About Us

Our Story

In 2012 our founder, Hilary Baxendale, began teaching the childbirth classes she wished she had taken during her first pregnancy. Classes that didn’t focus on one “right way” or method to birth, but rather gave the power and choices back to the birthing person. And also delivered the information in a fun, practical way!

Along the way she became a birth doula and created an approach that is warm, unbiased and honors the unique needs and preferences of her clients.

At Westchester Birth our classes and approach are evidenced based and non-judgmental. Our goal is to inform families of birth options based on current medical recommendations and combine that with the birthing person’s goals and values to find what decisions are best for them.

Our Team

Hilary Baxendale (founder) childbirth educator, birth doula

After the birth of my first son in a large New York City Hospital, I was drawn to Childbirth Education and birth work as a way to help pregnant women have a satisfying and positive birth experience in any setting. My approach is balanced and client centered. There is no one “right” way to give birth, I believe in science but also the magic of birth and I feel very honored to be able to empower new parents to welcome and care for their babies with knowledge, confidence and a good dose of humor.

In addition to being a Lamaze trained Childbirth Educator, I am also a Certified Birth Doula serving families in all of Lower Westchester, specializing in hospital births. In the immediate postpartum I combine my lactation counseling training with my newborn experience to help families transition to parenthood through new mom groups, workshops and home visits.

Raised in Rhode Island but a New Yorker for the past 20 years. I currently live in Hastings-on-Hudson home with my family that includes two sons and a pug.

Grace Morningstar (class instructor)

Inspired by my own birth and miscarriage experiences, I feel strongly that no parent should face this process without consistent support, compassion and kindness. My approach is equal parts intuitive and research backed. I empower families to tap into their “gut” feelings and use evidence to support their decisions. By helping families to advocate for themselves, they can walk into parenthood with a sense of confidence and fulfillment.

In addition to traditional birth doula support, her services include lactation, Spinning Babies, Mindful Birthing and postpartum support. Grace lives in Fairfield County, CT with her two young kids and husband.

Leah Katznelson (class instructor)

I am a DONA international certified birth doula and mother of two. Having used a doula at both of my own births, I learned first-hand how important it is to have a supportive, knowledgeable, intuitive birthing team around you to help shape your pregnancy and labor. I approach every birth as its own unique experience. By providing emotional and physical support as well as evidence based information, I hope to instill confidence and to empower my clients. I live in Westchester, NY and provide services in Westchester, New York City and southern Connecticut.

Julia Fuller-Kling, certified postpartum doula (daytime support) advanced CBC

With my 13 years of experience supporting families, I offer a calm, nurturing presence in your home and provide guidance and encouragement during those precious first 6 weeks, so that you can nest, bond, heal, adjust, and integrate. I educate you on newborn care, baby wearing, soothing, and sleep so that you feel informed and capable of caring for and calming your baby. I guide you through infant feeding whether that’s breastfeeding or bottle feeding pumped milk or formula. I help you recover from birth by cooking nourishing meals and healing drinks, caring for your baby so that you can rest or nap, do belly binding and make herbal baths.

I gave birth at home to my now 5 year old daughter Rosanna and was grateful for the nourishment that my postpartum doula provided to me. It is an honor to give what I received to the new families that I serve!

Laura Zamorski, certified postpartum doula (day & overnight support)

Laura is a full-time certified postpartum doula (CAPPA), originally from New Jersey, now based in Rye, NY.

Laura brings calm, compassion, and confidence to the families she supports. With experience working with over 30 families, she understands that no two postpartum journeys are alike—and that’s exactly what she loves about this work. Whether you need hands-on newborn care, emotional support, guidance with feeding, or simply a moment to rest, Laura meets each family where they are with warmth and respect. She’s passionate about helping new parents feel seen, supported, and empowered as they adjust to life with a new baby.

Claire Lovell, birth doula (collective)

Claire was inspired after a difficult first birth to learn more about childbirth, pregnancy and lactation and it quickly became a passion to support women in their pregnancies and postpartum periods. She has been honored to spend over 9 years supporting pregnant women. She is a DONA trained doula in childbirth and lactation offering birth, prenatal, and postpartum services.

Claire utilizes an evidence-based and compassionate approach to advocating for parents in the birthing room. Claire offers emotional and physical assistance for all birth types and outcomes to a diverse set of families. She is honored to work with families to give them the best experience possible during their births. Postpartum, Claire offers home visits and nonjudgmental and reassuring lactation support.

Based in Armonk, NY, Claire was born and raised in Westchester County. She is the mother to two young daughters and enjoys exploring the outdoors, photography, sewing and reading outside of work.

Core Values

Client Centered Approach:

We embrace and respect the unique experiences, choices, and beliefs of each individual. We provide unbiased and non-judgmental support, ensuring that all families feel heard, valued, and supported throughout their pregnancy and birth regardless of their birth choices (medicated, unmedicated, cesarean, etc). We respect and honor the autonomy of expectant parents, recognizing that they are the ultimate decision-makers for their own birth experience. We support their choices and provide guidance without imposing our personal beliefs or values.

Evidence-Based Care:

We are committed to providing the most up-to-date, evidence-based information and support to empower expectant parents in making informed decisions about their childbirth and parenting journey. We are also dedicated to ongoing professional development and staying informed about the latest research, best practices, and advancements in childbirth education and doula support. We strive to provide the highest quality of care by continuously expanding our knowledge and skills.

Inclusivity:

We embrace and celebrate the diversity of families, regardless of their background, culture, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. We provide culturally sensitive care and strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.

Community Engagement:

We actively engage with the local community to promote awareness, education, and support for expectant parents. We participate in community events, collaborate with other birth professionals, and contribute to initiatives that enhance the well-being of families.