MaternityWise Institute

New York, New York

5.0 (1 review)

MaternityWise Institute

24 years of experience

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.

Denise Bolds MSW, Ed.D, CD(DONA), CLC, CBE

New York, New York

Denise Bolds MSW, Ed.D, CD(DONA), CLC, CBE

13 years of experience

Certified birth Doula, DONA International, CLC, childbirth educator, supporting high-risk pregnancies: VBACS, Advanced maternal age & more. Certified lactation counselor, placenta encapsulation services. Childbirth Instructor. Supporting Hospital and birth center births. Supporting NYC and Northern New Jersey. 12 years and 325 births of experience. I am a Black birthworker. Carrot Certified Provider

Danielle Wachter

New York, New York

Danielle Wachter

3 years of experience

I am passionate about helping people have a positive pregnancy and birth experience. I believe that with the right support and team, pregnancy, labor, and delivery can be a special and memorable experience. My background is in statistics and technology, so I'm excited about supporting birthing people with research-backed and evidence-based recommendations in addition to emotional and intuitive support. I live in New York City with my husband and our 15-year-old Yorkie, Mercedes.

Misty Gant

Brooklyn, New York

Misty Gant

6 years of experience

Misty is a Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula (via DONA and Lifespan Doulas) as well as a Certified Lactation Counselor, a Certified Hypnobabies Doula, Newborn Care Specialist and an Integrative Wellness Coach. She approaches each stage of pregnancy and postpartum with a holistic mindset. Misty strives to provide her clients with a warm and supportive space, along with tools to instill confidence, while they navigate this new phase of motherhood. She is also a trained Spinning Babies doula and yoga instructor.

Kristen Penner

New York, New York

Kristen Penner

3 years of experience

Doula work found me after my own pregnancy and birth journey. I know how unexpected and sometimes frightening bringing a new life into this world can be and I want to help guide expecting parents on that path and through an empowering birth.

Stariera B

New York, New York

5.0 (2 reviews)

Stariera B

2 years of experience

Hello and welcome! I’m Stariera, a certified full spectrum doula, wellness coach and a master’s level social worker serving people throughout New York City. I enjoy working with people and have developed an understanding of human behavior psychology, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving. My decision to become a doula was born from a desire to support women earlier in the journey — from pregnancy through birth and into postpartum — helping them assess, explore, and process both the joyful and challenging emotions that can arise. I believe that when we recognize and tend to difficult feelings early, we can create space for healing, confidence, and connection in the newborn phase and beyond. Prior to Doula care, I bring 10 years of experience as a Social Worker supporting individuals and families overcome challenges such as health issues, emotional stress, housing instability, family conflict, and behavioral or socio-emotional needs. In addition, I supported mothers navigating postpartum depression and the emotional complexities that can come with new motherhood. Through that work, I developed a deep understanding of how critical emotional support, self-awareness, and self-care are to the postpartum experience — not just for surviving, but for thriving. This background allows me to hold space for clients with empathy, nonjudgmental, and a deep awareness of the complexes life can bring; especially during the perinatal period.

Recent review

Stariera has proven to be an exceptional doula, possessing all the qualities that make a great one. She is an excellent listener, warm-hearted, sensitive, and professional all at once. Her knowledge, confidence, and soothing voice set her apart. I highly recommend Stariera as your doula.

- angela diaz

Quetziquetl Angulo

Kearny, New Jersey

Quetziquetl Angulo

23 years of experience

I am a descendant of an indigenous lineage of midwifes, herbalists and healers in Puebla and Veracruz Mexico. From countless generations of knowledge, we used ancient medicines and ceremonies to improve the quality of people's lives. My mission is a tireless advocate of informative humanizing treatment for pregnant bodies, postpartum care, generational healing and resilience.

Lucy Paradiso

Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Lucy Paradiso

6 years of experience

Lucy Paradiso Doula support provides education, emotional support and the comfort of knowing you are never alone. The calm, confident, nurturing support you receive as you navigate your birth journey from prenatal to birth will help you fulfill the plan you desire with the dignity you deserve. Postpartum care options allow you to learn and achieve self-sufficiency in an environment of non-judgmental and cooperative care while being nurtured as you heal and readjust to all that parenting requires. At this beautiful and sacred time of change for you and your family, Lucy Paradiso Doula holds that space for you.

