Darshal Smith

Columbia, Maryland

5.0 (7 reviews)

Darshal Smith

9 years of experience

Hi there! My name is Darshal but you can call me Dee! I am a mom and experienced doula. I’m originally from Mississippi, and have a beautiful, blossoming teenage daughter! My journey into motherhood and the knowledge and empowerment gained through childbirth has led me to become a doula. I have a passion for helping women achieve a positive and satisfying childbirth experience. My goal as a doula is to help educate, advocate, offer support and comfort for all birthing persons during their fertility, pregnancy along with labor, ultimately leading to a positive birth and wellness experience. 

Recent review

Dee the Doula (Darshal) is simply phenomenal! From the moment we connected, Dee brought such warmth, professionalism, and genuine care to every conversation. She is not only a certified birth & postpartum doula but also a student midwife with an incredible depth of knowledge about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. Her approach is the perfect balance of evidence-based guidance and heartfelt emotional support. She listened to my needs, respected my preferences, and made me feel empowered every step of the way. Whether it was helping me create a birth plan, offering comfort measures during labor, or ensuring I had the resources I needed at home postpartum, Dee went above and beyond. Even during times when she was navigating her own personal life challenges and may not have been quite as sharp for a few moments as she’s usually 110% of the time, she still showed up fully for me and my family. We gave her space to process because what good would she be to us if she wasn’t replenished? That mutual respect only strengthened our bond, and I can truly call her family and for that, I’m deeply grateful. It’s clear that this is more than just a job for her, it’s her calling. She treats her clients like family and creates a safe, uplifting environment for both parents and baby. If you’re looking for someone who will advocate for you, educate you, and hold space for you through one of the most important times in your life, I can’t recommend Dee the Doula enough! As we grow our family, she will ALWAYS be our go to doula! I can’t wait to see her in action one day as a midwife!

- Michelle T.

Nikita Johnson-Wise

Columbia, Maryland

5.0 (1 review)

Nikita Johnson-Wise

12 years of experience

Nikita Johnson is a graduate of The National College of Midwifery and is currently preparing to sit for her Midwifery Certification Exam in Spring 2025. She has received hands-on training under the direct supervision of Certified Nurse Midwife Bayla Berkowitz at a homebirth midwifery practice in Pikesville, MD. Nikita has also studied with respected midwives Monika Karaosman at Althea Midwifery in Berlin, MD, and Maureen McIver in Westminster, MD. Nikita Johnson brings over five years of homebirth experience, including three years as a Homebirth Assistant and Student Midwife. Prior to this, she spent six years as a Certified Obstetrics Surgical Technologist, gaining extensive hospital-based labor and delivery experience before retiring from that role. Since 2019, she has been a highly regarded birth rights doula in the DMV area, known for her assertive advocacy and commitment to helping clients navigate the complexities of the Western healthcare system. Nikita is dedicated to empowering her patients to achieve their desired birth experiences while ensuring safety and informed decision-making through evidence-based care. In addition to her hands-on work, she serves as a Doula Trainer and Mentor for The Black Doula Training, a Writer for Healthy Mom & Baby magazine (powered by the Nurses of AWHONN), a Doula Advisor for the Maryland Perinatal Neonatal Quality Collaborative, and a Maternal Health Task Force Advisor for Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She specializes in IVF/IUI and Infertility Conditions, Gyn Wellness, Home Births, Hospital Births, Unmedicated Births, Births with epidurals, VBAC's and High Risk Pregnancies. Individuals and couples working with Nikita benefit from her multi-skilled background and experience. She has been attending births since 2014 and has attended over 350+ births.

Recent review

Nikita has been a delight to work with. She provided us with everything we needed to make informed decisions. She offered us a host of resources for doctors and other practitioners that were able to help us along the way. We’re very appreciative.

- Randy M.

