Find a Lactation Consultant Near Me that Accepts Carrot

For my first pregnancy, I wanted a doula to help guide me through the experience and help me with understanding my options during labor. Saltwater Doulas are loved by Exeter Hospital, which made us even more excited to work with them. Melissa's style was exactly what I needed during my first pregnancy. She is so informative and easy to communicate with. I didn't know what to ask about sometimes, so her approach of offering lots of information and suggestions helped me to learn and feel confident in the process. Her Spinning Babies education helped me to prepare my body for labor and made it as smooth as possible. When I had to get induced, Melissa helped me to understand the process and pain management options. She provided hands on support as I went into active labor, and she was supportive of my decisions throughout. Thank you so much, Melissa!

- Andrea Frank

Denise was an incredible doula. I wouldn't have been able to go through my birth without her by my side. She was a great coach leading up to the birth -- via our monthly calls and through the hypnobirthing course (which I recommend whether or not you plan a medicated birth). My birth ended up being very long and we decided to get an epidural and Denise coached us through all the twists and turns. She offered wonderful massages through my surges and was a great resource to have as the doctors and nurses suggested different procedures or provided updates on my labor. She was calm the entire time and so incredibly helpful. If you are considering Denise as your doula or for a birth class, you won't be disappointed! Seriously could not have done it without her. At one point during my surges was my mantra was "Denise is here. I am safe."

- kelsey dolby

Debbie and her son Mathew supported my family after the birth of our second child. To say their overnight support was life changing to my mental and physical health and healing would be an understatement. I wholeheartedly recommend Debbie and all of her support staff, they truly were amazing.

- Jessica Hendricks

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.

I had a very traumatic birth for my first child. Catholine made this experience so much more memorable and meaningful. Catholine is unmatched in how she holds space and provides comfort. The graceful and confident way that she approaches every single moment is indescribable. She's right there with you and making sure you have every thing that you need and more. She is also amazing at counter pressure and helping you get through it. One contraction, one moment at a time. She provides the love and care that every mom, new or existing, didn't know she needed. Im so overjoyed that I get to look back on this experience and smile. My heart will be forever full. Thank you so much!

- Paris Shulmister

5 stars isn’t enough for Jenny! Jenny was my postpartum doula & she is truly the best. She does a thorough intake (most other doulas I interviewed did not do this but it was so helpful) & really tailors her services to your families needs. From light household chores to staying up all night with the baby, she does it all with kindness and compassion. She took amazing care of me and my daughter for 8 weeks & if I could keep her forever I would have! She also has a ton of great resources & recommendations for parents so if you need a IBCLC or nanny referral she has one! If you are considering a postpartum doula, Jenny is a great choice!

- Monica F

We hired Ms. Veronica as a night doula and newborn care specialist for our two daughters. We first reached out to Ms. Veronica before the birth of our first daughter and worked with her during those early months, then again when she traveled with us for the birth of our second daughter, when we hired her as our Traveling Doula. We highly recommend her as a doula in any capacity. As we were getting ready and preparing for the arrival of our first baby, we learned about the classes Ms. Veronica offers as a New Parent Educator. We decided to take three private one-on-one classes with her, including her One-on-One Newborn Care Class and New Daddy Doula Class. These sessions gave both of us the opportunity to learn together and prepare for what to expect before bringing our baby home. As first-time parents, having that education and preparation before our daughter's birth was incredibly valuable and helped us feel much more knowledgeable and confident going into parenthood. Her expertise in newborn care was obvious from our very first weeks with her. She shared countless tips we never would have found in a book or online, drawn from her many years of experience. Neither of us had much prior experience raising babies, but we already felt confident after just two meetings with her.We specifically wanted a doula who wouldn't simply take over, but who would guide us so we could continue providing the best care for our children after she was gone. Ms. Veronica was thorough in communicating and explaining her reasoning behind everything she did. She was meticulous about tracking feedings and wet diapers, and always had a plan to keep our babies happy and thriving in their earliest months.We were also impressed by how flexible she was with our dates, since it's notoriously hard to predict when a baby will arrive. This was put to the test when she traveled with us for our second daughter as our Traveling Doula. A situation that normally would have been stressful and exhausting, but she made it far easier to manage. She was also accommodating about adjusting our daily schedule, since we were both still working and not yet on parental leave.The moment we remember most is how she sleep-trained our first daughter. She built a plan and continually adapted it as needed, quickly getting our daughter to 12 hours of sleep through scheduled feedings - a change that gave us both much-needed rest. Even today, our daughter still sleeps 12 hours every night. We honestly believe every parent should have someone like her whether they are first-time parents or need a helping hand. It can feel a little intimidating to have someone new caring for your newborn, but we never once hesitated to trust her. She cares for your baby as if it were her own, while setting you up for success as first-time parents.

