Birth Doula Support in Kingston and the Hudson Valley
DONA-Certified Birth Doula • Master of Social Work • Herbalist
Emily Berninger
Hi there! I’m a DONA-certified birth doula, Columbia University-trained social worker (MSW), and herbalist. My approach is holistic, body-positive, and trauma-informed, ensuring every birthing person feels supported, respected, and empowered.
I’m trained in Spinning Babies, Hypnobabies and Lactation Support, and offer placenta encapsulation and herbalism consults. Located in Kingston, NY, I serve the Hudson Valley, providing grounded, intuitive care for every kind of birth journey.
Please have a look around and see if we might vibe.
Birth Preparation
I’m here to support you throughout your pregnancy, not just during birth. You’ll have continuous prenatal support as I’m available for questions, quick check-ins, and thoughtful troubleshooting along the way.
Together we'll create a birth plan that reflects your values, preferences, and goals while helping you feel informed and confident.
We'll practice comfort measures, breathing techniques, positioning, and other tools to help you navigate labor with confidence.
My knowledge of herbal medicine is woven throughout my care, offering additional options and support when appropriate.
Active Birth Support
I'll remain on call beginning two weeks before your due date, ready to join you when labor begins.
You'll have the reassurance of continuous, calm support throughout labor and birth.
I'll offer hands-on comfort measures, including massage, counter-pressure, positioning, and movement, to help you manage labor, always with your comfort, consent, and preferences guiding my care.
I will advocate for you, ensuring your voice is heard, your questions are answered, and your preferences remain at the center of your care.
Whether your birth includes an epidural, induction, unmedicated labor, or a cesarean, I'll support your choices and help you feel informed, respected, and cared for.
Post Partum Care
Receive personalized postpartum support tailored to you, your baby, and your family's unique needs, including infant feeding, newborn care, and emotional support.
Birth can be beautiful, overwhelming, joyful, or all of the above. I'll provide a space to process your experience, answer questions, and help you adjust to life with a new baby.
Drawing on my background in social work and perinatal mental health, I'll help you recognize when extra support may be helpful and connect you with trusted local resources when needed.
If you'd like, I also offer placenta encapsulation and herbal guidance to support your postpartum recovery.