Find a Childbirth Educator Near Me in California

Julianna Stein

9 years of experience

Hi! My name is Julianna, and I am a birth + postpartum doula and reproductive health educator based in San Diego, California. I am deeply passionate about supporting people through their fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and transition into parenthood with care that is informed, grounded, and non-judgmental. My approach blends evidence-based education with intuitive, hands-on support, honoring both the physiological process of birth and the emotional experience that comes with it. I believe that when parents feel informed, respected, and supported in their choices, birth and postpartum can feel more empowering and less overwhelming. I strive to create a calm, affirming space where clients feel safe to ask questions, explore options, and trust their bodies. In addition to doula care, my background in fertility awareness and reproductive health education shapes how I support clients holistically—from conception and pregnancy through postpartum recovery. In my free time, I love being outdoors, moving my body, and grounding myself in simple routines that nourish both body and mind.

From the very beginning, she was knowledgeable, kind, and deeply reassuring. Giving birth during COVID came with so much uncertainty, but her calm presence and steady guidance helped us navigate every step with confidence. When we had to pivot from our original birth plan, she kept us grounded and supported, ensuring we still felt empowered in the process. What truly sets her apart is that her care didn’t end at delivery. She has continued to check in with our family over the years, which speaks volumes about the level of care she provides. My husband and I highly recommend her to any family looking for a doula who is both skilled and genuinely invested in the families she serves.

- Candace B.

Orange, California

Jaymie Kuhl

3 years of experience

I'm a traditional birth doula, birth photographer, and placenta encapsulation specialist. My heart is for serving and protecting women and babies. As a birth doula, I take a holistic approach to caring for mothers by providing nurturing guidance and hands-on support throughout pregnancy, birth, and immediately postpartum. I love helping women connect to their God given strength and wisdom. My own doula was instrumental in my peaceful HBAC (home birth after cesarean) which inspired me to become that support for other women. So here I am! I've said goodbye to my 9-5 and have committed to letting God guide me through serving families in my community during such a special time in their lives.

Jaymie knew exactly when to step in and when to step aside when helping me labor at home and then at the hospital. Our goal in hiring a doula was to enhance our birth experience and ensure our preferences were listened to - and Jaymie delivered. She was truly the anchor that held everything together. Money well spent.

- Nicole S.

Laguna Beach, California

Sitra Amala

5 years of experience

Sitra is a certified Doula, Holistic Health Practitioner, VBAC Specialist, and IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). With a focus on natural healing, personalized care, and emotional support, Sitra empowers individuals through pregnancy, labor, postpartum, and breastfeeding. Specializing in VBAC, breastfeeding support, and holistic health practices, Sitra helps clients navigate their birth and parenting journeys with confidence, balance, and knowledge.

As a first-time mother in a new country, I was looking for a doula who could guide me through the birth process with understanding and care. Sitra provided just that. From our initial meetings, she made sure I felt comfortable and informed about my options, and during labor, her calm and professional presence was exactly what I needed. She was attentive to my needs, advocating for me and ensuring that I felt safe at every step. After the birth, Sitra also offered helpful support with breastfeeding, giving me the confidence I needed as I adjusted to life with my newborn. I’m very grateful for her guidance and would recommend her to anyone looking for a thoughtful, skilled doula.

- Polina E.

San Clemente, California

Christianna Marie

4 years of experience

Hey Mama! I'm Christianna, a doula, a placenta encapsulation specialist, and a childbirth enthusiast who serves mothers during their pregnancies and births. I have seen and passionately believe that a woman's body is built for birth. Not only are women's bodies designed for childbirth, but mothers get to participate in the miraculous way a living soul enters this world. Being alive is truly a miracle, and I love being able to be present for such a sacred moment when a human being is born. It is my pleasure to educate and protect women as they prepare for this life-altering event. Childbirth can be both an intense and a glorious experience. Together, we will work to address your fears, educate you on your options, and prepare you for a day you will never forget!

Her placenta encapsulation is amazing! She added lavender and rose. It was so helpful to me in my postpartum.

- Anna M.

Lakewood, California

Javanne Brooks

21 years of experience

Hi My name is Javanne Brooks and I am a doula and nurse practitioner who believes whole heartedly that giving birth should be one of the greatest experiences in a persons life. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, as it wasn’t for me during my birth. It was my and the experience of so many other women that has catapulted me into maternity area of healthcare in which I strive with all of who I am to help pregnant women, husbands, and other supporters of pregnant women (moms, grandmothers, sisters, brothers, etc.) become educated and empowered advocates while in the birthing space. I have over 19 years of nursing experience as a nurse and nurse practitioner and am a clinical expert in my field. I have also helped support several pregnant, laboring and post-partum moms and partners navigate through the their maternity journeys. I am so excited to meet you and begin your journey toward a happy, healthy, educated and empowered maternal journey.

