East River Doula Collective

01/27/2025

For those of you who know and love ERDC doula Jaye Maynard McClure, Park Slope Doula:
Jaye has lovingly supported many mothers, babies, families, fellow birth workers and has delivered love through the art of music to many as well; now's our opportunity to support her with lots of love through meals or cash donations (as she'll be out of commission for several weeks) as she recovers from surgery for pelvic cancer (scheduled for Jan 30). If you'd like to contribute, please click this link to sign up or donate:

View the meal schedule for Jaye Maynard McClure on Take Them A Meal.

01/13/2025

Expectant parents, we'd love for you to join us for our free, virtual MEET THE DOULAS event Wed 2/12 @ 6:30 pm on Zoom to meet some birth and postpartum doulas who are available to provide compassionate, expert support & advocacy for you to experience the happiest, healthiest rite of passage through birth & postpartum!

After you RSVP and a few days before the event, we'll send you a complete list of the doulas available for your due month along with their profiles and rates, and an informational video (which is also on our homepage) that will answer a lot of your Qs.

For the event, you'll be assigned to meet for a few minutes with one or more doulas who are available for your due time in breakout rooms, speed-dating style.

Even if you've never heard of doulas and would just like to learn more, you're welcome to come for an informational interview/Q&A! (We'll give you a few ideas of things you could ask if you don't know where to start.)

Or if you're sold on the benefits of doula support but partner isn't just yet (common!), join us here (and/or in birth class) and it'll convince them you've had a brilliant idea. 😉

RSVP at eastriverdoulas.nyc or DM us with questions.

PS You can also reach out to us anytime for 1:1 help exploring your options, if you prefer.
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📷: image of a pregnant woman reclining against her partner on a couch as they look at a tablet. Text reads "Join us and bring questions about labor or postpartum support! Virtual Meet the Doulas Wed 2/12 @ 6:30pm" along with a quote that reads "All of the doulas were absolutely amazing, but one really stuck out to me as someone I can't imagine giving birth without. ~MTD attendee" At bottom, brown logo with text that reads "East River Doula Collective, RSVP at eastriverdoulas.nyc"

10/13/2024

Expectant parents, we'd love for you to join us for our free, virtual MEET THE DOULAS event Wed 11/13 @ 6:30 pm on Zoom to meet some birth and postpartum doulas who are available to provide compassionate, expert support & advocacy for you to experience the happiest, healthiest rite of passage through birth & postpartum!

After you RSVP and a few days before the event, we'll send you a complete list of the doulas available for your due month along with their profiles and rates, and an informational video (which is also on our homepage) that will answer a lot of your Qs.

For the event, you'll be assigned to meet for a few minutes with one or more doulas who are available for your due time in breakout rooms, speed-dating style.

Even if you've never heard of doulas and would just like to learn more, you're welcome to come for an informational interview/Q&A! (We'll give you a few ideas of things you could ask if you don't know where to start.)

Or if you're sold on the benefits of doula support but partner isn't just yet (common!), join us here (and/or in birth class) and it'll convince them you've had a brilliant idea. 😉

RSVP at eastriverdoulas.nyc or DM us with questions.

PS You can also reach out to us anytime for 1:1 help exploring your options, if you prefer.
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📷: image of lighted bridge over a river with city skyline in the background. Text reads "Expectant parents, please join us! Virtual Meet the Doulas Wed 11/13 @ 6:30pm" along with a quote that reads "All of the doulas were absolutely amazing, but one really stuck out to me as someone I can't imagine giving birth without. ~MTD attendee" At bottom, brown logo with text that reads "East River Doula Collective, RSVP at eastriverdoulas.nyc"

08/24/2024

Expectant parents, we'd love for you to join us for our free, virtual MEET THE DOULAS event Wed 9/25 @ 6:30 pm on Zoom to meet some birth and postpartum doulas who are available to provide compassionate, expert support & advocacy for you to experience the happiest, healthiest rite of passage through birth & postpartum!
After you RSVP and a few days before the event, we'll send you a complete list of the doulas available for your due month along with their profiles and rates, and an informational video (which is also on our homepage) that will answer a lot of your Qs.

