doula chana

Gia

Chana was an absolute dream to work with -- twice, for our family.

As first-time parents, we weren't certain that we even needed a doula. It was recommended to us along the way in our search for a low-intervention-but-firmly in-hospital birth. We wanted a holistic but not overly crunchy experience.

WELL! I ended up with a very long, complicated induction that lasted north of 30 hours. My ultimate goal was to avoid a cesarean, and my husband and I both credit Chana as the main reason I was able to bring my daughter into the world vaginally.

This was the beginning era of covid, and Chana managed to be physically present with us despite some challenges but also DID NOT SLEEP. She truly experienced the entirety of labor with me!

Chana is a wonderful communicator with a deep wealth of knowledge, but she is foremost an amazing advocate for you before, during, and after delivery. She reminded everyone on-staff of my wishes, produced space and time for me to think when other staff wanted to rush, and was a calming presence for myself (and, somehow equally, for my nervous husband!).

For our second birth, we changed hospitals and OB practices, and everything was different from the first time -- except for Chana and of course my husband.I finally got the textbook experience I had read about and was able to labor the majority of the time at home, with Chana as my coach and support. She was perfect, gentle, and calming!

She knew exactly the right moment to go, and I delivered a few hours after we arrived together at the hospital that evening.

Our family is incredibly thankful for both of our experiences with Chana, and we credit her solely for shepherding our kids into the world safely. Though each of my delivery experiences was vastly different, Chana responded to both situations perfectly, and I feel positive about both long after the fact (most important to me).

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Manna

Doula Chana was such a blessing to our family. My mom was really nervous being high risk and Chana was really wonderful in the way she validated my mom's wishes and helped educate my parents. She checked in with them regularly and was a wealth of resources and knowledge to help usher my parents in the right direction for answers to their many questions! She sat through the birth with my parents at the hospital and even took some priceless pics of me and my parents when I was born. Even the nurses commented to my parents about how wonderful she was- she knew exactly when to jump in and help, how to make my mom's voice heard and wishes honored, and when to follow Dr.'s lead as well. She is such a collaborative and supportive woman! Thank you, Doula Chana, for all you did for me in utero and for my parents!

 

Natalie 

Regarding our birth journey, connecting with Chana was one of the best decisions we made. Meeting with Chana helped us feel prepared going into labor, while her calm presence helped keep me and my partner stay calm during labor. We appreciate that she was available for questions all throughout the pregnancy, as well when we first brought our newborn home. Although we ended up with a scheduled induction, and didn’t labor at home with Chana as planned, we found her invaluable during the induction and labor process. We were in constant communication with Chana from the moment we arrived at the hospital and together decided when it made sense for her to join us. I was incredibly nervous about getting an epidural and Chana helped walk me through the pros/cons and timing of this decision. Ultimately, my labor lasted 24+ hours, and Chana was with us at the hospital for the vast majority of the experience. When things didn’t go according to plan, she was able to explain the medical information and help us make informed decisions. She also was able to provide support for my partner when certain medical circumstances required that we were separated. While I was in the postpartum recovery unit of the hospital, Chana checked in on me and my partner regularly even though she was no longer physically at the hospital. She helped us advocate for the best care when we had difficulty communicating with nursing staff. Chana visited us approximately 1 week after we returned home from the hospital and answered our 1 million questions about newborns and breastfeeding, and she helped us give the baby a sponge bath. Now 7 weeks postpartum, she still intermittently checks in via text. We wholeheartedly recommend her services – it would have been a much more challenging experience without her. Thank you, Chana <3

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Jamie

I cannot recommend Chana highly enough. As a first-time parent, having her on our team before, during, and after the birth of our son was one of the best decisions we made.

From the very beginning, Chana was incredibly accessible and communicative. No question felt too small, and she was always responsive when we needed her. What struck me most was how calm and confident she was at every stage of the process. In the moments that felt most overwhelming, her presence was genuinely grounding.

Chana is a true wealth of knowledge. She took the time to deeply understand my preferences and helped me think through how to optimize for the birth experience I was hoping for. She shared her perspective and offered other approaches to consider, always in a way that felt informative rather than prescriptive. She never once passed judgment on my questions or decisions, which made me feel completely comfortable being open with her.  As the birthing parent, I felt truly heard, supported, and prepared every step of the way.

Chana is warm, knowledgeable, and an incredibly supportive presence. I felt so lucky to have her with me for such a meaningful moment in my life, and I would recommend her without hesitation to any family looking for an exceptional doula.

