Tracy  Shevell

New York, New York

Tracy Shevell

22 years of experience

I am a High Risk OBGYN, trained at Mount Sinai and Columbia. After doing my OBGYN residency, I chose to pursue fellowship because I never wanted to have to turn over my patients when things got complicated. After training, I moved out to the burbs and took on an attending position at Stamford Hospital, where I remained for 16 years. There, I saw patients of all demographics and loved my work. I invested a tremendous amount of time and energy in not just the physical well being of my patients, but their emotional well being as well, as that was so critical to the entire process. Often given the high risk nature of the situations, there was a huge need for attention to psychosocial aspects of care, and I figured out lots of extra ways to get people what they needed. I delivered so many of my friends’ children and cared for so many friends of friends over the years. I wanted every single one of my patients to feel that I cared for them the way I did the people closest to me. During those early years, I spent time in the NICU—academically, the neonatologists were colleagues who were often involved in complex planning for my in uterine patients, and they also were the ones who shared updates with me when I sat with the parents I had just cared for. I also am the mom of two high risk pregnancy NICU graduates, so I know how it feels to be a NICU parent firsthand. Over the last 10 years, the medical environment began to shift dramatically. Large hospital entities began to become the norm; enveloping smaller hospitals into parts of a bigger package started to become standard. Insurance companies began to have more power. OBGYNs began to experience changes in their salaries where “RVUs” or essentially units of work started form bigger parts of total incomes, and so volume of patients became more critical. Groups began to merge as well as physician burnout rose; the days of the solo practitioner waned, and having the chance to know the doctor delivering your baby well became increasingly challenging. At the same time, awareness started to finally be drawn to the crisis that is the state maternal mental health in an often fractured mental health care system. It seemed the perfect storm. Less time, more emotional toll for everyone, enhanced pre pregnancy and pregnancy testing, the pandemic, screening mandates for mood disorders in pregnancy with difficulty handling the answers to the questions that were asked—the system began to feel increasingly broken. I started to feel that I just wasn’t doing enough anymore for the patients not only that I was seeing, but especially for the ones I was not—the friends of friends, the sisters, the cousins, the women themselves—who I would gladly triage a phone call from on my own who were lost or scared or didn't understand what was going on. The pandemic and an unexpected surgery forced my hand-I left my position and took a long, hard look at what the landscape looked like. I thought about another position at another hospital—but again, I felt the system needed to be directly addressed with knowledge from the inside out. Patients needed to be empowered to get the information they needed, to feel supported when they were scared, to stop using Google, to have help finding a therapist—and none of this was happening on a large scale. I had spoken with so many amazing providers over the years—in holistic medicine, integrative medicine, therapeutic communities—that I had resources to help patients build a tool box. And I spoke the language—I could be way more effective than Google using over 20 years of outcomes to guide my explanations and support. And so the idea of Blue Moon Perinatal was born. I realized what women needed was an educator and an advocate- part doctor, part therapist, part friend, part coach—to help guide them through their struggles wherever they were—trying to conceive, struggling through IVF or miscarriage, pregnant with a preexisting medical or psychological issue, after a diagnosis of preterm labor, preeclampsia, a scary ultrasound diagnosis, or with postpartum depression or anxiety. Bringing awareness to the need for these services, I feel, can truly begin to address what’s missing. Blue Moon Perinatal offers women the opportunity to bring their struggles to me. One session, two, through a chunk of time due to a diagnosis or to have an advocate along the entire journey through the end of the 4th trimester—I can be here for you. I see clients on a virtual platform that can be booked through my website. Sessions are typically an hour, but for clients who want to enlist me for more than a session or two, I can break up the time as needed so you understand I’m always there for you. I will typically be able to accommodate a session within 24-48 hours. I truly believe that this new model eventually will prove to large conglomerations to be a patient satisfier and help OBGYN providers provide more streamlined care, as their patients will have knowledge and understand what they need to ask and why. I want to bring my services to as many moms feeling lost, overwhelmed, scared or just disempowered in this system as possible. Because I offer a new service, the word needs to get out. I want to be found by women for women. And I’m here. To translate, educate, make plans and provide support, and help you figure out what you need to feel strong.