For the event, you'll be assigned to meet for a few minutes with one or more doulas who are available for your due time in breakout rooms, speed-dating style.
Even if you've never heard of doulas and would just like to learn more, you're welcome to come for an informational interview/Q&A! (We'll give you a few ideas of things you could ask if you don't know where to start.)
Or if you're sold on the benefits of doula support but partner isn't just yet (common!), join us here (and/or in birth class) and it'll convince them you've had a brilliant idea. 😉

RSVP at eastriverdoulas.nyc or DM us with questions.
PS You can also reach out to us anytime for 1:1 help exploring your options, if you prefer.
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📷: image of a pregnant parent with her hands on her belly, her partner standing behind her with their arms wrapped around her belly. Text reads "You deserve support!" Virtual Meet the Doulas Wed 9/25 @ 6:30pm." At top, brown logo with text that reads "East River Doula Collective, eastriverdoulas.nyc"

06/27/2024

Expectant parents, we'd love for you to join us for our free, virtual MEET THE DOULAS event Wed 7/24 @ 6:30 pm on Zoom to meet some birth and postpartum doulas who are available to provide compassionate, expert support & advocacy for you to experience the happiest, healthiest rite of passage through birth & postpartum!
After you RSVP and a few days before the event, we'll send you a complete list of the doulas available for your due month along with their profiles and rates, and an informational video (which is also on our homepage) that will answer a lot of your Qs.

For the event, you'll be assigned to meet for a few minutes with one or more doulas who are available for your due time in breakout rooms, speed-dating style.
Even if you've never heard of doulas and would just like to learn more, you're welcome to come for an informational interview/Q&A! (We'll give you a few ideas of things you could ask if you don't know where to start.)
Or if you're sold on the benefits of doula support but partner isn't just yet (common!), join us here (and/or in birth class) and it'll convince them you've had a brilliant idea. 😉

RSVP at eastriverdoulas.nyc or DM us with questions.
PS You can also reach out to us anytime for 1:1 help exploring your options, if you prefer.
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📷: image of a pregnant parent with her hands on her belly, her partner standing behind her with his arms wrapped around her belly. Text reads "Join us and bring questions about labor or postpartum support! Virtual Meet the Doulas Wed 7/24 @ 6:30pm." At bottom, brown logo with text that reads "East River Doula Collective, eastriverdoulas.nyc"

04/30/2024

Expectant parents, we'd love for you to join us for our free, virtual MEET THE DOULAS event Wed 5/29 @ 6:30 pm on Zoom to meet some birth and postpartum doulas who are available to provide compassionate, expert support & advocacy for you to experience the happiest, healthiest rite of passage through birth & postpartum!
After you RSVP and a few days before the event, we'll send you a complete list of the doulas available for your due month along with their profiles and rates, and an informational video (which is also on our homepage) that will answer a lot of your Qs.

For the event, you'll be assigned to meet for a few minutes with one or more doulas who are available for your due time in breakout rooms, speed-dating style.
Even if you've never heard of doulas and would just like to learn more, you're welcome to come for an informational interview/Q&A! (We'll give you a few ideas of things you could ask if you don't know where to start.)
Or if you're sold on the benefits of doula support but partner isn't just yet (common!), join us here (and/or in birth class) and it'll convince them you've had a brilliant idea. 😉

RSVP at eastriverdoulas.nyc or DM us with questions.
PS You can also reach out to us anytime for 1:1 help exploring your options, if you prefer.
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📷: image of a pregnant parent leaning back onto her partner, who has his arms wrapped around her, on a couch. Text reads "You deserve support! Virtual Meet the Doulas Wed 5/29 @ 6:30 pm" At bottom, brown logo with text that reads "East River Doula Collective, eastriverdoulas.nyc"

03/04/2024

NYC area birth workers, you're invited to join us for our NYC Doulas Learning in Community series of virtual workshops!

"It's Not Morning Sickness! The Truth About Hyperemesis Gravidarum" with Hyperemesis Coach Andrea Stefens on Tues 4/2 EST on Zoom

Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) is a very serious condition of pregnancy that is often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and under-treated. It can have lasting physical consequences to both mother and baby as well as possible long-term consequences for the mental health of the mother. Andrea Stefens will teach you about the symptoms, the lived reality, the impact on families, the newest research into the causes and treatments, and the best way to support women who are suffering from this very dangerous and isolating pregnancy complication.

Andrea Stefens is a two-time HG survivor who uses her experience with HG and what she’s learned in over 12 years of being a practicing creative arts therapist to coach women through HG and processing the experience afterwards. Her passion is sharing coping skills, support, information, and lessons in self-advocacy with these women and their families during what can be one of the most difficult experiences in their lives.

