About First Class Doulas

We are about humanized maternity

We are about humanized maternity. For many years we have been studying, learning, and collecting new and important information about childbirth; not only medical but also psychological. We also study the birth and postpartum traditions of different cultures and different countries.

In our business, we rely on evidence-based medicine and international research while also striving to maintain a respectful attitude towards the opinions and wishes of the mother. 

We believe that she is the one who intuitively knows what is best for herself and her child. As such, we understand that this is all in the context of the uniqueness of the history of each woman. We strive to help each woman find her place and to realize what exactly it is that she needs to smoothly transition into motherhood. Our goal is that all women feel satisfied and happy with their birth experience.

In this circle, we are more than glad to open our space to new women who are beginning their journey. Our idea is that everyone we work with feels understood and comfortable to open up among us, to be themselves, to express themselves, and to feel themselves.

Our main value is following and respecting the choices of each woman. We do not preach certain childbirth methods, the “correct” way to parent, or any rigid concepts. We are ready to accompany women during their birth, whatever they may be. Each birth is different and it is important for us to be flexible and ready for each unique experience. Whether you’re seeking a Lamaze instructor, an online lactation consultant, a baby sleep coach, a lactation consultant in Miami, a postpartum doula, or a trained childbirth assistant, we are here to support you.

Our Professional Team

Olga Proskuryakova

First Class Doulas, Owner
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First Class Doulas, Owner

Meet Olga Proskuryakova

Olga, a South Florida mother of two, and the founder of First Class Doulas has one focus; that every mother feels grounded, nourished, empowered and prepared to step into their role as a mother. She knows that to accomplish this, it takes a village of professionals, and First Class Doulas is THAT village!

As a mother herself, Olga knows what it feels like to be pregnant with anxiety and fear taking the lead…She, herself, experienced the constant concerns about caring for a newborn and how doing so changes the dynamic of the family… She intimately understands the desire to be the “perfect mother” and the pressure one puts on themselves based on this desire…

Due to her own personal experiences and her desire to preserve the physical and mental well-being of new and soon-to-be mothers, Olga started a new path and began her journey as a birth professional. Olga’s training and certification includes:

  • Doula - CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association)
  • Postpartum Doula - doula link organization
  • Breastfeeding Counselor - Suwannee River Area Health Education Center (AHEC)
  • Closing the Birth Ceremony Specialist - Project Nati doula
  • Childbirth Educator - (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association)
  • Midwife Assistant - Natural Birthworks
  • Spinning Babies techniques specialist - spinning babies workshop

Olga is a passionate woman who speaks both English and Russian. Her dedication to ensuring that every client receives the physical, educational, and emotional support they need is simply unparalleled.

Nadine

Birth & Postpartum Doula
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Birth and postpartum doula

Meet Nadine

Nadine Tanis is a mother with years of experience supporting and working with new parents as they start their journey into parenthood. Nadine began working with breastfeeding families as a Peer Counselor in 2014 in Miami-Dade WIC and worked part-time at Hialeah Hospital for eight years as a lactation counselor.

She started working as a birth and postpartum doula in 2018 and has been supporting families in both capacities. In addition to being passionate about assisting moms/parents in reaching their breastfeeding goals, 

she enjoys teaching breastfeeding and childbirth classes and keeping abreast of new development in the childbirth and baby world.

She thrives on providing high-quality, culturally sensitive care to new families she assists during their parenting journey.

Credentials:

  • Postpartum Doula – Dona International (Doulas Of North America)2023
  • Childbirth Educational Class – Dona International (Doulas Of North America) 2023
  • Birth Doula – Dona International (Doulas Of North America)2023

Alejandra L

Birth & Postpartum Doula
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Birth & Postpartum Doula

Meet Alejandra L

My name is Monica Alejandra L and I believe birth is a sacred God given gift and a natural physiological process. I am passionate about all things women wellness, birth and motherhood. As a traditional birth and postpartum doula, practical nurse and fertility awareness educator my mission is to mother the mother by helping women tap into their innate feminine wisdom. I see birth as a rite of passage, and so is caring for women in their birth spaces. I have a profound calling to help moms feel empowered during their birth experience, educated and have informed consent during their birth process by combining science based resources + traditional birth approaches.

I am completely humbled and honored to be invited in a mother’s birth journey and it is a privilege to be of service by holding space, providing guidance, and ensuring that every mother I serve feels supported and cherished through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

My hope is that every mother finds her own voice and connects to her intuition to feel in charge of her birth, body and baby.

