Melissa Johnson

Mission Viejo, California

Melissa Johnson

18 years of experience

I have been an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and postpartum doula/Newborn Care Specialist for over 16 years. I have worked in both hospital settings and privately in people’s homes. I love working with families as they learn to grow with their new babies.

Alyssa Donato DeWald

San Diego, California

5.0 (3 reviews)

Alyssa Donato DeWald

12 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My name is Alyssa, and I’m a labor and postpartum doula dedicated to supporting families in San Diego as they navigate the transformative journey of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. I bring a calm and nurturing presence to every family I work with, blending my knowledge of physiological birth with tools for emotional and physical support. I’m also an herbalist and love incorporating nature’s remedies into my care, whether it’s for postpartum recovery or soothing moments during birth. Over the years, I’ve worked with countless clients, helping them feel empowered and informed every step of the way. My goal is to create a space where you feel confident, cared for, and deeply supported as you welcome your baby into the world. When I’m not attending births, you can find me creating postpartum care rituals, exploring ways to honor this sacred season, or enjoying the beauty of San Diego. I’d love the opportunity to connect and learn more about your unique vision for birth and beyond <3

Recent review

Never did I ever think I would have a doula in my birth. And I dont regret that decision at all. I went fully unmedicated for my 2nd pregnancy and it was the best decision I’ve done. Alyssa was there from beginning to end to support me and listen to me at all moments of the day. She is great as what she does and even if you aren’t planning on going unmedicated hiring her as your doula would be the best decision for an amazing birth experience.

- Aida P.

LaShaan Crane

San Diego, California

5.0 (2 reviews)

LaShaan Crane

16 years of experience

Hello, my name is LaShaan Crane. I am a Certified Nurse Midwife, Registered Nurse, childbirth educator, yoga teacher and wellness practitioner with more than 15 years of experience in women’s health, pregnancy, and postpartum care. My practice is rooted in compassion, evidence-based care, and a deep commitment to closing the gaps that too often impact BIPOC and LGBTQ+ parents. I believe every family deserves care that feels safe, affirming, and culturally grounded. My approach blends clinical expertise with trauma-informed support, nervous system tools, and clear, accessible education to help you navigate all the unknowns in the threshold of birth and beyond. I aim to create a space where identity, lived experience, and your voice are fully seen. It is a privilege to walk alongside families on this transformative journey.

Recent review

I've personally and professionally known Lashaan for 14 years and I can say with out a doubt that Lashaan's education, experience and intuitive, loving nature will be an absolute blessing to anyone she supports. Her heart expands beyond measure and she is extremely well versed in the preconception, pregnancy and postpartum periods. Her energy and presence is truly a gift!

- Amy B.

Valerie Peterson

San Diego, California

5.0 (3 reviews)

Valerie Peterson

26 years of experience

My name is Val, and I have over two decades as a birth doula in San Diego, California. I have a health care background and value this aspect of bringing my experience to all the births I support. My philosophy for birth, is to remember that a woman will always remember how she was spoken to, and treated on the day of her giving birth. I love this work, it is a calling and truly an honor to be invited to a birth. I had a mom tell me one time, while she was searching for a doula, after asking her sister who had used a doula for her second birth, responded with the following: "Using a doula is the difference of flying first class compared to coach!" This mom went on to have a fantastic experience.

Recent review

Valerie was highly recommended to us by a hospital staff member at Scripps Encinitas who was familiar with her as a doula. From our first encounter she made us feel at ease, supported and excited about the birth of our daughter. She is open, honest, down to earth, warm and caring. She is 100% her own awesome unique person and 100% about nurturing your own unique person and your own unique birth situation and wishes. Having her available throughout my birth experience felt like having a friend, sister and coach by my side the whole time. She also got along wonderfully with the hospital staff and my family which made for a beautiful team.

- Catherine M.

Laci Mattson

Santee, California

5.0 (1 review)

Laci Mattson

3 years of experience

My journey to becoming a mother was not easy. I had two very different and difficult births that taught me a lot about myself and the challenges of childbirth. My first birth was a long and exhausting labor that ended in an emergency cesarean. I felt scared, helpless, and disappointed that I couldn’t have the natural birth I wanted. My second birth was a planned cesarian, I felt unprepared, anxious, and overwhelmed by the intensity of the experience and felt guilty for not trying to deliver naturally. Both of my births left me feeling traumatized and in need of healing. ​ These experiences made me realize that there is a gap in the traditional healthcare system when it comes to supporting mothers during birth. I felt that I didn’t get enough information, education, or emotional support from my providers, and that I had to advocate for myself and my baby. I decided to become a doula to fill that gap and to help other mothers have a better birth experience. As a doula, I offer personalized and continuous support to mothers before, during, and after birth. I help them prepare for their birth, cope with their pain, communicate with their providers, and celebrate their achievements. I want every mother to feel empowered, respected, and joyful during their birth.

