doula chana
Down to earth, compassionate support for families in NYC & Long Island
baby chana held by tired mom and two older sisters, nov. 1984
Hi, I'm Chana!
I am a doula, certified lactation counselor, licensed clinical social worker and mother. I approach pregnancy, labor, birth and parenting from a realistic and compassionate perspective. As a doula, I offer empathetic guidance and unconditional support to pregnant people and their families as they grow. I love supporting people through exciting, difficult and emotional experiences and I am forever grateful to the folks who welcome me into their lives.
I have experience working with a diverse range of people and offer an individualized, tailored approach to every family I meet. My background and training as a mental health professional informs my views regarding pregnancy and birth — I see these processes as opportunities to nurture relationships both with others and with one's self.
Birth and parenthood are chances and spaces in which to grow, explore and gain a sense of self. I strive for all births to be positive and met with excitement, joy, some healthy trepidation and lots of love. I am originally from Suffolk county, Long Island, lived in Queens for many years and recently moved to Nassau County, Long Island. I am an active member of the NYC/Metropolitan area birth worker community. My three children keep me busy and coffee keeps me sane.
I have trained with:
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DONA International, 2011
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VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) Workshop with Gina Crossley-Corcoran, 2013
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Spinning Babies, 2017
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Healthy Children Project, Inc. Center for Breastfeeding, 2019
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Manhattan Birth, Doula Masters Mentorship, 2021-current
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Manhattan Birth, Integrative Lactation and Feeding Specialist, 2022
DOULA PACKAGE
I begin with a complimentary meet and greet which can be done in person or virtually. Upon being hired, we schedule appointment(s) to meet in your home (virtual options available as well) for prenatal visits. At these visits we get to know each other, review birthing options and birth education, explore your feelings (and your partner's) about labor and birth, discuss and develop your birth preferences, and delve into concerns or questions you may have about pregnancy, labor, birth and more!
I offer unlimited phone and email availability beginning from the time I am hired and continuing throughout your postpartum experience. I provide an introduction to baby gear, and gladly offer referrals and recommendations for additional information, services and resources.
My service includes continuous support throughout labor & delivery, whether beginning at your home or meeting you at your chosen birthing place, assistance with positioning, massage and counter pressure, relaxation techniques, ongoing encouragement, support and guidance. I will help you to navigate the hospital, should you be giving birth there, and remain with you throughout your labor and birth, offering information, reassurance and continuous, nonjudgmental care. I am with you through the arrival of your baby and stay for a while in the hospital, assisting with initial bonding and skin to skin, breastfeeding if this is your preference, and additional immediate postpartum support.
I return to your home after the birth for one postpartum visit including lactation support, newborn care and on-call phone support for emotional needs, baby care and referrals for additional services.
LACTATION/FEEDING SUPPORT AND OTHER OFFERINGS:
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prenatal lactation education, preparation and support
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in home postpartum lactation assessment and consultation, assistance with latch, routine, positioning
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pumping assistance and support including back-to-work guidance
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pregnancy consultation and birth preparation/preferences planning session
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informal childbirth education
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sibling preparation for parents
HEAR MY STORY
Listen to my birth stories on the Birth Matters Podcast
CHANA LOVE
I knew the moment I got pregnant for the second time that this birth was going to be different from my first. I was determined to have an empowered, informed and natural birth. One of the key ingredients to my astounding birth was undoubtedly having Chana as my doula. She guided and empowered me during my preparation and was an incredible coach on the fateful day. During the months leading up to the birth, an exercise she led me through blew my mind. She laid out index cards before me with different aspects of birth spelled out on them. I needed to take some away, reflect, and then do it again! It made me really prioritize what was important to me for my birth and it was way better to do that with a clear mind than in the throes of labor! On the much anticipated day, Chana arrived and got right to work a cold towel on my neck, massaging my back, positive affirmations, you name it.
She knew exactly what to do! My husband is also eternally grateful for her presence that day, offering crucial support when he didn’t know quite how to be/help/etc! I had the birth of my dreams. She was instrumental to a day we will never forget and always smile about.
