Joan Sherwood

Birth & Postpartum Doula
Brooklyn, New York
29 years of experience
5.0
About me

I am Joan Sherwood, founder of Peaceful Beginnings To You. My calling to become a doula was born from a personal experience. During the birth of my child, I was left alone in a hospital room without any support. My spouse and brother were sent home because I was not in active labor. My water had broken, so I was admitted, and I faced the daunting process of labor alone, in a secluded area until it was time to push. This experience, where I delivered a 9 -pound, 2-ounce baby without my loved one's present, ignited my passion to ensure that no other person would have to endure such solitude. My journey as a doula began 25 years ago when I assisted a family member through labor. Since then, I have been a source of support and guidance for family and friends, which eventually led me to pursue certification as a birth doula through DONA International. I am deeply committed to holistic birth and postpartum care, and my extensive training reflects this dedication. My education includes a Family Development Credential, studies at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, the Center for Homeopathic Education, and the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences. I am also a certified Calm Birth Instructor, Infant Massage Instructor Trainer, Womb Sauna Practitioner, and have received postpartum training from Indigemama, BirthMama, Traditional Postpartum Practitioner, and Birth Arts International. My approach to doula care is centered on the needs of the laboring person. I come with no preconceived notions, and I remain as fluid and flexible as possible to meet the evolving needs of each individual. In addition, to running my private doula practice, I have provided doula care to underserved communities as a doula and doula mentor for a federally funded program in Brooklyn.

Education

Occupational Sciences (2008)

Certification and training

Birth Doula, certified DONA (2008)

Homeopath (2014)

Family Development Credential (2016)

Certified Infant Massage Instructor (2010)

Certified Womb Practitioner (2015)

Massage Therapy (2008)

Calm Birth Practitioner (2008)

Certified Holistic Health Coach (2000)

Certified Lactation Couselor (2010)

Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist (2010)

Memberships and affiliations

The Womb Collective

Credentials
CD (DONA) CHC
Specialties
Abnormal Bleeding Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Anxiety Aromatherapy Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Birth and Lactation Birth Assistant Birth Doula Birth Support Birth Trauma Breastfeeding Assistance and Support Breastfeeding Support Cesarean, Episiotomy and Scar Pain Fibroids Health Coach Healthy Eating Home Birth Infertility Labor Doula Menopause Management Mindfulness Multiples Natural Birth Newborn Care Newborn Prep Pain Management Parenting Support Pelvic Pain Postpartum Doula Care Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Pre/Post Natal Pain and Weakness Recurrent Miscarriages Relaxation Techniques Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Vaginal Steam
Languages

English

Service introduction

Birth Preference Planning Breastfeeding support Calm Birth Meditation sessions Continuous Labor Support in Active Nutritional Counseling Postpartum Lying-In planning Postpartum Care Services to restore body and womb: Abdominal Wraps Yoni/Vagi/ Womb Steaming Preconception- Fertility Doula Coaching Baby Concierge

Ratings and reviews
Average
5.0
# of Reviews
6
5.0

Joan was my doula for both my pregnancies, one in 2014 for my now 8 year old and again during the pandemic for my 2 year old. I highly recommend Joan she provided such consistent support during both pregnancy, while birthing and postpartum. I was so fortune because Joan is just naturally resourceful and intuitive and she was right by my side every step the way. To this day I consider her such an empowering and beautiful human being and I am thankful that she was with me on my journey into motherhood -- I would choose her again and again and again!!!

- Donauta S.

5.0

Joan is very knowledgeable about many different methods and services. It can be a combination of Reiki, Homeopathy, and Nutrition to say the least. She's knows pretty much everything about everything, I think! I've been blessed by meeting her and very thankful! She's my go to person.

- Kendra G.

5.0

I highly recommend Joan S. She is dedicated to providing exceptional service to all of her clients. She addressed all physical, cultural and emotional concerns both my husband and I had around the birth and the postpartum period which helped ease my nerves as a first time mom. When I discovered I had pre-eclampsia and would deliver early, she explained all possible outcomes, helped me make informed decisions, and kept me calm and focused during delivery. Following birth, Joan continuously checks in which I appreciate because there are several questions I had about both baby and I that books just don’t answer. If I could give her more stars I would.

- Krystle P.

5.0

Joan is extremely passionate about what she does. As a doula, she is compassionate and very sensitive to her client and their family’s needs. My daughter had pre-eclampsia and delivered four weeks early. This was my daughter’s first baby and my first grandchild. Joan’s depth of knowledge eased our anxieties and concerns, also that of other family members as she shared what to expect during the birthing process. She was calm, advised breathing techniques and provided emotional support before and after the birth. Joan advised breastfeeding and instantly observed the baby was not latching correctly and recommended a specialist. The baby had a tongue tie and lip tie. Which has now been corrected. We are grateful for Joan’s services and experience. Joan is simply the best at what she does.

- Georgia S.

5.0

Working with Ms Joan was and still is the best purchase/investment I made for my pregnancy. My pregnancy was not planned and I dealt with a tremendous amount of personal challenges. It was a time I went inward while trying to manage all that was in my head and on my heart. But having Ms Joan truly helped me clarify what it was that God wanted me to do. With such an overflow of emotions, it's very challenging at times to hear my sacred voice. And this was one of those times. Nevertheless, Ms Joan rode with me throughout the ENTIRE journey, and still is. My birth plan was non-traditional as I chose to give birth in Canada and to have a homebirth. Ms Joan was apart of the planning and preparing EVERY step of the way, connecting with my Canadian midwives and support staff. And even despite my birth preferences being thrown out the window due to some unforseen complications, I never felt stressed because Ms Joan had prepared me for ALL possibilities and pathways. Nevertheless, she was there, connected to family and friends the entire time, making this birth a holistic experience. Even now, Ms Joan and I are very much connected. Her support and services literally just continue through birth and life with baby. Not that birth is any easy feat, but it's temporary. All that comes after you give birth is continuous. And having a wealth of knowledge and support like Ms Joan is worth its weight in gold. Please feel free to reach out to me if you are considering hiring Ms Joan and would appreciate a first hand account. My email is Tlhenry2015@gmail.com. I truly hope mt review helps.

- Tiffany H.

5.0

My experience was excellent. She helped me through my whole birthing process from the beginning to the end. And she walked me through different birthing techniques that would help me feel at ease and feel comfortable while going through contractions. She was great overall and even after having my baby she still checks on me and my baby as well she’s just amazing at what she does.

- Kiana W.

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