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, childbirth educator, certified birth and postpartum doula, CLC

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, certified birth doula, childbirth educator

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.

Alex Rosen, postpartum doula, death doula (expert practitioner)

My name is Alex and I am a certified postpartum doula and a certified end of life doula. I began my professional career as a special education teacher. Supporting children, as they navigated learning and life challenges, was so fulfilling.

New parenthood can be exceptionally difficult. It can bring feelings of overwhelm, depletion, isolation and exhaustion. the natural network of mothering support that used to be innate no longer exists. Now, in our society, new parents are left alone – coupled with impossible social media standards; it becomes devastatingly lonely and support-less. Being given the opportunity to support new parents; to bring comfort and care to this extraordinary life transition.. it is not only a new path for me, but joy as well.

Erin Angelini, birth doula

As a mother and a birth doula, I firmly believe birth to be one of the most empowering experiences of a woman’s life. Through empathy and compassion for the mental, emotional and physical journey of the birth process, I aim to help women realize their own strength – no matter how or where they chose to bring their baby earthside. My goal is to help create a positive birth experience that will help you enter motherhood confident and empowered, despite any curve balls we may encounter together. To do so, I draw on experiences from my DONA doula training as well as my transformative experience navigating the modern medical system through multiple miscarriages and the births of my own two children.

Aside from a passion for supporting growing families, I love to spend time with my two young children, husband, and senior citizen dog; indulge my inner bibliophile with any and all books; garden; cook; geek out on niche science and history topics; and indulge in both good and bad-but-so-good television.

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.