Sochild Robles

San Francisco, California

5.0 (1 review)

Sochild Robles

21 years of experience

I have been working with newborn babies and families for over 20 years. My vast experience has given me the knowledge to understand newborns’ physical, emotional, intellectual, and social needs while providing parents with the necessary tools to develop their abilities and skills. I believe that pregnancy, birth, and the transition to parenthood are the most important and transformative times in a person’s life. I am honored to help families make the transition into parenthood as smooth as possible.

Recent review

Sochild started working with my family almost ten years ago when my daughter, Samantha, was 6 months old. As a first time mom, Sochild was extremely helpful with, well honestly, everything! Although my daughter refused to take a bottle, Sochild was patient and resourceful in making sure she had what she needed to be healthy and safe. And, most importantly, she gave Samantha endless love and gave us endless support. Around the time Samantha was starting preschool, I had a second baby. Sochild stayed with Samantha while I was in the hospital and brought Samantha to meet her baby brother, Julian, for the first time. Sochild helped me take care of Julian from the day he was born until the day he started preschool over two years later. As she did with Samantha, Sochild took amazing care of Julian. We always knew the children would be happy and safe when they were with her. Although Sochild stopped working for us when Julian started pre-school, she would visit with us and our children regularly, so when the pandemic hit, she came back to help us more frequently. In the early days of the pandemic, Sochild worked for us a few hours a day to help keep our stir-crazy kids from going completely insane! And when Samantha started kindergarten remotely, Sochild ran a “pod” for her and three other children. Sochild had all four children all day. She would help them with their virtual school and then have other activities prepared for them – she made her own worksheets and art projects and threw parties for holidays and birthdays. Once school resumed, Sochild once again stopped working for us on a full time basis, but she remained in our lives. She helps out with my children on evening and weekends and holidays – and was particularly helpful during some recent medical issues and surgeries I had. As cliché as it sounds, we consider Sochild part of our family. My children love her to pieces and we know she loves them right back. Nothing makes them happier than when I tell them they get to spend the day with her. She is a dear friend, a wonderful person, and an amazing caregiver. We feel so lucky that we have had her in our lives for the last decade and truly believe that any family would be lucky to work with her.

- Sara E.

Josy Ferreira

Richmond, California

5.0 (6 reviews)

Josy Ferreira

9 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hello! My name is Joseane Ferreira, and I’m a Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula based in San Mateo, California. I bring over 8 years of hands-on experience supporting families during one of the most meaningful and transformative stages of life — welcoming a new baby. I specialize in newborn care, nighttime support, breastfeeding guidance, and helping families transition smoothly into the postpartum period. I am certified by the Hospital Friendly Doula (HFD) program and have advanced training as a Newborn Specialist (Colorado University), Lactation Educator (UC San Diego), and in Child Development (Abilene Program). I’m also CPR and First Aid certified by the Menlo Park Fire Department and proudly volunteer with birthing families at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley. My philosophy centers on empathy, education, and creating a safe, judgment-free space for parents. I believe every family deserves support that is calm, culturally sensitive, and empowering. Whether it’s holding space during recovery, assisting with baby’s sleep cues, or helping establish confident feeding routines, I’m here to walk alongside you — day or night. I speak English, Portuguese, and Spanish, and I’m happy to support diverse families with warmth and respect.

Recent review

Josy helped us care for our newborn daughter in the weeks after her birth. She did an amazing job of caring for our daughter. Josy was always highly professional, kind, empathetic, punctual, and helpful. She was able to give us tips and advice while also giving us much-needed rest during both daytime and nighttime shifts. We trusted her completely to take care of the baby, and she gave us an enormous amount of relief during those challenging first weeks. I can't recommend her highly enough.

- Serena H.

