Maribel Orellana, Birth & Postpartum Doula in Irvine, CA

Maribel Orellana Birth & Postpartum Doula in Irvine, CA

5.0 9 reviews 5 years of experience
Responds within a day

About Maribel

Hi, I’m Maribel, a DONA International-certified birth doula and birth photographer based in Irvine, serving Orange County and select surrounding communities in South Los Angeles County/South Bay, the western Inland Empire, and North County San Diego. I didn’t always know what a doula was. I found this work because I needed that kind of support myself, and experiencing what it felt like to have someone calm, familiar, and fully in my corner changed the way I understood birth. Eventually, it changed the direction of my work too. Today, I try to offer families that same sense of steadiness and connection. Before labor, we build a relationship and practice tools so the day feels more familiar. During birth, I adapt to what you need: hands-on comfort, positioning, breathing and relaxation, experience with different tools, a softer ambiance for relaxation, partner coaching, and support around informed decisions. I am especially intentional about partners; my role is to support them, not take their place, so they can spend less energy wondering what to do and more energy simply being your partner. After birth, I stay connected with early postpartum care for the families whose births I attend, including emotional, educational, and practical support within my scope. Photography comes from my love of real-life storytelling. Birth is so absorbing that there are parts of your own story you may not get to see while you are living them: the looks, the gestures, or the small moments surrounding the first time you meet your baby. My documentary approach is quiet and unobtrusive, preserving those pieces so you can return to them later. Birth photography may be booked on its own or woven into doula care. My broader full-spectrum doula work also includes standalone abortion support, pregnancy loss, and infant loss support. Eligible doula services may be covered through Medi-Cal or select commercial insurance benefits.

Find Maribel online @picturethisbirth

Birth & Postpartum Doula services

Accepted insurance

Medi-Cal Message Maribel to confirm coverage for your plan.

Doula care will include various prenatal meetings, text and call support for any questions that come up between meetings, my Pregnancy, Labor and Postpartum Workbook, and additional material that should help make your life easier as you plan and prepare for birth and the postpartum phase, in-person labor and delivery support, and a postpartum follow-up visit. The photography portion includes documenting during labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum.

Reviews for Maribel Orellana

5.0 9 reviews
5.0

Maribel was an incredible support person for my wife and me throughout every step of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. From the beginning, she brought a calm, reassuring presence and shared a lot of knowledge about pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care. As first-time parents, we had a lot of questions, and Maribel always made us feel comfortable asking anything without judgment. We especially appreciated her support on the day of birth. She arrived while my partner was in labor fully prepared with supplies for comfort measures, including massage rollers and other techniques that helped during labor. She also guided me in how to better support and comfort my partner throughout the process. Maribel had a grounding presence in the room — she observed and supported us through very intense moments without intervening unnecessarily or overstepping. Another gift she gave us was capturing beautiful photos during our time at the hospital. Those moments were so special to us, and we’re so grateful she took the care to capture them. After the birth, Maribel continued to support us by meeting with us to debrief our experience, help us navigate newborn care approaches, and provide breastfeeding support. Those first few weeks at home can feel extremely overwhelming, and having her guidance during that time was very valuable. We would absolutely recommend Maribel to anyone looking for a reliable doula.

— Ash W.

5.0

Maribel was amazing. As a first time mom, Maribel listened to my goals and wishes to have an epidural free delivery. She provided my husband and I the support and guidance pre baby, during active labor and available for extra support post baby. I was fortunate to have Maribel give me direction for Hypno birthing which I was also very interested in. I successfully gave birth to a beautiful baby boy without an epidural - couldn’t have done it without Maribel’s help. We genuinely appreciate her time, sincere personality, and professionalism. She is very sweet, patient and we were so lucky to find her!

— Jignisha Patel

5.0

As a first-time mom, I can’t express how grateful I am to have had Maribel by my side throughout my pregnancy and birth journey. From our very first meeting, she brought so much warmth, wisdom, and genuine care to every conversation. She wasn’t just a doula she became a essencial support for both me and my husband. Maribel guided us with her deep knowledge, no question was too small, and no concern went unheard. She helped us feel prepared. Having Maribel as our doula was truly a gift.We truly believe every new parent should have a Maribel, her heart and expertise made all the difference for us. Thank you, Maribel, for being such a meaningful part of our story.

