hope to continue to provide evidence based and professional care to all.

Recent review

Nancy was amazing as a doula! I was nervous as this was my first baby and being a person of color. Nancy was there throughout my entire pregnancy.

- Jasmin M.

Destiny Vidal

Boston, Massachusetts

5.0 (3 reviews)

Destiny Vidal

4 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My mission is to empower and support families through their unique birth journeys by providing compassionate, knowledgeable, and personalized care. I am committed to creating safe, nurturing environments that honor each family’s values and choices, ensuring that every birth experience is positive and transformative.

Recent review

Destiny is a god send! We were both juggling demanding jobs and a new baby and she stepped in seamlessly. she cared for our newborn overnight, kept the kitchen and livivng areas clean. She also helped with meal prep! Her presence brought structure, peace, and joy to ehat could have been a chaotic time. She is professional, warm, and deeply committed to what she does.

- Maya W.

Haley Slavick

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Haley Slavick

10 years of experience

Being a nanny, especially one who works with infants, is a privilege that I do not take lightly and I appreciate the chance to support families during this big change. Across my almost 10-year career, I have worked full-time in a daycare center and six private homes, primarily with newborns and toddlers. I find joy in creating spaces that engage my little ones, planning activities that incorporate all areas of children's development, and seeing the outcomes of those efforts. Outside of the traditional nanny role, I received my birth and post-partum certifications from DONA International in 2021. Since then, I have attended two births and continue to volunteer assisting families in need of support. In 2023 I completed my Newborn Care Specialist training via Newborn Care Solutions to deepen my understanding of newborns, especially those born prematurely and with additional medical needs

Kathryn Noon

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Kathryn Noon

3 years of experience

I am passionate about maternal and child health - I began my work as a doula in hopes to improve birthing outcomes for women of all backgrounds and orientations. I have completed Birth Doula training and am in pursuit of my Doula Certification.

Jamie-Lee Lightbody

Revere, Massachusetts

Jamie-Lee Lightbody

3 years of experience

My name is Jamie-Lee I am a RN and certified birth and postpartum doula. Looking for thr opportunity to help women during labor& postpartum.

Abrianna Canady

Boston, Massachusetts

Abrianna Canady

7 years of experience

Hello, expectant families! I am excited to introduce myself as your compassionate birth and postpartum doula, bringing a unique blend of medical expertise and nurturing support to your entire childbirth journey. About Me: I’ve been honored to serve as a registered nurse in the Emergency Room since 2018, where I’ve witnessed the strength of individuals during some of their most critical moments. My experience in healthcare has instilled in me a deep understanding of medical procedures, patient care, the significance of unwavering support and importance advocating in the hospital system. Certifications: I hold certifications in Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP), Basic Life Support (BLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Donna Hall

Stoughton, Massachusetts

Donna Hall

4 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hello, my name is Donna Hall, I am a mother of three boys through natural birth. I am committed to empowering families through informed choices. I will be honored to work with you as a certified birth doula and provide both emotional and physical support. I welcome all moms to be and specialize with first time moms and teen moms. I stand by my moto, "bringing new life into the world with gentleness".

Olga Nikitina

Watertown, Massachusetts

Olga Nikitina

6 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am certified as a BRM pro and trained as CAPPA birth doula. Using knowledge about birth biometrics I can help to prepare your body for a childbirth and better recovery after. I have personal experience in hospital, home and solo birth.

Rophe  Mason

Hanover, Massachusetts

Rophe Mason

6 years of experience
Accepts insurances

From an early age, Rophe was drawn to birth work and the beauty of the experience. Rophe is passionate about advocating for couples and giving them the education they need to make informed decisions to take charge of their births. She believes strongly in the beauty and strength of a women's body and its intended design for birth. Melissa’s earliest memory of delighting in the birth process was as a child visiting the Science Museum. She remembers watching videos, one of a mother dancing in her labor room, another surrounded by her young family, while another escaped into a birthing pool to focus inwardly. It was not until Melissa became a mother herself that she realized just how empowering the birth space can be.

Kathleen Stern

Swampscott, Massachusetts

Kathleen Stern

7 years of experience

Hi, I’m Kathleen Stern—a certified postpartum and birth doula, certified infant feeding specialist and an IBCLC candidate (international board certified lactation consultant), expecting to be certified in 2026. I love working with parents to offer real-time relief and practical tips and to remind them that they’re doing a great job. My goal is to build your confidence and provide relief so that you feel better when my visit ends. Whether you’re a first-time parent feeling nervous/excited or thinking “I don’t know what I don’t know,” or a seasoned parent looking for some more relief this time around, I’ve got you! Prior to working with infants and families, I earned a Masters in Teaching and had a rewarding 15-year education career— teaching students (mostly middle school English), coaching teachers, and helping others recognize their own strengths. I got into the perinatal world after I had a colicky baby in 2014 and was filled with exhaustion, self-doubt, and conflicting advice from well-meaning family and friends. I knew there must be a better way. For my second baby, I worked with a postpartum doula to provide me with the nonjudgmental, hands-on support I knew I would need. The difference between my first and second postpartum experiences prompted me to become a doula and lactation professional. My best advice for expecting families is, “Reach out for help before you think you need it. You're not supposed to be able to do this by yourself.” I live in the North Shore with my 11 and 8 year-old daughters and labradoodle. When I’m not with my family or holding babies, I love to garden, be active, and be by the water.