Lindsay King

New York, New York

5.0 (2 reviews)

Lindsay King

16 years of experience

I’m a Newborn Care Specialist, Infant Sleep Coach, and Postpartum Doula dedicated to helping new parents feel confident, supported, and truly seen. With a background in evidence-based newborn care, I guide families through those early weeks with calm, practical support—whether that’s establishing healthy sleep foundations, navigating feeding, or easing the mental load that comes with life-changing transition. With over 15 years experience supporting new families, my approach is gentle, individualized, and rooted in what’s biologically normal for babies. Based in NYC and available virtually, I’m here to make your nights smoother, your days lighter, and your parenting journey a little easier.

Recent review

Lindsay is an amazing and reliable professional. She is thoughtful, compassionate, and very knowledgeable. I would love to get to work with Lindsay again in the future, and think anyone would be lucky to work with her.

- Alison S.

Sarah Almodovar

New York, New York

5.0 (1 review)

Sarah Almodovar

5 years of experience

Hi there, I'm Sarah! I'm a NYC-based wife, mother, and long-time yogi with a passion for teaching. I am a certified yoga teacher, trained through Yoga With Carson Academy (200 hr YTT) and MOGA (Pre/Postnatal). Practice with me in NYC & online for pre/postnatal classes and 1:1 private yoga sessions.

Recent review

I purchased yoga classes as a package from Sarah and have been delighted. I am a postpartum mama and Sarah is patient with a talent for creating sequences that target just what you need to work on. She is an active listener so things that you mention during intake as a new client with her will influence what she teaches you during class. I have also taken Zoom class with Sarah and she is knowledgeable about many areas of prenatal and postpartum. Sarah’s background in education blend perfectly with her yogi style to make her a powerhouse of a teacher. Don’t miss an opportunity to connect with her for a class if you are a new mom.

- A C.

Mahri  Relin

New York, New York

Mahri Relin

16 years of experience

Body Conceptions is designed to create a lean and sculpted body of a dancer, but you don’t have to be a dancer to do it! Throughout each session, every part of your body is targeted – from your arms and abs to your thighs, glutes and heart. Both the cardio and body-sculpting components of the method use integrated movements that involve multiple muscles and require engagement of and connection to your core. Every session will test your limits – but the current, exciting music combined with the energy and joy infused into the workout will make you almost forget you are working so hard! Our approach to personal training during your fertility journey, pregnancy, and postnatal recovery springs from our extensive understanding of research-based practices combined with a deep respect for the uniqueness of your body. Our trainers know how to navigate the changes you are experiencing and can pivot as needed as your body changes from week to week and even day to day. We are very sensitive to your individual needs, and we have a network of practitioners prepared to support you if needed. Many of our clients begin training with us before they are planning their pregnancies and stay with us through all of their pregnancies and beyond!

Jeanette  Sawyer Cohen

New York, New York

Jeanette Sawyer Cohen

16 years of experience

Specializing in maternal mental health - including high sensitivity, anxiety, trauma, and parenting stress. Co-founder of a group practice that offers psychotherapy and parent coaching in NYC and Westchester.

Rebecca Donsky

Brooklyn, New York

Rebecca Donsky

8 years of experience

After a chronically sleep deprived first year with my son, sleep training saved us. This experience inspired me to become a certified child sleep consultant. In 2018, I completed 16 weeks of intensive training with the Family Sleep Institute and Little Monster Sleep Solutions was born. I believe in safe sleep, vaccines, and following the AAP recommendations. I use a variety of sleep training methods customized for each individual family - as no two children are alike, neither are their sleep plans. My recommendations are heavily research-based with some (safe) anecdotal suggestions thrown in for fun!

Deborah Birnbaum

Brooklyn, New York

Deborah Birnbaum

11 years of experience

I am a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator who is committed to supporting "YOUR birth". I offer up-to-date, evidence-based information to expectant moms so that they can make informed decisions about their pregnancy and birth. I have experience in VBAC and other "complications." I also offer some vital information for Torah-true Jewish moms.

Lexi Garber

New York, New York

Lexi Garber

10 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I specialize in perinatal mental health, supporting individuals and couples through the complexity of growing a family including fertility and ART, pregnancy, loss, maternal wellbeing, and relationship struggles. My approach is integrative, strengths-based, and trauma-informed. Based on your needs, our work together will draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, emotionally focused therapy, EMDR, and the mind-body connection. I fully believe in human fortitude to navigate what hurts within your story. Together, we will traverse the wonder and pain within your experience, working to let healing unfold.

