Find a Childbirth Educator Near Me in Bethesda, MD

Nikita Wise is a Traditional Apprentice Midwife serving families throughout the Baltimore–Washington region with a deep commitment to culturally centered, respectful, and holistic maternity care. Widely recognized for her dedication to Black and minority families, Nikita has spent over a decade supporting women through fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with compassion, clinical rigor, and ancestral reverence. Born and raised in Baltimore City, Nikita later relocated to suburban Maryland at age 19, where her personal journey into motherhood profoundly shaped her professional calling. Becoming a mother at 16 with the steadfast support of her married parents, she developed an early passion for maternal health and a determination to serve women during some of life’s most transformative moments. This experience inspired her pursuit of a career in labor and delivery and ultimately midwifery. In 2013, Nikita began her formal clinical training by earning her Nursing Assistant Certification at the Gandhi School in Pikesville, Maryland. She then advanced her medical training at Brown’s Career Institute, where she became both a Patient Care Technician and Certified Phlebotomist. That same year, she entered the field of obstetrics as an OB Surgical Technician at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C., completing the hospital’s in-house Surgical Technology Program and receiving extensive on-the-job training in high-acuity maternity care. Over the next five years, Nikita worked across multiple labor and delivery units throughout the DMV, including Sibley Memorial Hospital, The George Washington University Hospital, St. Agnes Hospital, Providence Hospital, StoneSprings Hospital Center, Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, and MedStar Montgomery Medical Center. During this time, she gained firsthand experience in operative births, maternal emergencies, and interdisciplinary obstetric care—knowledge that continues to inform her midwifery practice today. In 2019, recognizing the limitations of hospital-based care for families seeking autonomy and holistic support, Nikita transitioned from surgical technology to birthwork as a doula and student midwife. That same year, she founded DMV Birth Doulas, LLC, a full-spectrum doula practice dedicated to empowering families through personalized, evidence-informed, and culturally affirming support. In 2020, Nikita launched The Black Doula Training, LLC, an accessible, low-cost educational program designed to increase diversity in the birthwork profession and prepare aspiring doulas for professional practice. Many graduates of the program have gone on to serve families in community settings and within DMV Birth Doulas’ professional network. In December 2024, Nikita successfully fulfilled the hands-on training and skills checklist requirements ine PEP process as an Apprentice Midwife including observing 10 births as a doula, assisting in 20 births as an assistant under licensed midwives, and attending 30 births as a primary student under direct supervision.  Throughout her training, she worked under the mentorship and clinical supervision of respected midwives across the Mid-Atlantic region, including: Bayla Berkowitz, CNM (Pikesville, MD) Monika Karaosman, CPM (Berlin, MD) Elder Midwife Maureen McIver, CPM (Pennsylvania) Ryann Bernard, CPM, JD (Alexandria, VA) These mentors evaluated her clinical skills, birth outcomes, and professional competencies, affirming her readiness to practice midwifery in community and out-of-hospital settings. Today, Nikita is the owner of The House of Gloria Fertility & Birth, a sacred, boutique midwifery and fertility practice in Ellicott City, Maryland. Her work blends traditional midwifery principles with modern clinical standards, offering families holistic fertility care, homebirth midwifery, and comprehensive postpartum support. She is particularly known for her dedication to informed consent, physiologic birth, and culturally grounded care that honors Black maternal health and ancestral birth traditions. Nikita remains deeply invested in education, mentorship, and advocacy for maternal health equity. Through her clinical practice, training programs, and community outreach, she continues to expand access to respectful, culturally aligned birth care for families across Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Hi my name is Joy and I'm a RN, Birth and Postpartum Doula in Northern Virginia. I have learned from elders, family and friends in addition to being a nurse for the past 15 years. I love all aspects of birth and being a resource to Moms and families. As a midwifery student, I am always looking to learn more and truly love serving my community. As of now I am private pay and do not accept insurance. What questions do you have? Looking forward to serving you.

I am a pro-life doula and childbirth educator (including SpBCPE), I am passionate about walking alongside women and their partners with individualized support, encouragement, and evidence-informed care that honors the body’s God-given ability to birth. I spent years in the healthcare setting compassionately caring for others before making the switch to support women in this most special time in their lives. I hold a deep concern for the disturbing ethical changes our American healthcare system and seek to make a difference. I believe every life is sacred—and every mother deserves gentle, informed, and respectful care. I specialize in: *Doula care rooted in compassion and medical truths *Perinatal Parent Advocacy *Clients/partners who are Neurodiverse *Empowered individualized education for physiologic (natural) birth including peri-natal activities and positioning for pregnancy/birth *Partner-inclusive support, education and advocacy skills *Informed decisions. birth plans and birth rehearsal *Lactation *Placental Encapsulation *Care of special needs babies, NICU informed doula

Hi mom to be’s!! I’m Danielle and I am a State Certified Birth Doula and Community Health Worker in the NOVA (Northern Virginia) area. I have been in the healthcare field since I completed my Bachelor of Science at Marymount University where I studied Health Promotion and minored in Public Health. I was concerned during the pandemic about the alarming rates at which black women and women of color were passing away at a time that is supposed to be joyous. With not having kids of my own yet, I would like to put out the good I’d like to receive when my time comes. Educating moms and their partners with welcoming their children and feeling confident to not feel pressured to do anything other than what’s on the birth plan. Knowledge is power and I would love to support you in feeling even stronger before, during, and after your birth.

