Birth Doula Support in NYC

Because everyone deserves support on their journey into parenthood

About Me

Hi! I’m Riv, and I’m so glad you’re here!

I am here to support you and walk alongside you on your journey through the intricacies of pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. I have been caring for people in intense situations for over fifteen years in my career in pre-hospital healthcare as a certified athletic trainer and former paramedic. I truly enjoy caring for people and making sure they feel seen, heard, supported, and held.

As a doula, I bring a warm, grounded, and supportive energy to your pregnancy, labor and birthing. I have advanced knowledge of the body, and provide confident and calming hands-on support, help with positioning, comfort, and helping you stay in-tune with your body and your needs. I also give logistical support as well as advocacy. I believe bodily autonomy to be an integral piece of any pregnancy and birthing journey.

In my free time, I enjoy lifting heavy weights, running, meditating, drawing, reading romantasy, and spending time with my husband, toddler, and big, fluffy dog, Glacier.

Want to learn more? Reach out to me in the form at the bottom of the page :)

Birth Doula Services

My Birth Doula Support Package includes:

  • Virtual and in-person prenatal meetings

  • Unlimited call/ text from time of contract signing

  • On-call 24/7 starting at 37 weeks gestation

  • Access to my network and resources

  • Continuous, in-person support for your labor and birthing. Will remain with you until you and baby are settled, usually 1-2 hours following birth

  • 1 postpartum visit in the first few weeks following birth

  • Unlimited text and email for the first twelve weeks postpartum

Availability

Currently, I am booking birth doula clients with estimated due dates starting August 1, 2026. Limited availability for the end of June 2026, and working in partnership with Chelsea Zahn at Woven Hour Birth for July due dates. Reach out if you’re curious!

Certifications:

  • Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training - SUNY Cortland, 2012

  • Master of Science in Exercise Science - Specialty in Sports Nutrition and Strength & Conditioning - LIU Brooklyn, 2018

  • Adult, Child, Infant CPR: Ongoing, certified since 2006

  • Carriage House Birth - Birth Doula Training and Postpartum Basics (working toward certification): March 2025

  • Board of Certification Certified Athletic Trainer: June 2012-Present

  • New York State Licensed Athletic Trainer: June 2012-Present

  • Certified Personal Trainer, NASM: September 2018-Present

  • NYS Advanced Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic: August 2013-2018

  • NYS Emergency Medical Technician-Basic: June 2009

Relevant Coursework

  • Birth Story Medicine Listener Trainee: March 2026

  • Pelvic Floor for Birth Workers with Molly Caughlan, PT, DPT: May 2025

  • Comforting Touch for Doulas with Yiska Obadia: June 2025

  • Breathwork and Meditation for Birth Workers with Lou Read: August 2025

  • Carriage House Birth Mentorship: Summer 2025

  • One-on-one Mentorship with Christine Gibson and Beth Scheppke: Fall 2025

Client Testimonials <3

I could not have dreamed of a better doula to transform my birth and postpartum period from something to be feared, to an adventure to be experienced and made good and wonderful! Riv arrived just as my contractions were getting painful and her presence was warm and friendly and steady and very reassuring. She skillfully helped me manage the pain of contractions - it helped a lot!

-AM, Queens

After taking my baby home, I struggled as a first time mom with little experience caring for babies. Riv was supportive and made me feel seen in my confusing mix of postpartum emotions and fear of whether I was taking good enough care of him. She helped me further by coming by, spending some time with us, adjusting my burping and swaddling technique. She also helped with his latch and helped me breastfeed him for the first time with a nipple shield. I am so grateful to Riv, can never thank her enough.

-A, NYC

Riv not only provided help and guidance for my many questions throughout pregnancy and labor but also has been a huge support to me since the birth of my baby boy! Her kind nature and empathy made scary moments along the way feel manageable and even easy. She’s been an amazing resource to me - will definitely be working with her again for any future pregnancies!

-JS, Manhattan

Contact Me

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly. I can’t wait to hear from you! <3