Samantha Dandridge

Washington, District of Columbia

Samantha Dandridge

6 years of experience

Hi! I’m Samantha. Certified birth and postpartum doula located in the DMV. I am also currently a student midwife. I LOVE everything birth!! I believe that birth should be your way and every person should be informed to make the best decisions for you and baby. I create a judgement free zone for both birthers and support persons while fully supporting educationally, physically and emotionally. During my free time I am finding new adventures with my girls and husband. I’m also a dance teacher and high school cheerleading coach.

Kim M.

Washington, District of Columbia

5.0 (1 review)

Kim M.

7 years of experience

Hey there! I'm Kimberly, a certified sleep consultant and doula. Through my business, Vela Haven, I provide comprehensive services including birth doula, postpartum, and pediatric sleep consulting. My deep passion lies in supporting families on their unique journeys. Vela Haven is built on the principles of nonjudgmental, empowering, and family-centered care. Outside my work, I relish reading, exploring new places, and cherishing life's small moments. Excited to connect with you and discuss how I can meet your needs!

Recent review

Wonderful post-partum doula. She has lots of experience and it shows. In an overwhelming time, Kim was full of calm energy and personal warmth. She took good care of me by providing healing food and drink. She also assisted with lactation concerns. Finally, she gave me some much needed rest by holding and caring for baby when needed. I keep in touch with Kim to this day and feel grateful to have found her. Highly recommend!!

- Laura K.

Traequanda Brock

Washington, District of Columbia

5.0 (1 review)

Traequanda Brock

4 years of experience

My name is Traequanda Brock and my interest in birth and postpartum doula work came about during my graduate studies in the social work program. I have been in the social work field since 2011 and graduated from Howard University with my Master of Social Work degree. I have always been passionate about equity, especially for those who are marginalized. I learned of the disparity among black women/black birthing persons and the rate at which they weren’t surviving due to birth related complications, that are completely preventable when given the right care. As I learned the huge impact doulas could have on the life of black women/black birthing persons, I knew where my calling was leading me. I am trained through the National Black Doula Association as a birth and postpartum doula. I know that my purpose is to be of service to others and that so happens to be in this field. My interest is for birthing persons to get back in touch with their bodies and all that it can do. This looks like, trusting yourselves and tapping into your intuition, nurturing your mind, body, and soul; with the nutrients you feed it, exercise, meditation, ancestral traditions; as well as leaning on your supports through this beautiful experience.

Recent review

Traequanda was my doula. She was excellent from beginning to end. She kept my partner and I well informed, was intentional, and patient. Traequanda is a gem.

- Natalie R.

deborah galvao

Washington, District of Columbia

5.0 (5 reviews)

deborah galvao

3 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hello, I’m Deborah Galvao, a dedicated and experienced birth and postpartum doula, newborn care specialist, and perinatal educator based in the DMV area. Over the past two years, I’ve had the honor of supporting families through one of life’s most transformative journeys. My philosophy is rooted in creating a calm, informed, and nurturing environment for parents and their newborns. I believe every family deserves personalized care, whether it’s guiding them through childbirth, supporting recovery during the postpartum period, or offering education to build confidence in their parenting journey. My approach is inclusive, embracing all family structures, including LGBT families and those navigating surrogacy or IVF. I’m here to empower you with evidence-based resources, hands-on care, and a deep commitment to your well-being—helping you transition into parenthood with confidence and ease. To get faster answers please text my #

Recent review

Deborah was an incredible support during the newborn phase with my twins. She brought calm, expertise, and so much care into our home. She helped us with routines, feeding, and soothing, and made sure I could rest and recover. Truly patient, professional, and wonderful with babies — I’m so grateful for her and highly recommend her to any family, especially twin parents. we occasionally still use her services even 4 years later

- Lauren Y.

Courtney Papanicolaou

Washington, District of Columbia

Courtney Papanicolaou

53 years of experience

We are your one-stop shop for all your postpartum needs. We are your village and concierge for anything and everything those first few weeks and months following birth. Our services include postpartum doulas, newborn specialists, yoga, meal prep, grocery shopping, housekeeping, and more! Whatever you need mama, we got you.

