Find a Midwife Near Me in California

A calling that has been nurtured for 32 years. I began my career with children as a teenage babysitter. I have been fascinated by child development since I was little more than a child myself. Arriving in the USA in 1991 from Barranquilla, Colombia I was immediately employed by Universal Studios Child Care Center. This experience offered a wide range of infants to care for and deepened my desire to advance in my calling as a childcare specialist. It was in my interactions with various parents that I soon realized how what came naturally to me was frightening to some. In a very short time, parents were asking me to provide services outside of the care center. I was helping with establishing baby sleep schedules, nighttime care and creating baby routines for families. In 1998 I had met my birthing doula trainer and mentor Carmen of Gyntle Touch Birth. At Carmen’s recommendation I also became a certified massage therapist from Touch Therapy Institute. Immediately I offered my time as a birthing and prenatal doula to help low-income unwed mothers. This was my way of giving back in gratitude of my being able to pursue my life’s purpose and obtain a vast amount of experience with a diverse group of mothers. Over the last 32 years I have worked with hundreds of families, from birthing babies, preparing hospital care routines and directives, setting up nursery supplies, prenatal doula, lactation coach, night care, postpartum care, pregnancy and baby massage. Along the way I married and was blessed to deliver my own two children, with my mentor Carmen presiding as my birthing doula. A not so well-kept secret is that my husband and I are gourmet chefs, an additional service many families are excited to have made available to them. I consider myself truly blessed in that I am able to share in the most important part of a family. Incredibly, many of the children I have had a hand in raising continue to contact me throughout their life. I have had the wonderfully good fortune to attend many, confirmations, bar & bat mitzvahs, graduations from elementary, Jr. High, High School, College and recently my first Graduate school ceremony. I respect privacy and discretion, am able to travel, provide meal preparation and offer household management services.

We found Diana through Doulas of OC. She served as our birth doula as well as a postpartum night doula... If we have a second baby, Diana will be on speed dial again. If you are able to use Diana you will not be disappointed.

- Ariana

Hemet, California

5.0 (28 reviews)

Christine Score

5 years of experience

My name is Christine Score, and I am a Licensed Midwife providing homebirth, water birth, VBAC. My team and I can't wait to meet you and your family. We hope to be a part of your birth adventure and share life-long memories with you.

I absolutely love Christine and her team! Couldn’t ask for a better midwife with everything I went through. I had a great birth experience with her at home in welcoming our baby safely into the world. Her services from pregnancy to birth and postpartum were 10/10 by far! I felt taken care of, heard and seen throughout everything as I struggled through pregnancy with extreme nausea and then breastfeeding after. Christine was so helpful, encouraging and kind. She’s the reason I was able to breastfeed in the end with all her extra help, appointments, time and encouragement. I could seriously go on and on about her. We’re bonded for life now❤️ I’d highly recommend her to anyone wanting to do a home birth!

- Hannah Clement

Irvine, California

5.0 (24 reviews)

Reihaneh Hadipour

13 years of experience

As a postpartum doula, I am part of your village! I am a mom too!I know how overwhelmed I felt at the idea of bringing a newborn home, recovering from birth, and trying to breastfeed. Since the birth of my daughter, I have worked with many families, helping them thrive during the early postpartum period.

Let me just say—it was truly a blessing to have found Reihaneh (Rey) Hadipour to support us on our newborn journey. From day one, she was an incredible help, especially for a first-time mom. Whether it was guiding us through different feeding positions, showing us how to bathe the baby, gently clipping those delicate little nails, or offering countless other thoughtful services, Rey brought both care and confidence to every moment. She comes with a wealth of experience and is truly a compassionate, skilled professional. We’re so grateful for her support during such a special and tender time in our lives

- Tim C.

