JOANNA TAYLOR
Certified Postpartum Doula (International Doula Institute, 2019)
WHY I AM A DOULA:
I became a certified postpartum doula in 2019, and there are so many reasons why I love my job!
I have a deep heart and passion for the well-being and emotional nourishment of moms in those early postpartum weeks and beyond. I also adore newborns - they fascinate and delight me!
Having had two children of my own, I know the exquisite joy of new motherhood, but also just how overwhelming, lonely and depleting this time can be. I believe new moms need support and education more than ever before, and this is where I can step in and help you.
I am a nurturer by nature, kind, compassionate and committed. I have a listening, empathetic ear and will stand alongside you in your moments of self-doubt and celebrate with you in your moments of victory.
My passion is as an educator, guiding you about all things mom, baby and beyond.
MY UNUSUAL JOURNEY:
I am British and live in Montclair, NJ with my husband and 17-year old daughter. My 19-year old son is at college in the UK.
I am fully vaccinated and boostered, CPR and First Aid trained (American Health Care Academy, 2022) and have professional liability insurance. I work in Northern NJ.
I have also lived in India and Ethiopia, on the west coast of the US, and, of course, in the UK. I have taught AIDS prevention programmes in schools and cared for abandoned babies in Africa; I have managed the careers of rising opera stars and most recently authored a weekend workshop for women, She Can Fly.
I have also successfully co-ordinated six intercontinental relocations (yes, six!) for my family and am fully aware of the pressures and difficulties of life for those of you who are expats in the NJ area, especially with a baby in tow!
I love to sing, read, write, cook, host and gather community.
“Joanna was comforting, knowledgeable, helpful and flexible, providing emotional support and guidance to myself and my husband. I honestly don’t know if I would have survived my first two weeks of being a new mother without her!”
“Joanna’s expertise, knowledge and professionalism were a gift to have in those first few weeks postpartum. She played a tremendous role in boosting my confidence and knowledge on all things childcare, as well as enhancing my mental well-being.”
“Joanna was wonderful! I truly do not know what I would have done without her insights and care!”
“Thank you endlessly for your time and our wonderful conversations. You’re an absolute dream.”
"Joanna was a blessing to work with, she was knowledgeable and extremely personable. Having her support was so helpful and she truly cares about her clients."
"She was fabulous and felt like a member of the family by the end of our time."
"I am so, so grateful that we hired Joanna! She was a lifesaver to me, she was supportive of my mental and physical health, she was there for whatever questions I had and was non-judgemental at all times. She provided a safe haven of support and calmness. Postpartum doulas are truly a gift, and I am so grateful to have had Joanna supporting me.”