Yael is the best! My wife was having our first baby at home and we knew that we needed some extra support. Yael came over twice during the pregnancy to talk to us and answer any questions we had. She assisted us not only with preparing for the birth, but also with newborn care basics. During my wife's labor she was a calm spirit, who helped my wife feel comfortable and helped support me in knowing how I could help best. She was the best decision we made. In fact one of the first things my wife and I said the day after our daughter was born was that we didn't pay Yael enough. She is worth every penny! My wife is pregnant with our second child due this Winter and we are thrilled that Yael will be part of our birth team again. read more

Born Knowing Birth and Lactation Support - Yael's doula visit post birth - Doulas Near Me

Yael lives, breathes, dreams, and loves all things babies and mamas. She's insanely knowledgeable about everything from pregnancy to birth to nursing and early babyhood. Her demeanor is calm, sober, empathetic, supportive, and pretty silly if that's what you're in to. She anticipated my needs before I knew I needed them and made me feel like I was the only person who mattered in life - and of course, my son too :). I recommend Yael to anybody looking to have the best, most authentic birth possible. And even if breastfeeding is going fine, it can always go better with Yael's help and attention. I love her. My little family and our birth experience wouldn't have been the same without her. read more

In short: you cannot get better than Yael. At the very least - interview her - she will set a high, and necessary standard in your search. Every woman giving birth deserves the support of a doula. And I say that having received that support myself in the most beautiful way through Yael. Her wealth of knowledge and experience gives her a confidence that provides a calming and centering presence. It's a contagious confidence and calm that my husband and I both did not anticipate how much we needed before we experienced the birth of our baby girl. Practically, she equipped both myself and my partner with any knowledge we needed or wanted before and after birth. She was always available to us and anticipated our needs both before, during, and after birth. I know our birth story would be very different without the presence of Yael and all her giftedness. She exudes true beauty from embodying her convictions and values of empowering and respecting women, their bodies, and their ability to bring life into this world. She did this, all the while, drawing out and spurring my own convictions and values as her client. She helped me discover and find what was important and necessary for my own experience of giving birth, and all that it entails before in pregnancy and after in postpartum. Birth is the most sacred experience I have in this life, and Yael being witness and support through it only created more space to fully be present its beauty. My partner and I could not speak more highly of her. We now consider her a close friend having this incredibly important moment with her, and anticipate with joy her support at any future births. read more

My husband and I had the pleasure of Yael's presence at the birth of our son in October 2015. As soon as we met her through our Bradley childbirth class, we knew it was a match made in heaven. We bonded over our shared love of cats, the fact that we're from the same place in Oregon, and our feelings toward natural childbirth. She made herself completely available to us leading up to our due date and always returned messages promptly. We called her in the wee hours when I went into labor and she rushed right over. She had so many knowledgable suggestions about how to make my unmedicated labor more comfortable, providing support for both me and my husband. Her sense of humor, as well as both her attention to detail and the big picture of our birth experience, felt like she was taking the weight of the world off our shoulders. She was incredibly kind and patient, especially when my labor got ... loud. She knew exactly when it was time to get into the car and head to the Brooklyn Birthing Center. i was 8 cm when we arrived. She interacted smoothly with the midwife and assistants, seamlessly fitting herself into the team and doing exactly what I needed before I even knew it. in fact, they complimented me thoroughly on my choice of doula after she left. With Yael's expert help, I gave birth to a healthy boy, born under water and en caul, after 12 hours of labor. Once he was out, that's when Yael's formidable skills really started to shine. I had had a lot of nervousness about breastfeeding, but she set me completely at ease. She taught us several different nursing positions, how to make a good latch, and was very positive and encouraging. Her postpartum care was another huge boon. When she came to visit us a few days after the birth, it was like seeing a good friend again. She took time to answer all of our questions and now, a month later, is still checking in on us. We will absolutely hire her for our next birth at home! read more

I highly recommend Yael without reservation. We used her as a doula and lactation consultant when our daughter was born via planned c-section at 37 weeks in March. We were so adamant about using Yael, that we brought her to Massachusetts from New York. Yael was CRUCIAL to my c-section going the way I wanted it to. It was very important to me to do skin-to-skin with my daughter right after she was born but the surgical staff didn't have enough people their to supervise this (someone needs to have a hand on the baby other than me). They agreed to let Yael be this person - I think her Labor & Delivery RN title helped them to feel comfortable with her (even though being doula SHOULD have been enough) and let her participate throughout the surgery. After my surgery, she stayed in the recovery room with my husband and I. We had no idea how much we would need her help. She helped me get comfortable, initiate breastfeeding right away, helped stay in touch with our families who were eagerly waiting, and so much more. Thanks to Yael, not only did I have an incredible birth experience, but my husband was able to be 100% present for it too. He was able to enjoy some skin-to-skin time with our daughter while Yael was tending to me and our family. Our daughter spent 13 days in the NICU and when things felt exteremely overwhelming, Yael was there to help us understand what was happening, taught me how to pump, and gave me tips to establish a milk supply during the NICU stay. Yael provided invaluable breastfeeding help - way more than any of the onsite IBCLCs. I had multiple breastfeeding issues (low supply, clogged ducts, establishing a supply while our daughter was in the NICU). Yael's combo of being a doula AND IBCLC AND a Labor & Delivery RN gave her all of the skills (and more) that we could have ever hoped for! To top it all off, Yael is comforting, funny, and bright! I'm happy to serve as a reference for more info. read more

