About Soft Landing Doula

I am a DONA certified birth and postpartum doula serving New Jersey and New York. I support all birth plans, with the intention to safeguard birth as an undisturbed, intuitive, empowered moment. Equally important is the support and space I provide for a held and nurtured postpartum period.

Our services

  • We will begin with a free 30 min consultation. We can get to know each other and focus on what you are looking for, and determine if I am a good fit for your birth team.

    Once we decide to move forward, we will meet at least once in-person prenatally, with additional in-person visits or video chats as needed. We will discuss your health history, preferences, uncertainties, goals, and anything else! I will tell you about the comfort measures I offer, as well as other options for pain management in labor. We will walk through the timeline of labor and determine when I join you for support. My goal is that you feel confident in your ability to birth your baby, your choice of provider, your place of birth, and your coping strategies we have identified.

    During labor and birth, I offer continuous support. I will be on-call for you from 38 weeks-42 weeks and beyond. I will arrive at your home, the birth center, or hospital when you are in active labor, or whenever you determine you would like my support.

    Postpartum support begins in the hospital, where I will remain by your side until you feel comfortable parting ways (at least 1-2 hours). If you choose to breastfeed, I will be there to support that as well.

    Backup support- I always work with another doula in case of emergency or illness.

  • If you choose to hire me as your postpartum doula, I will take care of you so that you can take care of your baby. I will support your physical recovery, and create space for you to tend to your baby and yourself, and to inhabit your new relationship with your partner and broader family. The transition to motherhood is one of the biggest we go through, and having a postpartum doula to ease that transition is proven to be valuable and effective at drastically lowering rates of postpartum depression, and raising overall satisfaction with new parenthood.

    What will this actually look like? I will make bottles, sterilize pump parts, wash the dishes in the sink, throw in a load of laundry, I will be attuned to any breastfeeding issues that arise and refer you to an IBCLC if it is beyond my scope. I will cook you nourishing meals, make you smoothies, process your birth story with you, take care of your big kids, answer your family's questions, reassure you that everything your baby is doing is normal, and provide resources when it’s not. I will remind you that you are doing an awesome job and that this part is hard, and be your behind-the-scenes biggest fan. Lastly, if desired, I will hold your baby while you take a break, but the job of a postpartum doula is really to hold you, so you can hold your baby.

“Of all the ways birth outcomes could be improved, continuous labor support seems like one of the most important and basic needs for birthing people. Research has shown that labor support from doulas is both risk-free and highly effective.”

 FAQs

  • A birth doula is a companion who provides continuous support during labor and birth.

  • Physical Support: I include position changes, massage, pressure, heat, cold, and soothing touch. I will help create a calm environment and assist with hydration and nourishment.

    Emotional Support: I will help you feel a sense of calm, capability, and positivity during and after the birth. I do this through encouragement and praise, helping you stay open minded about your situation, and keeping you company while the nurses and doctors change shifts and your partner gets some rest.

    Educational Support: I will provide information during pregnancy and birth, including suggesting techniques like breathing, relaxation, movement, and changing positions. I can help clarify medical procedures but I will not speak on your behalf, and I can enhance communication between you and your providers.

  • My fees vary and I offer a sliding scale. A 50% deposit is due upon signing the contract. This confirms that I will be on call for you. The remaining 50% is due at 38 weeks. Please contact me for more information.

About me

Reflecting on the births of my three children without a doula, I realized I would have benefited greatly in each situation from doula support. I decided to become the doula I never had! I was a librarian for 10 years before entering the birth world, and those outreach and  research skills inform my approach to birth work. In other words, I am a major birth nerd! 

Being a doula is sort of like being a marathon coach. You are the one birthing this baby, and no one can birth it for you, and a doula is a veteran runner  + nutritionist + massage provider + gear expert + running science source. I am here to make sure you have what you need to run “the race” you want. It takes mental and physical preparation to make it to the finish line. Your birth team is like your pit crew.

What People Are Saying

“Dana was absolutely wonderful! She showed up exactly how I needed her to for my delivery. She held my hand, and consistently reassured me. Her calming presence and advocacy was outstanding! Thank you so much Dana for being there for me with so much love and compassion and advocating for me and my baby! You will always be a part of our family's journey.”

— Beenish Faheem
December 5, 2023

“Dana was indispensable in the first week following my c section! She held the baby and kept her calm so I could sleep a little extra or attend to older kids, or move around a bit to facilitate my recovery. She also made sure I ate the right foods to get a good milk supply going. Would absolutely recommend, even if it's only a few days.”

— Gavriella Lerner
November 27, 2023

“I couldn't be more grateful for having Dana by my side during my last weeks of pregnancy, birth and postpartum period. Most supportive, comforting, encouraging and caring for me! would not be able to make it without you!! so much appreciate the connection and your warm calming energy you spread around. Thank you for your true deepest dedication and personal approach in everything you do!”

— Hannah Halevi
August 16, 2023