- Edric A.

Working with Sally helped me to have the birth I wanted! I knew I wanted to try for an unmedicated birth, but was open to an epidural if needed, and Sally was supportive of both plans. She had great advice throughout my pregnancy and was a true hero on delivery day! She accompanied my husband and I to the hospital and was amazing at communicating with our nurses and doctors which took a lot of pressure off of me and my husband so that we could just be present in the moment. She used a variety of strategies to keep me as comfortable as possible during labor --the counterpressure and massage was a game changer during contractions! After baby was born she followed up with us several times to make sure breastfeeding and everything was going well. We would definitely recommend getting a doula, specifically Sally, to anyone who is on the fence about hiring someone to support their birth!

- SoontobetheStephensons

I have been so lucky to hire Melissa twice as a doula now and I could not recommend her services enough. She is a wonderful advocate for mothers and truly listened to what I needed. She gave me the space to think about what my needs might be and I don’t think I would have known without her there to ask those questions. She helped prep our whole family in a way where I felt so well cared for. For both of the births Melissa was there for, as soon as she walked in I felt a huge sigh of relief. She was there and she had me and my back and I fully trusted her to guide me. We were also fortunate enough to hire her postpartum doulas! We had the pleasure of working with Veronica, Danielle and Bernadette. Everyone brought different outstanding qualities that were a total joy to experience. They went above and beyond to learn about our families needs and fit right in. I trusted all of them with my postpartum care, cooking meals, giving my husband a break and endless sibling entertainment for my bigger kids so I could snuggle in bed with our new baby. I felt so well supported my body was able to heal physically and I could emotionally take space when needed. There was always round the clock care and they were quick to fill our schedule when I quickly realized I needed more support than I had initially intended. I wish all mothers could experience this kind of care.

- dani p.

Having Naomi be there for my second birth was a huge blessing. She helped me be even more confident in my body and myself to be able to achieve the natural birth I was going for. She helped guide me to do certain stretches and exercises to help baby be in the optimal positioning for birth. She made my birth as enjoyable as a hospital birth could be.

- Alex G.

Working with Tia was one of the best decisions we made for our pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. From the very beginning, she brought such wisdom, warmth, and intentionality into every interaction. In our prenatal visits, she patiently walked us through what to expect, explained interventions in a way that felt clear and empowering, and gave my partner practical guidance on how to support me during labor. She also shared so much valuable lactation education that set us up for success once our baby arrived. When the time came for labor, Tia was absolutely incredible. She created such a safe and calming space, offering comfort and encouragement in every moment. She helped my partner feel confident in how to support me both physically and emotionally, and I will forever be grateful for how she helped us walk through that experience together. She was also the best advocate, ensuring that my wishes were honored and that we felt truly cared for and seen. Even after birth, Tia’s support didn’t stop. She has been a steady, compassionate presence—answering questions, easing worries, and guiding us as we step into this new season of parenthood. Her postpartum care has been just as meaningful as her presence at birth. Tia is a gift. She pours love and intentionality into her work in a way that is truly rare, and I can’t imagine having walked through this season without her.

- Reilly W.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Cheryl and the support she provided throughout my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. From the beginning, Cheryl and I connected so well, and I immediately felt comfortable with her. As a first-time mom, that was so important to me. I was in a new city, delivering at a new hospital, and trusting a care team I had never worked with before, so having someone in my corner who I genuinely trusted made such a difference. One of the things I appreciated most was how much Cheryl prepared both my husband and I before I went into labor. She helped us create our birth plan, taught us different exercises, positions, and circuits I could use to prepare for labor and during labor, and most importantly, taught us how to advocate for ourselves and communicate what I wanted during my birth experience. That preparation gave us so much more confidence going into the hospital. Her support continued immediately after I gave birth. Cheryl helped me navigate those first moments of postpartum, including helping my baby latch for breastfeeding, which meant so much to me as a first-time mom. She made sure I felt supported, comfortable, and cared for during such a new and vulnerable moment. What makes Cheryl even more amazing is that her care didn’t stop after I gave birth. Five months postpartum, she STILL checks in, not only to see how I’m doing and adjusting to motherhood, but also to ask about my baby and my husband. She remembers our names, asks about each of us, and genuinely cares about how we’re doing as a family. She has also made it a priority to hear and understand my experience as a first-time Black mother, which has been incredibly meaningful to me. Her support has never felt like simply providing a service and moving on once the baby was born. The connection we built is genuine, and it’s clear that Cheryl truly cares about the mother, the baby, and the family as a whole. I’m so grateful that Cheryl was part of such an important chapter in our lives. She made me feel heard, prepared, cared for, and supported during one of the biggest transitions of my life. If you’re looking for a doula who is knowledgeable and compassionate but also someone who will genuinely get to know you and care about your family beyond your delivery day, I HIGHLY recommend Cheryl. ❤️

