I count my blessings that Dr. Viscarello and his fabulous nurse Shirley accepted me as a pregnant…read morepatient. I'm 6 weeks post-partum, having had a c-section. Firstly, if you end up needing a c-section, he actually performs a more thorough procedure than other surgeons in the area; He sutures back all 7 layers of tissue that are separated. I was surprised to learn that this is not standard. Google it! I read about this 7 layer difference in the book "Strategies of a C-section Mom." I haven't experienced it any other way, but anecdotally I feel that this method is superior. Dr. V also uses disappearing stitches rather than the kind that you have to remove, or (yuck!) staples. Plus, he never paternalized or made big decisions for me. He presented me with medical info, and allowed me to make decisions for myself. Something else I must praise them for: Shirley knew I was nervous. So she arranged to meet me outside of office hours just to personally tour me around the hospital and breakdown exactly what the experience would go like. She held me during my spinal and helped me through my anxiety. I think she has some specialty in anxious patients--and boy is that important for first time pregnant women! I literally can't say enough positive things about this practice. Everyone I know who has used them feels the same way. His staff speaks with such love and respect about Dr. V., and they all seem to use his for their own birth experiences. They really care about the long term welfare of their patients. They care deeply about preventing future complication like adhesions. They cared about and treated me as an individual patient, rather than falling back on rote procedure. Oh man, all I can say is that they are the best. I feel privileged that they birthed my baby. I will never forget their kindness.

Do yourself a favor and keep looking for a doctor, even if you've been referred to this doctor,…read morejust don't do it! You'll feel like me, uncared for. The front office staff is completely disrespectful, rude and disorganized. They don't know what you're there for and which appointment is which. I basically felt like I was a pushover and "just another number". The minute you walk into the place it feels like time stopped for them in 2007.. I think I even saw a magazine the from 2012.. that's beside the point. I am about 4 months and everything was going fine until I got a call from the office saying I missed an appointment early on that day. I immediately asked how is this possible, I only scheduled one appointment that was two weeks away. Grace who was on the phone continued to argue with me saying I definitely missed it so I continued to defend myself and say I never missed an appointment nor was I ever late. She said "you missed it and that's that". Knowing I am pregnant and obviously stressed and super uncomfortable and didn't care to diffuse the situation instead kept arguing. She finally said there's an opening tomorrow and I can come in. I agreed and hung up the phone in an even more stressed out state. But it was settled. A few minutes later I get a phone call from the nurse Shirley who by the way pretty much runs the place and often plays "doctor". She immediately says she doesn't like the way the phone call went with Grace at the front desk and wanted me to apologize if I wanted to continue going there . I quickly said no thanks and hung up. She then tried calling again and again until finally she left a nasty voicemail asking how I'd like my medical record sent. This was below the line !!! I started thinking about what just happened and was in total disbelief. Did they forget I am the patient? That I am pregnant and stress should be eliminated? So if I did miss an appointment and maybe forgot to write it down was that a reason to act the way they did? Terrible!!!! I am now in the middle of my term and have to start all over... that's stress !!! I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Viscarello once, it took 2 hours to see him. Yes that's how long you have to wait to see a doctor, after months if going there. So my suggestion stays.... Keep away

Marissa's Prana Yoga class stands out as a truly unique experience. It seamlessly blends education…read moreand exercise in an elegant manner, specifically tailored for expectant mothers before, during, and after childbirth. Marissa, a seasoned expert and innovator in alternative solutions for expectant parents, has thoughtfully curated this class with inclusivity as its guiding principle. Her goal is to provide a safe haven for expectant mothers, where they can feel fully included. This specialized course caters to the unique needs of moms-to-be, ensuring they can practice yoga without feeling overwhelmed or out of place. Prana Yoga is where expectant mothers can find the perfect balance. My wife was breached, and Marissa was very patient, caring and went out of her way to help teach my wife exercises after classes had ended. She's such a kind person who really cares about people and loves what she does.