RSVP link (on our sister site): birthmattersnyc.com/birth-pros

Image Description: Grey/blue square image with different shades of light blue with a swervy border. Round photo with brown floral graphics around it. Photo is headshot of smiling Caucasian brunette woman with earrings and a long necklace on, wearing a black scoop-neck long-sleeve shirt and a green vest over it. Brown text reads "NYC DOULAS LEARNING IN COMMUNITY: It's Not Morning Sickness! The Truth About Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Tues 4/2 EST on Zoom, , eastriverdoulas.nyc

Cohosted by:

03/02/2024

NYC area birth workers, please join us for our NYC Doulas Learning in Community series of virtual workshops!

"Supporting New Parents in Injury Prevention" with hand specialist OT Stephanie Wu will be on Tues 3/19 EST on Zoom.

During this presentation participants will be provided with an overview of anatomy of the upper extremity (shoulder/elbow/wrist/hand) as it pertains to potential musculoskeletal or peripheral nerve disorders that may arise in new parents. You'll learn common risk factors for such disorders due to the nature of caring for an infant. Stephanie will offer general joint protection strategies and positional guidelines to increase comfort and ease of taking care of baby. You'll learn about general symptoms to monitor for in the upper extremity, and when to consider referring to a specialist such as a hand/upper extremity MD or a certified hand therapist.

Stephanie Wu is an occupational therapist, certified hand therapist, and certified ergonomic assessment specialist. Stephanie has been a licensed OT for 10 years. She has also completed coursework in perinatal mental health through Maternal Mental Health NOW and Postpartum Support International.

Stephanie is the founder of H.O.M.E. MAMA, a private practice dedicated to providing in-home maternal health support. See more about her at the link below or on her IG at

RSVP link (on our sister site): birthmattersnyc.com/birth-pros

Image Description: Tan square image with different shades of brown/tan with a swervy border. Rectangular photo with white floral graphics around it. Photo is headshot of smiling Asian woman with red glasses holding a little one who's outside the cropped photo. Text (mostly white) reads "NYC DOULAS LEARNING IN COMMUNITY: Supporting New Parents in Injury Prevention, Tues 3/19 EST on Zoom, , eastriverdoulas.nyc

Cohosted by:

03/01/2024

NYC area birth workers, we hope you'll join us for our NYC Doulas Learning in Community series of virtual workshops!

"Postpartum Pelvic Health & Intimacy" with pelvic DPT Natalie Toshkoff will be on Wed 3/13 EST on Zoom.

Spend time with pelvic floor therapist Natalie of Take Flight Physical Therapy to have an honest and supportive discussion on the role of the pelvic floor post-birth in overall health, healing, and intimacy. Learn to perform self-administered healing techniques and pelvic floor-related breathwork. We will also discuss pelvic floor function and common symptoms.

Natalie founded Take Flight Physical Therapy after having her first child and realizing there were no pelvic floor physical therapists in her neighborhood of Forest Hills, Queens. She is passionate about serving her local community, providing one-on-one individualized care and educating people about pelvic health. Her goal is to help people eliminate symptoms and return to the activities they love.

RSVP link (on our sister site): birthmattersnyc.com/birth-pros

Image Description: Teal square image with different shades of blue with a swervy border. Round photo with white floral graphics around it. Photo is headshot of smiling Caucasian brunette woman in teal scrubs top outdoors with foliage behind her. Text (mostly white) reads "NYC DOULAS LEARNING IN COMMUNITY: Postpartum Pelvic Health & Intimacy, Wed 3/13 EST on Zoom, , eastriverdoulas.nyc

Cohosted by:

02/29/2024

NYC area birth workers, we hope you'll join us for our NYC Doulas Learning in Community series of virtual workshops! First up is Tues 3/5 @ 10am EST on Zoom: "Helping Perinatal Clients Tame the Anxiety Beast" with mental health therapist Olivia Bergeron, LCSW - MommyGroove Therapy

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders are the number one complication clients face during pregnancy and postpartum. Learn how to spot clients struggling with anxiety and where to go for help.

Olivia Bergeron, LCSW has held thousands of sessions over nearly 20 years with moms and dads needing help with mental health and parenting issues. She sees psychotherapy clients virtually in New York, New Jersey and Florida and works with parents around the world. Living in New York City with three kids, she is very familiar with the challenges and joys parents experience!