Jessie Salvin

Swampscott, Massachusetts

Jessie Salvin

9 years of experience

Hello! My name is Jessie, I’m a birth doula and childbirth educator. Working together means having someone by your side throughout your pregnancy and birth offering information and support that is personalized to you and your wishes. I am here to help you prepare for your birth by providing evidence-based information and loving, compassionate support while you navigate this life-changing experience!

Hannah Hakim

Medfield, Massachusetts

Hannah Hakim

17 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I first trained as a doula in 2009, after the birth of my (much) younger brother. I was inspired by my mother’s experience and wanted to help birthing people own their births and find their confidence as a new parent through the birthing process. I went on to study Maternal and Child Health graduating from Boston University with a Master in Public Health. I have worked in public health policy with the career aim to transform the birthing system in this country. Through both my policy work and my work as a doula - I hope to rectify that birth is not just for women and it is not for women to do alone. There is a need and obligation to provide support for birthing people so that they are not only surviving, but thriving! The word “Alma” means soul or heart across many different languages. Serving pregnant and postpartum families is messy, raw, and vulnerable- I approach this work with humility and respect. At the core of my work is trust and connection with each individual and family unit. I do this work with my whole heart and soul. Birth work is truly soul work for me!

Danielle Ben-David

Natick, Massachusetts

Danielle Ben-David

3 years of experience

Congratulations on your growing family! I’m excited to tell you more about myself and the services I offer. I am a Certified Postpartum Doula, trained through Childbirth International, and my personal and professional experience supporting families began over 10 years ago as a respiratory therapist focusing on neonatal and pediatric care. I currently work part-time in a Neonatal ICU, where I attend deliveries and care for premature and term infants. My educational background is in Psychology (BA) and Public Health (MPH).

Ashley Geary

Foxborough, Massachusetts

5.0 (1 review)

Ashley Geary

5 years of experience

Ashley's journey into the realm of motherhood was marked by challenges, particularly with postpartum anxiety following the birth of her son. The experience, not aligning with her envisioned childbirth, significantly impacted her postpartum transition. This prompted Ashley to delve into the intricacies of childbirth, recognizing a pressing need for maternal support during both the birthing process and postpartum period.Motivated by her own transformative experience, Ashley decided to pursue a homebirth with her daughter, finally obtaining the birthing and postpartum support she had sought. This pivotal moment inspired her to undergo comprehensive training as a birth and postpartum doula. Ashley's commitment to her role is evident in her diverse training background, including certifications from CAPPA, Newborn Mothers Collective, and Birth Arts International. Ashley is currently undergoing training to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and is actively accepting clients under the guidance of her mentor. As part of her commitment to supporting mothers, Ashley extends special discounts for those opting for homebirth and for repeat birth clients.

Recent review

We had a great experience with Ashley! She was always available and able to help during both the prenatal and postpartum periods. Her questions were thoughtful and helped me think through our priorities, understand my anxieties, and offer great suggestions for both the birth and postpartum periods. Ashley was at my birth, which was really fast so there was not much time for anything, but she was great at helping my husband know how to be helpful during the birth and offered really good massage and lactation support. She knew my birth preferences front to back and was helpful as the go-between when necessary. She were especially good at calming me down while I was waiting to go into labor and offering tips to activate labor. She is a wealth of knowledge and a fabulous support system during such a vulnerable time.

- Glenn M.

Molly Barrett Sanchez

Marblehead, Massachusetts

Molly Barrett Sanchez

4 years of experience

Hello! As a birth doula, my intention is to help my clients feel comfortable, confident, and at ease from conception to postpartum. I provide my clients with evidence-based, nonjudgmental, physical and emotional support, and a loving, calming presence. What brings me the most joy in doing this work are the relationships formed, understanding my client’s needs and goals, and supporting them to get there. I’m a mom to two little girls, a former collegiate volleyball player, strength coach, and certified yoga teacher. Functional movement and training have been a part of my life for quite some time, and a significant component of my approach - helping my clients to physically prepare for motherhood. I look forward to connecting and seeing how I can best support you during this season of life!