Susan Brennan

Bethesda, Maryland

Susan Brennan

6 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. I have experience in the hospital post-partum and NICU units, out-patient and home settings and providing prenatal breast feeding education. I am passionate about helping families feel supported, overcome challenges and achieve their individual breast feeding goals.

Vee Louise

Columbia, Maryland

5.0 (28 reviews)

Vee Louise

29 years of experience

Hi, I'm Vee. I am a Perinatal Health Care specialist (Doula) Birth Activist, and Cultural Anthropologist. My work is in: Birth, Holistic Postpartum Care, Traditional Holistic Postpartum Care, and Belly Binding Practice. I specialize in the wholeness and wellness of an expectant mother. I believe when a Mother is put first -loved on, cared for and nurtured well...then her whole home and family then is okay as well!

Recent review

Thank you, Vee, for everything that you do - and for such patience and grace with new parents. With your love, support/guidance, I have positive experiences of the whole birth process and early days at home with a newborn. So grateful!!

- Jennifer D.

Jessica Faulkner

Columbia, Maryland

Jessica Faulkner

7 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Jessica Faulkner is a certified Birth & Postpartum Doula as well as a certified Death Doula. She has been a Birth Doula for 6 years. Postpartum Doula for 2 and Death Doula for 1 year. She received her Hospitality Management degree from Morgan State University, during the pandemic of 2020. It was before this time in 2018 that she was fully into swing with her role as a Birth Doula and partaking in helping parents learn the joy of birth planning and informed management during birth. She also works as a part-time youth and infant/toddler care facilitator in Jackson, WY.

Darshal Smith

Columbia, Maryland

5.0 (7 reviews)

Darshal Smith

10 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.

Valentine Sakwa

Mc Lean, Virginia

5.0 (2 reviews)

Valentine Sakwa

17 years of experience

My name is Val and I am a trained NCS, and Lactation Educator. I also have training in gentle pediatric sleep conditioning, COVID safety, CPR/AED/First Aid, Safe breastmilk handling, multiples care and safe infant sleep practices. I have experience providing overnight care, 24 hr care, daytime newborn care as well as travel care. I have worked with families of different ethnicities , religions and orientations, and I am always enthusiastic to learn and follow newborn care practices that are sensitive and inclusive of the families culture. If you choose to have me work with your family, you will find me to be enthusiastic, understanding, diligent, flexible, discerning, level-headed and nurturing to the parents, the baby and other children (and pets) in the home. I genuinely enjoy working with families and newborns, and my favorite part is the exciting privilege of guiding parents through the exhilarating, and at times confusing and frustrating, world of newborns, to a point where they are confident, well rested and enthusiastic about peaceful days ahead as a family.

Recent review

I want to share my strong recommendation for Val as an Overnight Newborn Care Specialist for twins. From the moment she stepped into our home, Val's expertise and compassion shone through. Throughout the nights, she skillfully managed the needs of both babies, ensuring they were well-cared for and content. Val's dedication went beyond just basic care; she provided invaluable support and guidance to us as parents. Her reassuring presence allowed us to rest easier, knowing our twins were in capable hands. I have no doubt that Val's warmth, professionalism, and genuine love for what she does make her an exceptional choice for any family seeking overnight newborn care! Lauren Choung

- Lauren C.

Dale Kaplan

Owings Mills, Maryland

5.0 (4 reviews)

Dale Kaplan

23 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Birth coach labor doula 22 years 583 births. This includes attendance for a C-Section. I attend births in most metropolitan Maryland, some DC hospitals. Travel expenses over 50 miles are additional and not covered by Medicaid. Please complete on my website "Schedule to Meet Dale" also, send a picture of your "insurance card"to my email. Complete these steps your due date will be saved to my calendar. Once I received your information I will call you to introduce myself...and proceed to meet in person. I am a doula provider for all "MEDICAID" managed care providers, in Maryland. As of January 1st 2026, BCBS will also be accepting doula coverage via all employer benefits.... Visit: www.birthcoachcooladoula.com Please review my testimonials. Please provide a working cellphone number.

Recent review

Dale was my instructor through the MaternityWise Doula Program back in 2018. The moment I spoke with her, I knew I’d chosen the right path. She kept in constant contact and made sure I was fully prepared for class. Her teaching went beyond the binder—she shared the real ins and outs of the doula business, the birth experience, and answered every question. She opened up about her own life so we could see how being a doula fits into everyday life. One experience changed my life: Dale walked me through attending my first birth and gave me the confidence to take charge. She was also present for the birth of my last baby in 2019. When she arrived, she immediately made me feel calm and empowered. The doctors and nurses respected her so much—they even waited for her to arrive before breaking my water and asked for her approval. It was such a powerful moment. It was an honor that she cut my baby’s cord. Dale is the best and will always have my family’s love and respect

- Courtney P.