Training:

  • Fertility + Family planning educator, FEMM 2024
  • Practical Nurse Program, Infortect Institue – 2023
  • Herbal Academy course 2022
  • Quiropraxia body therapy ancestral technique Training 2021
  • Healing Hands institute Massage therapy Training – 2019
  • SFMEC Midwife Assistant Training – 2017
  • Traditional Doula and Midwifery Arts Birth Doula Training – 2016
  • Traditional Doula and Midwifery Arts Placenta Specialist Training – 2016

Lyudmyla

Birth Doula & HypnoBirthing Instructor
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Birth Doula & HypnoBirthing Instructor

Meet Lyudmyla

Being a Mother and a Doula is my way of living and my calling. Helping mothers-to-be and new parents became not only my job, but my passion.

As a mother of five naturally born children, and more that 20 years of learning, full of happy and painful moments, I believe I have knowledge and experience to share. I am grateful to mothers and families for allowing me to be present in their sacred spaces and to share with me their important and unforgettable periods of life.

I know that women do have their inner wisdom they should trust and use always, and especially during pregnancy and at birth. I love the ways in which doulas can bring comfort and support to women at birth and to the new moms – helping to enjoy their motherhood, to become confident and happy.

As a HypnoBirthing instructor I believe that using the resources of our bodies and minds, and intuition, helps to achieve the goal of having more peaceful and joyful birth.

  • Certified Doula – IDI (International Doula Institute)
  • HypnoBirthing Instructor
  • Midwife Assistant – NBW (Natural Birthworks)
  • Breastfeeding counselor – Suwannee River Area Health Education Center (AHEC)

Languages – English, Ukrainian, Russian, Italian

Maria

Birth & Postpartum Doula
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Birth & Postpartum Doula

Meet Maria

Maria Alejandra is a Doula, Childbirth Educator, and Certified Lactation Counselor with over 15 years of experience supporting women and families through preconception, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Her approach is rooted in respect, active listening, and empowering each birthing person by offering physical, emotional, and informational support from a holistic perspective.

🎓 Although her professional journey began in the tourism industry, she found her true calling in perinatal support. Over the years, she has collaborated with centers such as Embarazarte, Aquamater, and Tree of Life Parenting Center, providing compassionate care and practical tools throughout the motherhood journey.

She currently also offers her services through The Doula Network, expanding her impact within the community.

🤱 Her certifications and trainings include:

  • Doula and Childbirth Educator(Aurora Madre, 2009)
  • Certified Lactation Counselor (UNICEF, 2009)
  • Additional Lactation Training EDULACTA (2024)
  • Eco-somatic Doula specialized in preconception, pregnancy, and birth (Adriana Ordoñez Ortiz, 2023)
  • CPR Certified (American Red Cross, 2024)

✨ Her work is grounded in cultural sensitivity, deep respect for each family’s choices, and the creation of safe, trusting spaces where birthing individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered. She strongly believes in the body’s natural ability to give birth and the value of continuous support for a more humane, informed, and connected birth experience.

Micka

Birth & Postpartum Doula
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Birth & Postpartum Doula

Meet Micka

Hi, I my name is Davonia but you can call me Micka. I am a Bahamian and have been in the U.S for 25 yrs. I am a proud mom of 3 amazing daughters.

I have been in the birth world for over 16 yrs and a doula for a little over 8 yrs. Birth work is my passion I love everything about it.

My duty is is ensure that moms are educated and prepared for birth as well as provide post partum doula services to assist during recovery.

I am there to hold my moms hands and be by their side throughout the process while providing emotional and physical support to her and her family.

I also offer placenta encapsulation services.

I am a graduate of the International School of midwifery, training to become a midwife. I am also CPR and NRP certified.

Carlota

Birth & Postpartum Doula
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Birth & Postpartum Doula

Meet Carlota

Hi! My name is Carlota, but you can call me Charly for short 🙂

I was born in Spain but in 2010 I moved to Norway, where I went through the biggest life transformation anyone can experience: I became a mother… 3 times!!!

Through my children I discovered a strength I did not know existed within me; a passion to nurture and comfort others; an immense wish to help and support other women, and I learned that, in words of Dr. Michel Odent, “in order to change the world, we must first change they way we are born”.

And so it began my career in the maternity field.

I have been working with and for women and their families since 2015, in person and online, during their pregnancy, labor and post partum, and I have loved every minute of it!!!