I know most people get through pregnancy and labor without Prana classes and instructors, but I…read moretruly don't know how! I took weekly prenatal yoga classes with Sarah, Dee and Judi from 12 weeks right up until my water broke. Not only did these weekly sessions help with the physical afflictions that are inevitable with pregnancy (including my horrific sciatic pain), but they helped keep my mind in the right place and prepared me for labor in both body and mind. Hearing from and being around other pregnant women each week was comforting -- like a little mini pregnancy support group. I truly looked forward to these classes and still miss them today. Dee's Yoga for Labor class not only provided me with critical tips about how to ease the pains of contraction and pushing and keep my mind calm throughout labor, but gave my husband a sense of purpose and turned him into the most spectacular labor coach. The community that I found at Prana during pregnancy has become my mom community, too. We all have our babies now and support each other online and some still see each other in person, too. When I (hopefully) get pregnant again, I will be back for weekly classes! I can't say enough good things about Sarah, Dee and Judi. Thank you, ladies, for the comfort and perspective you've brought me and so many others during this amazing time of change and growth!

I can't imagine going through my pregnancy without Colleen. She is compassionate, unbelievably…read moresupportive, and highly knowledgeable. From the moment we hired her, she sent over so much information that helped guide me throughout the rest of the pregnancy. Each week she has an optional support group offered for you to check in and ask questions about where you are and what you are feeling. It was fantastic hearing what other pregnant folks were experiencing at different stages to get a head start preparing. This is so clearly Colleen's passion and my husband and I felt at ease from the moment we met her. I'm so grateful for all she did to help me throughout this incredible journey. We love you Colleen!!

When my husband and I found out we were pregnant, we felt uninformed about the birthing process and…read moreonly knew what most deem a "normal" hospital delivery. We have heard of women giving birth unmedicated and wanted to learn more about our options. We reached out to Colleen for support after she came recommended from a work colleague and friend. Upon an initial virtual visit with Colleen, we immediately felt a sense of comfort and empowerment. She supplied us with a plethora of resources to grow our knowledge of evidence-based births that contradicted much of the "mainstream" information that we have received. Colleen guided us in four major ways. The first was to set a foundation to prepare us for the birth of our daughter. She introduced us to Evidence Based Births, Hypnobirthing, Spinning Babies, and other holistic approaches to prepare for labor. She met with us in person to understand our goals, teach birthing techniques and baby basics class! Second, Colleen supported my emotional needs. I am naturally an anxious individual and seek feelings of security in my experiences and with whom I meet. My trust and confidence in Colleen only grew over the course of my pregnancy. She was always accessible when I had a question or needed reassurance. Not only did she answer my questions, but she provided us with articles, links and/or resources. Additionally, her prenatal and postnatal groups fostered a sense of community among the women with whom she works. Third, Colleen helped make the labor and delivery of our daughter what we imagined. Colleen was in contact with my husband from the beginning of my labor to guide us through every step. When she arrived, my husband said I bolted straight for her! Both my husband and I were overall more relaxed and comfortable knowing Colleen was there. She is highly knowledgeable about techniques to help women through surges and deliver without an epidural. She helped us advocate for the experience we envisioned by expressing my birth plan to then nurses when I was unable to do so. I genuinely believe I may not have been successful in my goal of an unmedicated birth without Colleen. Finally, Colleen supported us in the fourth trimester, which many do not hear about or prepare for. She visited with us and discussed my experience giving birth. I almost gave up on breastfeeding more times than I can count. Colleen made me feel like whatever decision I chose regarding breastfeeding was OK and provided encouragement to help me continue as well. She was 100% right to wait until the 3-week mark! I am still breastfeeding now and have successfully started feeding a bottle (with Colleen's suggestions to ensure she wouldn't reject breastfeeding). Colleen also provides an additional service of encapsulating placentas, which we elected to do. I can honestly say I initially did not believe I would feel a difference when taking the pills, but I felt more energized and more emotionally regulated when taking them (opposed to missing a dose). I can say that I appreciate Colleen and what she has done to support us more than she will ever know! While I have known Colleen for about a year, I feel as though I will have a connection with her for life! If my husband and I have more children, there is not doubt Colleen will be present for their births as well.