I have had the pleasure of working with Javanne twice. She is very hands-on and is extremely knowledgeable. My first experience with Javanne was in 2022 when I had my first child. As a first-time mother, I had so many questions as I was 41 weeks pregnant and felt pressured by my doctor to induce labor. I desired to have a natural birth but was fearful after talking with my OBGYN. I was scared and felt uneducated about the process. Javanne educated me on specific questions to ask, what to expect during my upcoming appointments as well as the risks. She helped me feel at ease while teaching me to advocate for myself. I chose not to be induced and had a fairly easy natural delivery. My second time working with Javanne was in 2024. I had another vaginal birth without an epidural. Everything seemed to have gone well. Two weeks later, I noticed I was having a difficult time breathing, and I could only sleep sitting up. Additionally, I was experiencing headaches and gaining weight. I messaged Javanne, and she explained that this was not normal and urged me to go to the ER. Thank God I did! I was diagnosed with postpartum preeclampsia and cardiomyopathy. Javanne was readily available for all my questions and educated me on the best possible treatments and what to ask my doctors and cardiologists. She also explained how postpartum preeclampsia can bring on cardiomyopathy. Javanne is attentive and wholeheartedly desires labor and delivery to be an enjoyable experience. I’m forever grateful for Javanne.

- Haley S.

Redondo Beach, California

JULIE OTTE

12 years of experience

I'm a mom, wife and masters educated health educator. I am trained as a labor and deliver doula as well postpartum caretaker. I taught childbirth education for 7+ years. I now own and operate and emotional health therapy practice and also do wholistic counseling. I adore mamas, babies and the birth and parenting journey. Providing excellent wholistic support both physically and emotionally is my sweet spot.

I have known and worked with Julie for over 20 years. Her knowledge, professionalism, experience, and level of compassion make her ideal choice for any support needs an expectant or new family may need. I spent many years working as a childbirth educator, doula, and L&D nurse. I have both referred my clients and used her services personally. I am very confident telling anyone they would be fortunate and grateful to have her as part of their support network.

- Karlye M.

Calabasas, California

Khrystyna Kanevska

2 years of experience

I’m Khrystyna Kanevska, a birth doula based in Calabasas, CA, originally from Kyiv, Ukraine. I’m here to offer you birth support that respects your choices, honors your instincts, and holds space for you to step fully into your power.

Khrystyna is my friend, and it feels great to write this review for her. She supported me throughout my pregnancy journey and offered invaluable advice after the birth of my baby. Her presence, care, and wisdom meant so much to me—and I’ll be forever grateful.

- Olha S.

Ladera Ranch, California

Lindzy Butterfield

8 years of experience

I am a birth doula and childbirth mentor/educator located in Orange County, CA. The primary focus of my work is to improve birth outcomes for marginalized communities and to reduce (ideally eradicate) birth trauma. My training is mostly through an organization called Birthing From Within and I highly recommend their reading materials for individuals at any stage, from pre-conception to postpartum. My philosophy is that you, the pregnant person, have all of the wisdom and ability within you and we can work together to awaken that within you.

Lindzy is just amazing! I highly recommend her services. She is well educated, informed on all birthing questions I had. Her expertise, advice, referrals, and support around all things pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum were so helpful and such a comfort as a first time mom. She is down to earth and easy to talk to, and she valued our birth plan. She was my advocate and a huge help in the delivery room, we are so grateful to have hired her, even in though I was late in my pregnancy. If we have another she will be the first one i'll call!

- Shey P.

Temecula, California

Jennie Obispo

17 years of experience

Hi! I'm Jennie, a birth & postpartum doula specializing in trauma-sensitive care, with a deep focus on supporting single & young moms through pregnancy & the sacred postpartum window. My passion lies in providing a gentle, inclusive, & fiercely supportive space where you feel safe, seen, & held in care. No matter how complex your path has been, your story is entirely safe with me—I am here to protect your peace, honor your unique journey, and ensure you don’t have to travel this transformative time alone. I'm so grateful you're here, & I would be honored to walk this path alongside you.

Jennie was wonderfully supportive throughout my pregnancy and birth. Her gentle spirit eased my fears and prepared me for labor. When my birth plan shifted, she helped me weigh my options and supported my decisions at every step. She truly transformed an unpredictable experience into a positive, empowering one.

- Loren Y.

San Jose, California

Ariel Chivalrous

2 years of experience

Hi, I’m Ariel — a transformational birth and postpartum coach, career mentor for mothers, and founder of Empowered to Bloom. With a background in leadership and coaching, and a deep passion for supporting women through matrescence, I offer heart-centered, science-informed guidance through birth preparation, postpartum transitions, and early parenthood. My approach blends mindset tools, nervous system support, birth education, and intuitive practices so you can move through this season feeling seen, grounded, and empowered. Whether you’re preparing for a physiologic birth, navigating postpartum identity shifts, or seeking gentle infant sleep guidance, I’m here to walk beside you with care, clarity, and respect for your unique journey.