— Kely Julio Gonzalez

Ready to talk with Maribel?

Free to send. Maribel usually responds within a day.

Certifications, training, and specialties

Certification and training

  • Birth Doula Certification, DONA International (2024)
  • Birth Becomes You, Birth Photography (2022)
  • Spinning Babies (2025)
  • Bereavement Support (2026)
  • Infant 1st Aid & CPR (2025)
  • Tens Unit for Pain Management (2026)

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (2005)

Memberships and affiliations

  • DONA International

Languages

Credentials

CD (DONA)

Specialties

Acculturation and Immigration Birth and Lactation Birth Doula Birth Photographer Birth Support Breastfeeding Photography Breastfeeding Support Childbirth Education Evidence-Based Care Exclusive Pumping/Bottle Feeding Fresh 48 Photography Grief and Loss Home Birth Hospital Birth Infertility In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Labor Doula Maternity and Family Photography Maternity and Newborn Photographer Maternity Photography Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Newborn, Baby, & Birth Photography Newborn Care Newborn Photography Nipple and Breast Pain Parenting Parenting Support Postpartum Life Postpartum Photography Preconception Prenatal Care Prenatal Lactation Education Prenatal Life Relaxation Techniques Reproductive and Parenting Returning to work (pumping, breastmilk storage, etc) Sibling Preparation Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Support in Pregnancy Loss Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Water birth Abortion Doula Care Advanced Maternal Age Anxiety Aromatherapy Babywearing High-Risk Pregnancy Infant Care Lactation Home Visits LGBTQ+ Loss and Bereavement Doula Low Milk Supply/Over Supply Pain Management Pregnancy Loss

Frequently asked questions

WHEN SHOULD I HIRE A BIRTH DOULA?

Any time during pregnancy is a good time to reach out. Earlier gives us more time to prepare together, but I’m happy to connect later in pregnancy if I am still have availability.

DO YOU SUPPORT HOSPITAL, BIRTH-CENTER, AND HOME BIRTHS?

In settings that often run on routines, protocols, or established systems, having a doula can make a meaningful difference by bringing continuity, calm, and personalized support. I’m there to help you understand what is happening, remind you of your options, support your partner, and help create a space that still feels centered around you. At home or in a birth center, that same support adapts to the situation, your preferences, and the team already caring for you.

WHAT IF I WANT AN EPIDURAL OR INDUCTION?

Absolutely. My role is to support your choices, not steer you toward a particular kind of birth. With an epidural, the room often quiets down and the focus can shift away from you, but I stay tuned in. I’ll be there to make sure you’re comfortable, informed, and truly seen.

DO YOU SUPPORT CESAREAN BIRTHS?

Yes. Birth doula support can still be meaningful with a planned or unexpected cesarean. I can help you prepare beforehand, talk through preferences and questions, support your partner, and help you feel more informed and grounded going into surgery. If hospital policy allows, I may be able to stay with you through parts of the birth. If not, I can still support you before and afterward, including the immediate recovery period when permitted. Even when the mode of birth is already decided, there are still choices to understand, emotions to process, and practical ways to make the experience feel more supported and personal.

HOW FAR DO YOU TRAVEL?

I serve families across Orange County and surrounding areas (South L.A. County/South Bay, the western Inland Empire and North County San Diego). Let me know your location, and I'll confirm availability.

HOW DO YOU SUPPORT MY PARTNER?

I support your partner as part of the team, offering ideas, comfort techniques, reassurance, and breaks when needed so they can more confidently focus on being there with you.

HOW LONG DO YOU STAY DURING LABOR?

Once I join you in labor, I stay through the birth and immediate postpartum period. I may take short breaks to eat, rest, or recharge as needed, while remaining available and attentive to you. If labor is especially long, trusted backup support may be used so you continue to have steady care throughout.

DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?

Yes. Flexible payment options are available for private-pay services. We can choose a payment structure that feels manageable for your family.

IS BIRTH DOULA CARE COVERED BY MEDI-CAL OR INSURANCE?

It can be. Medi-Cal covers eligible birth doula care, and I also work with select commercial plans. Coverage and visit structure vary, so I verify your benefits and tailor your support accordingly.

Does Maribel accept insurance?

Maribel lists Medi-Cal as accepted insurance. Message Maribel to confirm coverage for your plan.

Service area

Maribel is based in Irvine, California.

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