Anna McDougal

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Anna McDougal

5 years of experience

Hi! My name is Anna McDougal! I am a ProDoula trained and certified Labor and Postpartum & Infant Care Doula, as well as an Infant Feeding Educator. From the moment you get your positive test, I have you covered! I have been a doula in Austin, TX, and now I am serving the Greater Philadelphia area! I have been a doula in every modality of birth, be it in the hospital, at a birthing center, or at home! This work has been my absolute honor and privilege. My background in communication studies allows me to be especially adept at reading situations and working with you to adjust my care based on your desires and needs! I came into doula work out of immense respect for this process and the individual and sometimes universal components of it. Every journey is unique, and yours deserves to be supported as such. As your doula, I will offer evidence based, non-judgmental, un-biased emotional, physical, and educational/informational support for you and your family. With Every Beat of your journey, count on me.

Markita Roberts

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Markita Roberts

11 years of experience

My name is Markita Roberts, and I am a dedicated mother of two boys. My journey as a parent has inspired me to focus on educating and empowering families to make informed decisions. I aspire to create an inclusive platform where knowledge can be shared freely, and resources can be provided that resonate with your lifestyle. My motivation stems from personal experiences that highlighted the importance of support, education, and advocacy in the birthing process. I aim to provide emotional and physical comfort, ensuring that parents feel safe and respected in their choices regardless of how they choose to give birth. I recognize that every parent’s journey is unique, and I want to help them navigate their options with confidence and knowledge. I inspire to create an environment where mothers can embrace their strengths, celebrate their bodies and cherish the moments surrounding childbirth. My focus is on the parents and baby's well-being throughout the course of pregnancy and postpartum with a huge emphasis on mental health and self-care and God. Ultimately it is my goal to foster positive childbirth experiences that resonate long after the baby arrives, leaving parents with lasting feelings of empowerment and joy.

cathya ocasio

Stratford, New Jersey

cathya ocasio

6 years of experience

Hi, I’m Cathy, a trauma-informed postpartum doula with 5 years of experience supporting families through the fourth trimester. I’m especially passionate about helping moms navigate perinatal mood disorders, establish healthy sleep hygiene and routines, and feel grounded during this big transition. My goal is to provide compassionate, personalized care so you feel supported, confident, and nurtured as you and your baby adjust together. Experience supporting parents through adoption, breastfeeding support and parents of multiples.

Lindsay Idler

Haddon Township, New Jersey

5.0 (3 reviews)

Lindsay Idler

2 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi! My name is Lindsay Idler, and I am a certified birth and postpartum doula serving the New Jersey and Philadelphia area. Having doula support at the births of my 3 children unlocked my love for all things birth and supporting & empowering women. I believe everyone has a right to a safe, positive birth experience. My practice prioritizes nonjudgmental support, information for informed decision making, and helping moms and families advocate for themselves. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and our sweet dog. I also love a good fire pit, reading, and crocheting.

Recent review

"I am so glad we had Lindsay to lean on during my birth experience. She was able to provide helpful guidance and reassurance before, during, and after labor. My partner was grateful for her assistance with support techniques for me while I was laboring, and we were both glad to have her as a sounding board and a voice of comfort throughout. She also brought items to help create a soothing environment in the hospital room!”

- B. H.

Sierra Wilson

West Babylon, New York

Sierra Wilson

9 years of experience

Hello! My name is Sierra Wilson, and I’m a certified Newborn Care Specialist with over 8 years of infant experience supporting families during the earliest, most delicate stages of parenthood. I specialize in overnight newborn care, helping new parents get the rest they need while knowing their baby is in safe, nurturing hands. My approach combines evidence-based care with a calm, structured routine tailored to your baby’s unique needs. I believe in creating a peaceful environment, building healthy sleep habits, and empowering parents with the tools and confidence to thrive. Whether you need guidance as a first-time parent or an extra set of hands during a transition, I’m here to support your journey.

Pippa Villas-Boas

Greenwich, Connecticut

Pippa Villas-Boas

3 years of experience

I am a birth and postpartum doula certified through DONA International and mother of three!

Gwendolyn Santana

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

5.0 (1 review)

Gwendolyn Santana

25 years of experience

My name is Gwendolyn Santana. I am a childbirth educator, midwife, doula, and mother. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to teach and support birthing parents and families. Helping parents feel informed and empowered at their birth. I've served families as a birth doula, midwife, and now childbirth educator. All classes are virtual, making it convenient for families.