Tia Dowling

Brooklyn, New York

Tia Dowling

11 years of experience
Accepts insurances

s life has centered around the service industry for 20+ years. She has served the developmentally disabled, domestic violence victims, and even disadvantaged youth. However she has come to find that doula work is the home she has been searching for. Becoming a Birth Doula has been a humbling accomplishment. Her passion to see you through pre-conception, pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period is unwavering. Tia is the proud mom of a 7 year old son who was a miracle after 7 years of dealing with infertility. Inclusive of her desire to support you during your birth, she is excited to work with moms during the postpartum period helping create a strong bond between themselves and baby. Because she has been all of the clients that she serves, Metoodoula services is all encompassing of each individual birthing persons needs.

Megan Davidson

Brooklyn, New York

Megan Davidson

22 years of experience

I am one of the most experienced doulas in the country, having supported nearly 700 families in birth and over 1600 families prenatally and postpartum. I am also the author of Your Birth Plan: A Guide to Navigating All of Your Choices in Childbirth. I'd love to speak with you more about your plans and my services.

Antasia Mccray

New York, New York

5.0 (3 reviews)

Antasia Mccray

4 years of experience

I am a mother to a 5 year old and have loved children since I was a child myself. I have always been someone who enjoys helping people. I started on the path towards nursing, earning my Associate’s degree in Fall of 2022. After mostly completing my degree in summer of 2022, I realized my personality wouldn't shine in nursing. I am more empathetic and personable, which lead me to becoming a doula. I started with birth doula in August and it opened my eyes to my passion for birthwork. Shortly after, I took the postpartum doula workshop. That led me to also taking infant CPR, and earning a certified lactation support counselor as well. I am looking forward to sitting for the Lamaze CBE exam Fall of 2023. I have worked with families both prior to these certifications and currently and I can’t wait to explore and learn more

Recent review

Antasia was an incredible support for my husband and I when we needed overnight care for our newborn. After interviewing many people, we had been turned off by those who were strict about their approach and seemed to want to impose their practices on our family. As new parents, we needed tenderness and flexibility—someone who would care for our son at night and allow us to sleep peacefully knowing our son was safe and being tended to the way we choose to raise him. Antasia was a calm and responsive presence, working with us to adapt to changes as our newborn developed and we grew as parents. She was always on time and communicated proactively in the rare instance there was a scheduling issue. At the start of every visit she asked us what changed and what was new, which was helpful as newborns change on a weekly basis and so did our approach. We were always at peace knowing Antasia was coming. I also was able to recover from insomnia due to Antasia’s presence and my confidence in her to look after our child while we slept. Our only regret was not meeting her sooner so we could have had her with our family on day 1 coming home from the hospital.

- Ruani R.

Pascale Jean Simon

South Orange Village, New Jersey

Pascale Jean Simon

9 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My name is Pascale. I am a licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Birth Doula, and Postpartum Doula. I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor for 5 years and have worked in the mental health field for 12 years. Additionally, I have been a doula for 3 years. I also have a team of professional doulas who are always ready to work with me.

Shelly Louis

Brooklyn, New York

5.0 (15 reviews)

Shelly Louis

12 years of experience

It’s been a Journey from childhood 8yrs old to 15yr Being a Doula Birth & postpartum, is a part of my life, Haitian culture, career in New York City for 8yrs to know how to serve mothers not just only mothers families that just give birth to a newborn and that needs lied to know how to serve a new life.

Recent review

Shelly brought with her such a good feminine energy. She was very supportive and listened carefully to all my needs I liked the team work that we created with her and my partner and the hospital stuff during the labor. She has loving hands for massage as well and in some point it felt like we have a small party which was great!

- Jenny S.

