![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8df321fb5f030234e84e88/1586396293177-7XGFCT0VUM92N5CEQ58T/image-asset.jpeg)
Bonu deCaires
labor support doula and childbirth educator
Serving NYC, Northern NJ & Surrounding Areas
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8df321fb5f030234e84e88/1590178325220-VLMQOFCW1NYPF69R8QLL/image-asset.jpeg)
What is a doula and
why might I need one?
Doula. verb and a noun. [doo • lah]
Originating from the Greek word meaning to serve; a person experienced in childbirth who provides, information, emotional support, and physical comfort to parents before, during, and just after childbirth.
Why hire a doula?
Doulas provide unequaled support leading to a more positive birth and postpartum experience for the whole family. In addition, doula support has been proven to improve medical outcomes. Numerable studies show that doulas lower the need for interventions including cesarean surgery, increase breastfeeding rates, lower the rate of pre-term birth and the possibility of intensive care hospitalization for the baby after birth. Doulas bridge the gaps in modern medical care to humanize and individualize care for you and your baby in pregnancy, birth and postpartum.
I'm here to make this transition easier. As an expert on all things birth and baby-related, I aim to be your personal guide and supporter as you make the transition into parenting.
A Little About Me
I strive to provide nonjudgemental, respectful, and heartfelt care to my clients. My goal is to support your choices as you define them.
I have attended births as a labor support doula since 2000. I am one of the most experienced labor support doulas in the country and also train new doulas and childbirth educators. I am a lifelong learner and constantly attend conferences and workshops to sharpen my knowledge and stay current for the families I serve. I combine my strong academic background in the sciences with a deep knowledge of body dynamics, and a willingness to provide strong physical support through labor and birth.
I have taught childbirth, newborn care, and breastfeeding classes to thousands of families since 2004. I started at the independent education center Realbirth from 2004 to 2010 and taught for TriBeCa Pediatrics from 2011 to 2023.
I have mentored aspiring childbirth educators through CEA/MNY and evaluated them for certification. I am a DONA-certified Birth Doula Trainer and was personally trained by Penny Simkin, one of the founders of DONA.
As a mother myself, I'm passionate about childbirth, and just love spending time with babies!
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8df321fb5f030234e84e88/1590420346578-T6VR4ENAYQGVU1NXRNEJ/image-asset.jpeg)
How does it work?
Prenatal Support.
We will discuss your preferences for the birth in great detail including preparation of your body, pain coping, your partner’s role (if you have one), communication with your care providers and how best I can support you (both) through this process. This thorough preparation will help you not only know your choices but work on specific strategies to avoid the need for interventions. We will face your fears together and alleviate your concerns through information and preparation. I aim to support you in a way that will result in a smoother labor through mental and physical preparation.
Availability.
You can contact me by email, phone, or video chat starting from the date of hire with any questions or concerns that you may have. Having your own highly experienced expert to reach out to anytime can be so helpful. Sometimes you aren’t sure what you have questions about, so also expect packets of highly curated information, and a detailed birth preferences sample to help you know what questions to ask that you may not even have thought of.
Labor Support.
I will be on call 24-7 for the four weeks around your due date. For those birthing in the hospital, I prefer to meet you at home in labor if possible and help you travel to the hospital and figure out when is the right time in labor to go. I will support you through the labor physically, emotionally, and by providing information to aid with decision making. I am experienced with relaxation techniques, positioning, hydrotherapy, massage, hypnosis, breathing, visualization, pain medications and other methods of pain management. I am happy to help your partner or other support person be more engaged or to aid them in staying calm during this intense occasion. I make a specific effort to bring the best out of the medical staff and engage everyone to work as a team.
Postpartum Support.
After the birth, my role is to help ensure that you have an oasis of calm interaction with your newborn. We will be in close contact during the days following the birth. I will then follow up with a home visit, usually within a week after the birth. This visit can include help with breastfeeding, healing, adjustment, soothing techniques for the baby, using a wrap or carrier, diapering as well as numerous other postpartum and newborn care issues.
While I am primarily a birth doula I do offer Postpartum Doula Services for families whose births I have attended. Unlike most Postpartum Doulas I am totally flexible with my families and do not require any commitment to a certain number of sessions. As your Postpartum Doula I am here to offer you non-judgmental, highly informative support in finding your own way as a new mother and family.
Scientific background.
Over 20 years of experience.
Education
Bachelors of Science: Biology - Amherst College. Graduated Magna Cum Laude
Masters of Science: Nutritional Science - University of Massachusetts. 4.0 GPA.
Completed a year of post graduate coursework in Anatomy and Physiology: Hunter University, CUNY
Certification & Training
Certified Labor Support Doula and Labor Doula Trainer through Doulas of North America
Certified Cooperative Childbirth Educator through The Childbirth Education Association of Metropolitan New York (CEA/MNY)
Served on the CEA/MNY Board of Directors and currently a senior member of their education committee
Certified in adult and infant CPR and neonatal resuscitation
Certified Breastfeeding Counselor
Certified HypnoDoula
Completed Two Spinning Babies Training Workshops
Experience with Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, Twins, High-risk Birth, Homebirth, Water Birth and more.
Doula Services Package
My doula service package includes extensive and personalized advice and resources to help you develop the right birthing plan and experience for you.
I will provide you with up to date, scientific advice and information on everything from nutrition to pain management techniques. In addition, I provide two home visits (one prenatal and one postpartum), unlimited phone and email support, at-home and birthing location labor support, and help with postpartum, breastfeeding and newborn care.
If you are interested in working with me please contact me for a free consultation to see if we are a good fit, and for all of your questions to be answered in a more personal format. A Doula's role is an intimate one, and it’s very important that you feel comfortable in our connection.
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8df321fb5f030234e84e88/1586395438104-YDEUDG2TK9PF75XD4G8I/image-asset.jpeg)
“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”
—Dr. John H. Kennell
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8df321fb5f030234e84e88/1591560372636-DQRP48F1DK8WL1M7JEVB/image-asset.jpeg)
![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e8df321fb5f030234e84e88/1590174334068-65M1J8EZLPNGTK4X9XXG/image-asset.jpeg)
Book a Free Consultation
Get in touch for a free consultation to determine if we are a good fit and if my services are right for you and your childbirth journey.