Now Offering Doula Services to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital
Doula Services are supported through a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation and a grant from the Empire BlueCross BlueShield Foundation.
What are Doula Services?
Our Doula Services Program is designed to enhance your journey to parenthood with comprehensive support by offering non-clinical assistance across the perinatal period, encompassing physical, emotional, and educational guidance. Our mission is to connect you with the resources and support needed for a confident journey through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. This program provides a range of specialized services, from family planning and pregnancy support to postpartum care and lactation advice.
Support from a Doula can involve having someone to text and ask questions, helping you learn more about the birthing experience and the many options available to you, and gaining clarity or a better understanding of information shared with you by your OB Team. They can be your cheerleader during your birth and encourage your partner or support person. They can be a consistent presence in your life during your pregnancy and postpartum. A Doula is there to be your advocate during those first few precious and often hectic weeks of your baby’s life, assisting with everything from household tasks to caring for your newborn and ensuring you have the space to rest and recover.
Our Doula team consists of 21 Doulas with experience levels spanning 15+ years, with many of them specializing in support related to:
- Pregnancy loss (abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth & infant loss)
- High Risk Pregnancies (advanced maternal age, multiples, chronic conditions)
- Postpartum Care
- Education, yoga, and more
Additionally, Doulas offer:
- Classes (childbirth education, baby wearing, lactation, etc.)
- On-call and Virtual support (telehealth)
- Additional resources and referrals to help you during your pregnancy
When are Doula Services Available?
Services are available any time to patients who plan to give birth at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital during the Perinatal Period – this is the period before you get pregnant, during your actual pregnancy, during labor & birth, and during the post-partum period after the baby is born. You can receive a Doula at any time during your pregnancy – as early as when you find out you are pregnant, or later in your pregnancy. The Doula will support you throughout your entire pregnancy and perinatal period, through the post-partum period, and once you have your baby we can provide support for up to 1 year after birth.
How Much Do Doula Services Cost?
At EHS, Doula Services are free of cost to you. Services include all workshops, classes, information sessions, and anything else related to Doula services. This service is free of cost to you and also includes childbirth education, newborn care, movement/yoga and other education workshops related to pregnancy and birth and beyond.
How Can I Request A Doula?
Call or text us at (516)-308,3479, email us at thearchapp@gmail.com, or fill out the form below to be connected with a member of our Doula team. We will have a 1-2 minute consultation about your needs and interests, and then we will connect you with a Doula. Parenthood is not meant to be experienced alone. If you are in need of additional support, add a Doula to your support team TODAY!
Here is what our Doula patients are saying
- Katie is amazing on helping how to give birth and understanding how the body works.
- Happy to have met my Doula. Thank you so much! It was a big help and joy to be around.
- Tanesha was amazing. She helped me out a lot. I was scared and she kept me calm. She was just perfect, thank you.
- Omg I just love Bethsaida. She made my experience a thousand times better. I couldn’t have been any happier. The support and knowledge is what I needed and she exceeded just that. With her by my side during my whole labor (literally 13 hours), I was able to breathe through everything and have a stress free labor – it was quick and fast. I wish I knew her for my other two pregnancies. I totally recommend Bethsaida. Thank you so much for pairing me with her. She’s very special and supportive ☺️
- My experience with Tanesha was amazing!! She was so helpful, had patience, helped me when I did not understand what was going on or when the doctors were not hearing me! She was by my side during delivery, and even after.
- She was very helpful and encouraging. She helped me so much during the labor with keeping me calm because lord it was a lot. She was definitely a big help. Thank you for her.
- She was amazing. Having her was a God Bless gift and I wouldn’t have made it without.
- I’ve have a great experience with Ms. Kim. She’s so warm and she made me comfortable from the first time we met. Having her as my doula while giving birth was amazing. Although we had just met each other it felt like I’ve known her for a while. I love that even until today she checks up and me and my child . She always make sure we’re okay and asks how we’re doing.