Tia Ajao

Randallstown, Maryland

Tia Ajao

11 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Taiwo Ikeoluwa Adeloye-Ajao or "Tia Ajao" has served in the maternal-child health arena for over 20 years. She obtained her MPH in maternal and child health, community health & prevention in 2008. Tia decided to become a nurse & a doula in 2014 due to her own experiences as a mother & as an advocate in her community. These roles empowered Tia to become a certified birth & postpartum doula, a certified maternal-newborn nurse, a Lamaze certified childbirth educator, a birth assistant with midwives, and an international board certified lactation consultant. She enjoys helping families to be intentional about preparing for their birth & postpartum experiences.

Heather Lapierre

Bethesda, Maryland

5.0 (1 review)

Heather Lapierre

4 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am a certified labor, birth, and postpartum doula passionate about supporting families and honoring their personal preferences. With over 300 hours of yoga teacher training, a culinary arts degree in holistic and postpartum nutrition, and extensive experience as a reiki master and Certified Body Ready Method® Pro, I offer evidence-based information and heart-centered support. My calm demeanor and adaptability ensure that my clients feel seen, safe, and confident throughout their parenthood journey.

Recent review

From the moment we met Heather, she felt like a member of our family. She was instrumental in helping us achieve a beautiful labor and birth, advocating for my preferences, managing pain, and guiding me through various positions to facilitate progress in labor. In the weeks leading up to the birth, Heather dedicated several hours to preparing my partner and me. She encouraged us to consider different scenarios, practiced Spinning Babies techniques with us, and discussed my labor preferences in detail. Thanks to her calming expertise, we approached the experience without anxiety, confident in Heather’s support. When I faced a complication after delivery, Heather remained by our side throughout. She guided my partner in supporting me and advocated to keep our baby with me at all times—something I believe greatly contributed to the positive outcome of our situation. After we were discharged, Heather visited us at home and provided invaluable practical support that we hadn’t received at the hospital. She helped with swaddling, bottle feeding, soothing a fussy baby, and even advised us on some essential overnight Amazon purchases. During this time, Heather also assisted us in navigating and processing the trauma we experienced, validating our complex feelings and helping us appreciate the beauty of our birth. Heather will always be a cherished part of our family and our story. We cannot recommend her services enough.

- Alex & Zak B.

Ebony Brown

Garrison, Maryland

5.0 (3 reviews)

Ebony Brown

12 years of experience

Hello! I’m Ebony Brown, a Postpartum Doula, Certified Newborn Care Specialist (day/night) and Nanny based in Owings Mills, MD. With over 20 years of experience supporting families—from classrooms and nurseries to private homes and transitional care settings—I’ve dedicated my career to nurturing both parents and babies through every stage of early development. My approach combines gentle guidance, evidence-based care, and genuine compassion, helping families welcome their little ones with calm, confidence, and connection during the most precious early days of life. Looking forward to connecting with YOU!

Recent review

Ebony Brown is awesome. Her skill set in her work is amazing and she is passionate about what she does.

- Paula R.

Zewditu Eshetu

Silver Spring, Maryland

Zewditu Eshetu

3 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I have over 25 years of experience caring for infants, newborns, and toddlers. I have worked with multiple families and possess extensive expertise in nurturing newborns. Additionally, I am a certified postpartum doula with the skills and background to assist new parents in caring for their babies.

Kathy Peacock

Silver Spring, Maryland

5.0 (7 reviews)

Kathy Peacock

6 years of experience

I’m Kathy Peacock. I started my birth work journey as a student doula during nursing school at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. I attended many births as a doula including a couple home births and fell in love with it. I worked as an ICU nurse for a couple years, then, at my first prenatal visit with my own midwife, she learned I was a nurse and a doula and she said “Why not go back to school to become a midwife? We need more midwives!” The seed was planted and after a somewhat complicated pregnancy with surgery for a herniated disc in my back and getting the best care and a smooth home birth, I decided women deserve great care and I could be the one to provide it. I attended the Nurse-Midwife/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program at Georgetown University and did my last two rotations catching babies with a home birth practice and graduated in 2015. I worked as a birth assistant for a local home birth midwife for a year before joining another home birth practice as a full scope midwife. I worked with that practice for 5 years and attended over 200 births and provided care to more than 500 families. The pandemic threw a wrench in my plans and I decided to step away from midwifery to home school my kids for a couple years. In 2022, I eased my way back into midwifery as an adjunct professor teaching midwifery skills at Georgetown University. I then took a clinic position working with underserved populations providing prenatal care, gyn care and family planning. But I missed home birth! I started Peacock Midwifery Services because I like working in a smaller home birth practice where I can give specialized and individualized care to all of my clients and their families. I’ve lived in Takoma Park and more recently Silver Spring since 2006. Both my kids were born at home with midwives, my first in 2011 and my second in 2013. I co-parent my kids with my ex partner and live with my cat, Missy.

