Our Doulas
Mavis Gewant
Mavis Gewant, MA, CD , CLC is a Labor & Postpartum Doula also offering Childbirth Education, Breastfeeding Support and Birth Counseling in Ulster, Dutchess and Orange Counties and a Doula Trainer for Birth Arts International.
My first introduction to birth was reading Spiritual Midwifery when i was a teenager. This book sparked my journey of helping and supporting women and babies as well as the way I felt about my own births. A mother to 2 grown sons, both born naturally, one at home, I have been supporting women and their families for over 25 years and have seen many babies grow up in my community. I am committed to helping women have the birth experience they desire, as well as support families in the postpartum period. As a sacred artist and birth counselor, I facilitate workshops for women who want to move forward from a negative birth, as well as deepen their pregnancy experience.
My first introduction to birth was reading Spiritual Midwifery when i was a teenager. This book sparked my journey of helping and supporting women and babies as well as the way I felt about my own births. A mother to 2 grown sons, both born naturally, one at home, I have been supporting women and their families for over 25 years and have seen many babies grow up in my community. I am committed to helping women have the birth experience they desire, as well as support families in the postpartum period. As a sacred artist and birth counselor, I facilitate workshops for women who want to move forward from a negative birth, as well as deepen their pregnancy experience.
Tara Schatzel
Tara Schatzel is a DONA trained Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula (Maternity Wise) and ICEA trained Childbirth Educator.
Supporting women during their births for over 10 years with continuous emotional, physical and informational support, Tara feels that she can help families have the birth experience they desire. Following her passion leads her to study Hypnosis for Labor and Birth ,and specialized comfort techniques for Labor and Birth taught by a Massage Therapist/Midwife. Truly believing that Birth is Natural ,Tara has started studying to be a Midwife Assistant. After having a cesarean section with her third child ,she realized there is a need for specialized care during the postpartum period including breastfeeding support.
An artist by nature,Tara specializes in Celebrating The Pregnancy with Belly Casting, Henna Body Art, and Photography. As a licensed Cosmetologist for 25 years with a salon in her home, she offers private manicures and pedicures also providing Barber services. She lives with her husband and three children in Saugerties and provides services in the Mid Hudson Valley.
Supporting women during their births for over 10 years with continuous emotional, physical and informational support, Tara feels that she can help families have the birth experience they desire. Following her passion leads her to study Hypnosis for Labor and Birth ,and specialized comfort techniques for Labor and Birth taught by a Massage Therapist/Midwife. Truly believing that Birth is Natural ,Tara has started studying to be a Midwife Assistant. After having a cesarean section with her third child ,she realized there is a need for specialized care during the postpartum period including breastfeeding support.
An artist by nature,Tara specializes in Celebrating The Pregnancy with Belly Casting, Henna Body Art, and Photography. As a licensed Cosmetologist for 25 years with a salon in her home, she offers private manicures and pedicures also providing Barber services. She lives with her husband and three children in Saugerties and provides services in the Mid Hudson Valley.
Lijah Friedman
Lijah Friedman, CLC, CD is a Prenatal, Labor Support & Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, Life Documentation Photographer, and Placenta Services Provider. A doula since 1994, Lijah provides practical support, guidance, and education to women and their families. Lijah is knowledgeable about acupressure, aromatherapy, yoga, visualization and relaxation techniques. She also has formal training in photography from the International Center for Photography and also provides photography services for prenatal, birth, postpartum, and life documentation. By providing thoughtful, knowledgeable doula care throughout pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period, Lijah encourages a positive, fulfilling, empowering experience.
It was the decisions surrounding her own personal pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding experiences, that have led Lijah to becoming a Doula and have played a central role in her approach to providing support and advocacy for Women and their families. Having to advocate for herself during her own pregnancy, labor and delivery, allowed for the development of insightful expertise in prudent, evidence based care. She resides in New Paltz with her two daughters, Isabella, born 1994 at Saint Vincent’s hospital in NYC and Anika, born at home in 2001. Both daughters were breastfed.
It was the decisions surrounding her own personal pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding experiences, that have led Lijah to becoming a Doula and have played a central role in her approach to providing support and advocacy for Women and their families. Having to advocate for herself during her own pregnancy, labor and delivery, allowed for the development of insightful expertise in prudent, evidence based care. She resides in New Paltz with her two daughters, Isabella, born 1994 at Saint Vincent’s hospital in NYC and Anika, born at home in 2001. Both daughters were breastfed.
To contact us: doulashv@gmail.com
845-616-1743
"Anyone who has not experienced THE Mavis in your life of impending motherhood ...well may I just say, she removed my fears and made my experience so comforting...she is so intuitive and strong and decisive and magical with moms and babies....she nestled me and my son...who is now 11 years old. Bless you Mavis..." - Holly Booth
845-616-1743
"Anyone who has not experienced THE Mavis in your life of impending motherhood ...well may I just say, she removed my fears and made my experience so comforting...she is so intuitive and strong and decisive and magical with moms and babies....she nestled me and my son...who is now 11 years old. Bless you Mavis..." - Holly Booth