Recent review

Gwen was absolutely amazing! This was my husband and I’s first child labor experience and we felt ready to take on the new journey. She guided us step by step with an well put together powerpoint, explaining emotion experiences we may have, procedures, medicine and so much more . Gwen took her time to make sure we didn't feel overwhelmed with information but made sure we understood that we had choices in the delivery room, we are in control of our labor. She also made it appointment to focus on our relationship as a couple before our daughter and after the birth of our daughter. She shared her own experience and insight and it was a wonder experience to have. Thank you again Gwen, we wouldn’t of had the knowledge, confidence and understanding with out you!

- Lauren E.

Dionne Johnson

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

5.0 (4 reviews)

Dionne Johnson

9 years of experience

As a certified ProDoula, I specialize in providing compassionate support to mothers, infants, and milies during the postpartum period. My role is to ensure that new parents have the emotional, physical, and educational resources they need to confidently navigate the early stages of parenthood. I offer assistance with newborn care, breastfeeding support, and household organization, while creating a calm and nurturing environment. Whether it's easing the transition for first-time parents or offering guidance to seasoned ones, my goal is to foster a positive and empowered postpartum experience for both mother and family.

Recent review

Dionne greeted me on my first night at home with my newborn, and I knew immediately that we were both in good hands due to her warm, calming, and joyful presence. We were only able to work together a handful of nights, but I would definitely work with Dionne again!

- Jenni B.

Kim Jones

Croton On Hudson, New York

5.0 (6 reviews)

Kim Jones

16 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am a certified, insured, CPR & 1st aid certified, seasoned professional doula. I have supported countless families during my career. Many families have used my services for each of their babies and referred me to their family and friends. I believe a doula should offer compassionate flexible support throughout the ever changing needs and phases of care. It brings me joy to be doing what I love and what has come naturally, after raising my 4 children, including singletons and multiples born via normal spontaneous vaginal delivery and a Cesarean section.

Recent review

Kim spent 3 weeks with our family as a night doula and we could not be more grateful for her. Kim knowledgeable, personable and a joy to have in your home, she took excellent care of our newborn and made the transition in the first postpartum weeks easy for the entire family. I highly recommend Kim for families looking for a postpartum doula!

- Daryl S.

Cynthia Hillocks

Gloucester Township, New Jersey

5.0 (8 reviews)

Cynthia Hillocks

7 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am a compassionate and expert childbirth educator and a birth and traditional postpartum doula. I provide emotional, physical, and informational support to ensure you have the most empowering, calming, and positive birthing experience possible. With my guidance, you will feel confident, informed, and in control of your choices. Let's work together to create a memorable and beautiful birth story. Create your journey, your birth, your story, your way! *Essential Doula Care Services LLC is certified and fully insured.

Recent review

Cynthia has been such a great Doula in my postpartum experience. She has helped me emotionally and physically transition into the postpartum phase. She has a kind and gentle spirit. She is patient and thoughtful. On each occasion where she came, she provided a postpartum meal or a useful gift which was a very thoughtful surprise. She takes her role as a postpartum Doula very seriously and is extremely prepared and made me feel safe and assured during the postpartum activities, she also made herself available to me for any questions that I have following and provided some useful resources and networks related to issues and questions that I had. I would highly recommend her to anyone that is interested in postpartum services.

- Alexis O.

RUDO MALIRO

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

RUDO MALIRO

4 years of experience

When a baby is born, so is a mother. Our gift to a new family, is non judgmental support. This means there are no hard set rules on the support offered as it is holistic in nature. Each activity is aimed to help the family navigate through the early days of the baby's childhood. No family is the same, therefore cultural sensitivity is of the utmost importance.