Working with Ariel profoundly shaped my the transition into motherhood. Her culturally sensitive support esp going back to the roots of Ayurveda created an exceptionally safe and empowering experience during my pregnancy and postpartum. She provided a safe space, not only validating my feelings and fears of birthing but also provided useful tools to enjoy the journey. Ariel builds the bridge between modern postpartum care and cherished Indian culture, which helped with my postpartum recovery.

- Ayushi B.

Benicia, California

Sarah Jean

5 years of experience

Hey, I’m Sarah! A boy mom, birth doula, birth photographer, and student midwife. Birth is much more than a physical event, it is also an emotional, mental, spiritual and communal experience. I believe completely surrendering to birth is a positive choice to embrace the unknown, trust your body and to follow your deepest instincts as a mother. My passion is to help you achieve the birth of your dreams by feeling strong, supported, and in control. I feel at home in this work and I can’t wait to be a part of your unique journey and to empower, inform, and support you through it all.

Great

- Tracey S.

Oakland, California

Leila Mottley

5 years of experience

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.

Whittier, California

Vashti Huertas

Hello, I’m Vashti. When I’m not helping mommas have their babies I’m enjoying mine. My husband and I are born and raised in Los Angeles County. I dream of raising a house full of kids that can grow up together. When I had my two babies, I knew I wanted to attempt the natural route, and natural I went. My baby girl was born at home in 2023, and my baby boy was born at a birth center in 2025. Having experienced birth in such sweet and different ways, I decided how in love with the birth experience I was. I knew many birth story’s that were expressed as bad, and my hearts desire was to become to those mommas a redemptive roadmap back into the birth world, and to new mommas, a roadmap where a bad birth experience wasn’t in their story - So I became a birth doula. My heart in the birth world as a Christian certified Doula is to remind mothers that they were created for such a miraculous work and are so much more capable of birth then they realize. With dietary adjustments, environment enhancements, effective movements, informative advocacy, continual reassurance, and calling on heaven, we can guide you to having the heaven on earth birth you have always dreamed of.

As a husband, I can honestly say having her as our doula was one of the best decisions we made. Watching my wife go through labor, I felt so much peace knowing we had someone so experienced, calm, and deeply passionate by our side. She didn’t just support my wife—she supported me too. She guided us through every moment, showed me how to help manage the pain, and made sure I felt confident and involved the entire time. Her presence brought a sense of calm and reassurance that I don’t think we could’ve had without her. You can truly see how much she loves what she does. It’s not just a job for her—it’s a calling. The care, attention, and heart she put into our experience was beyond anything we expected. I would 100% hire her again and recommend her to any family. She made one of the most important days of our lives feel supported, peaceful, and unforgettable.

- Christopher S.

Richmond, California

Maria Marli Martins

11 years of experience

Hello! My name is Marli Martins, and I’m a Certified Postpartum Doula with over 15 years of experience in childcare, massage therapy, and nursing. I hold multiple degrees in Early Childhood Education, Nursing, and Massage Therapy, and I’m passionate about helping families feel supported and confident during the postpartum journey. I specialize in emotional and physical support, breastfeeding and lactation care, and newborn care education. I believe that with the right guidance and gentle encouragement, the early days with a new baby can be peaceful and empowering for every family. I speak Portuguese and English (and some Spanish), and I strive to create a warm, organized, and judgment-free space for every parent I work with.

Marli is an exceptional postpartum doula. Her calm presence, extensive knowledge, and nurturing care make a real difference in the lives of the families she supports. I’ve witnessed her offer thoughtful, respectful, and personalized support, always prioritizing the baby’s wellbeing and the parents’ comfort. I trust her work deeply and highly recommend her. — Joseane de Jesus Ferreira Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula (HFD) | Newborn Specialist (CU) | CPR & First Aid (Menlo Park FD) | Lactation Education (UCSD) | Child Development (Abilene)

- Joseane D.

Costa Mesa, California

Jen Martin

7 years of experience

hi! i was birthed into a mother 9 years ago and had an exceptional experience with a midwife & doula at a birthing center. it changed my life forever. after that, i became super passionate with educating women on their options for prenatal, labor, and postpartum. i created a guidebook for each and took a doula certification course during covid, so it was a weekend course and virtual. i still have my books to this day! i’m from a small town in south carolina where doula wasn’t widely known. i’ve helped friends along the way and am seeking to fulfill my passions in this realm here in orange county! i am a freelance artist as well specializing in many mediums. i’m so excited to meet you and provide all that i have to offer! 👩‍🍼🤰