What's the Cost of Hiring a Doula in Berkeley, CA?

My philosophy is centered on fostering safety and comfort for both the parent and the baby. My dedication to my profession is unwavering, and as a doula, I am committed to delivering optimal emotional and physical support to my clients. I consider each parent and child unique and being adaptable and attentive to the diverse needs of families ensures that my care is not only practical but also emotionally supportive.

Berkeley, California

Keyani Harper

7 years of experience

Hi there! I’m Keyani — it’s so nice to meet you. I’m a full-spectrum doula (fertility, birth, postpartum, pregnancy, abortion, and infant loss), a certified sleep consultant, and a longtime nanny. I’ve spent the last 6 years working closely with infants and families, and it’s truly where my heart feels at home. I’m based in the East Bay and serve families all around the San Francisco area. My approach is always trauma-informed, gender-affirming, and completely non-judgmental. At the end of the day, you know your baby best — I’m just here to support, guide, and cheer you on in whatever way feels right for you. I can’t wait to connect and be part of your journey!

Berkeley, California

luisa santos

Hello, my name is Luisa. I am a postpartum doula and nanny who is passionate about caring for babies and supporting families in this special stage of life. I love creating a calm, nurturing environment where parents feel confident and supported while bonding with their little one. My philosophy is rooted in respect, trust, and open communication. I focus on helping parents feel at ease, making sure their baby’s needs are met while also giving space for rest and recovery. I believe in providing personalized care, adapting to each family’s unique rhythms and values.

Berkeley, California

Sabreen Ali

Greetings everyone! My name is Faheemah 'Sabreen' Ali and I am a Certified Birth and Post-Partum Doula serving in the Bay Area, California. I began my training with Birthing From Within in 2020, five years after giving birth to my own daughter. Having struggled throughout my own labor and delivery, I wanted to show up for mothers in a way that I wished someone could have shown up for me. This led to my initiation into my birth work practice. In 2024, I was officially certified with BWBJ, adding more nuance and cultural competency to my care. I remain deeply passionate about advocating for mothers, empowering them to trust their body's natural and innate wisdom. I seek to provide informed, radically compassionate and supportive care as you embark on this sacred journey in your life 💜

Berkeley, California

Alaina Lee

Alaina is a holistic full-spectrum doula with four plus years of experience supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Alaina emphasizes the power of feminine energy, mindfulness, and trusting the body’s natural wisdom. She specializes in placenta encapsulation and herbalism. Outside of doula work, Alaina has a deep love for nature and finds peace in hiking, camping, and enjoying scenic views. A lifelong learner, she enjoys reading, exploring new cultures through international travel, and experimenting with new restaurants. When at home, you can find her potting and propagating plants, always cultivating a space of growth both for her plants and the families she works with.

Berkeley, California

5.0 (3 reviews)

Sarah Wolfman-Robichaud

3 years of experience

Consultant. Doula. Mama. Twenty+ years ago, I ran into a college acquaintance at a friends' wedding. She told me she was a Doula. It was the first I'd ever heard of it. Shortly thereafter, I returned to the New York publishing and theater world, later moved to British Columbia to pursue degrees and a career in arts education, birthed my two favorite humans, and then moved to the Bay Area, California, where I was welcomed into the Jewish professional community. Throughout my movement in these roles, I never stopped thinking about what life would be like as a Doula. It took some time, but here I am, pursuing a decades-long dream. And when I'm not reminiscing about my own transformational career path, or working with growing families across the Bay Area, I'm still singing my children to sleep (even the one who's now taller than me).

Sarah swooped in to help us with our twin boys two days and two nights per week. She was a breath of fresh for these two tired parents! Sarah's nurturing spirit, organizational skills, and general joy was such a relief in our home. I also learned a lot in watching her care for the boys. The twins blossomed in her care as she seamlessly juggled two babies at once. We miss her, but she has left her mark on our family!

- Kate C.

Emeryville, California

Tiffany Washington

4 years of experience

I have been a full-spectrum doula for almost 4yrs. I primarily focus on postpartum care, supporting families as they welcome their new baby and adjust to life together. With training in Spinning Babies® and experience in lactation support, I provide a blend of knowledge, gentle guidance, and hands-on care to nurture both parents and babies. My approach is both nurturing and empowering. I feel honored and privileged to be welcomed into families’ homes, and I often become a trusted part of their circle during this sacred time. I also believe in the importance of finding the right fit—every family deserves a doula who feels like the right match for their values, needs, and journey.