As a doula, I am committed to empowering families whether you are a couple, doing it on your own or a same sex couple. My mission is to give support, kindness, patience, education and confidence in this amazing birthing journey you are experiencing. I pass no judgment but love and positive affirmations. I provide prenatal, labor, birth and postpartum care for you and your baby. Regardless of race, ethnicity or religious background, I am here to help you.

Hi, I’m Brianna — a birth and postpartum doula completing my certification with DONA International. I’ve had the honor of supporting families through empowering and transformative birth experiences, both in and out of hospitals. I’m also a certified HypnoBirthing educator (Mongan Method) and the founder of The Birth Empowerment Group, where I specialize in serving Black and Brown families with inclusive, evidence-based care. With a background in special education and two natural water births of my own, I bring knowledge, empathy, and calm to every birth space I enter.

Hi there, I am a wife and mother to 3 children. I spend my days staying current on evidence based information about prenatal, peri and postnatal care. I enjoy playing soccer with my kids, cooking, decorating my home for each season and holiday as well as baking and arts and crafts with my kids after school. I have always been enamored with Labor and Delivery! My most favorite thing is to hear others that talk about their birthing experience. Whether it was positive or not, this most intimate time in their lives will always be memorable. As a birth and post partum doula with several other certifications, I make it my mission to help soon to be and returning parents have a positive birth outcome even during unpredictable situations.

Hi, I’m Rachael! I am a mom of three not-so-little kids (ages 21, 16, and 13), and a military spouse of 17 years, so I know a little about having to build your own village. I am a certified labor doula, postpartum and bereavement doula, to be a part of that village in your life. After walking alongside three families as a gestational carrier, I found my calling in nurturing others through the many paths of parenthood. I have always been passionate about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and all things baby, so I knew I wanted to find my place in the birth world. I am certified through Birth & Baby University and currently training with StillBirthday to offer a well-rounded education along with my personal experiences with pregnancy, birth, and parenting. I offer gentle, hands-on support during birth, the postpartum period, and in times of pregnancy or infant loss. Whether you're preparing for a joyful delivery, adjusting to life with a newborn, or grieving a loss, I want to be the one to walk beside you, hold space for your experience, and offer the support you deserve. When I’m not supporting families, you’ll usually find me at home hanging out with my husband, our kids, and three dogs. In my spare time, I love being in the garden, on my yoga mat, or curled up with my knitting and a good movie.

I wear many titles with pride — Wife, Mother, Lactation Specialist, Licensed Massage therapist (LIC#R03337), Student Midwife, and Author. But at the heart of it all, I’m simply someone who is devoted to women’s health, healing, and empowerment. My passion for nurturing others comes from a long line of generous souls — my mother, my grandparents, whose kindness and selflessness shaped who I am today. My grandfather devoted his life to serving his community, and my grandmother has always been the quiet backbone of our family, giving from the heart without hesitation. Their example taught me that true generosity is showing up for others with love and presence, and that principle runs through every part of my work. I’m a proud graduate of the Holistic Massage Training Institute, where I began my journey into bodywork and holistic healing. Over the years, I’ve specialized in prenatal, fertility, infant, and postpartum massage, helping women release physical tension and rediscover balance in their bodies. I also help many clients find relief from chronic neck and lower back pain, drawing on more than four years of therapeutic experience. In 2020, I founded a private practice specializing in pregnancy and postpartum manual therapy. Over the years of practice, I have helped over 300+ women relieve pain, improve mobility, and prepare for birth. My educational journey has included studies at Anne Arundel Community College and Western Governors University, and midwifery studies through the National College of Midwifery while apprenticing under several licensed midwives. I have attended over 50+ births in a mix of hospitals, home births, and birthing centers. My calling toward birth work was born of my own motherhood journey. My first childbirth experience showed me the power of a supportive birth team, but my second reminded me how deeply a lack of support can impact a woman. That moment became the turning point that led me to dedicate my life to women’s wellness — ensuring that every woman feels seen, supported, and cared for during one of life’s most transformative experiences. In 2022, I was honored to receive the Good Heart Award from The Shades of Blue Project during Black Maternal Health Week, recognizing my commitment to uplifting and caring for families in the birthing community. My work has also been featured in publications such as Motherly, Beauty Boost Baltimore, and Voyage Baltimore. Every client I serve, every birth I attend, and every family I serve is an extension of that same legacy of care that was passed down from my family. I’m here to create spaces where women feel safe, nurtured, and empowered to trust their bodies — because generosity, to me, is the act of helping others remember their own strength.