 

Maria 

Chana has assisted me with the births of all three of my children between 2020-2026. While my needs and worries changed with each pregnancy, I found Chana’s support just as essential each time. Chana has a wealth of knowledge and experience and is also an incredibly kind and warm person. These qualities together made me feel safe, empowered and loved throughout the process. While I did love my OB, it was such a gift to have a professional with so much experience by your side whose only focus is supporting and empowering you, no matter what curveballs your labor throws at you. There is certainly a lot of noise and unsolicited advice around you during pregnancy and it’s easy to get overwhelmed and afraid. Whatever issue or concern I brought to Chana, she met with warm validation, practical advice and encouragement for me to trust my gut. And her support continued after the delivery during the very challenging postpartum period, including lactation issues. Her unconditional positive regard and support make you feel like the best and most capable version of yourself- which is just what you want when navigating pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

 

Kristen

Choosing Chana as our doula was the most meaningful decision we made throughout our pregnancy journey. From the very beginning, I felt connected to her on a deeper level. There was a spiritual alignment and shared set of values that made me feel completely safe and understood. I didn’t just feel like I was hiring a birth support partner - I felt like I was inviting someone into one of the most vulnerable and sacred experiences of my life.
During pregnancy, she came to our home and spent time with us helping me thoughtfully build my birth plan. Chana didn’t just hand me a template - she walked through my hopes, my fears, what mattered most to me, and where I felt flexible. I went into labor knowing I understood my options and that I had someone to advocate for me too.
During my unmedicated labor, Chana was steady, grounded, and completely present. When contractions intensified and everything felt primal and overwhelming, her calm energy helped me stay centered and trust my body. She supported my husband so beautifully too, guiding him in how to support me so we truly functioned as a team. Her background as a social worker shines through in every interaction. She listens deeply, reads the room intuitively, and understands the emotional layers of birth (and beyond) in a way that goes far beyond technique.
What meant just as much was her support postpartum. She checked in consistently, answered texts with patience and reassurance, and came to our home for a postpartum visit. When I had an unexpected postpartum complication and was readmitted to the hospital, she was there to offer support when I needed it most.
Chana is thoughtful, values-driven, compassionate, and incredibly skilled. Without hesitation, I would recommend her to anyone I know. We are so grateful she was part of our birth and postpartum journey!

 

Beth

I'm an obstetric care provider who routinely recommends the use of doula services to my patients. I've worked with many doulas side by side in the labor room, and that's where I initially met Chana. I loved working with Chana because she always advocates for her patients in a respectful way, and builds strong rapport with her clients and other labor team members alike. Therefore, when I got pregnant, I knew I wanted a doula by my side to help support my labor and I immediately knew I wanted Chana. Working with Chana was amazing. She supported me through my anxieties of pregnancy and labor. (Being an obstetrician can bring a unique perspective to labor and delivery that is fraught with the worry of what can go wrong.) Chana helped me stay positive and focused. This was my quickest and most empowering birth! I could not have done it without the support of Chana. I also really appreciated the frequent check-ins postpartum.  I can't recommend Chana enough! 

 

Daniella

The BEST decision my husband and I made during pregnancy was hiring Chana as our Doula. Chana is one of a kind - she guided us throughout pregnancy and postpartum, answered all of our questions, provided us with resources, was there for us emotionally, and was the biggest advocate for us in the delivery room. Both my husband and I felt so supported by Chana. My induction was long and painful, but Chana did multiple things to make it physically and mentally so much better. She worked so well with me, my husband, the nurses, and the doctors - we all felt like one big team working together! My only regret is not hiring Chana sooner in my pregnancy. She is a rockstar and I would choose Chana one hundred times over!!! 

 

Lizzie

Chana was completely amazing. She was so helpful answering questions in the lead up to delivery. Once we got to the hospital, she was in super woman mode. One of my clearest memories from my 36 hours of labor was holding Chana's hand while my epidural was placed as she coached me through my contractions. She was an amazing cheerleader throughout all of labor, and continued to check in with me postpartum. There were a number of times when I called her crying after we got home, and she was so calming and reassuring. I will definitely work with Chana again!

 

Anise

Having Chana as my doula was the best decision we have made. From pregnancy to labor to postpartum Chana has literally been our biggest support. She is warm and inviting. Provides nonjudgmental support. During pregnancy she was sure to make sure all of my preferences were known. She answered all of my questions and provided resources for the million things I wanted to know about. During labor she respected my wishes. I wanted an unmedicated birth and if I didn't have Chana by my side that would not have been the outcome. However, if I changed my mind at any point she would have been right by my side making sure I received what I needed. She was a big help providing a calm environment for my husband as well who would have been a mess without her. During labor she was the reassurance I needed that I could do this. Postpartum she has continued to be supportive and continues to provide references for my other million questions. Chana is a phenomenal person and has such an amazing soul. I would work with her over and over and highly recommend her. 

 

Tova

We had the absolute pleasure of working with Doula Chana for the birth of our first baby, and we truly don’t know how we could have done it without her! From the start, she made us feel so prepared and supported. She was always available for questions, day or night, and helped us navigate everything from the early planning stages to labor and delivery at the hospital. Her presence was calming, reassuring, and empowering.