But by far, my biggest school and training have been my children, thanks to whom I have experience in:

  • mainstream medicalized hospital birth
  • natural water birth
  • Seen first hand how a trained doula can impact our birth and post partum
  • 2 years tandem nursing
  • 11 years total breastfeeding (with all its ups and downs you can think of)
  • Homeschooling
  • Kangaroo Care and it’s benefits
  • And sleep deprivation XD

Now that I have moved to the USA I am happy to continue my professional journey and to share my experience, my passion and my positive mindset with your family and give forward the support I was so thankful to receive when I needed it most

  • Breastfeeding Counselor – Fedalma
  • Doula Course – Paramana
  • Baby wearing – Mimos y Teta
  • Birth Doula – Madriella
  • Created and run the 1st MomToMom breastfeeding support group in Oslo, Norway

Languages spoken: Spanish, English and Norwegian

Inara

Birth & Postpartum Doula
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Birth & Postpartum Doula

Meet Inara

Inara is a certified birth and postpartum doula who supports women and families through one of life’s most intimate and transformative transitions — childbirth and the early postpartum period.

She offers calm, compassionate, and personalized care to every family she serves. With a degree in elementary and special education, and certification as a defectologist, Inara brings a deep understanding of the emotional and developmental needs of both newborns and their parents — including those with special needs.

Inara provides hands-on postpartum support to help mothers rest, recover, and feel empowered during the fourth trimester. Her care includes newborn care, emotional support, light household tasks, and creating a nurturing home environment. 

She also assists during birth by helping families prepare birth plans, offering massage during labor, and using aromatherapy and holistic recovery techniques. Her approach is gentle, respectful, and rooted in each family’s unique rhythm and values.

Outside of her work, Inara is a proud mother to a daughter. She is passionate about aesthetics, cooking, and creating cozy, meaningful spaces that reflect love and care.

Credentials & Background

  • Postpartum Doula Training
  • Birth Doula Education
  • Certified Defectologist
  • Experience working with children with autism and special needs

Languages spoken: Russian and English

Wendy

Birth & Postpartum Doula
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Birth & Postpartum Doula

Meet Wendy

Hello, My name is Wendy. I emigrated from South Africa to the U.S. at the age of six.

My father opened his own business when I was about 10 years old. Because my father required the help of my mother, I was often tasked with watching my younger siblings, including my newborn baby sister.

Crazy, but by age 12, I knew I wanted a career working with young children. I had my first child at 19, and know the struggles and fears of a young mother. Throw in breastfeeding struggles and a colicky baby, and well, you’ve got yourself an adventure! My secondborn was a late preemie, and due to cholestasis, had to have an emergency induction.

Complications at birth resulted in her spending some time in the NICU.

My philosophy is always to find beauty in the simplest things life offers. I am a voracious reader who loves learning new things and enjoys instilling a love of learning through homeschooling my two kids.

I take a positive, peaceful parenting approach in my neuro-spicy household. I am pet-friendly and good with multiples.

Credentials:

  • Postpartum Doula – Madriella 2024
  • Doula Course – Madriella 2024
  • Mindful Parenting Diploma 2024
  • Prenatal and Postnatal Birthing Classes 2023
  • Virtual Holistic Doula 2023
  • Child Abuse Recognition, Investigation and Protection August 2018

Cansu

Birth & Postpartum Doula
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Birth & Postpartum Doula

Meet Cansu

My name is Cansu and I am a passionate postpartum Doula and Lactation consultant from Germany with Turkish background. I decided to start a new life in Florida one year ago and feel blessed to live in the United States. I am so grateful that I was able to accompany hundreds of families during the most precious and exciting time of their lives.

I worked as a postpartum doula in the last six years and was trained in Germany as a prenatal and postpartum doula as well as a Midwife. I worked full time as a Midwife in the hospital which created a great bonding between me and the families I have been after birth with.

I believe in woman’s strength and intuition, especially a woman who just become a mother.

Most woman are naturally vulnerable and insecure during this time.

My biggest goal is to support you and show you that you can overcome any situation. I will provide you with important medical background, support you and your baby in every way possible, and help you on your journey to becoming great parents.

I speak: German, Turkish and English.

  • Graduated with an AA in health care in Germany in 2020
  • Midwifery 2020
  • Prenatal and postpartum Doula 2020
  • Professional Labor Doula 2020
  • Lactation consultant 2020

Marcela

Birth & Postpartum Doula
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Birth & Postpartum Doula

Meet Marcela

Hello! My name is Marcela and from a young age I’ve felt a calling to help those who cannot speak for themselves, this is why I initially became a Veterinarian Technician. After enjoying that field for many years I wanted to specialize in OB/GYN sonography. Plans were put on hold as I welcomed my blessing. During my pregnancy I took all sorts of classes to prepare for birth, but, when it came to the hospital, things didn’t go as planned and I was stripped from my birth rights ! I never want another mother to feel the way I felt or be treated the way I was. Every woman deserves to feel empowered, supported and loved throughout their pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum and lactation journey. 