Where to start! Yael is incredibly gifted and everyone should have her as their doula!! We were hesitant about hiring a doula at first because we didn't want to push my husband out of the process and we thought it might be awkward to have a stranger at our birth there to support us. We took a birthing class with Manhattan Birth (amazing class!) and they said if we learn only one thing it's that we should get a doula. We started looking into it and decided we'd reach out to a couple people and see how it goes. We first met Yael at a coffee shop and both my husband and I knew walking away that we didn't need to meet with anyone else. To our surprise it just felt right! We hung out a couple more times before our due date and got to know each other. Our birth was 180 degrees different from what we were hoping but because of Yael and what we learned at our birthing class we felt comfortable with every decision along the way. Right after delivery Yael helped our baby boy latch for the first time. Breastfeeding was our biggest priority and Yael made sure that started out on the right foot. Our little guy had a medical complication shortly after delivery and Yael was there every step of the way. We both felt more empowered and in control during one of the most challenging experiences in our lives because of Yael's support. We can't imagine having gone through this process without her. read more

We recently had the good fortune to work with Yael as we welcomed our first child. Hiring her was the single best decision we made in preparation for our daughter's arrival, and I attribute the positive experience we had in delivering our daughter to Yael's guidance. For reference, we delivered our daughter in a traditional hospital environment in NYC. Yael's demeanor is calm and encouraging. You can tell she loves the work she does. Her background as an RN means that her compassion and enthusiasm for the birth process is coupled with extensive medical knowledge. In the hospital, and during the final weeks before our daughter's birth, she was able to help us understand certain medical jargon while respecting the protocols and procedures that go along with a hospital delivery. The labor and delivery process, as well as the weeks leading up to delivery, can be quite stressful. We met with Yael multiple times before our due date, and she was able to field any questions we had with ease, which helped put our minds at ease! We were able to discuss our hopes for the birthing process, and never once did we feel like Yael was interjecting her recommendations or pushing her own agenda. Her relaxed confidence and respectful presence are attributes any expecting parents would appreciate. On the day of our delivery, Yael was the perfect guide, allowing us to labor at home for the majority of active labor. Her encouragement in the delivery room and at home in her post-partum visit were fantastic. She helped us fine-tune our breastfeeding and set our daughter on the path to be a better nursing baby. Delivering a baby is not easy, but when we tell our daughter about her birth one day, we will definitely tell her about how our friend Yael helped welcome her into the world. read more

There are so many wonderful things to say about Yael! She is a warm, insightful woman, wise beyond her years and passionate about what she does. Yael was such a reassuring presence during our baby's birth, and having her advice as an IBCLC was invaluable. We chose to have our baby at a hospital-based birthing center, but she will not push an agenda and will support YOUR choices, whatever they may be. read more

When I first got pregnant, I thought that going to childbirth class was the maximum preparation I needed. During class, I got a better grasp of the difficulties of a natural birth and even though we were very committed to the process, it became clear that hiring a doula had the potential to completely change and enhance the birthing experience. We started looking at potential doulas, and came across Yael. She sounded very professional and knowledgeable, and the fact she is an RN reassured us that she would be able to help us have a natural birth in a hospital setting, something we were concerned would be difficult. After talking with her, we immediately fell in love, and were convinced we have found our doula. Her confidence, calm presence and infinite knowledge reassured us we didn't need to look any more. During my pregnancy, Yael was always available to answer any question. She helped keep me calm, sane, and managed my anxiety. When the day came, she was a crucial part of my successful natural birth. She coached us through a long early labor, and allowed my husband to rest. She helped me find positions to manage the pain and progress labor. Her presence, words and actions gave me a sense of confidence and the feeling I was in good hands. Yael helped me labor at home for as long as possible, and go to the hospital at the right moment, thus shortening the time I had to spend there. At the hospital, she helped us understand the procedures the staff suggested, and make informed decisions. Once I had the baby, she guided me with breastfeeding my new baby, and allowed us to have this initial bonding moment. Looking back, I truly think having Yael by my side was one of the best decisions I've made. She was my rock throughout pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum as well. Her help with breastfeeding, and just general concerns I had, has been invaluable. I am so grateful to have met her and would definitely have her with me for any future birth. read more

