Dana Petrella

Akron, Ohio

Dana Petrella

6 years of experience

Hi there, my name is Dana Petrella and I'm a Birth/Postpartum Doula and Childbirth Educstor in in Akron, Ohio (I support clients in NE Ohio and virtual). I provide a judgement-free zone for you and your family to thrive by providing emotional support, evidence-based information, and a listening ear. In my free time, I enjoy hiking with my son and husband, biking around my neighborhood, reading fantasy novels, and frequenting farmers' markets.

Kara Figueroa, CD, CBE(BAI), MCPD

Akron, Ohio

5.0 (1 review)

Kara Figueroa, CD, CBE(BAI), MCPD

18 years of experience

Hello! I'm Kara, owner and certified doula, childbirth educator and postpartum doula behind Smile Doula, LLC. I am a lover of Jesus, my husband, my 4 kids and all things birth! My work in serving and supporting the Akron area as a childbirth professional began over 15 years ago. I have a passion for developing relationships, working through fears, educating, helping families to know their options and supporting the entire team. I love to teach and also host group childbirth education classes and mentor local doulas. I 100% believe being a doula is a calling over my life, and I don’t take for granted the gifts God has allowed and doors He has opened.

Recent review

Ive used Kara for both of my pregnancies/labors/deliveries and highly recommend Kara. I had two very different birth experiences and both Kara helped me through. Everything from being informed about what to expect, child birth and child care education, advocating for myself, thinking through birth preferences and answering any/every question i had. Kara was/is like a birthing best friend. Anything that came up with fears, challenges etc she helped talk through with me. Kara is so knowledgeable, kind, compassionate, i honestly could not imagine either experience without her.

- Andrea K.

Taylor Buchanan

Akron, Ohio

Taylor Buchanan

3 years of experience

Hello, I’m Taylor. I am a mom of 4. Two biological and two bonus loveys. During the day I am a program manager at a student center. I enjoy reading a good book and comedy. Huggy Lovey was intended to support empower and encourage woman and families to have a voice in one of their most vulnerable moments. I’ll walk with you through prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum.

Maddison Johnson

Akron, Ohio

Maddison Johnson

3 years of experience

Hello! My name is Maddi, and I am a passionate Doula, Licensed Practical Nurse, and Midwifery student committed to providing compassionate, faith-led support to women and families throughout their reproductive journey. My calling to birth work began after the home birth of my first baby in 2021. Although it wasn’t the right season to dive in at that time, everything shifted in 2023 when the Lord led me into the field of Nursing. Halfway through school, during prayer, I was given a beautiful vision of my daughter’s birth—only this time, I was the midwife. I asked the Lord if it was finally my time, and since then He has guided my steps so clearly and purposefully. I am now training under the very Midwife who supported me during my daughter’s birth, and it has been an incredible journey of learning and growth. While continuing my training, I felt called to begin serving families as a Doula of my own—and I have loved every moment of it. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside families during one of the most sacred seasons of their lives, and thankful for the calling the Lord has placed on my heart.

Ranada McLaughlin

Akron, Ohio

5.0 (1 review)

Ranada McLaughlin

7 years of experience

Hi I’m Ranada McLaughlin. I’m a Holistic Herbalist, Certified Doula, Certified Placenta Encapsulator and Lactation Specialist. I have a Master Degree in Business & Healthcare Management with specialties in Mental Health. an a birth and postpartum doula is my passion because I wholeheartedly believe in the power of providing physical, emotional, and informational support to expectant and new parents. The journey of childbirth and early parenthood is a momentous one, and being able to be a steady and knowledgeable presence during these pivotal times is incredibly fulfilling. The trust that families place in me to help them navigate the challenges of labor, birth, and the postpartum period is both an honor and a responsibility I hold dear. Whether it's offering comfort during labor, assisting with breastfeeding, or simply being there to listen and reassure, I find immense joy in helping families embark on this transformative journey with confidence, support, and compassion.

Recent review

I had the privilege of working with Ranada McLaughlin during my pregnancy and postpartum journey, and I can't recommend her enough! Ranada is a true expert in her field, combining her doula expertise with her herbalist knowledge to provide holistic care that's second to none. Ranada's support in postpartum lactation was invaluable. Her guidance and encouragement not only helped me establish a strong breastfeeding relationship with my baby but also ensured my own physical and emotional well-being during this crucial time. She made a significant difference in my postpartum experience. Ranada's placenta encapsulation service is a unique offering that I found incredibly beneficial. It provided me with an extra boost of energy and helped with my postpartum recovery. Ranada's expertise in herbal remedies and her personalized approach made all the difference. As a prenatal mental health counselor, Ranada's compassionate and empathetic nature shone through. She provided a safe space for me to express my thoughts and concerns, making the prenatal journey much smoother. Her guidance and support were instrumental in maintaining my mental health during this time. Ranada's dedication, knowledge, and genuine care for her clients set her apart. She's not just a doula and herbalist; she's a holistic support system for your entire pregnancy and postpartum experience. I can't thank her enough for her exceptional services! If you're looking for a doula and herbalist who excels in postpartum lactation, placenta encapsulation, and prenatal mental health counseling, Ranada McLaughlin is the perfect choice!! You won't find a more caring, knowledgeable, and dedicated professional to guide you through this life-changing journey. Thank you, Ranada, for being the support I needed during this incredible time in my life. Best Regards, Melani Baker

- Melani B.