Oceanside, California

5.0 (22 reviews)

Brianna Joy

6 years of experience

Brianna, originally from Las Vegas, NV, embarked on her educational journey towards becoming a midwife when she moved to Santa Barbara in 2015. There she studied and earned her BS in Psychology. In 2017, she attended a DONA doula training, a pivotal step in her commitment to supporting women during labor. As a student, Brianna volunteered at a local maternity home, offering prenatal nutrition classes and doula services. In 2019, she expanded her impact by volunteering with AmeriCorps as a Community Health Worker in Southern Utah, addressing social determinants of health. This experience underscored the strength of community and the importance of continuity of care. After completing her 12-month term, Brianna moved to San Diego to attend Midwifery school and commenced her clinical placement with San Diego Midwife in 2020. As a midwife, Brianna blends her foundation in psychology with specialized midwifery training, emphasizing a compassionate and empathetic approach. Her dedication extends to providing holistic care throughout the prenatal, labor, and postpartum phases, emphasizing both the physical and emotional well-being of mothers. Brianna is ardent about empowering women and ensuring that each birthing experience is a medically sound and emotionally enriching journey. In 2025, Brianna expanded her scope of care by becoming an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), deepening her commitment to supporting families in the critical postpartum period. Outside of midwifery, Brianna finds joy in traveling to Mexico and exploring new destinations, often connecting with local midwives and birth workers. She has found herself grounded living in Cardiff enjoying beach days, practicing yoga, and hiking with her dog, Itzli.

Brianna has been incredibly helpful in my journey to feeding my child. From breast-feeding, to proper latch, to weight gain, to finding and changing formulas, then fully weaning my child… She has been there alongside me, helping me be the best version of myself. She has the most kind and supportive demeanor. Although I started off feeling a lot of frustration on my feeding journey because I couldn’t breast feed how I wanted, I’ve only ever felt my baby and I were supportsd loved and cared for by Brianna. Ultimately we developed the perfect latch for my son and the perfect milk supply. I never got mastitis once even while I was weaning him and drying up milk. I’m so grateful I had Brianna to help me navigate my feeding journey because it went so smoothly! I also used her night nanny services and she and her team were outstanding in supporting me a few days a week to give me a little time to myself and give me tips and tricks for navigating the newborn stage at night! Thank you so much Brianna, I’m a better version of myself because of your support!

- dawn moore

Orangevale, California

CuraNatal Health -Jessica Hopp

9 years of experience

I’m Jessica Hopp, Founder and CEO of CuraNatal Health. As a mother and perinatal provider, I built this practice with one clear mission: to make high-quality, insurance-covered support accessible to families during pregnancy and postpartum. I’m passionate about building strong provider teams, serving our community with integrity, and ensuring families never have to navigate this season alone.

Once I found CuraNatal took my insurance, they handled the rest and it was so easy to get connected with a doula without any hassle of dealing with any billing. Just a few emails back and forth and I was ready for services. I even utilized a postpartum lactation consultant that I didn’t know would be covered. They have all kinds of services to offer and I would highly recommend!

- Emily Samelson

Roseville, California

Anita Southard

6 years of experience

Hi. I’m an AAPI DONA trained birth doula and breastfeeding educator located in Roseville, Ca. I accept Medi-Cal, Tri-Care, All Kaiser Plans, All Health Net plans, Medi-cal Anthem and Partnership Health Plan insurance. I serve the areas of Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Auburn, Sacramento, and surrounding areas. I have knowledge in cultural sensitivity, premature birth, preemie care, lactation, and postpartum care. I have experience in high-risk pregnancies, enhanced pregnancies, and late in life/older pregnancies.

I feel so fortunate that Anita was able to be a part of my birth story. This work seems like a true calling for her. She showed genuine care for my wellbeing — mental, physical, emotional. Before and during labor, she gave me solid guidance without adding any pressure; simply giving me more info so I can better understand advice and options given by my Ob/gyn. Most importantly, she had the right (I called it magical) touch to ease pain and discomfort during labor, and she worked well with the other birth attendants: the medical staff at Sutter, my husband, and my sister. The Procedural Doula support was exactly the service I was looking for, for the hospital birth of my first son. It was just the right amount of help. Anita was there for me a text away in the weeks before labor began. The due date came and went, I was not excited to get induced, and I caught a cold. She eased my anxiety and helped me make informed decisions. During labor and delivery, I already was in pretty good hands - the hospital’s nurses were kind, competent, and helpful, and my husband loving and caring. But Anita made a big difference because I felt such relief when she walked in. I could tell her what I was feeling or needed, and she advocated for me and also looked out for my husband; helped him get rest. She made me feel like whatever I wanted or decided was valid. She also gave insight and suggestions so I could anticipate some of the decisions I might have to make during labor. Anita and the nurses worked together to get me into a position where the baby turned for easier delivery. I am so thankful. I would not hesitate to ask her help again.

