How Much Does a Birth or Postpartum Doula Cost in Palo Alto, CA?

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Median package price

$1,500

Typical range $565–$2,500

Median hourly rate

$60/hr

Typical range $50–$65/hr

Near Palo Alto California United States
Median package $1,500 $1,578 $1,100
Typical package range $565–$2,500 $500–$2,500 $450–$1,800
Median hourly rate $60/hr $55/hr $45/hr

Based on 560 package prices from 243 providers listed on Bornbir within 150 miles of Palo Alto, CA. Updated September 2026.

See national doula prices

Doula pricing depends on the type of support: birth doulas usually charge a flat package fee for labor support, while postpartum doulas typically charge by the hour for daytime or overnight care at home.

It's important to note that doula fees can vary significantly within the Palo Alto area, with some highly experienced or specialized doulas charging higher rates. Additionally, some doulas offer package deals that may include prenatal visits, continuous labor support, and postpartum support, which can affect the overall cost.

When considering hiring a doula in Palo Alto, it's advisable to research and interview several doulas to find one who aligns with your preferences, needs, and budget. During consultations, you can discuss their specific services and pricing structure to ensure you have a clear understanding of what is included and the associated costs. This process will help you find a doula who meets your needs and fits within your budget.

Want a quick estimate first? Try our doula cost calculator to see live birth and postpartum doula price ranges computed from packages doulas publish on Bornbir.

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Found 282 Doulas in Palo Alto, CA

Ashlee Mckenzie

San Francisco, California

Ashlee Mckenzie

15 years of experience
Accepts insurance
$80/hr

Nurture The Roots LLC provides evidence-based postpartum doula care, newborn behavioral support, and lactation guidance for growing families across San Francisco and the Bay Area. Founded by Ashlee McKenzie, a certified postpartum specialist with over 16 years of hands-on experience and more than 150+ families supported, our practice bridges clinical expertise with intuitive, cue-based developmental care. We eliminate the fourth-trimester overwhelm by helping you read your baby's subtle communication cues, establish sustainable sleep and feeding rhythms, and navigate parental recovery with quiet confidence. What Our Care Focuses On: Newborn Cue-Based Communication: Grounded in Brazelton Newborn Behavioral Observations (NBO), we help you translate state changes, sensory thresholds, and subtle cries so you can respond before stress escalates. Infant Feeding & Lactation Guidance: Compassionate, evidence-based support for latch troubleshooting, milk supply regulation, bottle/pumping plans, and supplementation. Fourth-Trimester Recovery & Sleep Rhythms: Gentle, protective care designed to prioritize maternal mental health, physical healing, and overnight rest without rigid or harmful sleep training dogmas. Family Transition & Empowerment: Practical household organization, newborn care education, and emotional grounding for the whole family. Whether you need overnight shift coverage to preserve vital rest or structured daytime transitional coaching, our care is rooted in clinical standards, trauma-informed principles, and deep respect for your family's unique journey.

Shelby Stewart

Oakland, California

5.0 (3 reviews)

Shelby Stewart

26 years of experience
Accepts insurance

As a full spectrum birth-keeper, sexual/reproductive & lactation educator, and womb-space ceremonialist, I hold space for you to have continuous, high quality support that is infused with culturally responsive care, and embedded within a framework of advocacy. As such, I provide physical, emotional, and educational support and guidance to all birthing people, their partners, their families, and communities across the lifespan, reproductive landscape, and for all reproductive circumstances and outcomes. Earthseed Birthwork praxis is steeped in the belief that within the hallowed grounds of your wholeness – your lived experiences and unique socio-cultural contexts, your dreams, and your life journey, there is an opportunity for YOUR divinely aligned birth journey to come forth. I specialize in serving as guide, helping you investigate and get curious about, cultivate, and then traverse your own birth ceremony, the complex and oftentimes daunting medical system's model of care, and matrescence – the wholeness (physically, psychologically, and socially) of becoming a mother/parent…all while centering the sacred and traditional practices that have safely held birthing people for time immemorial. Bearing witness to, being deeply present for, and reflecting your own innate power to call forth and touch into the dance of your intuition, are my gifts. Working with me is intended to be more than a mere hand-holding, it is meant to be a full person witnessing, and the sanctuary of safe space to support the expansion of your capacity to be present with all that arises on your journey. I believe all births are immeasurably transformative...birth shape- shifts us into whatever next iteration this life is calling forth for us. When allowed, birth may expose you to rapturous wonder, deep discomfort, indescribable joy, and the instinctive knowing that you will forever physically, emotionally, and spiritually be changed. Care Setting I meet people where they are, and not where I may perceive they ‘should’ be…literally and figuratively. I hold and offer care within in-person spaces, homes, virtually, office, and outside underneath the sky’s blanket.