- Imani WB

Ajeet is a master. I’m grateful that I found her. She didn’t just follow a scripted massage format but instead honed in on my soreness and issues. She moved my arm around to get to the knots, used cupping when necessary, and worked on my entire muscle group from neck to shoulder to back.

- Robert

I truly can’t imagine those first nine weeks without Lisa. She knows exactly what she’s there for and is incredibly attentive, observant, and always one step ahead. As a first-time mom, those first few weeks felt like the most vulnerable and fragile time of my life. You’re suddenly responsible for this tiny human, but you have no idea what you’re doing. It honestly felt like being dropped into the middle of a huge ocean, just trying to figure out which direction to swim. Lisa was the person I truly depended on during that time. She gave me a sense of direction when I felt completely lost and slowly helped me build the confidence to care for my baby on my own. Even now, months later, I still find myself using so much of what she taught me. What I learned from her during those first weeks has stayed with me long after her time with us ended. Beyond taking care of my baby, Lisa made me feel so genuinely cared for and loved. She truly sees you and listens to you. I always felt safe talking to her and simply being around her, and that meant so much to me during such a vulnerable time. And I HAVE to mention her lactation muffins because they are seriously the best!! Her baking completely satisfied my sweet tooth during those early postpartum weeks. As a huge foodie and someone who appreciates food that is both delicious and nourishing, I loved all the little snacks she would make for me. When you’re breastfeeding and constantly hungry, having someone make you something with so much care honestly feels like such a blessing. Every day before Lisa left, we would come up with a little strategy for how I could get through the rest of the day and night without her. I remember sometimes feeling so overwhelmed by the thought of the night ahead, wondering if I was going to get any sleep. Lisa would always reassure me and remind me, “I’ll be back tomorrow morning to take care of you.” Hearing that helped ease so much of my anxiety. Those first weeks with a newborn are filled with so much uncertainty and unpredictability, and simply knowing she would be back the next morning gave me something to hold onto through the harder nights. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have had Lisa be such a big part of this chapter of my life. I will never forget how deeply she cared for both me and my boy. We were so, so well taken care of, and she will always hold such a special place in my heart.

- Grace K.

