Meet Yiska

"Birth is one of those rare life experiences where power and vulnerability live side by side. To touch that is my great pleasure and honor."

Hi, I’m Yiska! I’m a proud “massagapuncturist,” doula, and educator with over half my life dedicated to birth work and healing touch. My journey has been guided by a love of all things pregnancy, birth, the power of touch, and the human experience. I live with my husband in the Hudson Valley, where I see clients in office, at home, and online.

Through my integrated practice, I combine massage, acupuncture, and doula support to serve people through the transformative childbearing year. My bodywork falls on the deep and therapeutic side, and I’m passionate about bringing real relief to pregnant clients. I especially enjoy creating combination sessions where the benefits of Chinese medicine and bodywork come together seamlessly.

Over the years, I’ve developed a specialty in helping with challenges like turning breech babies, encouraging labor, and supporting postpartum recovery. My work with Havening Touch has allowed me to offer a new level of emotional support, especially to pregnant clients seeking a sense of calm and grounding in preparation for birth.

The Comforting Touch for Birth guidebook, other classes and resources like my Client Toolkit, grew from a deep desire to share this work. I created these offerings to help doulas, partners, and other birth professionals offer another level of support with confidence and skill. My goal is to make the nurturing, steady presence I bring to my clients accessible to anyone offering comfort in birth, postpartum and beyond.

Professional Background

Trained in Moroccan Postpartum Traditions in 2023
Certified Havening Practitioner since 2018
Infant Massage Teacher Trained in 2017
Licensed Acupuncturist in NY since 2007
Master’s Degree in Acupuncture from Tai Sophia Institute
DONA-trained doula since 2001
Practicing massage and bodywork since 1994, trained in deep tissue, myofascial release, structural integration, positional therapy, and prenatal massage.

I look forward to the chance to work and learn together!

Warmly,

Yiska