Emeryville, California

5.0 (8 reviews)

Rhonda Frazier

11 years of experience

Hi, I’m Rhonda! I’m a Certified Birth Doula and Maternal-Child Health Nurse with 10 years of experience in Labor & Delivery and Mother-Baby care. I became a doula two years ago after seeing how much families benefit from calm, compassionate support during birth and postpartum. My goal is to create a peaceful, nurturing space where parents feel informed, cared for, and confident. Based in the Bay Area, I serve Emeryville and surrounding communities. I’m also a proud mom of three grown children and love reading, exploring California, and spending time with my family. Calm nights. Compassionate care. With loving hands. 🤍

Being this my first pregnancy, I was looking for a doula who had a medical background and would strongly advocate for my preferences and wellbeing. Rhonda was professionally prepared to support my partner and myself during my pregnancy. She was very thorough in explaining the birthing preference list, making sure that I was well informed on my birthing preferences. She was very patient in explaining the interventions during my induction, such as procedures and medications. Rhonda also did a great job in relaying my birthing preferences to the nurses and doctors. During my labor, Rhonda created a relaxing environment, providing calming scent diffusers and words of affirmation cards. She also helped me in changing positions to alleviate pain and to move the labor process along. Whenever the staff made a suggestion, Rhonda made sure to break down the information using evidence-based data. This allowed me to have a positive and memorable birthing experience. Rhonda was very responsive via text and email. She also made sure to check in with us after delivery to see if we needed any support and to debrief on the experience. I would definitely recommend Rhonda for anyone going through their first birth.

- Ana R.

Oakland, California

5.0 (3 reviews)

Shelby Stewart

26 years of experience

As a full spectrum birth-keeper, sexual/reproductive & lactation educator, and womb-space ceremonialist, I hold space for you to have continuous, high quality support that is infused with culturally responsive care, and embedded within a framework of advocacy. As such, I provide physical, emotional, and educational support and guidance to all birthing people, their partners, their families, and communities across the lifespan, reproductive landscape, and for all reproductive circumstances and outcomes. Earthseed Birthwork praxis is steeped in the belief that within the hallowed grounds of your wholeness – your lived experiences and unique socio-cultural contexts, your dreams, and your life journey, there is an opportunity for YOUR divinely aligned birth journey to come forth. I specialize in serving as guide, helping you investigate and get curious about, cultivate, and then traverse your own birth ceremony, the complex and oftentimes daunting medical system's model of care, and matrescence – the wholeness (physically, psychologically, and socially) of becoming a mother/parent…all while centering the sacred and traditional practices that have safely held birthing people for time immemorial. Bearing witness to, being deeply present for, and reflecting your own innate power to call forth and touch into the dance of your intuition, are my gifts. Working with me is intended to be more than a mere hand-holding, it is meant to be a full person witnessing, and the sanctuary of safe space to support the expansion of your capacity to be present with all that arises on your journey. I believe all births are immeasurably transformative...birth shape- shifts us into whatever next iteration this life is calling forth for us. When allowed, birth may expose you to rapturous wonder, deep discomfort, indescribable joy, and the instinctive knowing that you will forever physically, emotionally, and spiritually be changed. Care Setting I meet people where they are, and not where I may perceive they ‘should’ be…literally and figuratively. I hold and offer care within in-person spaces, homes, virtually, office, and outside underneath the sky’s blanket.

We give Shelby the highest recommendation. She supported our birth journey in so many critical ways, through her presence, knowledge and constant encouragement. She is very personable and answered all of our questions. We especially appreciated the way she could explain why the clinical setting would prefer or encourage particular interventions, while also letting us know about all of the options available and helping us to make informed decisions along the way. She empowered us. When it mattered most, during labor and delivery, Shelby was there, with the right presence, words and encouragement. She helped our baby come into the world. We hope other parents have this positive experience of a doula, like Shelby gave us.

- Heidi and Luke H.