- Tanesha is a gem! She taught me so much and saved me from a C-section. Very patient and informative. She had the patience of a saint while I was in labor because let me tell you… I was asking her for ice chips every 10 minutes, I’m pretty sure I annoyed EVERYONE with that lol. But she never said no and literally never left my side except to get lunch from the cafeteria in the hospital. She even got my partner involved in the exercises I had to do to get the baby moving in the right direction. I really felt like I had a solid support system in there. I’m very grateful I was approached by her at the women’s center. She made everything easier to get through. Thank you as well for everything you’ve done for me and my family. I truly appreciate you and Tanesha.
- Bethsaida is an amazing doula. Since day one, she was responding to all my questions and it was a lot. She provided so much great, valuable information ahead of time to help me with my labor. Even though my labor didn’t go as planned she was there with me. When my water broke, she was the first person I called to tell. She told me to go to the hospital and I let her know once I was there. I was not in pre labor yet when she got there. I was in labor for more than 24 hours and she was with me even though I ended up having a C-section. She stayed and helped me stay calm. She’s the BEST!! I truly don’t think I could have gotten through without her.
- Having Azuri there for the birth of my son meant a lot to me especially considering that it was my first C-section and I was terrified. Having her there was very comforting and reassuring.
- Audelle and I have formed a good relationship. I find her caring and funny. My husband and I really don’t trust people with our children due to what we went through as kids, but meeting Audelle for the first time I instantly trusted her with my older two kids and the baby and I love having her around. She is calm, understanding, and funny. I can speak to her about the things that I am going through with my son and all of the medical stuff without feeling like I’m oversharing and she’s been a joy to be around.
- Both Audelle and Tanesha were awesome. Audelle went as far as getting me a gift of a carrier, tea and water bottle to help with hydration. They were both helpful and I enjoyed my experience with them. Thank you for also being there and giving your support. I appreciate you.
- My experience with Tanesha was amazing. She was so helpful and supportive. Even when I started to panic a little while pushing, she just kept motivating me. I wanted a natural birth and everything went according to plan. Even after giving birth, I still had questions about breastfeeding and she sent me some links and food items that’ll help me.
- My experience with Tamara was amazing, she was always there for me, answering any & every question or concern I have.
- We absolutely loved working with Anjanette. From the beginning, she was very warm and we connected right off the bat. She provided so much care and advice. We talked through so much with her and learned a lot from her experience. Anjanette has also been the one constant throughout the pregnancy regarding our care team and without her help we probably would have reconsidered delivering at St. John’s. I think the Doula program is exactly what St. John’s needs to provide a better experience and I hope more women take advantage of it.
- My Doula was great. She was there for me even though I had a fast birth. She came after and she was still so involved in the process and asking questions and making sure me and the baby were good.
- I loved Meg. She was easy to talk to and nothing was forced or felt fake. All appointments with each other, I felt comfortable to talk to her, and she was there during the birth and stayed after to assist with things. She’s also made me aware of all services available through the Doula program and has been checking in since I had the baby.
- As a first time parent, the birthing experience should make you feel special, and people should be gentle and patient with you, and should not feel like the nurses are betting against you. Thank you for your support and being there for me during my pregnancy and for always answering my questions promptly. I really appreciate it.
- I delivered 3 weeks early and didn’t have many items for the baby. My Doula was there to support me and help me to get through what was a long and emotionally rough labor and birth, and The EHS Doula Team was able to provide me with many of the baby care items and postpartum supplies that I needed. I didn’t have to think about anything when I was being discharged and when I got home.
- I was recently induced and didn’t feel ready to have this baby (my third). Once I was ready for my induction, I felt like I was able to work together with the staff and my Doula to have a good birth, although it didn’t necessarily turn out exactly as I wanted, I felt respected and a part of the process. After the birth, I reached out to the Perinatal Care Coordination Manager (PCCM), my Doula and EHS Doula Team because I needed a stroller to get back and forth to appointments. It was the one big missing item that I couldn’t get. The PCCM met me at my newborn appointment and put together the stroller for me in the waiting area, so I wouldn’t have to do it and wouldn’t have to carry this very heavy car seat back and forth. I am so grateful to have had them!