Recent review

Doula Laci is an amazing doula for all birthing people regardless of birth plan! Many other doulas I’ve met have pushed an exclusively “natural” birth plan but that doesn’t work for all bodies or families. Laci is amazing, understanding of multiple birth experiences and needs, and a deeply empathetic individual. You couldn’t find a better doula for your birth.

- Jamie S.

Aly Monteleone

San Diego, California

5.0 (2 reviews)

Aly Monteleone

4 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi, I'm Aly! I am a Labor & Postpartum Doula, Yoga Instructor, and hold my Masters degree in Social Justice. I am a nurturer and advocate! ​Clients have described me as empathetic, calm, appropriately humorous, knowledgeable, and unafraid to speak up to ensure that both the birthing person and baby are safe and comfortable. I strive to make every environment as empowering, warm, and equitable as possible. I am passionate about being a mama & partner, running, cooking, hiking my way through National Parks, finding the best lavender latte in town, and most of all, building meaningful relationships with others. I will nurture you, empower you, keep you well-fed and rested, and support your choices and questions as you prepare to welcome this new life. When your baby is born, you are also born as a parent. I’m here to hold you through that amazing (and sometimes overwhelming) shift in identity. Let’s connect!

Recent review

Aly was amazing and super easy to work with. She communicated quickly and answered all my questions during our consultation. I did my placenta encapsulation with her and she was on top of it as soon as we let her know I was in labor. She dropped off my pills and even included a little extra treat for us. Definitely recommend her services. On top of it all, she’s been super sweet and has checked up on me ppt. Thanks Aly!!

- Lizbeth B.

Cheyenne Fletcher

San Diego, California

5.0 (4 reviews)

Cheyenne Fletcher

6 years of experience

Hi, I’m Cheyenne! I take great pride in the care and services I offer. With over six years of experience as a birth, bereavement, and postpartum doula and more than fifteen years as a professional caregiver and house manager, I am deeply dedicated to supporting families as they grow, learn, and navigate parenthood. I am also a licensed foster parent in California, serving the San Diego County community with compassion and commitment. I value word-of-mouth connections because they build trust and create a more personal experience, allowing families to feel comfortable reaching out with any questions. I can’t wait to connect with you!

Recent review

Cheyenne has such a warm, engaging presence, it was impossible to not feel her support as navigating my pre- & postpartum journey with both of my boys. Whether she was sharing tools and guiding me and my husband through them, empathizing with my anxieties as a new parent, standing up for my wishes with providers, or engaging me individually in support of creating the best environment for my boys to enter the world, I felt her standing by my side and rooting for me. Cheyenne has an indepth knowledge of pre- & postpartum navigation for both Mom and baby, and her collaboration with and referrals to other providers were So helpful on multiple occasions (for pregnancy massage to support baby being head down & lactation supports related to bottle refusal). I strongly recommend Cheyenne if you are considering having someone by your side for pre- or postpartum navigation.

- Gloria T.

Naomi Walker

San Diego, California

5.0 (1 review)

Naomi Walker

13 years of experience

Hello! My name is Naomi. I am a newborn care specialist, doula, and aspiring Midwife. I have been working with infants for over 10 years, primarily focusing on the newborn stage. I have extensive experience working with multiples, all feeding support, even g-tube feeding. I am a community centered provider, which is why I am working towards being certified as a Full Spectrum Doula training and hopefully midwifery school. When it comes to providing post-partum support, my philosophies are gentle and feeding led. I want my clients to feel supported, and I want to help build their confidence caring for their children without overstepping.

Recent review

Naomi is a wonderful doula and newborn care specialist. She listened and cares for all of her clients and their extended family members! She became a wonderful member of the family during her time with us. She provided prenatal care during pregnancy, including nursery and home walkthroughs and daily check-ins leading up to the birth of our twins. She was a wonderful partner at the hospital and supported all of our wishes during and after the birth. When we arrived home, she helped us tremendously, bringing home twins and adjusting to our new lives as parents. She helped us create a schedule, organize our home, breastfeeding and bottle feeding, and daily activities while we were at home. She is an invaluable resource, doing research and providing updates during overnights so we can address things in the morning. She also provided feedback for our doctors when one of the twins had some feeding issues and was supportive of our decisions, while also providing educated insight and feedback to help. She is the most wonderful person to have on your team, and I think she provides so much to every family she works with.