Mnm-Marlyn Menelas

Brooklyn, New York

Mnm-Marlyn Menelas

5 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I have been a birth doula for over 3 years now. I’ve supported vaginal and planned and unplanned C-section births as well as births in a birth center. I provide education as well as comfort. And believe in a balanced holistic approach that embraces and utilizes modern medicine as is desired. I also provide placenta encapsulation services, pregnancy fitness, postpartum belly binding, acupressure support and as a certified Reiki Master, provide reiki energetic healing.

Kizzi David

Brooklyn, New York

Kizzi David

12 years of experience

Doula BIO Kizzi, has a life long commitment to serving her community. She has twenty years experience working in the medical field in many different capacities including leadership. She serves on the board of directors for Hope Deferred Inc., a nonprofit serving single mother's and their children. Kizzi is a trained birth and postpartum doula. She works as a community doula for Brooklyn Perinatal Network, an organization that provides perinatal care to underserved families in the Brooklyn, New York area. Kizzi is passionate about providing compassionate evidence based care to her clients so they area empowered through their birth journey and beyond.

Jamelia France

Brooklyn, New York

5.0 (2 reviews)

Jamelia France

8 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi, my name is Jamelia France! I'm a Certified Birth Doula located in New York City. I have experience supporting VBAC, Single parents, Teen Mothers, Couples, Immigrants, Unmedicated births, Epidural births, Preemies, High-risk families, and Cesareans. I believe you deserve support and to have a joyful experience bringing your baby into the world no matter how you plan on delivering. I would love to support your family throughout this beautiful journey.

Recent review

I’m so glad I opted for a doula. My doula Jamelia was the best. She came prepared and had all the supplies I could possibly need to support me during birth. I highly recommend looking into getting her as a doula if you’re pregnant! I really don’t know what I would’ve done without her.

- Ana H.

Erin Diggs

Brooklyn, New York

Erin Diggs

9 years of experience

I’m the Brooklyn-based birthworker, healer, mother, and artist behind Alayla Birth. I started this practice over 5-years-ago because I believe this crazy journey you’re on can be a powerful, magical, and healing experience. My goal is to ground you during a time of transition. I focus on you, so you can cultivate the memories that will last a lifetime. I believe in the process that bringing a tiny human earth-side entails, and I passionately provide you with the empowering, judgement-free support you deserve.

Nina Pilay

Brooklyn, New York

4.4 (5 reviews)

Nina Pilay

9 years of experience

Hello! My name is Nina, I’m an Ecuadorian living in NY since 2016. I’m a mom, nutritionist, lactation counselor and doula. I’m here to help you, I’m here for you! You got this mama 🌸

Recent review

Soy madre primeriza y fue la mejor experiencia a la hora de tener mi bebé gracias a Nina Pilay todo fue mágico. Me ayudó en las últimas semanas de mi embarazo con ejercicios, respiración, relajación, me orientó todo lo relacionado con el día de dar a luz. Fue una bendición que ella fuera mi Doula. Gracias por tanto

- Grismarlin S.

Anna Carapetyan

Brooklyn, New York

Anna Carapetyan

13 years of experience

I bring personal and professional experience, love, curiosity and insight to the postpartum experience, from the earliest moments of recognizing its significance to reestablishing firm footing in your newly calibrated life. I offer practical, educational and emotional support to the whole family so they may thrive and grow through the process of caring for a new child and a new version of themselves.

Terry Wong

Brooklyn, New York

Terry Wong

6 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Teresa (Terry Wong) Huang, MPH, MCHES, Doula For the past 16 years, I traveled the world as a public health advocate, but FAMILY led me to become a Doula! My sister found love later in life and was deemed high risk for having her first baby at 39 - after all my research, I learned that the best way to support her was to be her Doula. Long story short: Now I’m a full-time Doula/Birth Worker and I am never going back to an office job, ever again. Masters in Public Health 2019 Master Certified Health Education (MCHES) 2020 DONA Birth Doula training 2022 VBAC training 2024 Active Medicaid Doula Provider 2024 Child Car Seat Safety Technician 2024 PAL Advocate Training 2024 Evidence-Based Birth® Instructor 2025 Pending CLC Training... Pending Spinning Babies Training... https://www.linkedin.com/in/whoosahdoula Website: www.whoosahdoula.com Email: info@whoosahbaby.com Phone: 917-719-1097