OLIVIA BERGERON

New York, New York

OLIVIA BERGERON

21 years of experience

Olivia Bergeron, LCSW is a psychotherapist and parent coach who helps parents navigate the huge changes that come with having a child. Whether you're experiencing a sense of overwhelm, stress and anxiety during or after having a baby, or you've run out of ideas about how to manage your toddler's (or big kid's!) tantrums, Olivia works with you to create lasting change. She does this by providing clients with therapy or coaching or a hybrid of both. Olivia is a mom to twins and a singleton, so she understands the demands that come with parenting in New York City. Once her children arrived, Olivia realized that many women and men were not getting the help and support they needed to live in a balanced, joyful way. She heard from parents that becoming a mother or father was unendingly frustrating, difficult and just not the way they had imagined it. "Why didn't anyone tell me it would be this hard?" was a frequently heard refrain. And so, Mommy Groove Therapy & Parent Coaching is dedicated to creating happy, healthy families. Olivia offers help, whether you are seeking to make changes in your life, need to address anxiety/depression, or wish that you had a brighter north star when it comes to parenting. There is no need to go it alone.

Brielle Davis

New York, New York

Brielle Davis

10 years of experience

Hello everyone, my name is Brielle, and I am a birth worker supporting families through both home and hospital birth experiences. All aspects of comprehensive birth support are my passion, and I believe deeply in empowering families to make informed choices that align with their values and circumstances. Coming from a background that honors both traditional wisdom and evidence-based practices, I believe birth can be a transformative experience when families feel genuinely supported and heard, regardless of their chosen birth setting. My practice serves as a bridge between different approaches to birth, bringing personalized, mother-centered support into all birthing environments. I'm guided by three core principles: Trust in women's innate capacity and their ability to make the best decisions for their families, Presence that creates calm space for families to process and navigate their birth experience, and Respectful Witnessing - being fully present for families without imposing my own agenda on their journey. With almost nine years of experience as a doula beginning in New York City, I've supported families across diverse settings and circumstances. My understanding of birth support has been enriched through studying with traditional practitioners internationally, and I come from a family lineage of midwifery that spiritually informs my approach to this work. My approach focuses on empowering families to access their own strength and wisdom wherever they choose to birth, combining time-tested support techniques with respect for modern medical care when needed. I believe every family deserves compassionate, knowledgeable support that honors their unique path to parenthood. Reach out if you'd like to connect on an intro call!

Shamar Clarke Armstrong

New York, New York

5.0 (2 reviews)

Shamar Clarke Armstrong

12 years of experience

As a Newborn Care Specialist with 10 years of experience, I am dedicated to providing families with expert, personalized care during one of the most important transitions of their lives. I have worked extensively with both single newborns and multiples, always focusing on creating a nurturing, peaceful environment. My approach is rooted in building trust and providing families with the confidence and knowledge they need to thrive. With a deep understanding of newborn care, I tailor my services to meet each family’s unique needs, ensuring a smooth and joyful transition into parenthood.

Recent review

We hired Shamar as a night nurse a few nights a week for the first 8 weeks of our daughter's life. Shamar was calm, warm, supportive, professional, and helped us build foundational sleep habits with our baby. We are so grateful for her support and expertise!

- Danielle W.

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

Kristen Criscitelli

New York, New York

5.0 (1 review)

Kristen Criscitelli

16 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi! My name is Kristen and I am a registered dietitian with over a decade of experience and a certified lactation counselor. I have worked with countless clients helping them optimize their health prior to and during pregnancy, through their fourth trimester, and throughout breastfeeding as well. Over the years I have helped parents feel confident when feeding and nourishing themselves (and their little ones)! My method is surprisingly simple. I provide you with the latest scientific information, personalized for your unique needs, while working through all the external and internal influences that determine your food choices. I have a child of my own and experienced firsthand the ups and downs of pregnancy, as well as the difficulties many face when breastfeeding (and eventually starting solids!). Together, we work to achieve the goals you set out to accomplish, and I’m there cheering you on every step of the way!

Recent review

Kristen was extremely helpful and supportive with providing information for nursing/ feeding infants with food allergies and sensitivities. She is very knowledgeable in the field and provided really useful tips and advice when it came to identifying the allergy, adapting diet while nursing, weaning to formula, as well as introducing solids. Highly recommend!!!

