CHOOSING JOY
Own Your Journey
I take a holistic approach in providing competent and compassionate care to mothers and their partners along the childbirth continuum. My goal is to empower women to trust their intuition and to provide evidence-based data to facilitate informed decision making.
I’m looking forward to connecting with you and assisting you with achieving your unique birthing goals.
WELCOME
Partner with Choosing Joy along your birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding journeys! Learn more about my services below and book your complimentary consultation today!
Choosing Joy services NJ, some parts of NY (Staten Island and Lower Manhattan) and PA (Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton and King of Prussia).
WHAT IS
A DOULA?
Doula work embodies the tradition of women holding space for and supporting pregnant women along their journey to motherhood. It is based upon four tenets: physical and emotional support, evidenced-based information and advocacy.
Often, we act as liaisons between our client’s and their providers to remove barriers in accessing accurate data and in knowing what questions to ask and when to ask them. Our role has expanded in recent years, particularly among black women, as the maternal mortality rate remains increased.
Research suggests improved patient and newborn outcomes with continuous one-on-one doula support.
SERVICES
Childbirth Doula Package (starting at $1,850)
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2 prenatal appointments
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Labor support from active phase to 2 hours post-delivery
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Lactation support
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Telephone, text, and email support
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1 postpartum visit plus 6 weeks telehealth support
Postpartum Doula Package
(starting at $65/hour)
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Assistance with recovery
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Assistance with newborn care
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Light housework and light meal prepping
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Breastfeeding support
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Assistance with nursery organizing
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Referral to local resources
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Local errands
Bundle of Joy
(starting at $3,550)
This package combines the amenities of the childbirth and postpartum packages at a discount of $250. Package includes three weeks of postpartum support (minimum of 10 hours/wk.) Quoted rate reflects daytime hours.
Breastfeeding Workshop ($50 per couple)
Designed to be taken prenatally, this course introduces couples to the basics of breastfeeding including benefits, breast anatomy and function, latching, positioning, how to know if your baby is getting enough milk, pumping, troubleshooting, etc.
Lactation Counseling Session
(starting at $75/hr)
Breastfeeding is natural, however finding a rhythm doesn’t always happen naturally. This 1-hour session is designed to increase confidence and empower you while nursing! I assess and troubleshoot common breastfeeding hang-ups in real time.
MEET YOUR
DOULA
My name is Shanita Joy!
I am certified as a birth and postpartum doula, as well as a childbirth and perinatal educator. I also hold a certification in lactation counseling (with 90 hours toward becoming an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant). In addition, I am trained in home birthing and I specialize in twin births, waterbirths and NICU graduate postpartum clients. My background includes over 1,000 hours of delivery, operating room/recovery room and breastfeeding experience.
I’ve been happily married for 11 years and my husband and I have 4 daughters! My passion for mothers and babies began at age 10. I went on to pursue a career as a registered nurse 14 years ago and graduated with a bachelor’s of science in nursing in 2015. After working in labor and delivery, I desired a more intimate role with my patients. Doula work was just the niche I was looking for in women’s health.
As a woman’s woman, I’m naturally able to empathize with women and establish a strong rapport. My professional and personal backgrounds afford me a unique understanding of the complexities that are involved from conception through delivery and thereafter. There is a profound need for ongoing support and nurturing along this journey. I’m an advocate for all women, especially those in the black community as maternal mortality disparities are great. I have collaborated with YoungLives to promote positive birth outcomes within this demographic. I’ve also partnered with Pacify Health as a virtual doula, providing care to underserved populations via Medicaid. Lastly, Choosing Joy is a proud provider with Baby, Please Birth Services Agency LLC and listed as an approved doula at the Birth Center of New Jersey.
Think of me as comparable to a wedding planner for your pregnancy needs and beyond! From prenatal to postpartum care, I take pride in facilitating the process of women owning their journeys as they navigate motherhood.
PROFESSIONAL
AFFLIATIONS
CLIENT
TESTIMONIALS
Upon our free consultation, I felt more at peace and educated upon things I was not aware of. She is an actual registered nurse, which put her a step ahead in the game in my book. Shanita has gone above and beyond what she charges. I’ve learned more about my body with her resources in less than 2 months than I have with other medical professionals in my life. I have nothing but peace going through this process knowing I have someone with my best interest at hand. Don’t walk, RUN to Choosing Joy doula services!
J. W.
Childbirth Services
Since our meeting my baby seems less fussy! My stress level is down and my confidence is up! My pumping output is up to 7oz per session, and I have 292 oz stockpiled in my freezer! Thanks for your help and consistency! I like that you follow up and didn’t just dump me!
Thanks again for your genuine support and passion for this awesome field. I’m forever grateful!
K. G.
Lactation Counseling Session
My husband and I hired Shanita for support during my 4th trimester. My biggest concerns were proper recovery (from a c-section delivery) and lactation support. Even before we welcomed my daughter, Shanita provided a wealth of information and advice based on my client intake form. After delivery, it was like having a sister at home with me to help with the baby and also help me with nursing. One instance that stands out for me, was when I was having trouble standing. My husband brought me to the ER and Shanita was right there with us. It was very reassuring to have someone with her background and expertise there to support us during that time. Also, as a mom herself, Shanita provided some PRO TIPS that has helped me save time and stress. If you’re looking for a postpartum doula, look no further - Choose Joy…
A. C.
Postpartum Services
Shanita is absolutely amazing. I can't express in words how grateful I am for her support during my labor. She was there the entire time next to me for 20 hours during my labor. Her physical presence, calm demeanor and most importantly, her emotional support kept me going. Her medical background and thoughtful manner helped keep all the medical staff in the room at ease. My doctor was very impressed with her professionalism and commented on how she has never met a doula so dedicated to her client like she was with me. I had a positive labor experience because of her and don't know how I would have done it without her
N. S.
Childbirth Services
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the next steps after the consultation?
A nonrefundable deposit of $550 ($800 for Bundle of Joy) is required at the time of e-signing the contract, along with intake forms. Invoices are payable via Zelle, credit/debit card.
Payment plans available. I am also a partner of BeHerVillage.
Do you
accept
insurance?
I do not accept insurance. Please verify with your carrier as you may be able to submit your invoices and be reimbursed directly. I am able to process HSA and FSA account payments.
Is there a such thing as too early to begin services?
Absolutely not! The sooner we connect in your pregnancy, the earlier we can begin to establish a working relationship. I thrive on genuine interactions and garnering trust with all my clients. Please note that there is a surcharge of 10% per week beginning at 28 weeks gestation.