RSVP link on our sister site: birthmattersnyc.com/birth-pros
bergeron.nyc / Cohosted by:

Image Description: Tan square image with different shades of tan and cream swervy border. Round photo with brown floral graphics around it. Photo is headshot of smiling Caucasian blonde woman in orange, sleeveless, v-neck top and light blue large beaded necklace. Text (mostly brown) reads "NYC DOULAS LEARNING IN COMMUNITY: Helping Perinatal Clients Tame the Anxiety Beast, Olivia Bergeron, LCSW, Tues 3/5 EST on Zoom, , eastriverdoulas.nyc

02/27/2024

New Workshop Series for birth workers: "NYC DOULAS LEARNING IN COMMUNITY"

We here at East River Doula Collective love to learn in community together, and we'd love to get to know more of the birth worker community (particularly in the NYC area), so we decided to open up several of our upcoming workshops with perinatal experts on different topics both to get to know each other and to help you build your resource list for the families you serve. Particularly if you've ever thought about applying to join ERDC (or have applied), we'd love to get to know you!

Upcoming workshops are from 3/5-4/2:
Tues 3/5 - Olivia Bergeron, perinatal mental health
Wed 3/13 - Natalie Toshkoff, pelvic health
Tues 3/19 - Stephanie Wu, hand therapist
Tues 4/2 - Andrea Stefens, hyperemesis coach

RSVP or read more details on this page (on our director's/sister site): birthmattersnyc.com/birth-pros or linked on the homepage popup on eastriverdoulas.nyc

Image Description: blue-grey square image with different tones of blue-gray plants around the edges. Dark brown text reads: "East River Doula Collective, New Workshop Series: NYC DOULAS LEARNING IN COMMUNITY - 3/5, 3/13, 3/19, 4/2 10am EST on Zoom , eastriverdoulas.nyc"

Co-hosted by Birth Matters NYC

02/06/2024

Expectant parents, we'd love for you to join us for our free, virtual MEET THE DOULAS event Wed 3/6 @ 6:30 pm on Zoom to meet some birth and postpartum doulas who are available to provide compassionate, expert support & advocacy for you to experience the happiest, healthiest rite of passage through birth & postpartum!
After you RSVP and a few days before the event, we'll send you a complete list of the doulas available for your due month along with their profiles and rates, and an informational video (which is also on our homepage) that will answer a lot of your Qs.

For the event, you'll be assigned to meet for a few minutes with one or more doulas who are available for your due time in breakout rooms, speed-dating style.
Even if you've never heard of doulas and would just like to learn more, you're welcome to come for an informational interview/Q&A! (We'll give you a few ideas of things you could ask if you don't know where to start.)
Or if you're sold on the benefits of doula support but partner isn't just yet (common!), join us here (and/or in birth class) and it'll convince them you've had a brilliant idea. 😉

RSVP at eastriverdoulas.nyc or DM us with questions.
PS You can also reach out to us anytime for 1:1 help exploring your options, if you prefer.
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📷: image of a pregnant parent leaning back onto her partner, who is kissing her cheek, on a couch. Text reads "You deserve support! Virtual Meet the Doulas Wed 3/6 @ 6:30 pm" At bottom, brown logo with text that reads "East River Doula Collective, eastriverdoulas.nyc"

01/04/2024

Expectant parents, we'd love for you to join us for our free, virtual MEET THE DOULAS event Wed 1/24 @ 6:30 pm on Zoom to meet some birth and postpartum doulas who are available to provide compassionate, expert support & advocacy for you to experience the happiest, healthiest rite of passage through birth & postpartum!

After you RSVP and a few days before the event, we'll send you a complete list of the doulas available for your due month along with their profiles and rates, and an informational video (which is also on our homepage) that will answer a lot of your Qs.

For the event, you'll be assigned to meet for a few minutes with one or more doulas who are available for your due time in breakout rooms, speed-dating style.

Even if you've never heard of doulas and would just like to learn more, you're welcome to come for an informational interview/Q&A! (We'll give you a few ideas of things you could ask if you don't know where to start.)

Or if you're sold on the benefits of doula support but partner isn't just yet (common!), join us here (and/or in birth class) and it'll convince them you've had a brilliant idea. 😉

RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/meet-the-doulas-east-river-doula-collective-tickets-788431177877 or if you're seeing this at any point, the RSVP link for the next event is always on our homepage.