- Heather D.

Judy Singer

New York, New York

Judy Singer

9 years of experience

Judy is a Registered Dietitian and received her Master's in Public Health Nutrition from New York University. She is passionate about helping women support their bodies through the life-changing experience of starting and growing a family. Whether it's learning to nourish yourself through pregnancy, supporting your healing postpartum, or building healthy habits and relationships around food for you and your little ones, Judy is here for it all. A mom of 3 young girls herself, Judy understands the complexities of navigating early motherhood and how difficult it can be to prioritize your own health. Judy will help you learn to tune into your body and establish easy, sustainable, healthy routines for you and your family.

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

Shane J

New York, New York

5.0 (3 reviews)

Shane J

9 years of experience

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.

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.

Jennifer Tsay

New York, New York

Jennifer Tsay

8 years of experience

Shoott is a female-run startup dedicated to providing beautiful and affordable 30-min outdoor photo sessions to clients looking to capture all of life's most special moments, both big and small. We offer our, 5-star rated, Insta-worthy sessions at hotspots and local parks with vetted professional photographers from your community. Sessions are free to book, you receive a digital gallery of 40+ high-res, lightly edited photos in 3-5 days, and you only pay for photos you love at $15/photo or less!

CAVELLE FRANCIS

Valley Stream, New York

5.0 (4 reviews)

CAVELLE FRANCIS

13 years of experience

Hi everyone, my name is Cavelle Francis. A certified Newborn Care Specialist, sleep trainer, and virtual consultant located in the New York area. My expertise was acquired from extensive experience with parents and infants, complemented by specialized training from the University of Colorado through Coursera, the Newborn Care Training Academy, and Alison courses. I am truly passionate about guiding parents through the complexities of newborn care and fostering healthy sleep patterns in babies. I firmly believe that postpartum support is crucial for all mothers, whether they are new to motherhood or have been through it before. I aim to cultivate a supportive, non-judgmental space that honors each parent's unique journey. Ultimately, I aspire to empower every mother I work with to face the challenges of parenting with assurance. In my free time, I love to read, listen to podcasts, and travel. If you seek exceptional support on your parenting path, I would be thrilled to connect!

Recent review

Cavelle began working in our family in June 2021 taking care of our 6 day-old boy/girl twins for 8 weeks. “Taking care” is a very passive phrase to explain what Cavelle does. Cavelle and I formed a bond from the moment we met over facetime, where she offered an abundance of advise and wisdom in preparing for the twin’s arrival months before they came. I was a first time mom with zero knowledge and Cavelle has taught me absolutely everything about newborn childcare in way that is carefully and specifically tailored to the needs not only of each of my twins but also for me, and our family. Cavelle created a scheduled routine for the twins that was mindful of their growth and development as well as one that was practical for our lives in such a way that we thrived as a new family of four. Because of the way Cavelle structured and implemented our bedtime routine, our newborn twins were able to sleep in 8 hour stretches in the night by 6 weeks. I cannot emphasize enough how Cavelle’s care for the twins allowed for them to thrive and develop in their early weeks. To demonstrate Cavelle’s wealth of knowledge and expertise, when we faced medical issues or questions, our pediatrician always echoed Cavelle’s first given advice and plan of care. Thanks to Cavelle’s incredible work ethic and multi-tasking style, my husband and I were able to not only get sleep at night and be fully functioning during the day (which is unheard of for newborn parents) but also easily enjoy the luxury of one-on-one time out of the house because we knew that the twins were under the best care with no interruption in their routine. Cavelle provided guidance at every aspect of the newborn journey from breastfeeding, pumping, and breast care, to accompanying trips to the pediatrician, to soothing techniques and differentiating each type of cry for each baby. As a first time mom, Cavelle fostered confidence in me by giving me the tools required in understanding each of my twins’ individual needs and how to properly tend to them. Cavelle goes above and beyond just newborn care by putting her heart and soul into the inceptive upbringing of babies by instilling her love and exceptional expertise. It is the absolute best decision in having Cavelle join our family as a baby nurse for our twins. If you are considering Cavelle as a baby nurse, you cannot find a better person and will be fortunate to experience the hand of Cavelle in your child’s early days.

- Daniella Z.