Mel Andrade

Washington, District of Columbia

5.0 (2 reviews)

Mel Andrade

7 years of experience

Hi! I’m Mel, a full-spectrum doula, lactation peer counselor, and student midwife based in the DMV and supporting Florida birthing mamas and birthing people as well. With lived experience in both a cesarean and a VBAC/home birth, along with six years of herbal training, I integrate evidence-based care, trauma-informed support, and holistic traditional practices. I attend all births and prioritize improving outcomes for Black birthers through clear guidance and informed decision-making. My goal is to help families navigate pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding with confidence, accurate information, and consistent advocacy. Birth should be calm, peaceful, and empowering no matter which turn it takes. When I'm not being a doula, I'm being a chef ♡

Recent review

Best support system a mom could ask for. Really love and appreciate this woman for supporting me and my family during this special time. She is a real gem ❤️❤️ thank you for helping me welcome my son into this world. Encouraging me during birth and making the whole experience pleasurable and peaceful 🙏🏾❤️

- Joy C.

Theodora Amissah

Washington, District of Columbia

Theodora Amissah

7 years of experience

Greetings, I’m Theodora! I’m a first generation Ghanaian-American postpartum doula serving families in Washington, DC and parts of Northern Virginia. I trained as a full-spectrum doula and started my doula practice in Brooklyn, NYC in 2018. Since then I have supported birthing and postpartum women, people, and their families on their journeys in Richmond, Virginia and now in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. My doula practice is also shaped by my West African background. I come from a big Ghanaian family and diaspora community, where community care is how we care for each other through life’s transitions, especially birth and postpartum. I provide culturally-rooted and affirming postpartum education, support, and nourishing services and products to birthing and postpartum people. I have several postpartum packages I offer, so that you can find the right fit for you and your family. A portion of all my services and products supports black and brown and immigrant women/birthing people and their families across the spectrum of their reproductive needs to have safe, dignified, and loving reproductive experiences. I look forward to hearing how I can join your team of care to provide a nourishing and supported postpartum journey!

Maya Chevalier

Washington, District of Columbia

Maya Chevalier

2 years of experience

Hi, I’m Maya, a postpartum doula and sleep consultant passionate about helping families feel cared for, rested, and confident in their new chapter. Through Nestled, I provide overnight support, newborn care education, and gentle sleep solutions tailored to your family’s needs. My goal is to create a nurturing environment that allows both parents and babies to thrive. When I’m not supporting families, you can usually find me spending time with my own loved ones, exploring nature on a hike, or winding down with a good TV show.

Metropolitan Doulas

Washington, District of Columbia

Metropolitan Doulas

10 years of experience
Accepts insurances

​Metropolitan Doulas are a group of trained and experienced postpartum doulas, serving Washington D.C, Northern Virginia, and parts of Maryland. Perhaps you are expecting a baby, or maybe you recently had a baby and are looking for some help. Hiring a postpartum doula can ease you into your role as a parent, and provide you the care, support, and education that will help you feel relaxed and ready to take on the challenge of new parenthood.

Esthanette Reid

Washington, District of Columbia

Esthanette Reid

5 years of experience

Hi, I’m Esthanette (Es tuh net), and thank you for considering having me as a part of your journey! I’m a trained full-spectrum doula. All that means is that I can support you during the prenatal, labor, birth, and postnatal period. I want to ensure that you receive evidence-based information to make informed decisions about your care. I want to help equip you with the tools not only to navigate your birth space and care but tools to help you feel prepared after your baby comes earthside. My goal is to work with you to provide nonjudgmental, embracing, educational, intimate, and personalized care throughout your journey. I’m ready to embrace you and welcome you to my doula family. I embrace birthing people and their families in the DC Metro Area (virtually and in-person), Atlanta Metro (virtually and in-person), and across the nation (virtually).