Shakila Marando

San Francisco, California

5.0 (6 reviews)

Shakila Marando

17 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My name is Shakila Marando, and I am the founder of DOULAS by the BAY. I am a mother of two children, and I have worked with children and families for over 25 years. For the last 16 years, I have dedicated my life to serving families as a doula, offering support through pregnancy, birth, and the early newborn days. My work comes from a deep love for caring for others, and my goal is always to help parents feel seen, supported, and confident during this special time. My professional background includes Certified Birth Doula, Certified Postpartum Doula, Lactation Counselor, Certified Lactation Educator (CLE), Doula Educational Institute Doula Educator, New Parent Educator, Trained Infant Massage Educator, and Infant Sleep Consultant. These combined skills allow me to guide families with compassion, evidence-based care, and hands-on experience. Alongside my work, I lead a caring and trusted team of doulas who share the same passion for helping families. Together, we have supported over 3,000 families. Every doula on our team is Birth/Postpartum Certified and Perinatal Mood Disorders Certified, fully vetted, professionally assessed, and background screened for safety. Our doulas are CPR trained, follow safety standards and best practices, and are HIPAA certified to protect your privacy. They are also covered by Workers’ Compensation and backed by comprehensive company liability insurance. With ongoing mentorship and professional development, our team offers safe, reliable, and heart-centered support to every family we serve. I created DOULAS by the BAY to build a supportive space where parents feel seen, understood, and empowered. I’m deeply grateful for the trust families place in me, and I remain committed to making a positive difference—one family at a time.

Recent review

Shakila is the best there is. We did not have a night doula for our first child. For our second, we needed one because I had to go back to work right away. I was very nervous about leaving my baby with someone else during the night hours, particularly at just two weeks. Shakila let me control as much of the process as I wanted to so I always felt like she was doing what I wanted. She has a magical touch with babies and had our daughter sleeping through the night by two months old. She would not even leave in the morning until the baby was back to sleep, which allowed us an extra hour of sleep on top of the time she was with us. She was worth every penny and then some. THANK YOU SHAKILA! We miss you.

- Gabriella Rosen Kellerman

Samantha Saephan

El Cerrito, California

Samantha Saephan

4 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I'm a certified overnight postpartum doula and lactation educator counselor. Prior, I was a career nanny of the past 10+ years working with children of all ages. Am located in the East Bay and am open to travel for work. I am a non-smoker, have up-to-date vaccines, and CPR certified. I accept Carrot. Currently on maternity leave until November 2026 :)

Katie Sullivan

El Cerrito, California

5.0 (1 review)

Katie Sullivan

20 years of experience

I'm Katie Sullivan, M.Ed, CPPD, a parenting and sleep consultant, an early childhood professional, a certified postpartum doula, a Montessori educator, and a mother of two. I have studied and worked with young children and families for nearly 20 years, with a special love and appreciation for the infant and toddler stages. My area of expertise is providing families with individualized practical recommendations and sleep/parenting plans. I am passionate about setting up good sleep habits from birth, serving as a resource for new parents, and troubleshooting tricky situations from zero to three.

Recent review

Wouldn't have survived the first year of parenthood without Katie. Her expertise is only matched by her sense of calm. She got my baby sleeping through the night faster than I could have imagined and 2 years later we haven't had a single regression. She walked us through potty training – one of the more stressful parenting situations I've encountered – and helped us cross every potty milestone. Couldn't recommend her more.

- R E.

Jem G

Daly City, California

5.0 (4 reviews)

Jem G

2 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Jem is a full-spectrum doula/birthworker who specializes in care for mamas and babies. She majored in Early Childhood Education and has had over 10 years of experience in the Childcare/Education Realm. Roles she's held include: daycare attendant, teacher's assistant, teacher, babysitter, nanny, and mother's helper. Each one has taught her how to continue providing compassionate care for children and how to be an effective member of the family's village (care team). Jem is a certified Mental Health First Aider and her work focuses in supporting Maternal Mental Health. The postpartum support Jem provides in her work includes wraparound wellness services for physical and emotional support anchored in celebrating mamas in their new role. Helping mamas in their period of transition-be it to new life with baby, back to work, or simply to their routines. Jem strives to honor the wants and needs of the families she works with.

Recent review

We hired Jeremy Anne to help care for our daughter back when she was 9 months. She was with us for about 5 months. She helped with feeding, play, naps, walking development, baby sign, minor housekeeping items and offered advice with caring for a baby. She has a wonderful holistic approach with her support. She cares about ALL family members - humans and pets alike! We loved that she wasn’t a “transactional” kind of person, she really took the time to get to know us, ask good questions and offer personal care support when needed. She also went out of her way for many things. I will always remember how she helped develop healthy boundaries with our dog as we were adjusting to our daughter’s needs. The boundaries helped build a healthy relationship with our baby and fur baby! Our daughter enjoyed being around Jeremy and she misses her I think sometimes. Jeremy was very helpful with helping our baby walk! We keep in touch and recently shared how our little one is walking all over the place now! I wish we could have had more time with Jeremy. She is a blessing, she is so peaceful and calm.