- Sayo C.

Grand Terrace, California

Nicole Jones

2 years of experience

Hello- my name is Nicole and I am a birth and postpartum doula. I truly enjoy helping moms and families have the birth story they want. I support and provide families with advocacy when applicable. Also, I provide the emotional, spiritual, and physical support you need on your birth journey and postpartum. I have worked as HR manager for the last 25 years. I have transitioned into being a birth/postpartum doula. I have extensive knowledge of California Law and California leave practices. In my free time, I enjoy working out, spending time with my daughter and furbaby. If you are looking for someone knowledgeable, clinically based, and hands on then you have found the right doula. Let me help you support your birth journey.

Just delivered my first baby at 36 years old. I was extremely anxious about labor/ delivery going into pregnancy and when finding out I was pregnant did a lot of research, appointments, and interviews to find someone I felt comfortable with to help me through this journey. Nicole is professional, dedicated, educated, experienced and extremely supportive. She is able to advocate for her clients while working with the hospital teams. She supports the parents in their decisions and is able to provide insight when challenges arise. During labor and delivery her expertise makes a huge difference in trajectory of the birth and mom confidence/comfort. She was able to guide me from a place of not being able to think about labor without having an anxiety attack to someone who delivered a 9lb 13oz baby vaginally with minimal complications and not a single moment of doubt. I am so grateful for her care and highly recommend her to anyone looking for pregnancy and birth support.

- Brittany D.

Los Angeles, California

Glory ("Glo") Tobiason

3 years of experience

If you value both evidence and intuition, I might be the doula for you. I love helping clients combine research and their own instincts to make decisions that are right for them. Furthermore, I might be the doula for you if you want support without an agenda. I don’t believe there’s an ideal way to approach birth or postpartum adjustment. I’m here to understand and support whatever path you want to take.

I had the privilege of having Glo as my birth and postpartum doula, and I truly cannot recommend her enough. As someone who had always been terrified of giving birth, I can honestly say that my birth experience was not only positive, but actually enjoyable—and that was 100% because of Glo. During our prenatal session, she took the time to educate both my husband and me on all things birth. We left feeling informed, confident, and empowered to advocate for ourselves and make decisions that felt right for our family. Glo was an incredible support throughout the process. She always made sure we understood our options and the evidence behind them, but never pushed us in any particular direction. Instead, she fully supported every decision we made, which made us feel respected, calm, and in control during such an important moment. Her postpartum support was just as amazing. She provided immense emotional support during those early weeks, along with practical help with our baby, thoughtful guidance, and even assistance with meal prep and grocery shopping. Having her there made such a difference during a time that can feel overwhelming. Glo truly helped shape our transition into parenthood into such a smooth, supported, and genuinely lovely experience. We are beyond grateful for her and feel so lucky to have had her by our side during this journey.

- Hayley T.

Newport Beach, California

4.8 (16 reviews)

Betsy Gough

4 years of experience

After my son's birth, I was reeling from how well my birth journey went. I heard so many horror stories from friends and family about how their birthing days went. I was appalled for them. Most were pushed around by hospital staff, forced into unnecessary c-sections or just completely unaware of what options they had! I became determined to be an advocate for women who want to feel validated and that they can birth the way they choose. I want to be able to provide a beautiful experience, to anyone who desires it. Having my son empowered me to help other women have the birth of their dreams. I strive for a smooth, calm process, free from stress, judgement and fear. Whether it be at home, a birth center or hospital, all natural, medicated or planned c-sections, I believe that women should be able to do things their own way. Because each and every woman, birth and baby is different, I take pride in supporting you, however you choose to proceed. Hospitals can get confusing, nurses/OB's can get impatient, let me be your advocate through this journey. Let me help you, do you. Let's birth the way that you want.

Betsy was recommended to me as a doula who is aware of birth trauma. I needed someone I could trust to allow me to birth my second baby without the pressure of other's agendas. She wholeheartedly showed up during my active labor, birth and Aftercare with a sense of trust and gentleness. She calmed my nerves during labor and encouraged me in my goal. She gave direction when I asked for advice, but never overstepped. I led my birth and even though my at home delivery was unplanned, it's what happily occurred as I felt safe and supported. She is extremely knowledgeable and calm under pressure with a lovely personality. She prioritizes and advocates for the birthing person which is paramount to a trauma-free experience. Cannot recommend her more!