Carly glover

Annapolis, Maryland

Carly glover

15 years of experience
Accepts insurances

At Annapolis Area Doulas we believe that every family deserves care that feels personal, grounded, and judgment-free. Our doulas meet you exactly where you are, offering support that’s rooted in knowledge, compassion, and genuine connection. We know that no two births or postpartum experiences are the same, so we focus on helping you feel informed, confident, and cared for through every step. We see our work as more than just showing up for a birth or a few visits it’s about walking alongside you as you grow into this next season of life. Whether it’s holding space for your choices, helping you tune into your own intuition, or offering calm, steady guidance when things feel overwhelming, our team is here to help you feel supported, seen, and empowered.

Brittany Martin

Pasadena, Maryland

5.0 (1 review)

Brittany Martin

9 years of experience
Accepts insurances

***FOR INQUIRIES EMAIL***: Hello@mothersisterfriend.org Site:https://www.MotherSisterFriend.org When Brittany became a mom at 19, she recalls feeling afraid, unprepared, and disconnected from herself. She lacked a strong support system, and self-advocacy was a foreign concept to her. All she knew was to follow doctors' orders. So, she suffered through her first HG pregnancy without treatment, showed up at the hospital at the first sign of contractions, and birthed her baby via cesarean for reasons unknown. When she became pregnant with her second child a few years later, she was more intentional in finding a care team to support her in achieving her birth goals. She hired doula-midwives from whom she received all of her prenatal care. Despite Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) and other stressors negatively impacting that pregnancy as well, having an attentive and supportive care team that centered her needs and respected her bodily autonomy influenced a more positive and empowering experience. Inspired by her journey, Brittany felt compelled to pay it forward. She believes everyone deserves a safe, informed and empowering birthing experience. Recognizing the implications of birthing while Black in America, she actively challenges coercive healthcare practices and, alongside many dedicated birth workers, strives to improve the state of Black maternal and infant healthcare.

Recent review

So many good things I could say but my experience with Brittany was nothing short of amazing!!!! My birth didn't go as planned so instead of a vaginal unmedicated birth I had to have a cesarean. However Brittany explained everything step by step which made me relax a bit. She also helped me prepare a birthing plan for a vaginal as well as a cesarean birth. I've never felt so empowered. One of the very few people that I would entrust with my son while I showered and took some much needed rest with my door shut! No worries at all. A meal prepared and a clean house. As Moms we need our village!!! Thank you for everything! 💙💚 Round 2 lol

- Shiquita N.

Andrane Gordon

Temple Hills, Maryland

Andrane Gordon

7 years of experience

Hello Bestie, My name is Ms Nay and I am a Christian based Full spectrum doula. I provide emotional, physical, informational and spiritual support to individuals and families throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and early postpartum period. What drove me to become a doula is watching my sisters receive prenatal care that was concerning so I wanted to be apart of the change apart of affordable luxury care for families of different financial backings but receiving care that stands out. To have a support bestie who is resourceful and passionate about reproductive care. I offer a wide range of services, including education, advocacy, comfort measures, photographs and guidance to help ensure a positive birth experience and smooth transition into parenthood.

Karen Kelly

Ellicott City, Maryland

Karen Kelly

8 years of experience

Hello! My name is Karen Kelly and I am proud to be DONA certified postpartum doula and certified lactation consultant located in Ellicott City, Maryland. I am passionate about supporting families during the fourth trimester. I have been providing professional postpartum support since 2018 and have had the privilege of supporting over 75 families. I specialize in daytime support in order to have the greatest impact on helping new parents gain skills and confidence in their new role. I provide the emotional and practical support that new parents need in order to lighten their load and meet their parenting goals.