I'll forever be grateful for the game changer support, expertise, and guidance that I received…read morethroughout my birthing and delivery experience by Stephanie! Her warmth, nurturing, and gentle touch kept me on track and calm (as much as possible) during the most life changing experience of my life! I had challenging delivery and the experience, knowledge, and expertise of Stephanie ensured that I was able to keep going (when I thought I didn't have it in my to go on!) to deliver my baby girl naturally -- as close as possible to my birthing plan. She also ensured that lactation got off to a good start. She helped me through unbearable pain, gave me strength, soothed my fears, and calmed my anxieties by ensuring I had evidence-based support and guidance all throughout. I'm still healing from my birth and will never forget that I couldn't have gotten through it without Stephanie. Thank you for the amazing, miracle work that you do! My husband, baby girl, and I, will always remember your name and how you supported us during such difficult and exhausting days! On top of that, she recommended the best night nurse I could've asked for (still working with her after 5 months!) after I had a bad experience with the one that I originally hired!

I cannot emphasize what a crucial part of my pregnancy and daughter's birth Stephanie was for us…read more Stephanie provided the exact support we needed; from the moment we hired her to the days leading up to my labor to the birth of our daughter to the days after and everything in between. Any question, request, guidance needed - Stephanie was there. She made us feel no shame in asking the smallest questions. She was clear about when something was evidence-based vs her intuition/experience. She never pushed us to do anything and was always supportive of decisions we made. It was important to me and my husband to have a natural birth, which was my main motivation to hire a doula. Truly could not have delivered this baby without Stephanie (I mean, I would have, of course - but likely after much more pain and decisions I would later regret). She was with us on the phone (my husband, mostly) as soon as my water broke and she was with us in person by the time contractions got heavy to get us through the later stages of labor and the pushing/delivery process. Stephanie worked so in sync with the midwife and nurse on my delivery team - it took a village! In addition to Stephanie supporting me, she was also an amazing guide and support to my husband - equipping him with reading materials before delivery and coaching him on best ways to support me throughout labor and delivery. In the days after our baby was born, we talked to Stephanie every day. She visited us to make sure baby was latching properly, showed me some other tips and tricks for feeding, and has continued to provide us with guidance on feeding and pumping and all feeding things! When I become pregnant with baby #2, Stephanie will be among the first to know - could not imagine doing a totally natural birth again without her!

I would highly Recommend based on my experience through my pregnancy, delivery and post partum…read more From the very beginning and at every appointment they took the time to answer questions, give guidance and leave time for discussion . I felt at ease and prepared for my delivery . This is my third baby. I've delivered with both an OB and another Midwife practice. This has been my best experience, not to mention my best recovery, definitely because of how my delivery went. It was not easy to find a midwife practice in westChester but I'm glad I landed here and found a practice that aligned with my vision. From wait time, insurance, prenatal and post natal visits, I could not ask for more.