Recent review

We give Shelby the highest recommendation. She supported our birth journey in so many critical ways, through her presence, knowledge and constant encouragement. She is very personable and answered all of our questions. We especially appreciated the way she could explain why the clinical setting would prefer or encourage particular interventions, while also letting us know about all of the options available and helping us to make informed decisions along the way. She empowered us. When it mattered most, during labor and delivery, Shelby was there, with the right presence, words and encouragement. She helped our baby come into the world. We hope other parents have this positive experience of a doula, like Shelby gave us.

- Heidi and Luke H.

Gracious Bay Area Doulas

Walnut Creek, California

5.0 (4 reviews)

Gracious Bay Area Doulas

5 years of experience
Accepts insurance
$65/hr

At Gracious Bay Area Doulas, we believe every mother deserves to be supported with compassion, dignity, and grace during the postpartum journey. Guided by our commitment to providing caring hands and faithful hearts, we partner with families as they navigate the beautiful and often challenging transition into parenthood. Led by a Certified Postpartum Doula with a professional background in Pharmacy and Health Care Administration, our practice combines healthcare knowledge with practical, hands-on support to help families welcome and care for their new baby with confidence. We recognize that the postpartum period is a critical time for healing, adjustment, and bonding, and our goal is to help families feel informed, supported, and empowered every step of the way. Faith, compassion, and service are at the heart of everything we do. While honoring families from all backgrounds, we strive to reflect grace, integrity, patience, and genuine care in every interaction. At Gracious Bay Area Doulas, it is our privilege to walk alongside families during one of life's most meaningful journeys, helping mothers heal, families thrive, and new beginnings flourish.

Recent review

Faith had truly become an extension of our family for the first 3 months of our daughter's life! We started working with Faith when our daughter was less than a week old, and from the beginning she brought such a calm, confident, and warm presence into our home during the chaotic time of early parenthood with a newborn. She is very trustworthy, prompt, and reliable. For my husband, she represented safety and stability as he knew our daughter was safe and we could have a good night's sleep. For me, she was also a trusted mentor into motherhood - both from her professional training and her experience of being a mother to 3 children. She helped me navigate breastfeeding/pumping and how much my baby was eating, she taught us how to calm an overtired crying newborn, hunger vs overtiredness cues, transitioning from a swaddle to a sleep sack, fussiness from vaccines, and more. After 3 months of working with Faith 5 nights per week, we felt like we were finally ready to 'graduate' from Faith and tackle parenthood ourselves as our daughter was easily sleeping 9+ hour stretches at night in her bassinet! I cannot overstate how grateful we are to Faith for her help and guidance with our daughter during those first 3 months - we would have been lost (and extremely sleep deprived) without her. I know she enabled me to be a better mother to my daughter during the days and to have time heal from birth. Faith will be one of our first calls if we have more children! We would love the opportunity to work with her again. 

- Gabby T.

Dr. Rae Banks, DrPH, MBA-HM, CD (DONA)

Walnut Creek, California

5.0 (5 reviews)

Dr. Rae Banks, DrPH, MBA-HM, CD (DONA) Background checked · Sep 2026

2 years of experience
Accepts insurance

Birth is unpredictable. Being prepared doesn't have to be. Do you ever wonder... - How do I prepare for labor and birth? - Will I know when it's really time to go to the hospital? - What happens if my birth doesn't go according to plan? - How can I avoid feeling overwhelmed during labor? - Will my partner know how to support me? - What if I need an induction, epidural, or even an unexpected C-section? - How do I make confident decisions in the moment? I support all births - normal to high-risk pregnancies - through personalized prenatal coaching. When we work together, I'll help you prepare for your actual birth. You'll understand what to expect from the first signs of labor through the Golden Hour, learn how to navigate unexpected situations, communicate confidently with your healthcare team, and approach birth feeling informed, empowered, and ready. In the hospital, I'll guide you to have a faster labor through meaningful position changes and breathwork. I proudly serve families covered by Kaiser Permanente, giving birth at Oakland, Walnut Creek, Antioch, and Vallejo. I also support all Medi-Cal patients, regardless of health plan. If you're delivering in Contra Costa County or at a designated Kaiser hospital, I'll join you in person for your hospital birth. Families outside the area can receive the same comprehensive birth preparation through convenient telehealth appointments. I'm a Public Health Doctor focused on maternal health and a Certified Birth Doula by DONA International. I trained at UC Davis Medical Center as a birth doula for high-risk births, where I still volunteer today and train new doula cohorts. For patient safety, I am background checked and maintain medical clearance. Ready to secure a doula? Schedule your initial telehealth prenatal visit with me at www.yesidoula.com. If you're still deciding on a doula, have questions about insurance, or simply nervous, book a complimentary telehealth instead and let's talk about your goals. Looking forward to meeting you! - Dr. Rae