- Anne Kathryn Z.

Annika Glaub

San Diego, California

5.0 (1 review)

Annika Glaub

15 years of experience

I strive to give parents the non-judgmental support and science-based knowledge they need in order to make the right decisions for their unique family. I offer companionship and non-medical advice on breast, chest & bottle feeding, pumping, newborn care, recovery from birth, sleep, as well as physical and mental development of your baby. I serve the greater San Diego area. Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/itsy-bitsy-dreamers-san-diego

Recent review

Annika joined our family for 2 months with our second baby and her help was such a relief for us through the sleepless nights. We had the first 6 weeks covered through our insurance and ended up extending her 2 more weeks out of pocket. Annika was easy to work with in terms of extending the contract -- and luckily she had another client after us otherwise we may have continued booking for another 3 months! During those months she actually helped us identify that our daughter was having silent reflux. Long story short, our baby ended up having multiple tongue ties that we got revised and wouldn't have figured out so quickly without Annika's recommendation to get her looked at! She never claimed to have expertise in areas she didn't know about and always guided us towards someone who did. Since the tongue ties were revised I was able to continue my breastfeeding journey. Annika was always on time, eager to help, wore a mask around our baby (I didn't know what she looked like without one until one of our last nights!) and sent detailed notes at the end of each night. I loved being able to know what happened throughout the night between feeding sessions even when someone else was holding my baby. I had never had a doula before but if I ever have a third child I will make sure that Annika is available. Not only are her services top notch, she is a lovely person to be around and so sweet. We love Annika and recommend her 100%!

- Kenna D.

Heather Shabestari

San Diego, California

5.0 (1 review)

Heather Shabestari

14 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Heather is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Certified Educator in Infant Massage (CEIM) with over a decade of experience supporting families. Since 2012, she has helped thousands of parents and babies navigate breastfeeding and feeding challenges, offering both in-person and virtual care across San Diego and beyond. Her practice is family-focused, tailoring care plans to each family’s unique goals rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions. With advanced training in tethered oral tissues, Heather collaborates closely with holistic professionals to support optimal breastfeeding and bottle-feeding outcomes. She has helped families of twins, surrogates, cleft lips, tongue/lip ties, low supply, oversupply, combo feeding, GI distress, bottle feeding, allergies, latching/positioning, weaning, etc. Compassionate and detail-oriented, Heather is deeply committed to creating individualized plans that honor each baby and parent. Born and raised in San Diego, she feels grateful to live and work in a community she loves, and she pours her heart into helping families thrive.

Recent review

I can not recommend Heather enough. She helped me through one of my most vulnerable times and became a key player in my breastfeeding success. Heather accurately identified tongue, lip, and cheek ties in my daughter and helped shed light on why we had been having feeding issues. She supported us through our decision to get her ties revised and helped us navigate her recovery. Heather is an expert in her field and continues to be a main source of support with my breastfeeding journey. I am so happy we found Heather and would recommend her whole heartedly to anyone who finds themselves overwhelmed or struggling with breastfeeding.

- Alexa G.

Pamela Bullfinch

San Diego, California

Pamela Bullfinch

13 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi . I’m Postpartum Doula of 11 years and also Newborn Care specialist. I have ton of experience with newborns and twins. I’m easy going flexible reliable knowledgeable. I m here to help you get the sleep you need to handle your day. And help with education of a newborn. Nursing support and getting your newborn in a sleep schedule. Please set up an appointment so we can chat and I can help you with your new journey as a parent. I have amazing references. Look forward to connecting and chatting with you.

Nancy Yu

Irvine, California

5.0 (1 review)

Nancy Yu

7 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I have over six years of experience in childcare and postpartum support. I’ve worked at postpartum care centers in Yorba Linda and Irvine, cared for more than 30 newborns and mothers, and later supported both special and general education students in the Walnut Valley School District. I really enjoy taking care of mom and helping you recover through continuous support and delicious meals.

Recent review

She is amazing ;She is been incredibly helpful for my wife's recovery and our baby's growth. Within 42 days, my baby gained 3 pounds weight.

- Zoey C.

Cooings Doula Care

Irvine, California

5.0 (1 review)

Cooings Doula Care

11 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Cooings Care is a wraparound maternal healthcare company. We offer comprehensive and professional doula and lactation support services. Our team is dedicated to providing each patient with a comfortable, joyful, and reassuring experience through professional knowledge and attentive care.