I cannot recommend Sabrina enough as a birth doula! She brought so much support, calmness, and clarity to my birth experience. During the first half of my pregnancy, I kept going back and forth on getting a doula or not. When I met Sabrina at the GGDA doula meet and greet, I knew I wanted to work with her right away. Her ability to explain the birth experience, her support, and overall clear communication put me at ease. During one of our prenatal appointments she walked me through all the options for my birth preferences. She was very knowledgeable about all my options, but not pushy in any way. I really appreciated her ability to explain what the options were, why people may prefer them, and then how she would support me with each option. I really didn't have too many strong opinions going in, so this was incredibly helpful for me to reflect on what I wanted, without feeling any pressure. I ended up going into labor 2.5 weeks early and the process moved much faster than expected for a first time mom. The moment Sabrina stepped into the hospital room, she jumped into action and I immediately thought "omg, best decision ever to work with Sabrina and have a doula, I'm so happy she's here." I had such a positive birth experience, and I attribute a lot of that to Sabrina. Prior to have a doula and going through birth, I had a hard time comprehending the experience and how a doula would support me. I think the easiest way to explain is to share some highlights of her amazing work with me and my husband: At the hospital: * TENS, heat packs, and hands on pressure to alleviate contraction pain/discomfort. She actually got the TENS machine and heat packs on me within 30 seconds of being in the room. My labor progressed very quickly and this physical support felt amazing. * Helped me get and stay in position while getting the epidural, which was challenging with active contractions. The epidural process went very quickly for me because I had her helping me work through the contractions while having to stay still * Checked in with my husband as we prepared for the transition from active labor to pushing. I loved that he got some personal attention while everything moved really quickly around us. * Multiple nurses and doctors recognized her from previous births and were all happy to work with her again. She actively collaborated with them all throughout the birth. (This was at SF Kaiser) * While I pushed she counted, gave breathing reminders, and worked with the nurse to move me into position since I had an epidural * Stayed during golden hour to support with first latch and make sure we were all ok. Gave hands on support to help with latching. * Took AMAZING pictures right after the birth of my child on my chest for the first time and first skin-to-skin with my husband. I didn't even know I wanted these pictures, but I feel so grateful to have them. She really captured the moment in a non-intrusive way, and I'll cherish these photos forever. At home follow up: * We had to triple feed due to my son loosing a lot of weight within 24 hours. We were in the thick of newborn sleeplessness and our appointment with her brought us so much relief. She helped us with paced bottle feeding which was a huge game changer during time consuming triple feeding. * I was really frustrated with the hospital pump, she helped me with flange sizing and just affirmed a lot of my frustration. * Reviewed sustainable options for feeding and our own sleeping * Reviewed my own recovery and helped me prioritized my own healing, which can feel so hard when you are also a new parent I felt so supported by Sabrina throughout my birth experience, I don't think I can fully explain it in writing! Having a doula felt so abstract to me while pregnant, but I kept reading about the studies that show positive outcomes of working with a doula, including decreased chances of further medical intervention. This felt hard to understand until I actually experienced it. My husband and I had someone we trusted with us for the whole birth experience, who knew us and knew what I wanted. Nurses changed during their shifts and I had a doctor at the delivery I'd never met before. But having Sabrina as the constant, was so assuring, calming, and supportive. If you are looking for a birth doula I HIGHLY recommend Sabrina, especially if you want someone thorough, calm, knowledgeable, and who will support whatever type of birth you are hoping to have.

- Lily N.

I am so glad I had Naoko by my side during my delivery. She is so warm, kind, and easy to talk to. My labor was long and challenging, but she supported me through every step of the way. I honestly don’t know if I could have gotten through it without her help. She gave me great advice on when to do certain things, like taking a bath or asking for medication, which was incredibly helpful. I felt so much more comfortable and reassured knowing she was there. Her postpartum support was also amazing! She cooked for me ( she is a really good cook!), and was so helpful with breastfeeding as well. Having her support during those early days made such a big difference.

- Masako M.

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.

I truly cannot recommend my doula enough. She was by my side throughout my entire pregnancy journey, always there whenever I needed her—and often before I even realized I did. No question, concern, or doubt was ever too small. She patiently answered everything, reassured me, and helped prepare me both physically and mentally for a natural birth. She even provided monthly massages and other techniques that helped me feel more comfortable throughout my pregnancy. But my greatest gratitude is for everything she did during my labor. When my contractions started in the middle of the night, she came to my home at 2 a.m. without hesitation. She stayed with me through every single contraction, helping me cope with hip squeezes, lower back pressure, massage, acupuncture, labor combs, and a TENS machine. She continuously adjusted her techniques to help ease my pain and keep me focused. Around 9 a.m., we went to the hospital together, and she remained by my side for the entire labor until my baby was born. She stayed with me until 11 p.m., never leaving me alone. She advocated for me, made sure my birth preferences were respected, and did everything she could to make the experience as calm, positive, and empowering as possible. What makes her truly exceptional is her compassion. She doesn’t treat this as just a job—you can genuinely feel how deeply she cares about the mothers she supports. She gives her whole heart to making your pregnancy, labor, and birth experience as beautiful and comfortable as possible. Hiring her was one of the best decisions I made during my pregnancy, and I honestly can’t imagine going through labor without her. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, dedicated, and incredibly caring doula, I recommend her with all my heart.

- Nina N.

Kiara is so kind and took such great care of our baby and myself. She was super helpful with regulating my milk supply as well as getting our baby on a sleep schedule. We miss her already!!

- Leia F.

Christina was amazing! I was feeling so discouraged with my breastfeeding journey after having mastitis a few times and she was able to help me pinpoint what the causes might be. After meeting with her and following her suggestions i have been mastitis free and truly enjoying my breastfeeding journey. Christina is so knowledgeable, personable, and caring. She took her time with me and baby and made sure all my questions/concerns were addressed. I immediately felt comfortable with her and would use her services again! I highly recommend her!!

- Haley R.