I wish I never stepped foot into this practice. I chose them for my pregnancy care and it was a…read moreterrible decision. My first annual visit was so pleasant I was excited to receive care here but once I became pregnant the problems started to arise. I did not receive a pregnancy packet of information for a healthy pregnancy or the REQUIRED discussion with their nurse until my 20 week appointment. I was asked if my morning sickness continuing into 20 weeks was a "me problem" I did not receive information meant to be distributed at 28 weeks, until 32 weeks Their website was 10 years outdated and had incorrect information about birth practices at Phelps hospital, when I found this out I tried to contact them to get answers and was pacified being told they would "get to the bottom of this and make sure to get you answers" instead I was scheduled with a new midwife who when I asked about this, I was told she had no idea and didn't know any of the hospital practices. It then took additional weeks for them to not correct their website, but completely remove it. When I continued to bring up my concerns over lack of information on hospital policy I was told I should look into home birth options (it was too late in my pregnancy to find a home birth midwife who was accepting new clients with my due date). I never ended up meeting all the midwives before my delivery I went to the hospital for prodromal labour and was told I should stay since "they were going to induce me tomorrow anyway" but I was never informed of this previously. I opted to leave and was informed by a nurse I needed to sign an AMA that I was choosing to leave. I asked the midwife on call if this was true and she said she did not know the hospital policy. I was constantly being hounded to schedule an induction despite multiple refusals and a MFM doctor telling me my placenta looked healthy and he had no concerns about me waiting until 41+4 to induce. When I did go into labour (not induced) I was terrified to find out that the midwife who I felt completely uncomfortable with due to multiple negative appointments was on call. I told myself I just had to wait 12 hours and a new midwife would be on- nope! Kathy Herron was on call for 24 hours and made my labour so uncomfortable. She was rude, hostile and honestly traumatizing. She laughed at me while I tried to work through labour pain and was having a difficult time. She continually asked me to break my waters which I constantly refused then they "just broke in her hands". I fully believe she broke my water without my consent even though I made it clear that was NOT what I wanted. When it was time to push, I told her I needed a moment to prepare myself mentally and she said "most women would be happy right now". She wanted me to give birth how she wanted and when she wanted. I wish I could give my experience 0 stars and am genuinely afraid for other women to have this same experience.

Franciska was a match made in heaven! I am a single mom by choice. I hired Franciska to be part of…read moremy Post Partum Doula support team. She was so much more. Unfortunately, my labor/delivery Doula became unavailable and her backup was not around either. Franciska ended up picking me up from my home and taking me to the hospital as I was in active labor and I was alone (Due to unfortunate failures on the other doula's not affiliated with Fran). She stayed with me for a couple hours at the hospital while I was continuing to labor until a back up doula arrived. Her methods to sooth me during labor (without epidural) were very helpful. Franciska then returned a couple of days later on my day of discharge to take me and the baby home. She spent the next 8 weeks supporting us day and night. She set the bar so high that anybody else always fell short. My daughter and I adore Franciska. Her foods and snacks were delicious and it helped me significantly recover postpartum and while I was breast-feeding. She also paid very close attention to my health when my OB's dropped the ball on so many things. I ended up getting preeclampsia postpartum and if it wasn't for Franciska, I might've ended up hospitalized. Truly, owe my life to her! She is absolutely amazing!

Fran was an incredible source of support, knowledge, and care throughout my pregnancy and the birth…read moreof our son. My first pregnancy took place during COVID, so I didn't attend any classes or have a doula. For my second pregnancy, I knew I wanted a completely different experience--one where I felt informed, prepared, and supported. Fran exceeded all my expectations. She listened attentively to what would make me feel most comfortable and confident on delivery day, offering tailored guidance on preparatory exercises, essential information, and day-to-day tips for navigating the journey. Her expertise in birth preparation and support was invaluable, and her warm, compassionate approach made all the difference. I feel so fortunate to have had Fran by my side. I only wish I had worked with her during my first pregnancy! Any future pregnancies for myself or others would undoubtedly benefit from her outstanding doula services. I cannot recommend Fran highly enough.

I could not have asked for a more capable, supportive, and wonderful doula than Sooo-z, who played…read morea huge role in helping me achieve the birth experience I wanted. She was a source of immense comfort and reliable expertise at every step, starting with early labor while I was at home, and then over the course of a 15 hour day in the hospital. She came equipped with all kinds of labor support tools that she used at various points throughout the journey, but her gentle, steady, and encouraging demeanor played the most critical role. I felt that she was connected to me the entire time, physically through gentle touch or guiding me through various positions, as well as mentally, offering mantras, listening carefully, and helping me navigate tricky decisions as my labor presented some challenges--she felt like my ally and advocate at every moment, never putting pressure on me, letting me lead and supporting my instincts. Ultimately, we achieved the tremendous feat of an unmedicated natural birth together, and I absolutely know that I would not have been able to reach that goal without her help. One key strength of hers was the way she skillfully navigated working with the rest of the L&D team. Our doctor told us afterwards how impressed she was with Sooo-z's professionalism, her ability to collaborate smoothly with the nurses to get me what I needed, and her absolute focus on me--something they don't always see with doulas. She's also just a delightful person, easy to spend time with, caring and kind, un-fussy and down to earth. I'd recommend her a thousand times over!