Recent review

As a first-time mom without family nearby, I was overwhelmed, but Cooings made my postpartum journey smooth, supported, and even joyful. They matched me with an amazing postpartum doula who took care of both me and my baby with profession, warmth, and deep cultural understanding. From breastfeeding support to postpartum meals, emotional care, and even helping me sleep better, the service was above and beyond. I loved that everything was organized, timely, and truly focused on what mothers need. If you’re looking for trusted, respectful, and expert postpartum care, especially with an Asian cultural foundation, this is the place to go!

- Julia M.

Reihaneh Hadipour

Irvine, California

5.0 (24 reviews)

Reihaneh Hadipour

13 years of experience
Accepts insurances

As a postpartum doula, I am part of your village! I am a mom too!I know how overwhelmed I felt at the idea of bringing a newborn home, recovering from birth, and trying to breastfeed. Since the birth of my daughter, I have worked with many families, helping them thrive during the early postpartum period.

Recent review

Let me just say—it was truly a blessing to have found Reihaneh (Rey) Hadipour to support us on our newborn journey. From day one, she was an incredible help, especially for a first-time mom. Whether it was guiding us through different feeding positions, showing us how to bathe the baby, gently clipping those delicate little nails, or offering countless other thoughtful services, Rey brought both care and confidence to every moment. She comes with a wealth of experience and is truly a compassionate, skilled professional. We’re so grateful for her support during such a special and tender time in our lives

- Tim C.

Betsy Gough

Newport Beach, California

4.3 (6 reviews)

Betsy Gough

4 years of experience
Accepts insurances

After my son's birth, I was reeling from how well my birth journey went. I heard so many horror stories from friends and family about how their birthing days went. I was appalled for them. Most were pushed around by hospital staff, forced into unnecessary c-sections or just completely unaware of what options they had! I became determined to be an advocate for women who want to feel validated and that they can birth the way they choose. I wanted to be able to provide a beautiful experience, to anyone who desired it. Having my son empowered me to help other women have the birth of their dreams. I strive for a smooth, calm process, free from stress, judgement and fear. Whether it be at home, a birth center or hospital, all natural, medicated or planned c-sections, I believe that women should be able to do things their own way. Because each and every woman, birth and baby is different, I take pride in supporting you, however you choose to proceed. Hospitals can get confusing, nurses/OB's can get impatient, let me be your advocate through this journey. Let me help you, do you. Let's birth the way that you want.

Recent review

We’re so glad we had Betsy as our doula for this journey. From the very beginning, she was super friendly, supportive and knowledgeable , sending us all kinds of helpful materials, everything from hospital packing lists to a birth plan template, and natural ways to induce labor. She really helped us feel prepared going into it. During the birth, Betsy was amazing! I had a 52 hour labor and she was there with us through the thick of it, helping with breathing, acupressure, and just keeping us calm and grounded. She made it easier for me to advocate for myself, especially when things didn’t go quite as planned. Her support helped me feel way more confident and in control. She’s also been incredibly helpful postpartum, always checking in and offering guidance and extra help with almost anything when we’ve needed it! Honestly, she’s been such a steady and positive presence through the whole experience. We truly couldn’t have done it without her and can’t recommend her enough! Thanks for helping us bring our beautiful baby Henry into this world! We’re so grateful for you Betsy!

- Lindsay L.

Elaine Kopinga

Newport Beach, California

5.0 (1 review)

Elaine Kopinga

17 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Certified Nurse Midwife & Nurse Practitioner specializing in traditional postpartum care. Our team is staffed with experienced lactation, postpartum, and newborn care experts melding old world wisdom with evidenced based care.

Recent review

Elaine and her team are the best! They provide LS so much education and support. Her maternity membership is the amazing, I received so much one on one support during my pregnancy, she is so well connected, I felt like a VIP celebrity!

- Keira F.

