Credentials, Training & Continuing Education
Budget, Values & Chemistry
Who's Really Behind the Social Media Posts?
Your doula needs to be available for your window of due date and homecoming, and charge a rate that feels fair to you. There will be many options that fit those two criteria – and lots of places to look for the best doula! When you speak with your short list of doulas, consider their experience, training, and approach. The gut feelings you have about her replies should help you find the “right doula” for your family.
As a vintage, experienced and well-loved doula, I am not as inclined to post videos of myself holding a client’s baby to teach burping, swaddling, or oversharing how they achieved the perfect latch after bringing baby home. You may want to ask yourself why some doulas are spending their shifts in a family’s home setting up a camera, recording, and sharing posts when she has been paid to teach, comfort and tidy the home she is in.
A doula who is trained does not need to certify.
An organization that certifies does not always require continuing education from it’s membership.
Experience working with families is not the same as working in a professional doula capacity.
Ask questions about the person you plan to have in your home, with your baby, at the most special time.
Certifications & Qualifications
My journey as a doula began in 2019 when I trained with Ann Grauer, one of DONA International’s most respected trainers, to become a Postpartum Doula. In 2020, I completed DONA’s rigorous certification process and became a certified Postpartum Doula. I renewed my certification with DONA in 2024, demonstrating my ongoing commitment to professional excellence and evidence-based care.
I maintain professional liability insurance and regularly complete CPR training to ensure I am prepared to support families safely and confidently.
In 2021, I completed my Birth Doula training and certification through the Active Birth Institute, a boutique South Jersey organization founded by Crystal Marris Sada. Crystal was a true pioneer in doula education and advocacy, and her training was both comprehensive and inspiring. Her mentorship shaped my practice in meaningful ways, and I am honored to hold a lifetime certification through her program.
In 2023, I completed the Healthy Children Project’s Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) training and successfully earned my certification that spring. This credential allows me to provide evidence-based breastfeeding support to my doula clients while remaining within my professional scope of practice. I do not charge an additional fee for lactation support provided to my birth and postpartum clients. Families in Wyckoff, Franklin Lakes, and Oakland may also schedule an in-home lactation consultation for a reasonable fee.
In February 2025, I earned my Birth Doula certification through DONA International’s alternate certification pathway. This certification further strengthened my professional credentials and allowed me to maintain a verified profile on DoulaMatch.
Throughout my career, I have actively pursued continuing education through workshops, conferences, and webinars. My areas of particular interest include:
- NICU family support, inspired by my own experience as a NICU parent
- Addressing birth disparities and improving outcomes for women of color
- Providing respectful, inclusive support for families growing through surrogacy, adoption, and IVF
I strive to be an ally to all families and to provide compassionate, culturally sensitive, and continuous support throughout every stage of the parenting journey. My goal is for every client to feel respected, empowered, and cared for during one of the most important transitions of their lives.
Putting Values Into Action
This is my full-time, professional career choice, this is my day job, night job, passion and commitment. Yes, I experienced the call to serve, but over time, the reality of birth, recovery and maternal mental health in my neighborhood created a drive to be part of change, improvement and connection. I have adult children now, and when I see my clients, I see what the future holds for my own kids.
I believe every person who want a doula should have the one that meets their needs. Therefore, I mentor younger and newer doulas (and those are not the same demographic), giving my time and sharing my resources to make their path easier. If it’s easier for them, it will be easier for you. Further, I am an Ambassador in the Northeast for DONA, International. In the role, I volunteer to listen to membership, be a part of the growth of the organization as it expands doula access worldwide. To learn more about DONA and it’s certification process, check out what we do!
Prevention of stillbirth is top of mind for me. During prenatals, in birth worker meet-ups, maternal mental health community events, and anywhere someone will listen, I teach the importance of counting kicks during the 3rd trimester. While not the only tool, one of the best, evidence-based stillbirth prevention tools is Count The Kicks or it’s free app.
The doula I was 7 years ago has taken the passion to support women in recovery, and grown it into a promise to my clients to educate myself, expand my resource list and be one of the ground-floor building blocks of a recovery village. We are all different people, but we all need acceptance, encouragement, and knowledge to make best choices – now is the perfect time to create that for you, your partner and your family.