Recent review

“Thank you sooooo very much for your amazing work bringing RJ out to join us! That was a marathon! Mom and baby are doing great and he is nursing like a champ. Best birthing team ever. You are amazing.”

- Tiffany M.

Amy Tanzillo

Vienna, Virginia

Amy Tanzillo

16 years of experience

As a breastfeeding expert supporting expectant & new moms for over a decade, I absolutely LOVE helping clients like you transform from being overwhelmed, stressed, and completely confused to a calm, confident mother who enjoys breastfeeding. Check out my hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google.

Courtney Long

Pikesville, Maryland

Courtney Long

14 years of experience

Courtney Marie Long is an experienced voice on all things parenting and baby through early childhood. Originally from Cincinnati, OH Courtney relocated to Washington, D.C. in 2007 to attend Howard University. After Courtney’s son Lenox was born she felt called to support other families during the critical newborn period. She trained as a postpartum doula and newborn care specialist working with countless families as they welcomed new babies, navigated developmental milestones and sleep challenges, and worked to establish loving boundaries with their toddlers. Courtney is now an International Certified Newborn Care Specialist and Certified Pediatric Sleep Coach with over twelve years of experience. She brings a level of professionalism and care that is apparent in all she does. She has worked with hundreds of families and believes we should actively work against the trend of parent shaming and guilt by instilling confidence in parents. Courtney’s methods are rooted in evidenced with an emphasis on minimize risk to reduce parental anxiety and burnout. Courtney currently resides in Baltimore County with her husband, Kyle, 12-year-old, Lenox, 3-year-old Selah, and 1-year-old August.. She enjoys connecting with other parents, family walks, bike rides, and of course, coffee. Courtney’s clients describe her as a calming presence. She prides herself on being knowledgeable without being pushy and dedicated to the most up-to-date evidence-based practices.

Rachel Cipryk

Washington, District of Columbia

Rachel Cipryk

10 years of experience

I am a Certified Professional Midwife specializing in natural birth in your home. I offer: - primary midwifery care during your prenatal, birth and postpartum period - two fully trained midwives attending you at birth - water birth - and so much more My care is personalized, caring, evidence-based and full of information. I focus on holistic and preventive care rooted in good nutrition and healthy habits to help you maintain optimal health for you and your baby. I think of my self as an educator and guide as much as a clinician. I value conversation and want to you know your preferences, plans wishes and questions and shared decision-making. Long appointments allow us to build a strong and trusting relationship, and allows us to answer all your questions and go deep into what you need in this pregnancy. I believe in the body's innate knowledge and power to grow and birth a healthy baby. Let me provide you with care like you've never experienced before.

Ashley Janey

Catonsville, Maryland

Ashley Janey

7 years of experience

I strongly believe in creating a positive space to plan for, and experience, birth. My goal is to create a space of peace and confidence when it's time to meet your baby, and utilizing all of my life's knowledge and training to support your inherent wisdom to give birth. I am is known to be very empathetic. I LOVE naps and dark chocolate, and am a self-proclaimed introvert, despite what people think :). As a wife and mother of 4: ages 20, 16, and 6, I absolutely adores my children. I was called to become a Doula after experiencing 3 traumatic births, postpartum depression, and the death of one of my twin babies, all with little to no support. Through therapy, I realized I wanted to help other families so they do not have to experience these types of difficult things alone. I have an active mind and am always learning - a "forever student". I have trouble sitting still and love utilizing my many trainings and certifications to support my clients. I've been told, many times, I have a steady, calming demeanor, allowing my clients to relax in my presence and to feel held. ​When not supporting families in birth and postpartum, you can find me listening to my favorite audiobooks and podcasts, gardening, making art, and laughing at dad jokes!