PS You can also reach out to us anytime for 1:1 help exploring your options, if you prefer.
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📷: image of lighted bridge over a river with city skyline in the background. Text reads "Expectant parents, please join us! Virtual Meet the Doulas Wed 1/24 @ 6:30pm" At bottom, brown logo with text that reads "East River Doula Collective, RSVP at eastriverdoulas.nyc"

10/31/2023

Join us for another round of Mending: a virtual cesarean postpartum group facilitated by 3 East River doulas.

Our next cohort begins Nov 2nd and runs for six weeks, skipping Thanksgiving week. We meet virtually Thursdays at 11am. We’d love to have you!

Their reflections on the last round:

These six weeks together have been filled with laughter, tears, joys and challenges shared. I am so grateful I get to sit in circle with such beautiful souls in their postpartum journeys.

Sign up at link in bio .beginnings (or DM us for link) ✨


Reposted from .beginnings and also facilitated by &

10/17/2023

Expectant parents, we'd love for you to join us for our free, virtual MEET THE DOULAS event Wed 11/15 @ 6:30 pm on Zoom to meet some birth and postpartum doulas who are available to provide compassionate, expert support & advocacy for you to experience the happiest, healthiest rite of passage through birth & postpartum!

After you RSVP and a few days before the event, we'll send you a complete list of the doulas available for your due month along with their profiles and rates, and an informational video (which is also on our homepage) that will answer a lot of your Qs.

For the event, you'll be assigned to meet for a few minutes with one or more doulas who are available for your due time in breakout rooms, speed-dating style.

Even if you've never heard of doulas and would just like to learn more, you're welcome to come for an informational interview/Q&A! (We'll give you a few ideas of things you could ask if you don't know where to start.)

Or if you're sold on the benefits of doula support but partner isn't just yet (common!), join us here (and/or in birth class) and it'll convince them you've had a brilliant idea. 😉

RSVP at eastriverdoulas.nyc or DM us with questions.

PS You can also reach out to us anytime for 1:1 help exploring your options, if you prefer.
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📷: image of a pregnant parent with both hands in lap. Side by side is a partner with arms wrapped around and holding partner's pregnant belly. Text reads "Join us and bring questions about labor or postpartum support! Virtual Meet the Doulas Wed 11/15 @ 6:30 pm" At bottom, brown logo with text that reads "East River Doula Collective, eastriverdoulas.nyc"

10/15/2023

October 15th is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

We honor loss parents today. We light a candle of remembrance for your little one and for you as parents. We deeply hope that you feel held and supported in your grief.

As delicate as it can be to share anything on this tender topic, it's even harder for folks to experience loss and to not know there's support for them because no one talks about it.

You deserve support, whatever your journey looks like. Perhaps even more when it's such a deep grief. Here are 3 forms of support we want to be sure you're aware of for yourself or for a friend:

1) Did you know there are bereavement doulas? And even if a doula doesn't call themselves that, many birth and postpartum doulas have training/skills to provide emotional support, to hold space for the grief loss brings, and to provide supportive resources that could make all the difference for someone's experience. For more info on this specialty, follow our friend and loss support mentor, Abby:

2) See loss support resources at eastriverdoulas.nyc/loss (tagging a few below):
Pregnancy After Loss Support
Pregnancy Loss Support Program
- for NICU parents and/or bereaved parents

- for SIDS/sleep-related loss parents
- virtual bereavement support group

3) Also see more supportive mental health resources at birthmattersnyc.com/resources

10/01/2023

October is Pregnancy, Infant & Child Loss Awareness Month.

As delicate as it is to publicly post about these sensitive topics, it's even harder for folks to experience loss and to not learn there's support for them.

You deserve support, whatever your journey looks like. To that end, 3 things we want to share with you today in terms of that much-needed support for anyone who has experienced loss or might experience loss:

1) Did you know there are bereavement doulas? And even if a doula doesn't call themselves that, many birth and postpartum doulas have training/skills to provide emotional support, to hold space for the grief loss brings, and to provide supportive resources that could make all the difference for someone's experience. Doulas provide support across the entire reproductive spectrum.

2) See loss support resources at eastriverdoulas.nyc/loss and we'll tag a few below:
Pregnancy After Loss Support
Pregnancy Loss Support Program
Hand to Hold
Miscarriage Association
First Candle

3) Also see more supportive mental health resources at birthmattersnyc.com/resourcesPregnancy After Loss SupportPregnancy Loss Support Program

10/01/2023

New/changed hotline number! Update your records if you keep it on hand for yourself or for clients.

Repost