Richmond, California

5.0 (7 reviews)

Josy Ferreira

9 years of experience

From the moment I stepped into the world of birth and postpartum work, I knew this was my calling. I’m a Birth & Postpartum Doula and Newborn & Infant Care Specialist serving families across the Bay Area and East Bay, with a background grounded in evidence-based care, cultural sensitivity, and a genuine passion for supporting parents during one of the most transformative seasons of their lives. My training includes Cross-Certification through ProDoula as a Certified Postpartum & Infant Care Doula, Hospital Friendly Doula (HFD) Certification as a Birth and Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist certification through the University of Colorado, CPR & First Aid through the Menlo Park Fire Department, CERT Member through the Menlo Park Fire Department, Child Development through Abilene, continuing education in Lactation (UCSD), Infant Massage, and professional development in Sleep Shaping/Sleep Training through Summer Sleep Secrets. I am also an active volunteer doula at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, supporting birthing people and families from diverse backgrounds. Families often describe my approach as a blend of warmth, intuition, and grounded professionalism. I deeply believe in meeting each family where they are — without judgment, without pressure, and with a plan that reflects their unique rhythms, identities, and goals. I proudly support LGBTQ+ families, offering fully inclusive, gender-affirming care and language so every parent feels safe, welcomed, and respected. My philosophy is rooted in gentle structure and the Montessori method, encouraging independence for both parents and babies through simple, responsive routines. I specialize in newborn behavior, feeding, sleep foundations, and emotional support — helping families understand their baby’s cues and build healthy rhythms from the very beginning. One of my strongest areas of expertise is sleep shaping, using age-appropriate techniques that allow many babies to sleep through the night by 4–5 months, always with a respectful, attachment-minded approach. Clients often share that I have an effortless way of integrating into the home, anticipating needs before they are spoken, and creating an environment of peace, order, and emotional safety. Whether supporting breastfeeding, troubleshooting sleep, soothing a fussy newborn, guiding siblings, or caring for a recovering parent, my goal is always the same: to bring calm, clarity, and confidence to the postpartum experience. For me, being a doula is more than a profession — it’s a devotion to nurturing, empowering, and walking alongside families during a beautiful and vulnerable chapter. Every home I enter becomes part of my heart, and it is an honor to support parents as they grow into their new roles with confidence, joy, and rest. If you’re looking for someone who will care for your baby with tenderness, support your recovery with evidence-based expertise, honor your family’s identity, and guide you with compassion every step of the way, I would be honored to walk this journey with you.

I had the pleasure of working with Josy as my postpartum doula, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From day one, she was incredibly respectful of our family's needs and preferences, always communicating clearly and checking in to make sure we felt supported. Josy's knowledge of infant care is exceptional. She guided us through everything from feeding and sleep routines to soothing techniques with confidence and expertise. She supported me on my nursing journey and with infant massage, especially tummy massage in the early weeks. What truly impressed me was her commitment to continuously learning and deepening her skills—she stayed current with the latest research and best practices, which gave me tremendous peace of mind during those early weeks. Her calm and joyful presence and genuine care made such a difference during a vulnerable time. If you're looking for a postpartum doula who is professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to her craft, Josy is an outstanding choice. Beyond her technical expertise, what truly set Josy apart was her extraordinary kindness and emotional intelligence. She understood that welcoming a newborn into the family is about so much more than feeding schedules and sleep—it's about navigating a profound life transition with all its joys and challenges. Josy met us exactly where we were, without judgment, and created a safe space for us to ask questions, express concerns, and adjust to our new reality. Her deep understanding of the needs of families with newborns was evident in countless small but meaningful ways. She anticipated our needs before we even voiced them, whether it was preparing a nourishing snack, tidying up the kitchen so we could rest, or simply sitting with me during a difficult moment and offering reassurance. She recognized when I needed encouragement and when I just needed someone to listen. Josy also showed remarkable sensitivity to the dynamics of our whole family. She understood that postpartum support isn't just about the baby—it's about caring for parents as they adjust to their new roles, managing recovery, sleep deprivation, and the emotional roller coaster of those first weeks. Her presence brought a sense of calm and competence that allowed us to feel more confident as parents. What I valued most was her genuine warmth and the way she made us feel seen and supported as individuals, not just clients. Josy truly cares about the families she works with, and that compassion shines through in everything she does. Having her by our side during those precious early weeks was an invaluable gift.

- S M.

El Cerrito, California

5.0 (1 review)

Katie Sullivan

20 years of experience

I'm Katie Sullivan, M.Ed, CPPD, a parenting and sleep consultant, an early childhood professional, a certified postpartum doula, a Montessori educator, and a mother of two. I have studied and worked with young children and families for nearly 20 years, with a special love and appreciation for the infant and toddler stages. My area of expertise is providing families with individualized practical recommendations and sleep/parenting plans. I am passionate about setting up good sleep habits from birth, serving as a resource for new parents, and troubleshooting tricky situations from zero to three.