- Jayson A.

Sarah Jean

Portola Valley, California

5.0 (2 reviews)

Sarah Jean

5 years of experience
Accepts insurances

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.

Recent review

Great

- Tracey S.

Patricia Karas

San Francisco, California

5.0 (1 review)

Patricia Karas

12 years of experience

I’m a professional newborn care specialist with 10 years of experience working with babies. I am a devoted mother myself, with two young adult children whom I adore (25 and 27 years old). I love children and babies, and take care them as if they were my own. My approach is gentle and mindful to the needs of both parents and the new baby. I’ve taken care of newborn twins solo (without a team), premature babies and babies with medical conditions (such as severe reflux). I help establish a routine so that once the baby is old enough you can choose to sleep train them if you wish. I do not believe in the cry out method because if we establish the routine, they will learn to sleep without having to let them cry it out. I pour love and patience into my job and feel that working with babies and families during this special time as a new angel comes into the family is definitely my calling. My ideal role will be with a family that I can feel comfortable to work with, exchanging my experience and working as a time to make the baby and mom time more enjoyable possible. Some skills: - Baby-Led Weaning - Bottle Prep - Bottle Sanitation - Swaddling - Sleep Training – Assisting with Nursing - Medical Management - Routine Development - Log Keeping - Organization and Cleaning.

Recent review

My main message is: if you’re considering having a baby I wouldn’t recommend doing it without Patty. I had the pleasure of having Patty with me full for the first 6 months of my third daughter’s life. When she arrived, Patty was the 6th baby nurse I had in the house over a 5 year period. She was by far the most skilled in terms of knowledge of babies, curiosity about how to get better and she was a wizard when it came to helping the baby with gas, burping and discomfort. I really felt she was an expert in babies and she truly has a deep passion for babies and constantly learning. She is reading about babies and in baby forums constantly. Patty was an executive assistant in Brazil at a major global pharmaceutical company. I am a CEO and my schedule is pretty high pressure and she was superbly adaptable and flexible with me if I was late on a call or needed to shift things real time. She is organized, energetic, quick, efficient and insanely reliable. You can set your watch by her. She worked 6 months straight without a day off and did 18 hours a day. I don’t know how, but she never was tired or grumpy or negative. She is like the energizer bunny. Once we had a really bad travel problem coming back from Hawaii with the whole family and she and I had to completely shift our travel and we went with the baby from Kona to Phoenix overnight, we checked into a hotel where she and the baby slept while I did a conference and 20 hours later we got on a flight and flew home. Patty was completely fine with this. This is just an example of how flexible and calm and collected she is. She is not fussy at all. I really wish I had had Patty with one of my older daughters who had really bad gas and belly issues as an infant. I know that if Patty had been there with us then, her expertise in burping and baby / GI massage would have lead to much less crying and a more pleasant infanthood for that baby. One of the things that was most important to me is that despite having had weak supply I really wanted to breastfeed through the first year. Patty was a complete and total partner to me in this and she is the only reason I made it to 9 months. Even though it made her job much harder having to wake me up every few hours, sit with me while I nursed and then bottle feed the baby while I pumped (plus dealing with all the pumping equipment!)— she was totally in, she was a wonderful cheerleader for me and she helped me never feel alone or discouraged. I cannot thank her enough for this and my guess is most baby nurses would never have been so committed, kind and self-sacrificial. I would be remiss not to mention why I picked Patty after interviewing over 30 baby nurses. The baby nurse business / industry is one I have a love / not love relationship with because when it’s your baby and your home, you want someone there who is working (it’s obviously a job) but also feels a real calling and spiritual connection with the sacredness and preciousness of babies. The first time I met Patty on video during the interview process I knew my search was over because her love for children— her own and others — was so deep and visceral. Lastly, I would note that although we never let my baby "cry it out" ever (I think that practice is super wrong), my baby was sleeping through the night when Patty left when she was 6 months old.

- K. T. R.

