• Calendar shows the due dates the doula is available for

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to NYC in 1990. I am a mother of two, writer, prenatal yoga teacher, doula and enthusiastic childbirth educator and advocate. Since 1999 I have had the honor serving mothers, partners and babies as both a labor support doula and postpartum guide.
In 2005 I created Shakti Ma in Maplewood NJ, where for seven years I directed the pre and postnatal yoga and childbirth education programs. I am a graduate of Integral Yoga Institute (2003); I received my advanced pregnancy yoga certification from Gurmukh at Golden Bridge NYC and my advanced doula training with Debra Pascali-Bonaro. I am also a certified lactation counselor (CLC).
Initiated into yoga while pregnant with my first child, I am committed to continual exploration and evolution in my own practice. Both my teaching craft and my personal practice are fortified by the light of many amazing teachers on my path.

One more thing, and that is I feel lucky to still genuinely love what I do, and especially to have found ways to continue serving people both virtually and in person over this past year.

Testimonials

“Hi Stephanie,

Our daughter Leila was born the morning of 10/28. Doula G. has been an phenomenal doula to us both throughout this journey. I joke with her now that my motto for my wife’s pregnancy and parenting journey will be “get in the tub” because on a couple of occasions, G. has advised her to do things like get in a warm bath for pain relief during pre-labor, get an epidural to help her relax and rest during a long labor, and try side-lying for breastfeeding. On each occasion, once my wife acted on the advice, it worked like a charm! My wife sometimes endures more than she needs to because she has such a strong spirit, so having someone like G. gently and persistently nudge her a few times was key. She worked well with our delivery team and also has been a cheerleader for me, too. This whole experience would have been far more traumatic and challenging without her.

Best,

L.”

November 2024

“We are over the moon 🙂

G. was truly invaluable–not only in the weeks prior to my induction (very reassuring when doctors had me freaked out about his late delivery and size), but especially for the induction. She helped me navigate lots of decisions and kept me calm throughout a long, stressful process. After 27 hours of pitocin, I was in agony and she helped me make the decision that was right in the moment (though not in my plan) and get the epidural.

Finally, she was a great coach for 3 hours of pushing AND she helped me advocate for positions other than my on my back. I’m so glad I had her by my side.

Thanks so much for connecting us–I am so grateful! “

Lorie, April 2021

“My experience with G. was really positive she really helped me through the birth. Of course when I went into labor she was at another labor but she had her back up who was AMAzING and she came as soon as she could and helped me through the whole experience which was LONG. It was a tough birth but I did it and I have a healthy baby boy :)—”

Suzanne

“We are doing well and adjusting to this new life. We had a great experience with G.- she was super attentive, gave great advice leading up to birth and on the day of, nurturing, supportive and pleasant to be around. I have recommended your name and hers to some friends already. Thanks for all of your support!”

Anja, summer 2020

Hi Stephanie,

G. was absolutely wonderful and a huge asset to us having a healthy and happy birth. Thank you so much for connecting me with her!

Best,

Kristen, October 2021

Hi Stephanie, thanks for your note. We are doing well and adjusting to this new life. We had a great experience with G.- she was super attentive, gave great advice leading up to birth and on the day of, nurturing, supportive and pleasant to be around. I have recommended your name and hers to some friends already. Thanks for all of your support!—

Ana, December 2020

We love G.!! She gave us the confidence and knowledge to have an amazing birth. A big upside to Gayle was her familiarity with Lenox Hill and our 1060 OBGYN practice. She was wonderful!

Carla, December 2021