- Throughout my pregnancy, my Doula, the PCCM (Perinatal Care Coordination Manager) and Doula Team became an integral part of my care team, making sure that I made it to appointments, if I needed a way to get to and from them. Coordinating a pick up and drop off when needed was always smooth and after I gave birth, I was provided items for me and baby and additional support for lactation and an urgent care matter, when I needed. Having someone to answer the call and be a consistent support has been really important in my postpartum healing and journey.
Support Our Doula Services!
This valuable Doula services includes childbirth and newborn care education, yoga, and other workshops to prepare you for the stages of pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Support this program today by making a donation to the St. John’s ICARE Foundation and ensure this valuable resource continues to be available to expecting parents.
Register For Upcoming Classes!
No upcoming classes at this time.
Meet Our Doulas
Our Certified Doulas will be with you throughout every step of your pregnancy from your first OB/GYN visit through labor & delivery and up to 12 months postpartum. Choosing a Doula is an incredibly personal decision and we want to ensure that you have the right Doula by your side during your pregnancy journey to provide the support and guidance you need. Read about our Doulas below and be sure to click their profiles for more information.
Sabrina Abrams
Full-Spectrum Labor, Birth and Postpartum Doula
Hello, my name is Sabrina, and I serve as a full-spectrum doula in the Queens area of New York. I became a doula to provide support for my own sisters and found solace in knowing I contributed to a positive birth experience for both. I was born at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, and as a native of Far Rockaway, I find great honor in serving the community in which I was raised. Providing doula support in underserved communities like Rockaway is a much-needed resource, as statistics illustrate the disparities among women in black and brown communities and their counterparts. Pregnancy is a unique experience for every expecting mother, and my goal is to make a positive impact by allowing each mother to feel empowered through her birth plan and experience.
Jarlim Cherubin
Labor, Birth and Postpartum Doula
Hello, my name is Jarlim Cherubin or Jay. I am a certified birth doula and postpartum doula based in New York, serving Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan families. I provide educational, emotional, and physical support to my clients and their families throughout their birthing journey and postpartum period.
I look forward to supporting you on your journey to parenthood!
Tanesha Clenkian
Labor + Birth and Postpartum Doula
Hello, My name is Tanesha and I am a labor, birth, and postpartum Doula. I am a Jamaican who was raised in Brooklyn and a mother to one amazing baby girl. I wanted to become a Doula after giving birth to my child. My practitioner didn’t support how and where I wanted to birth. As a first-time mom, I had questions and concerns that were dismissed and belittled for not knowing–not to mention I gave birth alone. This was the start of my Doula journey.
Kimberly Conyers
Labor + Birth and Postpartum Doula
Hello, my name is Kimberly Conyers. I’m a mother of two beautiful girls. I am a labor, birth, and postpartum doula. As a birth worker, I am encouraged because my ancestors paved the path for me. This is what I’m passionate about. I’m here to serve, educate, and support my clients emotionally, mentally, and physically. My journey is to be the best birth worker whose vibrations touch somebody. My mission is to help my community and women, mothers, and families to know that they are not alone.
Joy Cummings
Labor + Birth and Postpartum Doula
Hello, My name is Joy and I am a labor, birth, and postpartum Doula. My goal in joining The Arch is simply because of its mission. Part of the reason I am pursuing doula as a career is to be a pillar in my community, giving support and education to our birthing women and their families.
Audelle Harvey
Postpartum Doula
Hello, my name is Audelle. I am a postpartum Doula and certified lactation counselor (CLC) and certified child, safety technician, serving families in the New York City area for over seven years. My passion is to teach families how to thrive in the postpartum period. Previous generations and maybe even some of your peers survived without “ postpartum Doulas”. But the ones who thrived, the ones who didn’t muscle through, had a support system in place – friends, parents, in-laws, siblings, close neighbors. When we talk about it, taking a village to raise a family, it starts from the very beginning.
Bethsaida Holas
Labor + Birth and Postpartum Doula
Hello, My name is Bethsaida and I am a labor, birth, and postpartum Doula. My goal in joining The Arch is to support families during this transitional time in their lives.
