CHOOSING JOY
Own Your Journey
I take a holistic approach in providing competent and compassionate care to mothers and families along the childbirth continuum. My goal is to empower women to trust their bodies 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
Choosing Joy is a one stop shop for your childbirth, postpartum, and breastfeeding needs!
My services are available in NJ, parts of NY (Brooklyn, Staten Island & Lower to Mid Manhattan) and parts of PA (Allentown, Bethlehem & Easton).
Book your complimentary consultation today to learn more!
TheeRNDoula
Experience
There are many benefits to having a doula that is also a registered nurse! As a woman’s-woman and extroverted-introvert, I desire a more personal connection with my clients than what I could establish in one shift. I want to make them feel comfortable by knowing that they have a rapport with someone in the room. A true advocate that prioritizes their well-being and interests over that of the institution that they’re delivering in.
My model of practice focuses heavily on the incorporation of teaching evidence-based information that can be easily digested. Despite how cliche the saying is, knowledge really is power! In addition, I marry my experience as a wife and mother of four girls (20, 11, 7 & 4) into the gumbo that is my framework. There’s a great chance that I’ve experienced similar concerns as my clients during pregnancy after all, I’m parenting across the lifespan. My anecdotes are relatable and give practical perspective to my families.
I pride myself on having knowledge of the anatomical & physiological nuisances of birth. One critical thing that I find to be missing during the labor process is the correlation between the mother’s position and the baby’s as they attempt to navigate the pelvis. Knowing how to reposition a mother at just the right time can decrease the length of labor, ease pain and minimize unnecessary interventions, namely cesarean sections. While I’m not there in a clinical capacity, I understand the lingo. I read the room as both RN and doula and assist my clients by putting high level medical jargon in a manner that is less alarming. Why not have the best of both worlds?
SERVICES
Childbirth Doula Package (starting at $1,850)
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2 prenatal appointments (birth planning included)
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Labor support from active phase to 2 hours post-delivery
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Lactation support
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Nutrition coaching
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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. Recently, I was accepted into the 2023 cohort of Evidence Based Birth instructors in training (EBB course offerings coming early 2024)! As a certified breastfeeding counselor, I am currently studying to become an internationally board certified lactation consultant. My background includes over 2,500 hours of delivery, operating room/recovery room and breastfeeding experience. In addition, I am trained in home birthing and I specialize in high-risk pregnancies, twin births, waterbirths and NICU graduate postpartum clients. As a practicing registered nurse, at The Birth Center of New Jersey, I'm also skilled in low-risk and natural births in the birthing center and hospital settings.
My passion for mothers and babies began as a young girl. I went on to pursue a career as a registered nurse 15 years ago and graduated with an Associate of Applied Arts in Science degree in 2008 and a Bachelor of Science in nursing in 2015. After working in labor and delivery at St. Peter's, I desired a closer role with my patients. Doula work was just the niche I was looking for in women’s health.
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. We are often unaware of our baseline health information which in combination with systemic racism in healthcare yields very poor outcomes. I invest time into teaching my clients practical ways to prevent and recognize conditions of pregnancy as well as natural management of pregnancy symptoms.
I'm a proud collaborator with YoungLives to promote positive birth outcomes within the teen mom demographic. I’ve also partnered with PacifyApp as a virtual doula and content creator, providing care to underserved populations via Medicaid. Lastly, Choosing Joy is listed as an approved doula at the Birth Center of New Jersey.
I use my collective experience to infuse joy into your child's first birthday, amplify the voices of black women and other women of color in the birthing space and to dismantle the barriers to receiving appropriate healthcare.
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.
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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.
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​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.
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