Marla McRay Birth & Postpartum Doula in Philadelphia, PA

5 years of experience

About Marla

Meet Marla, a dedicated birth doula whose practice blends compassionate, hands-on labor support with the power of hypnosis. With years of experience guiding families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, Marla offers more than physical comfort measures—she brings a toolkit of relaxation and hypnosis techniques designed to help you feel calm, capable, and in control throughout your birth experience. Hypnosis for birth works by helping you shift out of fear and tension and into a state of deep relaxation, where your body can labor more naturally and efficiently. The benefits are well documented: Reduced perceived pain — Deep relaxation lowers the body's stress response, which can ease the intensity of contractions. Shorter, smoother labors — When fear and tension decrease, labor often progresses more efficiently because the body isn't working against itself. Less need for medical pain intervention — Many who practice hypnosis techniques report needing fewer interventions like epidurals or pain medication. Greater sense of calm and control — Guided visualization and positive suggestion help you stay present and confident rather than overwhelmed. Faster postpartum recovery — Lower stress hormones during labor are linked to a smoother transition into postpartum healing and bonding. With Marla by your side, you'll learn self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques well before your due date, so that by the time labor begins, your mind and body already know how to work together. Her goal is simple: to help you feel supported, empowered, and deeply at peace as you welcome your baby into the world.

Birth & Postpartum Doula services

I offer gentle support through pregnancy and beyond

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Certifications, training, and specialties

Certification and training

Birth doula and postpartum doula (2021)
Perinatal community health worker training (2021)

Education

Health Education And Related Training Certificate (1997)
Rapid Transformational Hypnotherapy (2022)

Languages

English

Specialties

Birth Doula Hypnobirthing Method Labor Doula Postpartum Doula Care

Certifications, training, and credentials are listed by the provider. Bornbir doesn't verify them, so ask Marla for a copy of any certificate you rely on.

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