Diana Roth

Newport Beach, California

Diana Roth

28 years of experience
Accepts insurances

A calling that has been nurtured for 32 years. I began my career with children as a teenage babysitter. I have been fascinated by child development since I was little more than a child myself. Arriving in the USA in 1991 from Barranquilla, Colombia I was immediately employed by Universal Studios Child Care Center. This experience offered a wide range of infants to care for and deepened my desire to advance in my calling as a childcare specialist. It was in my interactions with various parents that I soon realized how what came naturally to me was frightening to some. In a very short time, parents were asking me to provide services outside of the care center. I was helping with establishing baby sleep schedules, nighttime care and creating baby routines for families. In 1998 I had met my birthing doula trainer and mentor Carmen of Gyntle Touch Birth. At Carmen’s recommendation I also became a certified massage therapist from Touch Therapy Institute. Immediately I offered my time as a birthing and prenatal doula to help low-income unwed mothers. This was my way of giving back in gratitude of my being able to pursue my life’s purpose and obtain a vast amount of experience with a diverse group of mothers. Over the last 32 years I have worked with hundreds of families, from birthing babies, preparing hospital care routines and directives, setting up nursery supplies, prenatal doula, lactation coach, night care, postpartum care, pregnancy and baby massage. Along the way I married and was blessed to deliver my own two children, with my mentor Carmen presiding as my birthing doula. A not so well-kept secret is that my husband and I are gourmet chefs, an additional service many families are excited to have made available to them. I consider myself truly blessed in that I am able to share in the most important part of a family. Incredibly, many of the children I have had a hand in raising continue to contact me throughout their life. I have had the wonderfully good fortune to attend many, confirmations, bar & bat mitzvahs, graduations from elementary, Jr. High, High School, College and recently my first Graduate school ceremony. I respect privacy and discretion, am able to travel, provide meal preparation and offer household management services.

Priscilla Gutierrez

Hemet, California

Priscilla Gutierrez

11 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hello 🧡 My name is Priscilla and I am bilingual in spanish. I majored in Human Services with the intention of assisting mothers. I am also trauma informed. Having a Bachelors led me into becoming a certified Lactation Counselor. Hearing my mothers stories from their birth trauma, experiences within the medical system, has led me to receive my doula certification in order to be a better asset to service my families. I decided to take the Doula workshop under DONA due hearing my previous prenatal and postpartum clients stories. My desire is to come along families in order to assist them with the birth they desire from providing information and support for their birth journey. I have six years being in the home visiting program (my career), over a decade in the mental health space and currently working towards my International Board Certification Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) certification.

Maribel Orellana

Irvine, California

5.0 (2 reviews)

Maribel Orellana

5 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi, I'm Maribel. A DONA International certified birth doula and birth photographer based in Southern California. My work lives at the intersection of stewardship and artistry—offering both grounded support and honest, meaningful images that reflect the real story of your birth. Whether I’m holding space at your side or quietly documenting the moment, my intention is the same: that you feel safe, seen, and empowered throughout the journey. Clients often tell me I bring a calm, reassuring energy and photographs that help them remember not just what it looked like, but what it felt like to bring their baby into the world. This calling lights me up like no other profession ever has, and I’m honored to walk alongside you—offering heart, skill, and presence every step of the way.

Recent review

I cannot recommend Maribel enough. She supported me through the birth of my third baby boy, and the experience was nothing short of beautiful. From the very first moment she arrived, she brought a calm, warm presence that made the hospital feel more like a safe, comforting space. She made sure the atmosphere was peaceful, so much so that I almost forgot I was even in a hospital room. Maribel was by my side the entire time, holding my hand, applying pressure to my back to ease the pain, and gently encouraging me every step of the way. One of my biggest goals was to have an unmedicated birth, something I hadn’t been able to experience with my first two sons due to pressure from the hospital staff. This time, she made sure my voice was heard. She advocated for me, reminded me of my strength, and helped me achieve the peaceful birth I had always dreamed of. The most unforgettable moment was when I welcomed my baby boy with our hands. It was powerful, emotional, and something I will cherish for the rest of my life. Not only was she an incredible doula, but we’ve also become great friends since then. I will always be grateful for her support, her strength, and her heart. I’ve already recommended her to my friends so they too can experience the beauty of childbirth with someone as dedicated as her. There’s also the fact that she speaks both English and Spanish fluently.

- Tabatha V.

Elena Alonso

Newport Beach, California

5.0 (3 reviews)

Elena Alonso

7 years of experience

Hello parents! I am Elena, a professional trained in newborn care who provides aid to new parents during the first few months of a baby’s life at home. I have more than 5 years of experience and adding more to my career. I work at nights so parents can get the sleep they need to then provide the best care possible for their family during the daylight hours.

Recent review

Elena was our night nurse starting at the end of December last year, and she worked with our family for two months. Simply put—she was the best help I could have ever asked for during that time. As a first-time mom navigating those exhausting newborn nights, having he support made all the difference. She brought a calming presence, a wealth of knowledge, and so much genuine care for our son. From creating a gentle routine to helping us understand his cues, Elena guided us every step of the way and gave us the confidence (and rest!) we truly needed. We felt completely at ease with her, and our baby loved her.

- Tânia W.