- Becca T.

Pomona, California

5.0 (14 reviews)

Stephanie Knol

9 years of experience

Hi! My name is Stephanie and I am a Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, and Birth Story Listener. I felt called to work with birth as a young adult, and love helping folks prepare for and navigate their birth journeys, as well as their relationship to their birth stories. My goal is to help birthing people find an empowered way through whatever comes up for them, and for them to feel supported and seen throughout the process. I also enjoy homeschooling my kids, teaching theater classes, singing in my community choir, and working for a local organic farm at the farmers market in Claremont!

I worked with Stephanie prenatally, during labor/delivery, and postpartum too. She was wonderful to work with, a great listener, guided me and my husband well through what we could expect with having our first child, supported me through my various anxieties, and really showed up for us during labor. She was a vital advocate for me while I was at the hospital. She is knowledgable about Spinning Babies (and has received their training), did a visualization exercise with my husband and I in thinking about the unknowns of parenthood and embracing all that was to come, and she was ready and prepared to support us when she came to the hospital. She supported me emotionally and physically through early labor and all the various interventions that became necessary because I was not dilating and my labor was not progressing. Loved working with Stephanie and would recommend her to anyone for support during the birth or new mom phase of life.

- Christina G.

Los Angeles, California

5.0 (14 reviews)

Brana Ninkov and Dawn Batson

13 years of experience

I believe in sacredness of coming into parenthood and want to protect it, so that it can unfold in an undisturbed way, as much as possible, and this includes pregnancy, birth, and the ever-so- vulnerable postpartum period. I also believe that the birthing person is the only one who has the authority to make decisions about their body and their baby because I know that those decision will be the best ones for them at that given moment. This leaves no space for judgment; only support and respect.

Where do I even begin! I feel so blessed that I found Brana and Dawn. Their presence and energy made my transition into motherhood so...sacred, special, and grounded. I'm not quite sure how to describe it, but both women have a special energy that is sturdy but gentle. And together, the combination is perfect. Very complementary. Having Brana and Dawn helped the tail end of my pregnancy feel very supported. It was nice having their expertise and advice, and not just my OB's perspective. Brana was at my birth and honestly, I credit her (and all the amazing nurses) for everything during my birth. I could honestly go on and on, but will leave it at...you will not regret having them on your team!

- Sara

Riverbank, California

5.0 (13 reviews)

Rejeanna Bonnett

4 years of experience

Hi there 🤍✨ Welcome to Empowered Paths! I’m Rejeanna - a DONA-certified birth, postpartum doula 🤰🏼, childbirth educator 📚, and trained in breastfeeding education 🤱🏼, serving Stanislaus County and surrounding areas. I’m also a wife and mama to three busy boys 💙 who keep life fun and full. Motherhood is what led me here, and it’s why I care so deeply about supporting women during this life-changing season. Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are beautiful journeys 🌿. You deserve to feel informed, supported, and empowered every step of the way 💛. Having the right support truly makes a difference, and every family deserves that. I have been so blessed to be able to spend my first 4 years as a doula serving under a group, Modesto Birth and Beyond, and getting to learn from them. I’m so thankful for the time I got to learn from them but am looking forward to serving moms with the knowledge I have but privately now.

Rejeanna was there throughout my whole pregnancy, birth, and post partum. I learned so much during my pregnancy from her and she just really listened to me and how I felt. Then while delivering she was amazing and helped me as a first time momma after I delivered. She has not only been an amazing doula but she has also become a friend.

- Cali Large

Garden Grove, California

5.0 (12 reviews)

Breana Espinoza

5 years of experience

My name is Breana. I am a mother of two, a Certified Doula, a Childbirth and Lactation Educator, a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist, and a student Midwife. My passion for birth work was sparked by my own transformative experience giving birth to my first son. I have a profound respect for physiological birth and its many nuances. I have supported families in a variety of Birth settings, giving me insight into holistic and medical support strategies. With a focus on prenatal care, holistic practices, advocacy, and evidence-based knowledge, I hope to empower my clients with the tools and support they need to navigate labor and birth confidently. Whether it's your first birth or one of many, it is my mission to create a safe, nurturing environment that lays the foundation for a positive and empowering birth experience.