Jaqueline Himelfarb

Concord, California

5.0 (1 review)

Jaqueline Himelfarb

5 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I’m Jaqueline, Full Spectrum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist and Sleep Consultant in the East Bay Area! I’m passionate about every parent receiving the support that they need. I believe that all parts of your journey matter equally, and that’s why I’m so excited to offer birth, postpartum, newborn care and sleep consulting! My journey began with a move from Brazil to the US, where I initially served families as a nanny. Feeling called to provide deeper support, I became a newborn care specialist and dual-certified sleep consultant. After having my own babies, my passion for holistic care grew, and I was inspired to get my birth and postpartum doula certifications. Now, I'm excited to combine my passion and years of expertise to serve families like yours holistically throughout the East Bay Area and San Francisco, guiding you from pregnancy through your child's early years.

Recent review

I am so grateful for my Newborn Care Specialist Jacqueline and the exceptional support she provided when my daughter was born. Her vast knowledge of newborn care is truly impressive, and her advice was invaluable. She is also an incredible communicator, always keeping me informed and reassured. Her attention to detail and genuine compassion were gamechangers and I felt incredibly supported every step of the way. She went above and beyond to ensure my daughter had everything she needed to thrive and that I had everything I needed to care for her. Jacqueline made this special time even more special for my family. I cannot recommend Jacqueline enough to any new parent(s) looking for outstanding care and support.

- Stacey F.

Maria Marli Martins

Richmond, California

5.0 (2 reviews)

Maria Marli Martins

11 years of experience
Accepts insurances

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.

Recent review

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.

Kristan Jennings

Santa Clara, California

Kristan Jennings

19 years of experience

Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist & Mother. After over 16 years of experience with children I trained to provide support to new and growing families. I provide comfort measures after birth, breastfeeding and chest feeding support, newborn care and more. Day and night shifts available.

Ana De Castro

El Sobrante, California

5.0 (1 review)

Ana De Castro

22 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am a Postpartum Certified Night Doula, Newborn Care Specialist, Sleeping Training, I have over 11 years of experience in infant care. I specialize in night support for 18 years,giving that extra set of hands so you can have an easier night with a newborn at home. I also help with guidance of breastfeeding, sleep training, and of course postpartum support. I am Doula Certified, specializing and in-depth trained!

Recent review

Private Postpartum Doula/ Sleeping Training D.S. October 2024 - The first two years I worked full time taking care of the twins. Provided postpartum infant care by supporting mother with newborn babies - assisted with feeding, diaper changing, bathing, dressing, sleep training, setting up babies' schedule as children grew. Additional house support included laundry, cooking and light cleaning. As they grew, the following two years I worked part-time, transporting them to and from school, helping with homework and projects, preparing healthy meals, taking care of their laundry. Nowadays I am still their nanny when the family needs something extra. Private

- Rachael S.

Maria Calderon

Richmond, California

Maria Calderon

3 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I’m a patient, compassionate, and reliable overnight doula who specializes in getting baby on a schedule, sleep training, and helping families transition into postpartum. I am calm and cool under pressure. I worked 6 years in Emergency Medicine as an EMT in San Francisco and did NICU transports of premature babies. I am passionate about my work since I truly believe it takes a village to care for children and want to help many families in enjoying postpartum rather than just surviving it! I am flexible and friendly and love good communication. When I’m not working, I enjoy powerlifting, singing, and doing jigsaw puzzles. I am certified in Postpartum Infant Care, Infant Feeding Education, CPR, and First Aid.

Kristin Guess

Half Moon Bay, California

Kristin Guess

8 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi, I'm Kristin Guess! My journey into birth work began when I attended a DONA International workshop in 2018. After supporting my first birth, I knew that doula work was exactly where I belonged. I remember driving home with a huge smile, filled with a sense of joy and awe—as if I had witnessed one of life’s greatest secrets: the arrival of a new being, full of possibility. No matter how unique each experience is, that feeling of wonder never fades. It is truly an honor and privilege to be present for such a profound moment in people’s lives. ​ I was born and raised just outside of Sacramento and spent 2 years after high school living in Germany before making my way to the Bay Area for college. During the pandemic years, I moved to Portland, Oregon. The Pacific Northwest is beautiful, but California is where my heart is. I’m now excited to get to call Half Moon Bay home. I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to support Bay Area families once again. ​ As a DONA-certified, evidence-based doula, my role is to help you feel informed, empowered, and at ease throughout your birthing journey. I love working with birthing people and becoming a team to create an environment that feels safe and one where you feel heard and respected. I believe deeply in individualized support and the importance of continuing education.  ​ In my free time you can find me biking or walking the HMB Coastal Trail, listening to a podcast, gardening, watercoloring or baking some sourdough. 