Thank you forever, Chana!
teresa
Chana is an amazing doula. Caring, compassionate and thorough. When we first met with Chana, she started by just getting to know us. Checking in about the pregnancy, how we were feeling generally and how we felt about this journey we had embarked upon. Throughout the pregnancy Chana helped us determine what our ideal delivery would look like. As patients at the Brooklyn Birthing Center our plan was to have a labor and delivery free of pharmaceutical intervention. Chana respected that and had us think through what that might look like.
What she also did that we really appreciated, was have us think through what our labor and delivery might look like if any number of things did not go according to plan. Things like: what if you have to be induced? What if you need to have a c-section. While I preferred to deny the possibility that anything might not go according to plan, these conversations were very valuable.
We did end up having to deliver at a hospital and I was induced. The service I received at the hospital was a mixed bag, some good providers and some with nasty attitudes. Chana was there as a constant support – getting me what I needed to be physically comfortable and answering my questions as my labor progressed. Chana is a person you want to have in the room with you as she is very calm and will make sure that you know what’s going on, so all you have to worry about is when to push and welcoming your baby into the world
nancy
The minute we met Chana we felt a great connection. Her energy felt right for us, she was enthusiastic yet supportive and understanding during our prenatal sessions. Most importantly , she really listened to what I wanted, shared helpful information and I truly felt that she was 100% on our side always. My OBGYN was not entirely supportive about trying for a VBAC but Chana really educated us about the process.
After a less-than-ideal first birth experience, I was looking for a sense of control throughout the entire process. Chana allowed me to have everything I wanted and more. Chana calmly coached me through each contraction, providing all the physical, emotional and mental support I needed throughout. When I thought I couldn’t go further she gently encouraged me and talked me through. She was firm, solid and completely unflappable and even managed to keep my husband calm and busy throughout!
She was my champion at the hospital; because she encouraged me to labor at home as much as possible, I was able to have a successful VBAC. Chana was THE game changer for us in the experience. I consider her a part of our family and a life long friend. She’s been in touch and supportive after the birth and we just adore her. We think everyone should have a doula, coach or midwife. If that happens to be Chana, then you would be as lucky as we were to have found her.
shruti
One of the best decisions I made around my pregnancy and birth with my first child was choosing Chana to be my doula. Before the birth, Chana helped me understand what my priorities were in the most non-judgmental way imaginable. She helped me feel prepared for all the things I could and could not control. I seriously cannot imagine my labor without her.
I labored at home for a long time and my contractions never got as close together as I was told they would in my classes. Thankfully, Chana was there and helped me stay calm and confident that what I was experiencing was normal. Without her, I think I would have gone to the hospital earlier and either been sent home, or worse, been a candidate for unnecessary interventions to speed up labor. In the hospital, Chana always reminded me that I was allowed to think about what the doctors and nurses were asking me to do instead of answering their questions right away. I can't express how valuable and needed this reminder was.
At many points in labor, I felt like I was not in control of my body but Chana helped me be in control of the situation as much as possible. She was overall a wonderful, calming, and empowering presence for both my partner and me during the entire process and I cannot recommend her more highly.
gena
Chana is a gem and I would highly recommend her doula services! I gave birth to my second child eight weeks ago and Chana was my virtual doula (it was peak COVID and doulas were still restricted for maternity patients at the hospital).With the birth of my first child, I labored for 40+ hours and had an unplanned c-section. It was traumatic, and my doula at the time did little to help me navigate or process the experience. I wanted much more from my doula this time around.
When I first spoke with Chana I was struck by how down-to-earth she is and how I immediately felt comfortable talking and sharing my feelings with her. She's a great listener and always sees the positive in things while staying grounded in reality. Her extensive experience as a doula is complemented by her personal experience as a mama of three. I was excited to work with her even knowing that she would be unable to attend my birth in person.
