Meet Us
Debbie Rotunno
I have been a labor support and postpartum doula since 1998. My first encounter with birth was supporting my sister-in-law 1995 as she birthed my first niece (while I was pregnant myself). Thanks to this experience as well as my own birth experiences, I pursued becoming a doula. Over the years I have been privileged to attend all of my nieces and nephews’ births, as well as many good friends.
Since then I have added to my doula profession, Post-birth Doula, Placenta Preparation Specialist, Lamaze Childbirth Education, Certified Hypnobirthing Instructor, La Leche League Peer Support Breastfeeding Counselor and led me to create a unique class; “Bringing Baby Home; A Survival Guide to the First Six Weeks”.
I am one of the original founders of the Long Island Doula Association and sat as President for fourteen (14) years. I continue to be involved in the association as the Postpartum Doula trainer and the Business of Being a Doula course.
I have extensive training to support families suffering from postpartum depression and sat on the Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMADs) Task Force. I have supported many families during this trying time and having had postpartum depression in my own family, I can relate to how a mom (and her family) may be feeling.
I believe pregnancy and childbirth is and amazing passage in every birthing person's life and I strive to make it the best experience possible for those families, before during and after the birth.
Danielle Joseph-McKay
I have had a passion for birth since I was a young girl. With the birth of each of of my five children, I have learned more about the female body and the natural labor process. It's not just that birth matters, but how it happens also holds great significance. The birth of every new baby is also the birth of a new parent.
This passion for natural birth is restored each time I meet a new birthing couple. I feel blessed to have the knowledge to help educate women and their partners during such a special time in their lives. I believe every birthing person deserves to experience her pregnancy and birth with confidence and support from those around her. As part of the Lamaze Philosophy of Birth, I also believe that pregnancy and birth are normal, natural and healthy. My goal is to empower birthing families through education and support to achieve the positive experiences they are looking for.
I have been a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator and Birth Doula since 2002. I am a volunteer La Leche League Leader, and in 2011, I also became an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding is a natural process, but it doesn’t always come easy to all. This is something I know, firsthand. My early breastfeeding experiences with my first two children were less than blissful in those early days. It was fortunate enough to receive incredible help and support that made my breastfeeding journey a successful one. That inspired me to do the same for others. Anything that is worth doing will take perseverance. I am honored to be able to help parents and babies reach the state of complete symbiosis that is breastfeeding/chestfeeding.
Along with Debbie, I am one of the original founders of the Long Island Doula Association and sat on the Board for twelve (12) years. In addition to the above, I am a Certified Placenta Arts Specialist, Post-birth Doula and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) Support Group Facilitator. It is my goal to be able to offer a full range of services to birthing people in the community. It gives me such pleasure to offer services that are customized for the birthing person's unique needs.