Chelsea McShane

Tuckerton, New Jersey

5.0 (3 reviews)

Chelsea McShane

7 years of experience

Welcome! I'm Chelsea, a mom of 2, and owner of Moonlight Maternity, where I practice as a Full Spectrum Doula, Lamaze International trained Childbirth Educator, and Newborn Care Specialist! I truly feel my purpose is to spend my life trying to make a positive impact on motherbaby health and wellness, and to help foster thriving families from the start. Changing things for the better in the maternal healthcare field is a monster to tackle, but I know that being able to positively impact even just one family at a time will lead to a generational ripple effect, and there's nothing more beautiful to me than to imagine a future like that. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be in the world of birthwork! My favorite show as a kid was "a baby story", (I know... I was a weird kid lol) a show that followed pregnant people through their journey and birth experience, and by the time I was a teenager I knew I wanted to become a Midwife. I was enrolled in a Midwifery program for over a year and on the way to making my dreams come true. Then, when I was 19, I found myself unexpectedly pregnant and everything came to a temporary halt while I spent time focusing on raising my son as a single mother, and working full time to support us. The birth of my son was an incredibly traumatic experience unfortunately, but inspired within me an even greater drive and passion to make a difference. I knew more than ever how important information, advocacy, autonomy and empowerment are during pregnancy and birth experiences. Having those things directly relates to how confidently you begin your motherhood journey, the way you trust your intuition, and the way you raise your babies. I realized on a more personal level exactly how important it is to try to prevent negative outcomes and experiences in the birth space...something which I knew before, but deeply understood now. Over the years, I spent my free time educating myself more, reading anything I could get my hands on, watching birth vlogs on YouTube- still always deeply passionate about birthwork, and longing to find my way back to it. I found my wonderful husband along the way when my son was 2 years old, and we got married a few years later. He has always supported my love of birthwork and encouraged me to chase my dreams. I helped friends and family through pregnancies, birth, the postpartum period, and breastfeeding using everything I had learned, and loved any opportunity I had to talk to people about the subject. The idea of becoming a doula was something I talked about frequently, but didn't feel it was possible for me to act on timing wise. The people in my life who love me always encouraged me and believed I could do it, and one day, a conversation with an amazing friend flipped that switch for me to take the leap, and the stars finally aligned! That same day, I immediately started researching training organizations and what type of doula I could become, spent a while finding the program I felt was best for me, went to start the application, and it just so happened they had a scholarship opportunity available that closed the very next day. The requirements were to write an essay about why I wanted to become a doula, any issues or hardships that have kept me from doing so, a bit about my life story, and to share how I dreamed I could impact my community through my work. To me, this seemed like a no brainer and the easiest, most exciting thing I had ever written...my dreams becoming reality were on the other side of that essay. I got it done quickly and submitted my application for the scholarship before dinner time that night. I nervously waited to hear back, and a week later, I received an email congratulating me with a full scholarship opportunity! The most beautiful and affirming part of all of this to me, is that the day it all happened- the conversation, taking the leap, the scholarship opportunity... just so happened to be my birthday...a sign I took to be the universe confirming & guiding me on the path to my life's purpose. I still get chills thinking about how it all fell into place perfectly, and am so grateful it did. Once training began a few weeks later, it affirmed further everything I felt about my passion for this work... I finally felt aligned with my dreams, and a sense of knowing that this is how it was all supposed to happen- all in the right timing for me. In 2022, I had now been a Full Spectrum Doula for over a year, and my husband and I were elated to find out we were pregnant with a baby girl! I felt so much more confident throughout my pregnancy, knowing that this birth was going to be fulfilling, redeeming, and everything I had always hoped for. My experience was truly something incredible...I was able to see the beauty of knowledge, empowerment, and healing come full circle. I gave birth on my own terms, my body and my choices were respected and held with care, I was surrounded by support and love, and my soul was healed as my daughter was born- a re-birth of me as well. A beautiful opportunity to step into a new phase of motherhood and womanhood confidently! Experiencing pregnancy and birth again myself through new perspective was cathartic, eye-opening, and truly life changing for me. I will forever hold that in my heart, and an experience like that is ALWAYS my goal for my clients. In practicing birthwork, I offer a holistic and practical approach, ensuring that in the balanced approach I take, my clients feel confident in themselves and in my support. I take pride in being able to support the entire reproductive journey and have a personal connection to each modality of care that I offer, so my heart is in it all. Whether you're with me for pregnancy & birth, fertility, postpartum, loss support, or anything else, I will give you an unmatched level of attention and care- something I hold with the utmost importance. I will always offer quality time and opportunity for real connection. I don't believe in being surface level with each other, because birthwork is intimate and sacred. Connection is comfort and a nervous system at ease. I want you to feel safe, nurtured, and at-home in my presence. I want to hold space for your thoughts, feelings, needs, and comfort. I'm always a safe space, a non-judgmental listening ear, and shoulder to lean on when you need it most. All of it matters to me, and the way it impacts your experience is important. During your pregnancy, we will spend plenty of time on evidence-based education, so you feel confident and empowered in informed decision making, and more clear on what you may experience during your birth. We will craft your ideal birth plan together so we can prepare to make it attainable. I'll make sure you understand the "why" behind birth experiences changing (as they always will), and that in creating that birth plan, what we're really doing is creating a woman who feels confident in standing strong in her choices, and in control of her own birth. I will never judge you for changing your choices or doing what you feel is best for you in the moment, and will continue to make sure you feel confident and supported no matter what. I will always be authentic and forthcoming, because I don't believe in infantilizing women when you deserve transparent information. Inauthenticity is not the kind of person I am anyway lol, and I hope that encourages you to be yourself around me too! Authenticity builds trust, comfort, and a feeling of safety in communication. I want to build on that connection with you, learn about you, have conversations that make you feel seen and held, and allow you to get to know me as well. As I said above, It means everything to me if you feel safe, nurtured, and at-home in my presence. Birth is intimate, raw, humbling, and empowering- honoring that for you is an honor to me. By extension, fertility beforehand, the postpartum period afterwards, your lactation journey, newborn care, and every part of the path to and through parenthood is intertwined. That's why I chose the path of Full Spectrum work, to be able to support you through any and every part of your journey should you want me to. I will dedicate myself to you, respect you, hold space for you, be a friend to you, and help you see that YOU are the most powerful and important part of it all. I'm excited to be a part of your journey- we're in this together ❤️

