Leah Hairston - Birth & Postpartum Doula

About Leah

Leah Hairston (she/her) is a full-spectrum doula, perinatal social worker, lactation counselor and advocate. She educates and empowers women with female reproductive systems, reminding them of their inherent power. Her dedication to facilitating spaces for healing, equal access, and justice stems from her deep commitment to addressing the systemic reproductive injustices against Black women. She is the founder of Sweet Bee Services, a Baltimore-based doula agency that provides justice-focused, trauma-informed, family-centered care throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia. When not working, Leah enjoys trying new recipes while listening to audiobooks, walking her pup T’Challa, and savoring moments with loved ones. She is passionate about all things related to babies, reproductive wholeness, and social justice. Learn more and support her work by visiting www.sweetbeedoula.com.

Birth & Postpartum Doula packages and pricing

Daytime Postpartum Support

Compassionate care and guidance during the daylight hours of your postpartum journey. Available from 8 AM to 9 PM, this service provides hands-on support to help you navigate the challenges of the early postpartum period. Whether you need assistance with newborn care, light household tasks, or emotional reassurance, our team is here to make your transition smoother. 4-hour minimum booking required Travel fee included in cost

$50 USD · Per hour

Overnight Postpartum

Peace of mind through the night with professional overnight care for you and your baby. Available from 9 PM to 8 AM, this service offers dedicated overnight support to ensure you and your baby get the rest you need. Perfect for navigating nighttime feedings, soothing techniques, and creating a restful environment. 8-hour minimum booking required Travel fee included in cost

$55 USD · Per hour

Lactation Consultation

Expert support for your breastfeeding journey. This 90-minute, in-home consultation provides tailored advice from a certified lactation counselor. Whether you're addressing challenges like latching, supply issues, or pumping, or simply looking to establish a strong start, we’re here to help you meet your breastfeeding goals. Includes travel fee

$150 USD · Flat rate

Accepted insurance

Aetna Better Health Blue Choice Health Plan Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield Cigna Johns Hopkins Employer Health Programs Liberty Mutual Maryland Medical Assistance (Medicaid) Medicaid MedStar Family Choice MedStar Select UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare Community Plan University of Maryland Health Advantage University of Maryland Health Partners Message Leah to confirm coverage for your plan.

What to expect

We provide the personalized, holistic reproductive care you deserve and desire. When faced with increased risks of birth-related complications, due to race or high-risk pregnancy, navigating healthcare systems is even scarier and more overwhelming. We make sure it isn’t. As we work together, your confidence grows. Your ability to birth without fear and to navigate the often confusing healthcare system increases because we’re consistently by your side the whole way. Our clients feel safer physically & emotionally. Their ability to advocate with their doctors, even when faced with curveballs, increases. This security and peace of mind make transitioning to postpartum easier. Our clients’ experiences range from hospital to home births, from VBACs to emergency c-sections. They’re survivors of infant loss, pre-eclampsia, hyperemesis, and more. Yet for nearly a decade, Sweet Bee moms and dads have told us how they felt so powerful during their experience. That’s our ultimate goal: to give you the tools and support you need to take back your power and create the experience that YOU want.

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Certifications, training, and specialties

Certification and training

Full-Spectrum Doula, Ancient Song Doula Services (2016)
Certified Lactation Counselor, Lactation Education Resources (2021)
Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Instructor (2023)

Education

Bachelor of Science (2014)
Bachelor of Arts (2014)
Masters of Science in Social Work (2017)

Memberships and affiliations

National Association of Perinatal Social Workers
National Black Doula Association, founding member
Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Instructor

Languages

English, Spanish

Credentials

CBE CBS CLC MSSW CD

Specialties

Advanced Maternal Age Anxiety Anxiety and Depression Babywearing Birth and Lactation Birth Doula Birth Support Birth Trauma Breastfeeding Assistance and Support Breastfeeding Support Building Healthy Communication Childbirth Education Doula Trainer Early Parenting Educator Evidence-Based Care Exclusive Pumping/Bottle Feeding HAES (Health at Every Size) Approach Health Coach Healthy Eating Herbal Postpartum Care High Risk and Low Intervention Obstetrical Care High-Risk Pregnancy Home Birth Infertility Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Keeping Fit Labor Doula Lactation Consultation Latch Issues Low Milk Supply/Over Supply Mindfulness Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Newborn Care Newborn Prep Nipple and Breast Pain Overnight Newborn Care Pain Management Perinatal and Infant Loss Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Perinatal Mood Disorders Postpartum Care Postpartum Doula Care Postpartum Life Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Preconception Pregnancy Complications Pregnancy Loss Prenatal Care Preventative Care Relaxation Techniques Reproductive Mental Health Returning to work (pumping, breastmilk storage, etc) Safety Self-Esteem Sexual Health Sibling Preparation Stress Management Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Support in Pregnancy Loss Telehealth Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Vaginal Steam Violence Water birth

Frequently asked questions

How soon should I hire a doula?

We offer support from pre-conception through postpartum. Due to the demand for our services, we recommend you book your birth doula by no later than 20 weeks. For postpartum support, we suggest booking your doula by no later than 30 weeks. Preconception support can be booked as soon as you are ready for someone to go on the journey with you.

What is the difference between a birth and postpartum doula?

Birth doulas support pregnant people and their families as they prepare for birth and then during the labor experience. Postpartum doulas provide support once baby has arrived and the family is home. At Sweet Bee Services, several of our team members are full-spectrum, meaning they can provide support at either time.

What does a postpartum doula do?

Postpartum doulas support the birthing person and/or new parent(s) as they navigate life with a newborn. Our team is prepared to ease your stressors by handling the little things like washing dishes or organizing baby items, to the big things like providing overnight infant care and proactively intervening at the first signs of postpartum depression or anxiety.

What is a doula?

“Doula” comes from the Greek-word for female servant. Today, doulas are trained healthcare professionals who support individuals and families in various situations. At Sweet Bee Services, we are a team of birth and postpartum doulas, many of whom have additional specialty areas.

How much does Leah charge?

Leah's Daytime Postpartum Support package is $50 USD, per hour. Leah lists 5 packages in all.

Does Leah accept insurance?

Leah lists Aetna Better Health, Blue Choice Health Plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program, CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Johns Hopkins Employer Health Programs, Liberty Mutual, Maryland Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Medicaid, MedStar Family Choice, MedStar Select, UnitedHealthcare, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, University of Maryland Health Advantage, and University of Maryland Health Partners as accepted insurance. Message Leah to confirm coverage for your plan.