Donna-Lee Bellamy

Olney, Maryland

Donna-Lee Bellamy

2 years of experience

Hello everyone! My name is Donna-Lee Bellamy and I am a certified birth and postpartum doula. I am VBAC Link trained and I am also a birth photographer. I became a doula because I am passionate about helping women have the birthing experiences they deserve, and doing everything to avoid postpartum pelvic floor damage if possible. As a doula I believe in the holistic approach to birthing care; if we take care of mama's mind, body and soul, and everything will be ok. I can truly say doula work is my heart and I hope I can serve as many mama's as I can.

Rachel Carbonneau

North Bethesda, Maryland

Rachel Carbonneau

15 years of experience

I can't remember a time when I was not passionate about family issues, and particularly family health. I had my first child at a young age, and found the perinatal landscape entirely bewildering. Mostly alone, I had no idea what was happening to me and my baby, or how to provide for him once he was born (and later, when he was quite sick). The experience strengthened my desire to support others who find themselves similarly lost at the hands of an impersonal medical institution. ​ ​​ I am committed to helping families access evidence-based information for informed decision-making, and to helping improve the birth experience for all families. I serve families of all types, and I specialize in trauma-informed care, bereavement support, disability advocacy, and neurodivergence, Additionally, I am conversant in Spanish, French, and American Sign Language (ASL). The journey into familyhood should be a time of joy, love, and familial and community support. I founded Family Ways with the intention to help bring such an experience to any individual and family who wants and needs it, and to strengthen the family bond—no matter what shape the family takes. I am honored to have been able to share in the lives of so many beautiful families, if for just this one crucial moment.

Tay Iglesias

Arlington, Virginia

Tay Iglesias

15 years of experience

Founder of The Momager Co. Definition: Momager: /mAH-mUH-JeRR Noun: Somebody who Manages the needs of a new or soon to be parent supporting them through fertility, pregnancy, birth, parenthood and everything in between. Hello everyone. My name is Taja Iglesias but you can call me Tay. I am a mother, full spectrum doula, doula trainer, lactation professional, placenta practitioner and soon-to-be midwife! My career supporting families in all capacities of parenthood led me to becoming the founder of The Momager Co. - a doula & parenting support agency. Experiencing disparities as an Afro-Latinx LGBTQ parent and walking with many families going through similar challenges with little to no access to support, led me to expanding The Monager Co and adding in our non profit - The Momager Collective: sister company to The Momager Co specifically serving low-income parents and families of underrepresented communities like the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ families. When it comes to caring for clients, our Momagers provide bespoke care that is tailored to your needs. We meet you where you are mentally and emotionally, in order to best educate, prepare and support you for the journey to come. We're here for you and excited to be a part of your story!

Kaitlin Barnard

Baltimore, Maryland

5.0 (2 reviews)

Kaitlin Barnard

2 years of experience

Hi! I’m Kate. A mama of 3 and a birth doula! I’m from Baltimore MD and work with families doing hospital or home birth!

Recent review

I had the pleasure of working with Kate and her mother Margie during the labor and delivery of my daughter. Kate was my Doula and her mother was my birth photographer. They make one amazing duo! I had planned on a home water birth and unfortunately after 30 hours of unmedicated labor at home it turned into a hospital transfer and then an emergency cesarian surgery. Kate and her mother stayed in contact with me throughout the day when I knew I was in early labor and then got to my home promptly after she received the call that things were quickly progressing. Kate was so knowledgeable on different comfort measures for me during my labor. She was compassionate and extremely supportive during the whole entire experience! She even sent me a lot of information prior to my daughters arrival regarding helpful tips, body positioning and things I could do prior to early labor and through out to help me during every stage. Her mother is so kind, empathetic and takes beautiful pictures! I will cherish the moments she captured for our family forever. Margie even came to the hospital with us and stayed at the hospital not knowing if she would or would not be able to come back in to our room in order to take pictures after my surgery. I could not recommend hiring them more! Thank you both so much for being a part of my birth journey! XX- Alisha Rutherford

- Alisha R.