Recent review

I cannot emphasize enough how wonderful it was having Chelsea as our doula for the pregnancy and birth of our baby girl. Being that this was our first baby, we were looking for guidance when it came to almost everything birth and labor related. Chelsea was so genuine, sweet, caring, knowledgeable, and considerate from the start. She was there for me via text/call and in person throughout my pregnancy, and her presence during my (long) labor and delivery was so invaluable. She was a calming wealth of knowledge when it came to labor techniques and advocating for me all the way through to baby girl’s arrival, and even postpartum. I’m so thankful to have had her with us and to have made a lifelong friend! I would highly highly recommend her to anyone and everyone in their birthing journey.

- Nikonia G.

Bethany Colley

Stamford, Connecticut

Bethany Colley

7 years of experience

As a birth doula, postpartum doula, and certified newborn care specialist, I’ve had the privilege of supporting dozens of families from labor and delivery through the fourth trimester. My work blends evidence-based care with compassionate presence—whether that means guiding parents through birth, creating restful overnight support, or helping establish nurturing routines for baby and family. My goal is always the same: to ensure families feel confident, cared for, and never alone in their journey. Outside of work, I live a full life filled with lots of travel with my partner, hiking with my three rescue dogs, Louie, Lily and Winter, spending lots of quality time with my nieces and nephews and friends and family.

Melissa Lucchesi

Villanova, Pennsylvania

5.0 (2 reviews)

Melissa Lucchesi

8 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi! My name is Melissa Lucchesi. I am a certified fertility, birth and postpartum doula and maternal mental health coach. I own Moon Sage Mama, which is a beautiful cooperative made up of amazing trauma-informed and mental health and wellness supportive doulas! I have spent the last 2 decades in the trauma world, and deeply know professionally and personally how much trauma-informed support in the birth and postpartum space matters. That’s why everyone who works with us can be assured gentle and loving, compassionate support through a trauma-informed lens. That means “Your body. Your birth. Your baby.” Whether you carry with you a trauma history, prior birth or fertility trauma, extra anxieties, or you just want an extra layer of loving kindness in your support, reach out and connect! Wishing you a beautiful, healing birthing day!

Recent review

I have been so lucky to hire Melissa twice as a doula now and I could not recommend her services enough. She is a wonderful advocate for mothers and truly listened to what I needed. She gave me the space to think about what my needs might be and I don’t think I would have known without her there to ask those questions. She helped prep our whole family in a way where I felt so well cared for. For both of the births Melissa was there for, as soon as she walked in I felt a huge sigh of relief. She was there and she had me and my back and I fully trusted her to guide me. We were also fortunate enough to hire her postpartum doulas! We had the pleasure of working with Veronica, Danielle and Bernadette. Everyone brought different outstanding qualities that were a total joy to experience. They went above and beyond to learn about our families needs and fit right in. I trusted all of them with my postpartum care, cooking meals, giving my husband a break and endless sibling entertainment for my bigger kids so I could snuggle in bed with our new baby. I felt so well supported my body was able to heal physically and I could emotionally take space when needed. There was always round the clock care and they were quick to fill our schedule when I quickly realized I needed more support than I had initially intended. I wish all mothers could experience this kind of care.