Wouldn't have survived the first year of parenthood without Katie. Her expertise is only matched by her sense of calm. She got my baby sleeping through the night faster than I could have imagined and 2 years later we haven't had a single regression. She walked us through potty training – one of the more stressful parenting situations I've encountered – and helped us cross every potty milestone. Couldn't recommend her more.

- R E.

El Cerrito, California

Samantha Saephan

4 years of experience

I'm a certified overnight postpartum doula and lactation educator counselor. Prior, I was a career nanny of the past 10+ years working with children of all ages. Am located in the East Bay and am open to travel for work. I am a non-smoker, have up-to-date vaccines, and CPR certified. I accept Carrot. Currently on maternity leave until November 2026 :)

Oakland, California

Lasnieli Zadurski

3 years of experience

Hey! I’m, Lasnieli your postpartum doula. I am thrilled to be a part of your postpartum journey! Allow me to introduce myself and share a bit about my background and the support I provide. My passion for postpartum care began as an Au Pair/Nanny, and I have had a variety of experiences with different kids ages, but caring for babies is something I find most rewarding. I am blessed to help every family on this beautiful, but sometimes difficult journey of motherhood. As your postpartum doula, my role is to provide emotional, practical, and informational support as you heal and adjust to life with your newborn. I am committed to creating a nurturing environment where you feel warm, confident, and empowered on your parenting journey.

Oakland, California

5.0 (5 reviews)

Jamie Jones

21 years of experience

Hi, my name is Jamie Jones I'm a Certified Birth Doula, Certified Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialists, Certified Lactation Support, and a Certified Sleep Specialists. I have been working in Labor and Delivery as a Senior Surgical Technician for 20 years now. I absolutely love helping to bring new life into the world. Being able to be there for new families as their support system during that time brings me joy. In my heart of hearts I have found it is my calling to live a life of service. I am a natural born helper so what better way then to continue helping families after the are home in the Newbirn phase of the journey. I am originally from Memphis,Tn and I now reside in Oakland,Ca. I want to be able to be an emotional support for the family be it giving help with breast feeding or allowing the parents to rest when they can. So that the parents will know their baby is in safe hands and the can rest easy. Https://p-e-a-c-e-over-everything.com/postpaartum-doula Cell 510-616-8005

I’m so grateful for Jamie. She came to see me a few weeks postpartum and brought such a calm, steady presence into my home. She made me feel truly supported during a time when I needed it most. She helped me feel more confident and less anxious. You can tell she genuinely cares about the mothers she works with. I’ll definitely be calling her again for any future babies, and I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for compassionate postpartum support.

- Heleyna H.

Oakland, California

5.0 (1 review)

Gisele Coro

9 years of experience

Hello families, I’m Gisele 30 years old. Located in North Bay, San Francisco. Experienced and reliable Postpartum Doula with over seven years of experience caring for children and their families. Adept in providing optimal care to children from infancy. Highly skilled in infant care with extensive knowledge of safety precautions, feeding techniques, educational activities, infant stimulation, social and cognitive development.

Gisele was amazing with our newborn baby. She started with a week after we brought the baby home and stayed for 8 weeks - caring for the baby through the night. She was patient and quite knowledgeable about newborn care. Additionally, she paid attention to how we wanted the baby to be cared for and implemented the requests well. She was on time and professional and helped with things around the house as well. We highly recommend Gisele.

- Benjamin H.

Oakland, California

5.0 (2 reviews)

Leila Mottley

I'm a queer, Black birth worker offering sliding scale doula care in the East Bay. I was born and raised in Oakland and I only take on a handful of clients at a time so that I can give you as much individualized attention as possible. I trained as a full-spectrum doula in 2021 with Sumi's Touch and have been actively supporting clients in the transformative process of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum for over a year. Before that, I worked as an infant-toddler teacher for years and I incorporate education on newborn care in my work as a doula. I believe that education and information is critical to you being able to make choices that work best for you and go into birth with confidence and grounding in your abilities and understanding of your own body and baby. The goal of every birth is to create an environment and process that is uniquely comfortable and grounding for the person giving birth and so I provide a number of prenatal sessions to prepare parents with the knowledge and tools to make their own informed decisions while also being ready to step in and advocate on behalf of the parents' needs at any point. I am particularly interested in mindful birthing and finding the methods of pain reduction that work for each person, building a birth environment that feels as familiar and homey as possible (music, lighting, calming scents, etc), and being anything and everything you may need from home to the hospital, whether that be a coach, cook, massage therapist, fierce advocate, or photographer. I also have an affinity for postpartum care that encompasses lactation support, postpartum healing, herbal remedies, baby care, or just doing your dishes so you don’t have to worry about that too.

