Rhode Island Postpartum Doulas
Stacey Bodziony is a Rhode Island native, Certified Postpartum Doula (DONA), Certified Newborn Care Specialist, and founder of Southern RI Doula. With over 30 years of experience caring for babies and supporting growing families, Stacey is known for her calm presence, evidence-based approach, and unwavering belief that every parent is the best parent for their baby, with the right support.
Stacey is married to her husband Matt, and together they have three grown children who all live nearby. When she’s not supporting families, you’ll find her in her garden, cooking for her family, reading at the beach, or spending time with their sometimes-mischievous black lab, Rip. She loves coffee dates with friends, family dinners, and quiet moments by the ocean.
She is passionate about educating, nurturing, and empowering new parents, and provides care that is both expert and deeply heart-centered.
Credentials & Affiliations:
• Certified Postpartum Doula – DONA International
• Certified Newborn Care Specialist
• Rhode Island Certified Perinatal Doula
• Advanced Training in Normal Infant Sleep & SIDS/Sleep Safety – Durham University
• Certified Gift Registry Expert
• Breastfeeding Basics, Infant & Child CPR & First Aid Certified
• Past Board Member – Doulas of Rhode Island
• Member – DONA International
• Co-founder – Southern RI Parents Circle
• HIPAA & Cultural Competency Trained
Stephanie Cruff is a South County resident, a veteran educator, and a postpartum doula dedicated to the “village” it takes to raise a family. With over twenty years of experience as an early childhood and elementary teacher and a mother of two, Stephanie brings a wealth of lived experience to the postpartum period. She offers a unique blend of educational insight and nurturing support, helping parents navigate the early days of familyhood with love and patience. Her goal is simple: to be a steady presence who helps the whole family thrive during their newest chapter. She views this time as a sacred transition and loves helping families settle into their new rhythm with confidence and ease.
When she isn’t in the classroom or supporting a new family, you can find her on the Narrow River (usually as a passenger until she masters the boat!) walking the dogs with friends, reading a book or tucked away in her garden looking for just one more spot to hang twinkle lights! She feels incredibly lucky to share her life with two great kids and an amazing chef husband who keeps the family well-fed with delicious home-cooked meals.
Credentials and Affiliations
- Postpartum Doula – DONA International
- Advanced Training in SIDS/Sleep Safety – Durham University
- Rhode Island Certified Perinatal Doula
- Breastfeeding Basics, Infant & Child CPR & First Aid Certified
- Member – DONA International
- Member – Doulas of Rhode Island
- HIPPA & Cultural Competency Trained
Leona Smith is a licensed full-spectrum doula based in Rhode Island, where she has spent the past 13 years building a meaningful life, career, and family. A devoted mother of two, ages 11 and 5, and fur parent to three beloved cats, she brings both personal experience and professional dedication to her work supporting growing families.
Inspired by her grandmother, known in her community as a natural “baby whisperer,” Leona developed an early passion for nurturing and caregiving.
Leona provides comprehensive support throughout the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Her services include emotional, physical, and educational care tailored to each family’s unique needs. She also offers overnight newborn care and sibling support, helping families transition smoothly as they welcome new additions.
Committed to continuous growth in her field, She holds certifications in HIPAA compliance, CPR, pregnancy loss support, and lactation education. She remains dedicated to expanding her knowledge and staying current with best practices in doula care.
Leona is currently accepting new clients and looks forward to supporting families with warmth, experience, and heartfelt care.
Credentials and Affiliations
- Certified Outreach Perinatal Educator – The JJ Way
- Rhode Island Certified Perinatal Doula
- Member, Doulas of Rhode Island
- CPR Certified
- HIPPA Compliance
- Certification in Pregnancy Loss Support
- Certified in Lactation Education
Ava Naylor is a certified postpartum doula, Reiki practitioner, and educator based in Rhode Island. With over ten years of experience in education, disability services, and family-centered support, she offers compassionate, individualized care for growing families during the postpartum season.
Inspired by a passion for women’s health, healing, and connection, Ava blends practical, evidence-based postpartum support with energy-centered care to help families feel nurtured, confident, and supported during early parenthood. Her services include in-home daytime support, newborn and sibling care, emotional and educational guidance, and Reiki to support rest, recovery, and overall well-being.
Rooted in warmth and presence, Ava’s approach combines compassionate care with gentle healing practices that nurture the whole family. She believes that when parents feel supported, empowered, and deeply cared for, the entire family flourishes.
Ava is currently welcoming new clients and is honored to walk alongside families as they welcome new life with intention, support, and peace.
Credentials & Experience
- Rhode Island Certified Perinatal Doula
- CAPPA trained Postpartum Doula
- Certified Reiki Master/Teacher
- Deathwives Certified Death Doula
- HIPPAA & Cultural Competency Trained
- Infant & Child CPR & First Aid Certified
- Continuing education with Birth Pro Doula Training (Full spectrum Doula Training)
- BA in Special Education K-12
- BA in Psychology