Amanda Martins

Santa Clara, California

Amanda Martins

6 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My name is Amanda, and I am a certified postpartum doula passionate about supporting families during the transformative period after childbirth. I provide compassionate, non-judgmental support to new parents as they navigate the joys and challenges of welcoming a new baby. My services include: - **Emotional Support:** I offer a listening ear and encouragement to help parents adjust to their new roles. - **Infant Care Assistance:** I can help with basic infant care, allowing parents some much-needed rest. - **Education:** I provide information on newborn care, breastfeeding, and infant soothing techniques. I believe that every family deserves personalized support during this special time, and I would love to help more families thrive. Thank you for considering my introduction. I look forward to the possibility of working together!

Macy Anderegg

Martinez, California

Macy Anderegg

5 years of experience

Hello! I am a NICU RN. I am passionate about my job and I would love to use what I have learned to help you and your family. I am a large advocate for safe, restful sleep in newborns and infants. Additionally, I believe restful sleep in parents is crucial. As your Night Nanny, I would tend to all your infant’s needs, as well as your own to ensure decreased stress is accomplished. I am flexible with unique schedules and I enjoy enforcing those schedules as that is what is best for your infant and family.

Allison Green

Martinez, California

Allison Green

2 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hello, my name is Allison Green & I am a certified holistic birth & postpartum doula. I love to support & nurture families through birth & postpartum so that love & care can ripple out into the community & inspire others. Recognizing birth as a rite of passage, I hope my clients feel seen, honored, & supported in their journey. I received my certifications through The Matrona & Cornerstone Doula Trainings. I have also completed the Innate Postpartum Care Practitioner Training. In addition, I am a trained Birth Story Medicine Listener.

Kaitlin Dinmore

Martinez, California

Kaitlin Dinmore

11 years of experience

Hi expectant families! I’m Kate, a Newborn Care Specialist with 10 years of newborn experience. I’m primarily serving the Lamorinda and other East Bay/Oakland areas, but willing to consider San Francisco or Marin for the right fit. In 2022, I left my classroom teaching position to pursue private childcare, with a specialty in newborns. Since then, I’ve supported several families as they’ve navigated the early weeks of their new baby’s life. It’s my goal to help new (or renewed!) parents get a full night’s rest so they can take on the day ahead.

Alice Adams

San Jose, California

Alice Adams

8 years of experience

Hi, I’m Alice, a compassionate and courageous Doula, offering both birth and postpartum services. Education and information are my focus, as I work to empower birthing families to build the confidence needed for a meaningful and peaceful birth experience. I am a birth ambassador, and an expert in physiological birth. I value science and evidence-based practices, autonomy, personal responsibility, individualized care and respectful parenting. I enjoy supporting families in developing a birth plan aligned with their values, teaching and providing comforting touch, and working with partners, siblings, and multigenerational families.

Stephanie Silva

San Jose, California

5.0 (2 reviews)

Stephanie Silva

5 years of experience
Accepts insurances

As your postpartum doula, I offer a range of essential services to make your transition into parenthood as smooth as possible. From providing overnight support to ensure restful nights for your family, to expertly assisting with both bottle and breastfeeding, I'm here to address your unique needs and preferences. Additionally, I take care of practical tasks like washing bottles and pump parts, allowing you to focus on bonding with your precious little one. With a compassionate and experienced approach, I aim to empower you with the confidence and care you deserve during this transformative time.

Recent review

We’re so grateful and appreciative for Stephanie when she was our night doula. Before the birth, Stephanie was communicative and supportive. She came to our house the first night we arrived home with our baby, and it made for the best transition ever! We originally planned for only 1 month with Stephanie, but we loved having her help so we asked her to stay for another month. We wholeheartedly recommend Stephanie to anyone who needs a night doula.

- Zach G.