I was in labor for three days, and I can’t imagine how I would’ve managed without Leila. She is the support every person deserves during this process. She listened to my needs and helped me create a birth plan that reflected my personality. At the hospital, she advocated for me fiercely, pushing for alternatives that aligned with my wishes, even when the medical team repeatedly fear-mongered. Postpartum, she offered invaluable advice that helped me process my labor experience and navigate lactation. I am incredibly grateful that I had her by my side.

- Hafeezah A.

Oakland, California

5.0 (4 reviews)

Krystal Vélez-Gómez-Edwards

4 years of experience

My name is Krystal Brisette Vélez-Gómez-Edwards and I am of Indigenous-Mexicana and Nicaragüense descent. I am open to supporting all births of all beliefs and practices. I am passionate about my own cultural work and practicing as a traditional, Mexican doula, acknowledging birth as ceremony. My first career path was in nursing until I discovered my dismay with Western medicine and healthcare. Years later I experienced the birth of my son, Michael, who is now 16. I was 21 and had no support outside of my marriage, I had no clue what I was doing and I didn't know what I didn't know. I ate awfully and gained at least 70 pounds. When my water broke and I was admitted to the hospital, I was soon told I would need a cesarean due to my son going into "distress." I planned to have a natural birth, but here I was receiving an epidural (fentanyl!) and being cut open and tugged at from within. I was so detached from my own body. My baby was taken from the room and I didn't have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits and pleasure of skin-to-skin bonding, our 'golden hour' to breastfeed peacefully. I suffered from postpartum depression and learned to bury and forget the experience because I figured that's just how it was. It wasn't until years later that it came up for me and was a catalyst for many positive changes in my life. I was a few years into healing work with indigenous medicines and in one of my own ceremonies, I received a calling to bring ceremony back to birth, along with visions of burying a placenta at a sacred tree. I began researching traditional Mexican birth work to discover that this was in fact an indigenous tradition. I dedicated myself to the journey of birth work. I obtained training in many facets of holistic birth work and traditional, Mexican birth work, including herbalism to support birth and postpartum, womb healing, rebozo work, techniques for comfort and pain management as well as repositioning breech babies, lactation support, craniosacral therapy, cerrada de caderas (traditional closing ceremony), and the list continues to grow. I have been studying safe use of psychedelics during pregnancy and birth. As a traditional, certified holistic birth and postpartum doula, my primary role is to provide emotional, physical, and informational support to you during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and beyond. I believe birth work is sacred and magical. Most importantly, I'm passionate about incorporating traditional practices into my work, which means I can also draw on indigenous knowledge and rituals to enhance and support your desired birthing experience. Together, we'll navigate this journey, ensuring you feel empowered and well-supported throughout.

Cristal was absolutely essential to my uncomplicated delivery of my child. Her warmth and knowledge gave me the confidence and peace to go within myself and have an unmedicated delivery in the hospital. Being able to text her with any questions during and before early labor was incredibly comforting and helpful. Cristal was also a tremendous support for my mom and husband in the hospital, making the whole experience more personalized and less stressful. She provided them with the confidence and reassurance they needed, creating a calm and supportive environment for all of us. At the end of my quarentena, Cristal performed my cerada de caderas ceremony, which was beautiful and just the pampering I needed. This ceremony helped me reconnect with my roots and heal from my previous two birthing experiences. Cristal's support, both during and after delivery, was invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for her presence during this important time in my life. Thank you, Cristal, for everything you've done for me and my family!

- Rocío G.

Oakland, California

5.0 (1 review)

Sampaguita C. S.

10 years of experience

Hi — I’m Sampaguita Thank you for being here. I’m a birth worker, student midwife, and lifelong advocate for reproductive and sexual bodily autonomy for every body. My work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves choice, access, safety, and power in their reproductive journeys. I’m especially honored to support individuals and communities whose lineages have had to fight for this freedom — whether that meant the right to give birth and raise children, or the right not to. It is a sacred calling to support people through the transformative journeys of pregnancy, labor, postpartum, and parenting, and I hold this responsibility with deep gratitude. I bring a lived, embodied lens to this work as a... - Non-binary lesbian - Mixed 2nd-generation Filipino-American - Birth worker with nearly 10 years of experience - Working-class upbringing - Covid cautious and harm reductionist - Living with chronic pain and disabilities