Nobashea House
Birth and Postpartum Doula, Yoni Practitioner, Massage Therapist, and Reiki Practitioner
Hi, my name is Nobashea (Nobie). My Pronouns are She/ Her. I am a naturally gifted empath and intuitive. I have committed my life to being a healer of the heart, mind, body, and soul. I have over 20 years of experience in the medical field. As a Certified Medical Assistant, I have worked in Dermatology and Neurology, and with infants and toddlers with developmental delays and special needs. I began my path as a birth and postpartum Doula in 2018 with the goal of amour-propre and personal development but soon discovered my life’s purpose is to help and support others. I provide passionate and supportive care to my clients. “My sole purpose is to inspire, elevate, and love on a level beyond mundane.”
Emma Ivy
Labor, Birth and Postpartum Doula, Nanny
Hello, my name is Emma. Emma is originally from Portland, ME, and is new to the NYC doula community. She has experience with birth photography and work as a postpartum doula. She believes that birth should be treated like a natural psychological process and that all birthing people deserve caring companionship throughout the entire birthing process. Pronouns are she/ her.
Azuri Jenkins
Labor + Birth and Postpartum Doula
Hello, My name is Azuri I am a full spectrum doula, mother, yogi, and reiki practitioner. I became interested in birthwork prior to having my child in 2021. I love all things birth /babies, caring for others, and offering genuine support to my community. I have always been fascinated by reproductive health and found it extraordinary that women were bringing humans into the world. I provide thoughtful support and personalized education throughout the full spectrum of pregnancy, birth, and parenthood.
Ayanna Jolly
Full-Spectrum Labor, Birth and Postpartum Doula
My name is Ayanna Jolly. I am a newly trained Full Spectrum Labor, Birth and Postpartum Doula. I am a nursing student and have had a lot of service based, consumer facing roles. My goal is to empower you by providing you with the education and tools needed. My skills in the field range from Patient Care & Safety Medical Terminology, Vital signs & Patient Monitoring, Privacy/ HIPAA Regulations and most importantly, Patient Advocacy and support. I look forward to supporting you and your family throughout your journey.
Monica Love
Certified Labor, Birth and Postpartum Doula
Hi! My name is Monica. My role is to accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. I will draw upon my knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort. I will support you to my fullest in facilitating the kind of birth you have envisioned for yourself and your family. As your doula, I am working for you, not your caregiver or hospital/birth center. I am a very vibrant, fun , high spirited experienced professional Birth and Postpartum doula with 20 + years experience.
Jennifer Michel-Wilson
Full-Spectrum Labor, Birth and Postpartum Doula
My name is Jennifer Michel-Wilson, owner of La Belle Doula Birth Support Services. I am a CD/PCD (DONA), CLC Birth, Postpartum, Bereavement and Holistic Fertility Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor & Educator as well a Certified Childbirth Educator. My goal is to empower you by not only providing you with the education and tools needed, but also through being an empathetic support system as you go through this unique journey of your life. I put high values on overall well-being and cater to each woman’s individual needs in order to provide guidance & a shoulder to lean on during this complex and powerful experience. As a Doula, I believe in your vision, I trust in your strength, and I remind you of the power within you because every woman deserves a beautiful beginning and ending.
Brandi Miller
Birth and Postpartum Doula Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Integrative Lactation and Feeding Specialist
Hi, my name is Brandi. I am an inclusive birth and postpartum doula, WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Integrative Lactation and Feeding Specialist. My approach to birth work is non-judgmental, family-centered, and practical; all of the cornerstones of her everyday life. As your doula, she incorporates movement through labor, encourages a peaceful environment, and is a patient and resourceful guide from pregnancy through postpartum. Brandi knows there is no “one size fits all* when it comes to birth and provides support that is centered around your vision and desires for birth.
Laila Moore
Holistic Labor, Birth and Postpartum Doula
Laila is a professional and compassionate holistic full-spectrum doula and massage therapist. She is a firm believer in love, balance, and nurturing her clients. Her passion is to touch the hearts of those she encounters by providing them with a peaceful experience. Before becoming a doula, Laila worked as a patient care tech while being a caregiver for her sister with cerebral palsy. In college, she held yoga sessions, in which she had the pleasure of working with many perinatal clients, guiding them to connect with their bodies.