My passion for doula work only grew as I learned the statistics with minority women and I am ready to be a part of that change! I want to be a part of the statistic that decreases birth mortality.

Credentials:

  • G.R.O.W Doula
  • Medicaid Contractor
  • Adult/Infant CPR
  • Professionally insured

Languages spoken: English and Spanish

Yuliia

Birth Doula
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Birth Doula

Meet Yuliia

Yuliia Hinkle is a dedicated birth doula serving our community. Inspired by her own transformative birth, she trained under international educator Lorie McCoy and specializes in hypnobirthing, guided breathing, and relaxation techniques. Her holistic approach empowers families to navigate birth with confidence and calm.

One of Yuliia’s most notable experiences was supporting two births within 24 hours at hospitals 50 miles apart, reinforcing her deep commitment to being there when families need her most.

Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, exploring Miami, and deepening her knowledge of birth and postpartum wellness.

Language English Russian Ukrainian

Luisa

Birth & Postpartum Doula
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Birth & Postpartum Doula

Meet Luisa

I am a dedicated mom and certified doula with a passion for guiding families through the transformative journey of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. My mission is to provide personalized, compassionate care, ensuring that families feel empowered, informed, and supported at every step. I believe in the strength of informed choice, and I work closely with parents to help them understand their options, trust their instincts, and create a birth experience that reflects their unique needs and values. Whether through hands-on support during labor, or providing resources and encouragement during the postpartum period, I am committed to helping families start this new chapter with confidence and joy.

Valeria

Birth & Postpartum Doula
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Birth & Postpartum Doula

Meet Valeria

I’m an experienced postpartum doula, breastfeeding consultant, and midwife with nearly 20 years of expertise in supporting pregnant women and newborn. I’m a midwife since 2005 and I hold a master’s degree in psychology, which enhances my ability to provide emotional support and guidance to new mothers. 

As a mother of two daughters, I combine my professional knowledge with personal experience to offer compassionate care and specialized breastfeeding support, helping families navigate the transition into parenthood smoothly.

  • Doula- Postpartum doula in ProDoula association
  • Breastfeeding counsellor
  • Registered Behaviour Technician

Language spoken: English, Ukrainian, Russian

Samantha

Birth & Postpartum Doula
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Birth & Postpartum Doula

Meet Samantha

Samantha Dorleus is a Certified Holistic Doula with a lifelong passion for caregiving and supporting families. Growing up as the youngest of her siblings in Miami, she naturally stepped into a nurturing role, caring for younger cousins and later her nephews. Her journey into motherhood further deepened her dedication to helping women through the transformative experience of pregnancy and parenting.

With professional experience in after-school programs, summer camps, and preschools since 2015, Samantha has developed a strong foundation in child development and care.

She completed her holistic doula training through The Matrona, receiving in-depth education in anatomy, prenatal care, holistic birth, mediation, and placenta medicine under midwife Whapio Diane Bartlett.

Samantha’s mission is to support and uplift mothers, offering compassionate prenatal and postpartum care tailored to each woman’s unique experience. Her warm, grounded approach helps women feel seen, empowered, and supported through every stage of motherhood.

When not supporting families, Samantha enjoys being a full-time mom to her daughter, cooking, crafting, working out, and exploring new flavors — especially Caribbean cuisine.

Credentials & Background

  • Certified Holistic Doula – The Matrona

Languages spoken: English

Asia

Postpartum Doula
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Postpartum Doula

Meet Asia

My journey into postpartum care began after the birth of my five children when I realized the positive impact that compassionate support and guidance can have on a family’s adjustment to life with a new baby. Over the years, I’ve come across families that do not have adequate access to help and/or information. I felt the calling to walk alongside those mothers and families to help navigate the postpartum period coming from a place of inclusivity and trauma-informed care.

I am a homeschooling mother of five including a set of twins. Now that my children are older (middle school to college), I have made my part-time job a full-time position. I have over a decade of experience supporting new families during the early weeks and months after childbirth.

I am dedicated to nurturing both the emotional and physical well-being of mothers, partners, and newborns.  For the past two years, I have focused exclusively on the postpartum period, working with families to navigate the fourth trimester’s highs, lows, and questions.

