Larissa Melo Pienkowski

Birth Doula
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
5.0
About me

I’m Larissa (she/ela/ella), a birth and postpartum doula based in Philadelphia, PA. My practice is rooted in the beliefs that birth is a sacred act of transformation, that birthing people hold innate wisdom in their bodies, and that we all deserve safe, affirming, size-inclusive reproductive healthcare. As a birthworker, I offer a compassionate and comforting presence, intuitive and evidence-based information, physical support, fierce advocacy, and space for birthing people of all identities to move through pregnancy and labor peacefully and confidently. I myself identify as queer and Latina. Eu falo português e adoraria trabalhar com famílias brasileiras. 🇧🇷 In my free time, I love to cook, read, journal, play volleyball, practice Pilates, and make pottery, and I’m passionate about weaving mindfulness, movement, and nourishment into birthwork in ways that uplift radiant, full-body joy. I’m lucky to live with my wife and our Siberian husky, Olaf, in Germantown, Philadelphia.

Education

Bachelor of Social Work, Simmons University (2015)

Master of Publishing and Writing, Emerson College (2019)

Certification and training

Birth Doula Certification, CAPPA (2024)

Full-Spectrum Doula Training, BADT (in progress) (2025)

Memberships and affiliations

BADT

Evidence-Based Birth

Credentials
BSW MA
Specialties
Abortion Doula Care Acculturation and Immigration Advanced Maternal Age Allergies Anxiety Anxiety and Depression Assertiveness Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Birth Doula Birth Support Birth Trauma Building Healthy Communication Evidence-Based Care HAES (Health at Every Size) Approach Home Birth Hospital Birth Labor Doula LGBTQ+ Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Newborn Care Parts Work/ Inner Communities Pilates Postpartum Chef Relaxation Techniques Self-Actualization Self-Compassion Self-Esteem Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Water birth
Languages

English, Portuguese, Spanish

Service introduction

I offer two packages designed to meet a wide range of needs, but I’m also happy to customize services and include optional add-ons such as postpartum doula hours, a birth journaling kit with prompts designed for you to reflect and heal, nourishing prepackaged postpartum meals, and more. Get in touch to learn more!

Packages
TERRA | Base Package
• 2 in-home prenatal visits to discuss your birth preferences, common birth interventions and how to avoid them if desired, advocacy strategies, and more • Unlimited call, text, and email support during business hours • 24/7 on-call support from 37 weeks until birth • Continuous labor and birth support, including breathing techniques, comfort measures, optimal positioning, massage, natural pain management methods, and emotional support and encouragement for both you and your birth partner(s), if applicable • 1 postpartum visit to process your birth together and tend to your physical and emotional recovery in the first couple weeks post-birth
$1,600.00
USD Flat rate
MAR | Comprehensive Package
Everything included in TERRA, plus… • 1-2 extra prenatal visits to discuss physiologic childbirth and postpartum planning so you feel as confident as possible going into this next phase of life • Access to a thoughtfully curated digital library of evidence-based resources on labor, childbirth, and postpartum topics • 1 additional postpartum visit, accompanied by a nourishing, homemade Ayurvedic soup meant to boost your energy for a few days and support your postpartum healing
$1,800.00
USD Flat rate
Ratings and reviews
Average
5.0
# of Reviews
2
5.0

Have you ever experienced the joy of working with someone who is so clearly doing what they were meant to do? Such is the radiant experience of working with Larissa as a doula. From our first conversation, I connected with her unique combination if confidence, optimism, and groundedness. She always listened with true intention, never trying to push me any which way but instead helping me figure out my own needs and wants for my pregnancy and delivery. She helped fill in gaps in my knowledge and, most importantly, guided me through tough decisions and helped me feel confident in those decisions. She was equally supportive of my partner and their experience. During labor, delivery, and birth, Larissa was my steadfast advocate, and I delivered a healthy baby. Thank you Larissa!

- Frankie

5.0

Larissa was an incredible birth doula. She is extremely knowledgeable and provided so many helpful resources ahead of my birth, which truly helped me feel informed and prepared. Throughout the process, she empowered me to advocate for myself and make confident decisions. During labor, her calm presence was grounding and reassuring, and she was always attentive and protective of my birth space. I felt supported, heard, and truly cared for every step of the way.

- Nitia E.

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