About Me

Hello! I’m Jessica Apfel (she/her), a seasoned birth worker, yoga teacher, and space holder for one of the most transformational moments of your life.

My journey into birth work began through through my work with Exhale to Inhale, a non-profit organization that offers trauma-informed yoga to trauma-informed yoga to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. While teaching in a domestic abuse shelter, I felt a deep calling to support people in reclaiming agency in their bodies and experiencing empowerment from within. That calling led me to birth work.

I have since had the privilege of training with incredible midwives, doulas, and teachers from around the world. My background includes DONA International’s Gentle Birth Doula Retreat in Bali with Debra Pascali-Bonaro and Ibu Robin Lim, two years of mentorship with Manhattan Birth, and received my birth doula certification with Birth Arts International. I also completed a culturally immersive clinical training and maternal advocacy training with Wombs of the World in Tanzania - experiences that continue to inform my inclusive, culturally aware approach.

Having supported over 100 families in New York City and internationally, I bring an inclusive, nonjudgmental approach to every birth. Inclusivity and diversity is embodied into how I function as birth worker, and I always aim to listen, learn, and lean into how I can serve as an ally for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. I deeply honor that no two births (or families) are the same.

I bring a grounded, intuitive presence with a touch of “laid back Type A” precision. I’m the person you want in your corner when things feel big - equal parts calm, knowledgeable, nurturing, and deeply attuned. I advocate when needed, soften the edges when things feel intense, and help you stay connected to your body, your voice, and your choices. And when it’s needed most, I bring a keen sense of humor (known for my witty one liners and rotation of nerdy birth t-shirts) to lighten the moment and keep things real. As I often say “one foot in woo, one foot in medicine.”

When I am not attending births, I enjoy hanging out in Prospect Park or the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, creative projects like photography, traveling the world, or exploring New York City through foodie adventures (especially coffee shops and bakeries!) I am based in Brooklyn, New York.

Births I Have Supported

Hospital Births
Home Births
VBACs (and VBA3C)
Epidurals
Unmedicated hospital births
Labor Inductions
High-risk families
Single parents
LGBTQ+ families
NICU stays