Medina W

Woodlawn, Maryland

5.0 (12 reviews)

Medina W

5 years of experience

Meet Medina, Alongside being a professional midwife assistant, Birth Doula, and Perinatal Massage Therapist (Lic#R03337). She stands as a beacon for women's health and well-being. With over 4 years of hands-on experience in prenatal and postpartum massage therapy, fertility support, and ongoing midwifery education at National College of Midwifery. She also has experience working along side pelvic floor physical therapists and has a certificate in pelvic health massage therapy. Medina is dedicated to empowering women through every stage of their journey to motherhood. Fueled by her passion for women's health. Recognized with the esteemed Good Heart Award in 2022 during Maternal Health Week by The Shades of Blue Project, she continues to advocate for support and care within the birthing community. Featured in renowned publications like Motherly and Canvas Rebel Magazine. RELATED CERTIFICATION LIST : Midwife Assistant Certification Allison Doula Certification Allison Fundamental of Doula and Maternity Care Certification Course for success Doula Course Certification Infant and Adult CPR Advanced Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) Movement for Birthing: Childbirth Method for Natural Birth Certification Prenatal Massage Therapy Certification Pelvic Health Massage Therapy Certification

Recent review

I would highly recommend Medina for a doula! I really wanted to give birth without an epidural and I did thanks to Medina for being there and encouraging me. My husband was very happy with having her there, she was able to give him ideas on how to help me through the contractions. I would definitely have Medina attend another birth if we ever have another baby. The pregnancy massage was amazing as well!

- Janelle A.

Catherine Oyster

Adelphi, Maryland

5.0 (3 reviews)

Catherine Oyster

2 years of experience

Hi, I'm Catherine! I live in Hyattsville with my husband, 2.5 YO son and puppy named Daisy. After graduating from the University of Maryland in 2014, I traveled around doing some mission work, met my husband while living in Maine and eventually we landed back in my hometown to start a family. I love spending time at the beach, going for walks outside, a little coffee with my cream, fuzzy socks, loud country music, driving with the windows down, bonfires, sweater weather, cooking and baking from scratch, salted caramel, mom groups and Gilmore Girls. I believe that birth is meant to work, and that all women deserve support, encouragement and respect while they are birthing their beautiful baby! Let me walk with you on this journey towards motherhood however that looks for you. I am happy to support you with in-person or virtual doula services. I am trained in Hypnobirthing and Lamaze techniques, and currently working towards certification with Madriella Birth Doula Certification. I am excited to meet you and support you on this journey - reach out to me today so we can chat about your hopes and dreams for this birth! :)

Recent review

Catherine is an incredible doula! From the very start she made me feel supported, informed, and cared for. She was by my side through every step—preparing me and my husband before labor, encouraging us during delivery, and continuing to check in afterward. Her knowledge, compassion, and advocacy made all the difference. I can’t recommend her enough and will definitely have her by my side for future pregnancies!

- Maddie B.

Jocelyn Stoyer

Catonsville, Maryland

Jocelyn Stoyer

13 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi! I’m Jocelyn, a postpartum nurse and a lactation consultant! I do outpatient lactation consults to help you with any feeding issues/needs!

Carolyn Mosier

Falls Church, Virginia

5.0 (1 review)

Carolyn Mosier

31 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, RN, and Advanced Practice Nurse. With 30+ years of experience in maternal child healthcare, I bring a well-rounded approach to lactation support. My professional journey includes extensive experience as a NICU nurse, where I provided comprehensive care, including assisting breastfeeding mothers. More recently, I've focused on providing skilled lactation support across different stages - from prenatal preparation through postpartum care, in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Recent review

Carolyn was amazing to work with!! I had a wonderful experience, she was super responsive, extremely helpful and made my journey so much easier than it would’ve been without her. Highly recommend her to anyone looking for a lactation consultant.!

- Dhwani S.

Laila Moore

Hyattsville, Maryland

5.0 (3 reviews)

Laila Moore

6 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My purpose is to nurture, create, and transform. my team and I believe in nurturing and supporting the family as a whole with non-judgmental, non-medical companionship, education, and resources. Birth and postpartum are natural aspects of life, and I am here to help you achieve full care through pregnancy, labor, and the smoothest transition into parenthood. My philosophy is to uplift mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for a balanced life, always promoting peace to you and your family. I want to provide full support in whatever decision the family wants to make regarding the child and childcare. I 100% encourage you and advocates for you through motherhood/parenthood.

Recent review

I felt so at peace having her support me through my birth and postpartum period. She constantly kept in touch and educated me throughout my pregnancy, such a kind and caring soul. Thank you, Laila!

- Chasity J.