Alex Neree
Certified Full Spectrum Doula, Early Childhood Educator and Lactation Counselor
Hi! My name is Alex, and I am a certified full spectrum Doula, early felt called to birth work many years ago after learning about how childhood educator, and lifelong learner and lover of adventure. I the medical industrial complex seeks to control birth. As your birth felt called to birth work many years ago after learning about how and/or postpartum Doula, I am a comforting companion and the medical industrial complex seeks to control birth. As your birth advocate, supporting your ideal birth experience; aiming to help and/or postpartum Doula, I am a comforting companion and you feel seen and heard. With my heart, hands, and by providing advocate, supporting your ideal birth experience; aiming to help evidence based information, I strive to help you feel secure so that you feel seen and heard. With my heart, hands, and by providing you can maintain autonomy and make the best decisions for evidence based information, I strive to help you feel secure so that yourself throughout pregnancy, labor, and beyond. I approach this you can maintain autonomy and make the best decisions for work knowing that people are the experts of their own lives, and yourself throughout pregnancy, labor, and beyond. I approach this work knowing that people are the experts of their own lives, and my goal is to support your intentions as long as you are safe.
Tamara Oliver
Postpartum Doula and Sibling Doula
Hi, my name is Tamara Oliver I am a postpartum doula as well as a sibling doula. I became a postpartum doula because I myself experienced postpartum depression. I made myself and the universe a promise that if I made it through this I would never allow another mother to go through what I went through. So, here I am on the other side loving and helping new moms navigate this postpartum journey. I strongly believe that mothers are the backbone of the family structure. If mom is okay than baby will be as well. For me, the postpartum period is so important to the stability of the family moving forward, and I’m so honored to be a part of it.
Zoe Regina
Full-Spectrum Labor, Birth and Postpartum Doula
Hi, I am Zoe (she/her). I am a full-spectrum doula. I witness and hold space for all events and all people on their journey with pregnancy, birth, postpartum, miscarriage, abortion, and more. I am here to be a companion to you in the spaces of change when we are most vulnerable, most raw, and most in need of community. To learn together and create mutual respect. To help move through anxiety and normalize these moments relating so much to the body and spirit connection that we tend to throw aside in Western culture.I come without an agenda, you decide what happens with your body and your life, I am here to support the decisions you make and to help actualize them.
Thai Riche
Holistic Birth worker, Certified Lactation Consultant, & Prenatal Yoga Instructor
Hi, my name is Thai Riche. I am a self-confessed birth nerd, promoting, educating, and empowering women to nourish their wombs while preparing birthing persons for an informed and positive birth. I do this by honoring and practicing the traditions of our ancestors, with rituals, supporting clients on their journey of healing and self-love, with reiki, and holding space for clients to awaken their inner goddess.
Anjanette Silas
Certified Labor, Birth & Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, And Certified Childbirth Educator
Hi, my name is Anjanette, I am a mom of 2, an RN, certified doula, Lamaze Childbirth Educator, Lactation Counselor & Reiki Practitioner that works with families in Brooklyn, Queens & Staten Island. I became a birthkeeper to help support expectant families through their rebirth. Pregnancy is a transformative journey that deserves to be nurtured & supported.
Debbie St. Rose
Labor + Birth and Postpartum Doula
Hello, my name is Debbie. I’m a mother of three. I am a labor and birth Doula. As a birth worker, l am encouraged because my ancestors paved the path for me. This is what I’m passionate about. I have years of experience in the medical field as a medical assistant. And I love to help people. I will share all my knowledge and experience and prepare you for your newborn and baby needs. I will always be your advocate.
Katharine Tabor
Labor, Birth + Postpartum Doula
Hello, My name is Katie and I am a Certified Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Doula based out of the New York area for the last 8 years. I’m passionate about continuing to relearn traditional birth ways, decolonizing birth and reproductive justice. I believe it’s essential to support individuals and grassroots organizations fighting to end the crisis on maternal health, in this city and country.
Jenny Thompson
Labor + Birth Doula
Hello, My name is “Jenny” and I am a holistic labor and birth Doula. My goal is to be able to give back and support those from my community. I’m a certified Medical Assistant as well as a certified nurse assistant. I have over 12 years of experience in the healthcare industry.