In a very short period of time, Yael came to feel like a sister to us (a sister who happens to have an incredible amount of knowledge on all things pregnancy, baby, and early parenting). As soon as we met her, we knew she understood us and the type of birthing experience we were hoping for. She was readily available to answer all my anxious questions leading up to labor, and was simply invaluable when my wild and crazy labor began. A series of complications prevented me from having the natural birth I had dreamed up, but Yael was by our side every step of the way. When I was overcome by pain and exhaustion, she helped us to cope with the pain, to understand what was happening, and to make important decisions we never thought we'd have to make. She was a calming and steady presence when everything else around us felt out of control. Yael stayed with us all night and through the surgery and recovery the following day. She helped my baby to latch as soon as I could hold him, and nursing has been easy and natural ever since. When she finally went home, I looked at my husband and said "how will we do this without her?" But of course, Yael was available by phone and text throughout my hospital stay and first weeks home, providing comfort, support, expert knowledge, and even some humor when we needed it. I must have asked one hundred questions ending with "is this normal," and every time she put these new and exhausted parents at ease. I truly don't know how we would have made it through this very difficult time without her. We are forever grateful, and recommend her to anyone preparing for the journey to parenthood. read more

Yael is an extremely passionate, articulate and caring doula. She is able to explain things in a clear and kind way while remaining present and open. I cannot recommend her enough!! read more

I did not initially want a doula, or think I needed one. But as I learned more about giving birth, I decided that it made sense to have a doula, not just for me but for my husband too. I cannot say enough about Yael and the importance of having an experienced person from the start of labor to the end. Yael was calm, positive, and somehow alert throughout the 20+ hours she was with us. Our labor was not easy and we ended up having to make hard choices along the way. Yael made sure we had time to discuss our options, and supported our decisions without judgement. I labored in every possible position I knew and Yael was there to support my weight, squeeze my hips again and again, and to give my husband breaks from physically supporting me as well. In the end we had a beautiful, healthy little girl. While we waited for the c-section numbness to wear off, Yael showed me how to bring our daughter up to latch for the first time (and we are still going strong!). We were so grateful for her steady support and her warmth. We hope to have her back with us as our doula for a second baby when that time comes. Bottom line: She is an awesome doula and we are so grateful to have her as part of our daughter's birth story. read more

Yael is absolutely the best! Along with her long list of credentials, she is skilled, supportive, grounded, informed, authentic and funny. She felt like an old friend, someone I could trust to witness me in total vulnerability, who has my back and knows her stuff when it comes to birth. I immediately felt at home with Yael and knew she was the right doula for me. My husband and I planned on having a home birth, but ended up in the hospital because I was post term, and Yael was indispensable to us, helping to navigate a natural hospital birth. She was the perfect choice for me, and I would hire her again in an instant if I decide to have another child! read more

A few days after coming home from the hospital, I was still struggling with nursing my new baby. I called a friend who I thought might know a lactation consultant, and two calls later, was on the phone with Yael. We weren't in desperation, but I knew I wanted a breastfeeding relationship with my babe that would last, and I needed some guidance to get us off on the right foot. She trudged up to the Bronx the next morning, in a snow storm, and calmly talked me - new, hormonal, topless mom - through the process. She paid attention to my personality and tailored her advice and information to best help me. Yael set my mind at ease and gave me the tips that helped turn the page for me with nursing my baby. It was still a hard trek at first, but when I would email Yael, she would call and talk me through what I needed. Now, my babe is 6 months old, I recommend Yael to all of my pregnant friends as an important, supportive member of the baby-raising village. I am really grateful that she is the person who landed in my life at the most important time in my life. read more

Yael is not only a great doula, but also an amazing resource on birth, newborns, breastfeeding and more. There wasn't one question she couldn't answer and my husband and I felt so taken care of from the moment we hired Yael. She helped us prepare not only for the birth, but also gave us so much information on newborn care and breastfeeding. Yael arrived at the point in my labor when we were starting to run out of steam. She gave me a much-needed boost of energy and confidence and coached me through the hardest contractions both mentally and physically. Her labor positions and counterpressure felt so good! And when things took a very unexpected turn, Yael remained calm and guided me through a beautiful home birth. We truly could not have done it without her, and that wasn't the end of it. She helped with my post-partum care and went out of her way to make sure we were all ok before leaving. I'm so grateful for Yael and I will never forget the incredible role she played in my son's birth. read more

Early in my pregnancy, I wasn't sure I wanted or needed a doula to help us come time to give birth - I could not have been more wrong. The day we met Yael we were super at ease and trusted her experience to guide us through to our end goal, welcoming our babe at home. She was on top of educating us and making sure we were comfortable with our partnership and the process. When labor started and I felt I hit a mental and physical wall, I needed Yael's support - I needed some fresh energy and guidance. Yael came over and started working with me immediately, helping me breathe through surges, applying counter pressure, allowing my husband take a nap, etc. She really helped me zone in on the task at hand. My mind started to wonder in and out, worrying about non-important issues - she saw where I was headed and was able to reel my thoughts and focus back in. She was also great at recommending (successful) positions and techniques to try and ease the pressure. Yael was the calming energy I needed throughout my labor and I'm not sure how I could have done it without her. And I know this was a bonus but she captured some of the most beautiful images throughout my labor that I'll cherish forever and pass down to my daughter. read more