Recent review

YOU NEED A DOULA!!! If you're on the fence about whether or not you should get a doula, I'll save you the time of reading the rest of this review. The answer is YES! And Dr Rae is 1000000/10! Having a doula should be a requirement to give birth. I really would not have made it through my birth without Dr Rae. I had a traumatic birth with my first so going into my second pregnancy/birth I knew I wanted extra support. Dr Rae has a really strong medical background so not only did she provide incredible emotional support but I felt really confident having her on my support team because I knew she could help calm my anxiety and reassure me everything was ok or what signs to look out for if it wasn't. During labor she provided coping tools (god bless that TENS machine and massage gun!!) and position changes. She was right there with me rubbing my back through contractions and coaching me through pushing. She helped my baby latch right after birth and made sure I was settled in the postpartum unit before leaving. My husband was great and all but I truly couldn't have done it without Dr Rae to provide all the experience and knowledge (even he said he wouldn't have known what to do and was so thankful for Dr Rae)! I had such a positive birth and Dr Rae will always hold a special place in my heart because of it.

- Tanya S.

Klarity Coleman

Santa Cruz, California

5.0 (4 reviews)

Klarity Coleman

20 years of experience
Accepts insurance
Packages from $250 · $100/hr

I’m Klarity Coleman (they/them), a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Birth & Postpartum Doula, Prenatal Yoga Instructor, and Birth Hypnotherapy Childbirth Educator with over a decade of experience. Birth Hypnotherapy is also known as Hypnobirthing. I specialize in anxiety, birth, fertility, and prenatal yoga, with a strong focus on fear release and trauma-informed hypnotherapy. As a birth trauma specialist, I help families navigate getting pregnant, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with confidence, using proven techniques to ease fear and promote a positive experience. Whether you prefer virtual sessions or in-person support, I’m here to guide you. I proudly serve families across Monterey and Santa Cruz counties along with the bay area. I am able to bill Kaiser for reimbursement of doula services. If you are interested in learning more please schedule a free consultation with me. www.CreatingKlarity.com hypnotherapy@creatingklarity.com 831-293-9297

Recent review

Klarity is a healer in the traditional sense of the word. Thanks to their caring questions and intuition, they deeply understood my husband and me and tailored our birthing classes and hypnotherapy sessions accordingly. Not only did they prepare us for birth, but for parenting itself. Thanks to our work together, I had the calm, empowered birth I hoped for. They were the best doula we could have asked for! In addition to their technical skill and training as a doula, they are also a gifted energy worker. Time after time, they helped us shift energy into more positive, value-driven directions, in the birthing classes as well as in the delivery room. In Klarity’s hands you will experience deep care and wise advocacy.

- Joanna G.

Sarah Denton

Santa Cruz, California

5.0 (1 review)

Sarah Denton

2 years of experience
Accepts insurance

I am a full-spectrum doula trained by Doula Trainings International (DTI) and hold a Bachelor's degree from San Jose State University. After experiencing the challenges new parents face firsthand with the arrival of my own two children, I dedicated myself to improving support for families during this transformative time. I firmly believe in the power of community, as captured by the phrase “it takes a village.” I am committed to being that supportive presence for your family, guiding you through every aspect of the birth, labor, and postpartum experience.

Recent review

Sarah was an unwavering source of support during one of the most physically and emotionally challenging experiences of my life. After choosing to have an at-home abortion, I found myself in the hospital due to unmanageable pain and later faced complications and prolonged bleeding for over two months. Through it all, Sarah was there—offering not just physical comfort, but deep emotional and mental support. She provided reassurance when I felt scared, advocated for me when I felt unheard, and helped me navigate the overwhelming aftermath with patience and compassion. Her presence was a lifeline, creating a safe space where I could process my emotions without judgment. Whether it was through gentle encouragement, grounding techniques, or simply holding space for my emotions, Sarah made sure I never felt alone in my healing process. I am beyond grateful for her kindness, knowledge, and unwavering care during such a difficult time.

- Lena W.