Taiwo Ikeoluwa Adeloye-Ajao or "Tia Ajao" has served in the maternal-child health arena for over 20 years. She obtained her MPH in maternal and child health, community health & prevention in 2008. Tia decided to become a nurse & a doula in 2014 due to her own experiences as a mother & as an advocate in her community. These roles empowered Tia to become a certified birth & postpartum doula, a certified maternal-newborn nurse, a Lamaze certified childbirth educator, a birth assistant with midwives, and an international board certified lactation consultant. She enjoys helping families to be intentional about preparing for their birth & postpartum experiences.

Hello. My name is Shanaée Walker, proud owner of Rooted in Birth located in the DMV area. I’m a certified birth and postpartum doula with specialized experience supporting twin pregnancies and families welcoming premature infants. I’m also a certified placenta encapsulation specialist and a trained newborn care specialist, offering comprehensive, evidence-based support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. As a military spouse and a mom of three, I understand the importance of adaptability, compassion, and strong support systems. My passion is walking alongside families during one of life’s most transformative seasons, providing calm, informed, and nurturing care every step of the way.

As a childbirth educator and doula, I specialize in providing birth support and empowering families through their journey to a safe birth experience. I educate families on the benefits of trusting the natural birthing process and aim to minimize medical interventions, allowing them to have a positive, empowering birth.

I am a mom, daughter, a sister, an aunt, a cat mom, taco chaser, lover of travel, and a proud doula. My family and I live in the DC area, though I will always and forever remain a Georgia girl at heart. My passion has always been in healthcare and championing people to make the best decisions for themselves based on unbiased support and evidenced based information. My goal is that each and every family I support feels confident and empowered walking into and away from their birth experience.

Highly organized, detail-oriented, and compassionate Maternal Health Expert and Senior Doula, as well as retired Career Firefighter/Paramedic, with 20+ years of professional experience throughout the medical industry. Well-versed in the delivery of culturally appropriate programming for the maternal health population. Successful in the planning and executing of a variety of programs and services geared to promote wellness and healthy lifestyles for birthing persons before, during, and after childbirth. Adept at overseeing the development of strategy and policy recommendations for clients. Demonstrated ability to deliver unparalleled client service, offer high-level communications, and facilitate training and management of teams. Highly skilled at identifying problems and developing effective solutions, monitoring performance metrics, and utilizing skilled analysis to optimize processes. Looking for ways to bridge Maternal Health and Technology.

Hello! I'm Danica, a Certified Birth and Postpartum/Infant Care Doula. I am a traveling doula based in Frederick, Maryland and want to assist others in their birthing and parenthood journey. I have teamed up with Gabrielle Taylor to bring quality care and support to Frederick and the surrounding areas. You can read more about Gabby here: https://www.thrivebloomdoula.com/ After being a support person for many years, I decided to become a doula. As a doula I have made it my goal to be a part of the village that everyone deserves by providing quality care and attention from the time you contact me, through the transition home with a new little one. I am an inclusive person and welcome diversity within my clients. I am open-minded and respect my clients ideals and beliefs- all are safe from judgement with me.

Greetings families, I am Alisha a certified birth and postpartum doula through DONA International in prenatal, birth, and postnatal care. I provide emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals and families throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and early postpartum journey. I offer a wide range of services, including education, advocacy, comfort, and guidance to help ensure a positive birth experience and smooth transition into parenthood. I am also CPR, First Aid and AED certified. I have over 20 years of experience in the human service field. I have been a servant to my community by providing resources to the most vulnerable populations such as disabled, homeless and abused. Strengthening new and growing families as a doula has been profoundly significant and valuable during the start of my career. I enjoy empowering families, promoting health, and fostering resilience for birth moms.

I provide birth doula services, day and overnight in-home postpartum and newborn care through the first 16 weeks, and pediatric sleep coaching for children from infancy through age 6 — offering customized practical, emotional, and informational support to help families feel confident, supported, and well-rested.

Hi, I'm Vee. I am a Perinatal Health Care specialist (Doula) Birth Activist, and Cultural Anthropologist. My work is in: Birth, Holistic Postpartum Care, Traditional Holistic Postpartum Care, and Belly Binding Practice. I specialize in the wholeness and wellness of an expectant mother. I believe when a Mother is put first -loved on, cared for and nurtured well...then her whole home and family then is okay as well!

Hi, I'm Turkessa Demisse, a doula who believes in prioritizing your comfort and wishes to give you the best chance of having your baby your way. I love educating women about their options, ensuring you feel informed and empowered throughout your journey. My calm demeanor, knowledge, and caring nature create a supportive environment for you. How can I protect and support your birthing experience?

I am Gabriell (Gabby) Garner and I own a small doula practice. We provide both birth and postpartum doula support, along with lactation support and pediatric sleep consulting throughout the Washington DC Metro area and Baltimore region. We are in-network with Maryland Medicaid as well as commercial insurance with select insurance companies.