I did not have a birth doula, but I contacted Sooo-z in a panic after my daughter was born and…read moredesperately needed support. If I could go back in time and have Sooo-z with me during both my births, I would. In a time during which everything revolved around taking care of my newborn and my toddler, Sooo-z made sure someone was caring for me. From helping with some nursing challenges, to making sure I was nourishing my body (her lactation cookies and spinach smoothies are amazing), to watching my baby so I could sleep, even to washing pumping parts - Sooo-z was a true gift. While I'm over the hump of sleepless newborn nights and days without routine or breaks, I still reach out to Sooo-z for questions, recommendations, or just to chat. She is one of a kind, and anyone who can include her in their birth or postpartum plans is truly lucky.

We absolutely loved our classes with Lisa! The class was informative, supportive, and incredibly…read moreempowering. The classes are extremely comprehensive without feeling overwhelming. We came into class feeling excited but very nervous about this next chapter and left feeling so much more confident and prepared for both birth and the newborn stage. We loved Lisa's thoughtful approach - blending evidence-based information with compassionate, personalized support in a way that felt holistic, reassuring, and never fear-based. 10/10 - Highly recommend to any expecting parents looking for a childbirth class that feels both realistic and deeply supportive! Thank you, Lisa!

Lisa is a gifted educator on all things childbirth and we're SO happy to have attended her 3 day…read moreintensive in-person classes a few months prior to our due date. I was immediately impressed by Lisa's care and high-touch approach when I saw her thoughtful response to my intake form at the time we registered for the program. And throughout the course, Lisa's wealth of knowledge, passion, and genuine desire to help really carried through. She's also a bright ray of sunshine and we really appreciated her warmth and hospitality in what could feel like a long three day class otherwise. We had snacks and drinks, were able to move around freely, sit on the floor, sit on the yoga ball, there are squatty potties in each bathroom, I mean she literally thought of everything in trying to make this experience as comfortable and smooth for us as possible. With each class, we felt more and more confident and well equipped to welcome our baby and of course the added bonus in this being in-person is that we also loved connecting with other couples that we will continue to stay in touch with. I would highly recommend to any couple who's expecting no matter the kind of birth experience you envision for yourseleves.

How I wish I knew Sarah when I was having my children. She is the most hard-working, dedicated…read moreperson I know. She honestly treats all of her clients as if they are her family. Besides her fantastic work ethic and pure heart of gold. She is the absolute baby guru. I recommend her to all my family and friends. Like Comment Share

Sarah is amazing! She's a great communicator who brings a wealth of knowledge and a calming…read morepresence to labor and those stressful last few weeks of pregnancy. We were so grateful to have her by our side.

I worked with Emily for a variety of services throughout my pregnancy and post partum. She is…read moreincredibly knowledgeable in this space, and provided me with comfort (both physically and emotionally) around the birth of my son. She is professional, evidence based, and I happily trusted her during my most vulnerable state in life. I specifically took advantage of Emily's prenatal doula support, prenatal massage, post birth body work, lactation support and coaching. In the first few months after birth, the *only* thing I left the house for was post partum massages with Emily. She helped address built up stress and pain I had throughout my body, and offered great advice on stretches or other resources I could take advantage of at home. During my prenatal massages, I also asked Emily a ton of questions about the birth process and her experiences as a Doula. (Please note you absolutely do not need to talk during your massages I just had so many questions!) No matter where you are in your pregnancy journey, I highly encourage you to leverage Emily's services.

Getting a massage from Emily is like everything she is or was or will be is touching everything you…read moreare or were or ever will be. (Too much? Lol) She's the best. She genuinely cares about every aspect of the care she's offering and it shows. She's also very professional and makes it very easy/convenient to do business with her. I couldn't recommend her more. Note: she only takes female/female identifying clients at this time.