She also came by after the birth to help with nursing and continued to be available for any concerns that came up postpartum. What really stood out was her patience, kindness, and complete lack of judgment—she supported our choices and never pushed an agenda. She truly wanted us to have the birth experience we envisioned, and she was there every step of the way.

 I've already told all my friends they need to work with her. She’s simply the best!

 

Francesca

This is an extremely overdue post, however, I continue to think about Chana and the service she provided myself and my husband when our son was born in November of 2022.  We actually ended up having a c-section 6 weeks early, which you may expect me to not have so much to say about a doula in that case- however, Chana went above and beyond to support us and guide us through that experience.  She was in frequent contact leading up to the birth – giving appropriate and helpful guidance and supporting us in our decisions.  It was tremendously comforting to have someone on our side in that very unexpected experience.  Chana’s support did not stop at birth.  She helped us navigate our time with our son in the NICU and after we returned home.    

Chana has such a warm and comforting presence.  I was immediately comfortable with her and  just having her around gave me a sense of relief.   She is authentic, caring, and realistic.  A true blessing to us in our journey to becoming parents. 

 

Donna

Where do I begin?!! I honestly don't think I would have achieved my VBAC birth without Chana. She set the tone of my journey to try and TOLAC right from the first time we spoke. She is honest, confident, and very knowledgeable in the field. Her guidance helped me change doctors to a true VBAC supportive one and it gave me the confidence I needed that I could do this! Labor and birth  is just as much mental as it is physical, if not more and having Chana for support was seriously a blessing and a game changer. Any doubts or concerns I had, she addressed with calmness, facts, and confidence that put my mind at ease so I could focus on preparing for a VBAC birth. I've learned that the people you have around you, especially during this huge moment of your life, is so important and means so much and I'm forever grateful that she's a part of my story - achieving a vaginal birth after a first traumatic C-section. Even throughout laboring she was exactly what I needed, said everything I needed to hear and was so loving, kind and caring...she kept me in the zone and felt so calm having her with me.  I think Doulas should be a part of every birth having now worked with one, I know for sure Chana is truly one of the best- exactly who you want by your side and for support. She was made for this just like we were made to birth our babies, in whatever way we do. I'll forever cherish this pregnancy, Chana's guidance and my beautiful beautiful birth!!

 

Alexandra

I recommend Chana to every pregnant person I know!!! We couldn't have asked for a more prepared, passionate, and delightful doula, now friend. I got to have the exact birth I wanted; laboring at home and arriving at the hospital to have my baby and I attribute that to having Chana on our team. As it turned out, I ended up being in labor for about three days and Chana was 1000% there for us checking in every few hours or responding within minutes whenever we'd reach out, keeping us cool and calm. Eventually, when it was time for Chana to come to our apartment, she met us at 3am and was as attentive and energetic as if it were the middle of the afternoon. Once at the hospital, my husband and I joked that her doula bag was like the scene in Mary Poppins where she somehow knew when to whip out the right thing at the exact right time without fail, with items we never would have anticipated or otherwise known to ask for. She also had complete control and awareness over hospital dynamics so that I was mostly left alone while she orchestrated everyone around me. I could go on and on. She's the best! Anyone who gets to have her as their doula is the luckiest. 

 

Jacilene

Chana was the exact person I needed to get me through late pregnancy, unexpected complication during labor and what thankfully turned out to be beautifully peaceful birth. Not only was Chana a calming force, she keeps shit real which I appreciate. She helped me find the courage to fire my OB at 34 weeks and referred me to my new lovely OB. Not only was Chana supportive to me, but even more important in the heat of the moment when things "got real" she was a safe harbor for my husband who was rightfully so losing it! I highly recommend Chana as a critical member of your birth team. Book her. Don't think twice. 

 

Hannah

Chana was the third person I told I was pregnant after my husband and doctor. I knew if I was going to give birth again I needed Chana there with me. 

I cannot accurately express how amazing Chana is. She helped me through an absolute whirlwind of a birth with thoughtful guidance, care, and humor. Most importantly, she helped my husband feel confident in supporting me as well. Anyone who works with Chana is lucky. 

 

Priscilla

We were drawn to working with Chana after hearing her recount her own birth on a podcast, immediately connecting with her sense of humor, spirituality and radiant sensitivity. Upon meeting, she made us feel immediately at ease, combining a non-judgmental attitude with a quiet confidence and no-nonsense air demonstrating her wisdom and experience. We were wavering on whether or not to pursue a home birth and Chana encouraged us to trust our gut and believe that our hope for a beautiful birth was possible and not naive.