During our virtual prenatal sessions, Chana really took the time to understand what my first birth experience was like and what I was hoping for with this one. I was planning to attempt a VBAC but ended up having a scheduled c-section for a number of reasons. It was a really, really hard decision for me and Chana was an AMAZING support and resource every step of the way. She didn't try to push her own agenda on my decision; rather, she consistently reminded me of my own values and hopes as I struggled with making my birth plan. Even though we never even met in person, I felt so cared for and supported through our texts, phone calls, and video chats. She was a wonderful coach leading up to my delivery and afterwards when I needed support processing the birth and navigating some breastfeeding challenges.
Chana is an incredibly professional, knowledgeable, attentive, caring, and empathetic doula and was a calming presence during a very stressful time (i.e., birthing during a pandemic!). I would highly recommend her!
adrianna
Chana was a great support during my pregnancy - sending me things to read, reminding me not to read too much... sharing local resources and events... She is all about what mom (and also dad) wants for her pregnancy and delivery. Chana’s excitement and calm voice helped my husband stay in a great frame of mind.
Thanks to Chana being there, my husband was the calm, positive spouse and birth partner I needed. And Chana knew what I needed. Her emotional intelligence is ridiculously impressive. She knew what to say to me, when. And could tell by looking at me what I needed. She’s a real gem of a person.
Having a positive birth experience - whatever that means for you - is crucial and her support will help get you there!
yev
We could not have been happier with Chana as our doula. All I was told in my classes was there would be breaks in the pain but mine was consistent through my labor, as I was experiencing back labor! As soon as Chana entered the room she immediately started with counter pressure on my back and it was the first time I could breathe easily since my labor had started.
I remember standing and Chana was squatting behind me doing the counter pressure and as much discomfort I was in, I asked her if she wanted a chair since it looked so uncomfortable. But all she said was to focus on myself and not to worry about her! She was at our side during the entire labor, saying encouraging words, helping me get into different positions to push since my son decided he didn’t want to move! After 2 hours of pushing with no real movement my husband and I decided to proceed with a c-section.
Chana waited during this and came to see us in the recovery room before going home. She also came to visit us shortly after we were back home and made herself avail to any questions we had down the road. Our son is 20 months now and we still are in contact with Chana, sending pics and updates. It was my husband who pushed me to get a doula and I must say I am so glad he did! If we decide to have a second we will definitely use Chana!
sharon
Chana was my doula for the birth of my first child. She was right there with us day and night through a very long and hard labor. Her calmness, focus, perspective, and kindness made a world of difference as I navigated the various hurdles, struggles, and unanticipated circumstances of childbirth.
I’ll never forget the importance of her presence through my labor and delivery and would highly recommend her to anyone!
jen
Chana was right there at my side with support and encouragement, along with my husband and midwives. She reassured me when I was not sure if I was making any progress. When my son was born at 8:15pm Chana celebrated with me and the rest of my team. Chana’s presence was a bonus that added to the overall strength of my support team.
Her assistance gave me the strength to go through the toughest experience of my life and feel positive about the outcome.
sara
Chana was (and still is) an asset to have by my side when my son was born in August. I ended up having an unplanned c-section for which only my sister was allowed in the OR, however, Chana’s value goes far beyond the actual birth period. She was a huge resource in the weeks leading to my due date, during recovery after the surgery, and during my post-partum period. She is kind, patient, and very knowledgeable-she provides important information so you can make an informed decision. Chana is very responsive and gives practical advice on the fly.
When meeting with potential doulas (I interviewed at least 6), I needed to not only feel comfortable and that the person was qualified, but I had to make sure that I would work with someone who made responsible choices given the pandemic. Chana checked all the boxes.
My experience with Chana was extremely positive and I highly recommend hiring her as your doula.
laura
ellen
I absolutely ADORED working with Chana. I had the best birth experience and I attribute that completely to Chana's guidance throughout my pregnancy. She helped me find an amazing OB who was respectful, experienced, and everything you'd want in a Dr. She recommended the hospital I gave birth which was another wonderful experience in a very unassuming location. Chana helped guide me through what a positive birth experience could be and completely delivered. During labor she was so attentive and helpful. She has a gift of giving you the feeling immediately that you've been friends for years. She has gone above and beyond what I expected. I cannot recommend her enough!