About

JOY SMITH, BIRTH DOULA

Trained as a Birth Doula in 2003 by Penny Simkin, noted author and co-founder of DONA International, Joy brings a wealth of experience in birth work and has attended over 100 births.  She has always had an interest in pregnancy and childbirth, but it wasn’t until birthing her own babies that the passion for helping others navigate their births was sparked. From 2004-2006 Joy completed her training in the art of homebirth through WomanCraft Midwifery School and gained further birth experience through her subsequent apprenticeship. Joy’s belief that emotional preparation is the key to a positive birth experience inspired her to become a Childbirth Mentor under the Birthing From Within philosophy so that she could compassionately guide parents on their unique birth journey. In 2014 Joy added to her birth work by becoming a Level II Reiki Practitioner and now enjoys bringing this gentle healing art form to pregnancy, birth and all who can benefit from physical and emotional healing. Joy is a mother to five amazing children, “Nani” to a sweet grandson, and a passionate homeschooler.

CHEYENNE BELL, BIRTH DOULA

Cheyenne is a DONA International certified birth doula. Her journey into the medical field began when she was a child and witnessed her mother give birth; this experience sparked an enduring passion for childbirth and began her commitment to supporting women through the sacred process of giving birth. She has found her calling as a doula. Cheyenne values the uniqueness of each birth and believes in providing tailored support. Her approach is marked by compassion, kindness, and a deep sense of faith in the beauty of childbirth. With Cheyenne by their side, mothers can trust in her unwavering belief in their strength and resilience, knowing she’ll provide the support they need to navigate this transformative experience with confidence and comfort.

As a black woman, Cheyenne possesses a profound understanding of the specific needs and challenges faced by women of color throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum journeys. Her lived experiences, combined with her comprehensive training in doula care, uniquely qualify Cheyenne to provide culturally competent support, advocacy, and empowerment to women of color. As a Doula, Cheyenne ensures that women of color receive the compassionate, respectful, and quality care they deserve during this transformative phase of life.

Cheyenne is a VBAC-Endorsed Birth Doula and has completed training as a Postpartum Doula, Childbirth Educator and with Spinning Babies. She recently completed her Master of Science Degree in Health Information Management in 2023. Devoted to expanding her areas of expertise, Cheyenne is currently pursuing her certification to become a Lactation Counselor. Additionally, Cheyenne is a Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist, performs Traditional Haitian Belly Binding, and offers Traditional Haitian Vaginal Steaming.

JENNY PUTNAM, BIRTH DOULA

Jenny is a DONA-certified Birth Doula, VBAC Link-trained VBAC Doula, PAIL (Pregnancy and Infant Loss) Advocate, and a CAPPA-trained Childbirth Educator. Her passion for supporting birthing people goes back many years to the mid-1990s, when she acted as labor companion for a pair of close friends. The experience literally changed her life, and pursuing a career in birth support became a long-harbored dream.  In 2017 she made the decision to put aside her long-standing career as a graphic designer, and train to become a birth doula. Since then she has had the privilege of supporting over 60 birthing people on their journey through pregnancy, labor, and birth. Her approach is client-focused and evidence-based, using a variety of resources and techniques to assist her clients in making informed decisions, and preparing for their ideal birth.

When she’s not supporting birthing clients, Jenny does book design for independent authors. She also enjoys kayaking the beautiful lakes and rivers near her home, knitting, exploring the history of New England, and gardening.

Jenny supports births in the greater Boston area and southern New Hampshire.

ERIN NABNEY, BIRTH DOULA

Erin is a DONA International™ certified birth doula living in Roslindale with her fiancé and rescue cat Beans. Her passion as a doula is to ensure the families she works with have adequate information and agency to make their own empowered decisions, every step of the way through pregnancy and birth. She has completed training in Childbirth Education and Breastfeeding Support.

Originally from London, England, Erin first became interested in birth work when she moved to Boston 8 years ago: she was surprised at how different the cultural interpretations of birth are in America compared to in the U.K. She fell down the rabbit hole learning more about the different experiences of birth around the world, and has never looked back!

Growing up Erin was deeply influenced by the women in her family and friendship groups. It is her desire to continue the traditions of community and sisterhood surrounding birth that have prevailed in cultures throughout history, and encourage the innate peace, power, and agency that is within all the people she has the honor of supporting.

Erin supports families and births of all kinds across the Greater Boston Area.