As a Birth and Postpartum Doula and Lactation Educator, I aim to provide emotional support, listen without judgment, and help parents navigate the ups and downs of parenthood with confidence and grace.

My credentials include

  • Full Spectrum Doula – BADT (Birth Advocacy Doula Training)
  • Full Spectrum Lactation Educator – BADT
  • CPR and AED trained

Sonia

Birth & Postpartum Doula
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Birth & Postpartum Doula

Meet Sonia

Sonia Bond is a mom of 5 children ages 25 to 2 years old and has been a doula since 2007. Sonia previously was the office administrator for a large Midwifery practice and their full time lead birth assistant for 3 years.

She completed her DONA training in 2014, after deciding to make Doula work her full time career, and is now trained and certifying with ProDoula.

She is a Childbirth Educator through FOCEP, and is also certified as a Body Ready Method Pro.

Zhanna

Birth & Postpartum Doula
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Birth & Postpartum Doula

Meet Zhanna

Zhanna is a passionate advocate for mothers and babies, dedicated to supporting women through their journey to motherhood. With personal experience of both cesarean and VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), she understands the unique challenges and joys of childbirth. Her mission is to help mothers feel safe, cared for, and empowered during one of the most transformative moments of their lives.

After welcoming her third child, Zhanna discovered her calling to guide and support other women during childbirth. 

She views each birth as a miraculous event and works to ensure that both mothers and babies experience this process as gently and comfortably as possible.

Zhanna holds a Birth Doula Certificate from Doula.Link Institute and has been recognized for her dedication to providing compassionate and personalized care.
Outside her professional life, Zhanna is the proud mother of two daughters and a son, whose births have shaped her perspective and deepened her empathy for the women she serves.

Credentials:

  • Birth Doula – Doula Link, 2022

Daria

Birth & Postpartum Doula, Lactation Consultant
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Birth and Postpartum Doula and Lactation Consultant

Meet Daria

Daria Rutkovskaia is a Birth and Postpartum Doula and Lactation Consultant with over 3.5 years of hands-on experience supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum period. With a background in psychology and education, she brings a calm, attentive, and nurturing presence to every family she serves.

Originally trained and certified in Russia, Daria has also obtained her U.S. certifications through ProDoula. Her approach is rooted in empathy, evidence-based care, and deep respect for the unique needs of each family. She is especially valued for her precision, emotional intelligence, and quiet strength during transitional moments.

A mother of three herself, Daria understands the joys and challenges of new parenthood firsthand. Her mission is to ensure that families feel empowered, supported, and truly seen during this life-changing journey.

Credentials & Background

  • Birth Doula – ProDoula certificate
  • Postpartum Doula – ProDoula certificate
  • Lactation Consultant
  • Background in Psychology and Education
  • Over 3.5 years of postpartum and newborn care experience
  • Languages spoken: English and Russian

Whittney

Birth & Postpartum Doula
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Birth & Postpartum Doula

Meet Whittney

Passionate about birth/postpartum and breastfeeding since 2007, when she had her first child.

Whittney transitioned into a WIC peer counselor in 2011 and became a DONA-trained birth doula in 2012.

With over 16 years of firsthand experience and 12 years in birth/ postpartum professional work, her credentials include:

  • WIC Peer Counselor (2011)
  • DONA Birth/Postpartum Doula (2012)
  • Cappa Certified Lactation Educator (2012)
  • ROSE Breastfeeding Advocate & Peer Counselor (2017)
  • NICU care training support (ROSE)
  • Beyond her professional roles, she’s a homeschooling mother, gardener, and herbalist

Diana

Birth, Postpartum & Adoption Doula
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Birth, Postpartum & Adoption Doula

Meet Diana

Diana Cronin is a highly skilled and compassionate professional doula dedicated to supporting families through the transformative journey of childbirth. With multiple certifications in prenatal, birth, and postpartum care, she combines expert knowledge with a deeply empathetic approach, ensuring families feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way.

What sets Diana apart is her ability to create a calm, trusting environment tailored to each family’s unique needs.

Whether offering comfort during labor or guidance in the postpartum period, she fosters confidence and emotional well-being, making her a sought-after doula known for her intuitive and holistic care. A proud mother of three, Diana understands firsthand the joys and challenges of parenting. Fluent in Russian and learning Spanish, she is committed to serving a diverse range of families. Passionate about her work, she finds deep fulfillment in helping families navigate one of life’s most meaningful experiences.

Diana’s credential include:

  • Birth Doula – DONA International
  • Postpartum & Infant Care Doula – ProDoula
  • CPR: Adult, Child, Infant & AED Training