Harmony McQuillan, Ms. Ed, CLC, LCCE , Birth Doula

 Hi! I’m Harmony McQuillan, M.S.Ed. (she/her)—a Birth Doula, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE), and Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC). Originally from New York, I now call South Jersey home, where I’m raising my three children.

My journey into motherhood is what led me to birth work. All three of my babies made early, unexpected entrances—arriving at 33, 34, and 35 weeks. I’ve been through infertility, successful fertility treatments, two “geriatric” pregnancies, and two NICU stays. Each of these experiences shaped who I am as a mother and as a provider.

My breastfeeding journey didn’t begin the way I imagined. I hadn’t even had a chance to open a breastfeeding book before my first baby arrived. Instead, I learned through experience—pumping, feeding through NG tubes, bottle-feeding, and eventually nursing at the breast when my babies were ready. When we finally came home, I had to figure out how to wean from the pump and transition to nursing without much guidance. I found support in La Leche League meetings and new parent groups—safe spaces where I could ask questions, process my experience, and observe real parents breastfeeding babies of all ages. Those groups helped me build confidence, follow my instincts, and realize how vital community and support are for new parents.

After the birth of my second child, I became a Certified Lactation Counselor through the Healthy Children Project, Inc. In 2020—during the pandemic and while pregnant with my third baby—I completed the coursework and passed the exam postpartum. Studying for a major exam while sleep-deprived and healing was no easy task, but it reminded me of how capable and determined parents are—and how powerful support can be.

In the spring of 2022, I attended a Lamaze-accredited seminar and became a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator the following summer. I completed my Birth Doula certification with Birth Arts International in 2024 and continue to grow through ongoing training and education within the professional birth and perinatal community. My background as an elementary school teacher for 15 years helps me create evidence-based, interactive, and engaging classes that prepare families for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Whether through my childbirth classes or doula support, my goal is to empower families to make informed choices based on current research—and to trust themselves.

I was honored to support a dear friend during her birth in the fall of 2022—helping her understand her options, craft her birth plan, and hold space for her during labor. That experience showed me that this is exactly where I’m meant to be. I believe in providing emotional, physical  and practical support to families, meeting them where they are, and helping them navigate the twists and turns of birth and early parenting.

I love talking about birth, breastfeeding, and babies, and I’m passionate about helping families and new doulas feel seen, supported, and strong.