Working with Chana was pure joy. She approached the mysterious and unknowable aspects of the birth journey with reverence and excitement, and this attitude rubbed off on us, transforming our anxiety into awe. She answered all of our questions and checked in frequently to see how we were doing physically and emotionally. She provided amazing suggestions on birth education classes, books, and other resources. Her perspective is at once grounded and loving, which casts the real world in a warm glow of comfort and ease.

Sandy was born three weeks early at home, with Chana as well as our families. Chana was by my side the entire time, always knowing what words of encouragement I needed to hear. Looking into her eyes felt like looking into the eyes of a sister, someone who emanated trust and love. She said that my body and my baby knew what to do and I believed her. She suggested different positions that kept the labor process dynamic and manageable. She kept us grounded in each present moment, in each wave of sensation, and made the birth process *almost* fun! Thanks to Chana, my birth was the most empowering, psychedelic, profound experience, truly all I could have hoped for and was scared to ask for. 

In the challenging first few days postpartum, Chana again made us believe in our abilities as parents and completely transformed our mindset from panic to gratitude and self-trust. And she still does!

 

Taylor

Where to start? Chana is EVERYTHING!
I was referred from a Mom's group and hesitantly reached out. I had no idea what a doula was, but also had 0 clue about being pregnant or birth so what was there to lose? 

My husband and I met with Chana when I was 7 weeks pregnant. We fell in love! She was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life.

Chana has so much experience with births and pregnancy. She has a ton of contacts, resources and info about everything. My pregnancy was normal but I needed additional support and she made sure I got it. Chana made sure I never had to suffer and always listened.

I switched from an OB to homebirth midwives with Chana's help. She presented all info for us to make an informed decision about my care. She taught me that you can choose the type of care you deserve. I deserved better and I got it because of Chana. There was never a time throughout my pregnancy (or pp) where I felt uncared for by Chana. She made me feel special and loved.

From early labor until after my birth, Chana made sure everyone was taken care of (husband and fur babies too). When I was in active labor Chana helped me put fear aside to focus on the baby I was about to welcome into the world. She without hesitation (and unexpectedly) assisted my midwife with my birth and did a fabulous job. No task is too big or too small for Chana and she is like I said before...EVERYTHING!

From beginning to end I couldn't love Chana any more. She loves my baby like her own and she will forever be a part of me. If I ever have a 2nd child she will be my first call. I couldn't/wouldn't want to do it without her. She made everything beautiful for me and helped set me up to be a great mother!
In short...

If you're considering hiring a doula, do it. If you're considering hiring Chana, ABSOLUTELY DO IT!
Love you forever, Chana. 

 

Kelsey

I cannot say enough good things about Chana. She was an invaluable support and source of knowledge during my pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period. Due to a complication in my pregnancy, I had a planned c section six weeks before my due date. I wasn't sure what to expect for the delivery or what it meant to have a premature baby who would likely spend some time in the NICU. Chana talked through all of this in detail with me during our pre-delivery meeting and by phone and text in the weeks leading up to my delivery. On the day of my c section, Chana was such a calming and reassuring presence. She did everything from walking me through (again) what to expect and listening to me reflect on my delivery to helping me pump for the first time and sitting with me when my husband went to be with my baby. One of the nurses even commented how happy she was that Chana was there. 

Chana always made sure I knew the questions to ask to get the answers I needed. She validated all of my feelings and made me feel heard. She supported every decision I made. She checked in with me constantly to see if I had questions or just wanted to talk. And perhaps most importantly, she reminded me as many times as I needed that I was always doing what was best for me and my family. I highly recommend that you work with Chana.

 

Rachel

I honestly don't think I can express what it was like having Chana as my Doula in the characters allotted but I'll try. From my first virtual interaction with Chana I knew she was my support person. Her energy, knowledge, easy going spirit, and ability to address some of the issues pertaining to black maternal health won me. But little did I know as the months went by her sympathy during emotional phone calls and her encouragement when I felt weak and wanted to give up would be my saving grace. You see I was attempting a TOLAC for a VBA2C (trial of labor after a C-section for a vaginal birth after TWO c-sections. The odds were stacked against me for soo many reasons. Chana took me on as a client with no hesitation helping to prepare me for either outcome and to fortify my journey to create a healing birth experience that was filled with autonomy. When I felt crazy for advocating for myself she reminded me of my why.  My labor and delivery was long and hard and she was there every step of the way...reminding, encouraging, cheering. Doing all the big and little things that would help get me across the finish line. I did end up having my VBA2C and I can wholeheartedly say it would not have been possible after God...without Chana. She was an integral part of my birth team and a piece of my heart is tethered to her forever. It's been two weeks since I've given birth and I still can hear her voice telling me I can do it....and with each memory, I smile because I did do it. Thank you Chana for being everything you are...and to any expectant mommy reading this. She is a Doula worth having!

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