- dani p.

Felicia Baker

Franklin Township, New Jersey

Felicia Baker

Hello, everyone. I am a birth and postpartum doula in Somerset, NJ. I am passionate about providing physical and emotional support to future parents. My goal is to dwell on positive thoughts and affirmations to evoke an informational and positive pre and postpartum experience. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my three sons, playing catch with my havapoo and spending time with my husband.

Calynn Maximin

Brooklyn, New York

Calynn Maximin

2 years of experience

Hello Parents, my name is Calynn. I am a compassionate doula dedicated to supporting birthing people and families through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. I provide emotional support, physical comfort, and informed guidance so my clients feel confident, respected, and empowered throughout their birth journey. I am a mother of 2 boys, with both of my boys I had 100% natural birth. I also want to bring the experience to mother’s wishes or choose to have that experience. My boys empowers me to go out every day to help families to experience the joy of motherhood/ parenting.I want to bring this experience to families all over America on day.

Seana Percy

Brick Township, New Jersey

Seana Percy

7 years of experience

Hi, I’m Seana (like Shauna!) I’m a postpartum doula, Certified Lactation Support Educator (CLSE), and Perinatal Mental Health–Certified (PMH-C) provider, and a mom of three. I support families in Monmouth and Ocean County, New Jersey during the tender early weeks after birth. My care is calm, nurturing, and non-judgmental, shaped by both my professional training and my own lived experience of motherhood. I’m here to offer hands-on help, feeding support, emotional reassurance, and a steady presence so parents feel supported, understood, and more confident as they settle into life with their new baby.

CHAYA LIGHTEN

Edison, New Jersey

CHAYA LIGHTEN

22 years of experience
Accepts insurances

From the start of my career as a Physician Assistant, I was drawn to pediatrics and the mother-baby dyad. My PA journey kicked off on the pediatric ward at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, NY, where I was completely captivated by caring for children and families. Then, life brought me to Central NJ, where I had the opportunity to work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, caring for some of the tiniest, most vulnerable patients. I became a board-certified lactation consultant and was thrilled to offer lactation consultations and make a real difference for new parents and babies. Bringing together my neonatal and pediatric medical experience with lactation and breastfeeding medicine has been incredibly rewarding! I’m proud to be board-certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. But I didn’t stop there—I went on to get a Master's in Healthcare Administration from the University of Maryland, and I’ve continued to push myself to learn and grow in every way possible. I’ve trained in advanced bodywork techniques, including craniosacral therapy (CST) through the Upledger Institute and the Barnes Myofascial Release method. I’ve also attended the Oral Habilitation of the Breastfeeding Dyad course three times! Continuing education is a constant for me because I believe there’s always more to learn when it comes to helping families. I have 2 locations, in Edison and Brick, NJ and have focused on creating a collaborative practice which includes other specialists as well. Whether it’s kayaking, biking, or tending to our organic and medicinal garden, my family and I like finding new ways to stay active and connected with nature.

Alex Blockus

Woodbridge Township, New Jersey

5.0 (1 review)

Alex Blockus

6 years of experience

Hello! I am a doula located in Central Jersey and my goal is to support birthing people in having a positive birthing experience.

Recent review

Alex was able to give our family a birthing experience that was positive and empowering.

- Mary J.

Aniyah Talbert

Franklin Township, New Jersey

5.0 (3 reviews)

Aniyah Talbert

3 years of experience

Hello, my name is Aniyah Talbert. My business is named Tiny Miracles. I am a Birth and Postpartum Doula located in Somerset, New Jersey. My background primarily is in early childhood education and development. And now shifting into social work. My practice tries provides you with emotional support, tools to help advocate for yourself, and an overall sense of community. I aim to help you create a peaceful birthing experience and postpartum experience.

Recent review

Aniyah provided services for me when I gave birth to my son. She was very attentive to my needs and helped to keep me calm during my delivery. When I went into labor she dropped what she was doing to be by my side and checked on me every day until I was discharged. She was the absolute best and I highly recommend!

- Amira T.