Bethany Regner

Akron, Ohio

Bethany Regner

6 years of experience

Bearing Beside Doula Services LLC provides education, techniques, and comfort measures for your birth, nurturing care for your postpartum period, and support for your transition into parenting. Consultations and prenatal visits with Bethany will educate, inform, support, and empower you as you prepare for your labor, birth, and postpartum recovery. First Aid/CPR/AED classes are available.

Jessica Swiger

Akron, Ohio

5.0 (1 review)

Jessica Swiger

6 years of experience

Hi I’m Jess! I am a wife to Cody, mom to five girls, and a Certified Birth Doula. I have worked for three years with families. Grace-filled Birth Doula Services was created out of my desire to see families supported, empowered and advocated for during their pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum.

Recent review

I don't think I would have gotten my natural birth as well as I did without Jess. It was my very first pregnancy and Jess was keeping me from panicking all throughout my 10 hours in active labor in the hospital. She was quite literally there for me to lean on. Her affirmation cards were so helpful at keeping me calm through the pains. She never ceased to help me by making sure I always had hot water on my back in my tub, water tp drink, and snacks. She never let up on helping the whole time! Not only that, her follow up leading up to and after birth makes you really feel supported and cared for. She always had great advice for exercises and mindset practice leading up to labor. I know my husband was also so grateful to have her support as well as it is very scary to be the strong one for your wife in the most pain of her life. We are so blessed to have her as our doula.

- Kayla K.

Michelle Bodnar

Cortland, Ohio

Michelle Bodnar

5 years of experience

Hi there! I’m Michelle! I’m a fellow home birth mama to four amazing children. I believe birth should be gentle, undisturbed and transformational for mothers and their families. Nurturing mothers during birth and postpartum is the foundation for how they are able to connect with their families and themselves. We are rewriting the patriarchal narrative, women need to serve women above all else. It’s important to know that as your doula, I strive for a friendship, not a business agreement. I’m so excited to meet you!

Jesse Rosen

Louisville, Ohio

5.0 (1 review)

Jesse Rosen

3 years of experience

Certified Labor and Postpartum & Infant Care Doula serving NE Ohio. Here to protect the magic of birth ✨

Recent review

I can't thank Jesse enough for the incredible support during my pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period. From our first meeting, she made me feel comfortable and informed. During labor, she was a calming presence, using techniques that truly helped manage my pain. Her postpartum support was invaluable, assisting with breastfeeding and newborn care. She was always available to answer questions and provided the emotional support I needed. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a compassionate and knowledgeable doula!!

- Maddy H.

Leanne Frost

Youngstown, Ohio

Leanne Frost

5 years of experience

My name is Leanne known to many as Tippy. My passion for women empowerment and caring for the most innocent. I believe being a doula to be my gift or calling from God.

Cierra Meenachan

Youngstown, Ohio

Cierra Meenachan

4 years of experience

Hello my name is Cierra Meenachan and I am a Birth & Postpartum Doula, a Licensed Massage Therapist and a Baby's First Massage Instructor. I am located in Youngstown Ohio and my outlook on birth is that every family deserves to have access to resources that support the birth or postpartum experience they want. I provide prenatal massage to clients and also teach them how to massage their babies. A bit about me, I am a big foodie and enjoy cooking new things when I have the time. I love to read as much as my brain will allow me to because I love to learn. You can find my available services on Nessle an app for parents!

Cari Walters

Milan, Ohio

5.0 (2 reviews)

Cari Walters

6 years of experience

Thank you for taking a minute to learn more about me! My name is Cari Walters. After an eight year battle with infertility, including a full year of testing, medications, and numerous hospital visits, I started my own mom Journey. My husband was deployed to Iraq for the birth of our first child. I would have been all alone if it wasn’t for the close-knit military wives (and occasionally my mom who lived out of state) that encircled me during this precious time. If it wasn’t for these women loving on me and advising me before, during, and after my birth, I know it would not have been such a positive experience. I knew at once that I wanted to support and love other moms in the same manner. I started out supporting new moms by being a part of a group called MOPS. My husband returned from war and shortly after we were blessed with a second baby without all the fertility trials. I continued working with moms through the MOPS organization as we moved across the country to Colorado. It was there that I met a beautiful friend and fellow MOPS mentor who introduced me to being a doula. In 2020, after taking the 200hr course with 75hrs of clinical work I began my journey as a full spectrum doula. I absolutely love birth and postpartum work but quickly learned that I really shined on the postpartum side of birth work. I concentrated on obtaining my Newborn Care Specialist certification and Sleep Guide Certification to improve and round out my skills as a postpartum doula.

Recent review

Cari has been wonderful to work with. Highly recommend. She is very professional, supportive & knowledgeable. She always arrives on time, maybe even a little early. I appreciate that she always leaves a note recapping the night with how much the LO ate, diapers & any comments on sleep or suggestions. My animals also loved Cari and the extra late night pets!

- Megan L.