Josy Ferreira

Richmond, California

5.0 (7 reviews)

Josy Ferreira

9 years of experience
Accepts insurance
Packages from $2,200 · $60/hr

From the moment I stepped into the world of birth and postpartum work, I knew this was my calling. I’m a Birth & Postpartum Doula and Newborn & Infant Care Specialist serving families across the Bay Area and East Bay, with a background grounded in evidence-based care, cultural sensitivity, and a genuine passion for supporting parents during one of the most transformative seasons of their lives. My training includes Cross-Certification through ProDoula as a Certified Postpartum & Infant Care Doula, Hospital Friendly Doula (HFD) Certification as a Birth and Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist certification through the University of Colorado, CPR & First Aid through the Menlo Park Fire Department, CERT Member through the Menlo Park Fire Department, Child Development through Abilene, continuing education in Lactation (UCSD), Infant Massage, and professional development in Sleep Shaping/Sleep Training through Summer Sleep Secrets. I am also an active volunteer doula at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, supporting birthing people and families from diverse backgrounds. Families often describe my approach as a blend of warmth, intuition, and grounded professionalism. I deeply believe in meeting each family where they are — without judgment, without pressure, and with a plan that reflects their unique rhythms, identities, and goals. I proudly support LGBTQ+ families, offering fully inclusive, gender-affirming care and language so every parent feels safe, welcomed, and respected. My philosophy is rooted in gentle structure and the Montessori method, encouraging independence for both parents and babies through simple, responsive routines. I specialize in newborn behavior, feeding, sleep foundations, and emotional support — helping families understand their baby’s cues and build healthy rhythms from the very beginning. One of my strongest areas of expertise is sleep shaping, using age-appropriate techniques that allow many babies to sleep through the night by 4–5 months, always with a respectful, attachment-minded approach. Clients often share that I have an effortless way of integrating into the home, anticipating needs before they are spoken, and creating an environment of peace, order, and emotional safety. Whether supporting breastfeeding, troubleshooting sleep, soothing a fussy newborn, guiding siblings, or caring for a recovering parent, my goal is always the same: to bring calm, clarity, and confidence to the postpartum experience. For me, being a doula is more than a profession — it’s a devotion to nurturing, empowering, and walking alongside families during a beautiful and vulnerable chapter. Every home I enter becomes part of my heart, and it is an honor to support parents as they grow into their new roles with confidence, joy, and rest. If you’re looking for someone who will care for your baby with tenderness, support your recovery with evidence-based expertise, honor your family’s identity, and guide you with compassion every step of the way, I would be honored to walk this journey with you.

Recent review

I had the pleasure of working with Josy as my postpartum doula, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From day one, she was incredibly respectful of our family's needs and preferences, always communicating clearly and checking in to make sure we felt supported. Josy's knowledge of infant care is exceptional. She guided us through everything from feeding and sleep routines to soothing techniques with confidence and expertise. She supported me on my nursing journey and with infant massage, especially tummy massage in the early weeks. What truly impressed me was her commitment to continuously learning and deepening her skills—she stayed current with the latest research and best practices, which gave me tremendous peace of mind during those early weeks. Her calm and joyful presence and genuine care made such a difference during a vulnerable time. If you're looking for a postpartum doula who is professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to her craft, Josy is an outstanding choice. Beyond her technical expertise, what truly set Josy apart was her extraordinary kindness and emotional intelligence. She understood that welcoming a newborn into the family is about so much more than feeding schedules and sleep—it's about navigating a profound life transition with all its joys and challenges. Josy met us exactly where we were, without judgment, and created a safe space for us to ask questions, express concerns, and adjust to our new reality. Her deep understanding of the needs of families with newborns was evident in countless small but meaningful ways. She anticipated our needs before we even voiced them, whether it was preparing a nourishing snack, tidying up the kitchen so we could rest, or simply sitting with me during a difficult moment and offering reassurance. She recognized when I needed encouragement and when I just needed someone to listen. Josy also showed remarkable sensitivity to the dynamics of our whole family. She understood that postpartum support isn't just about the baby—it's about caring for parents as they adjust to their new roles, managing recovery, sleep deprivation, and the emotional roller coaster of those first weeks. Her presence brought a sense of calm and competence that allowed us to feel more confident as parents. What I valued most was her genuine warmth and the way she made us feel seen and supported as individuals, not just clients. Josy truly cares about the families she works with, and that compassion shines through in everything she does. Having her by our side during those precious early weeks was an invaluable gift.

- S M.

Kelly Franson

El Cerrito, California

5.0 (1 review)

Kelly Franson

2 years of experience
Accepts insurance
$55/hr

My path to postpartum work began with my own experience as a new mother of twins. I know firsthand what it means to be undone by those early weeks — the exhaustion, the emotion, the strange beauty of it — and I know what a difference it makes to have someone steady beside you. That's what I'm here to offer. For most of human history, new mothers were surrounded by community support for weeks after birth. That's no longer the norm — but it doesn't mean the need has gone away. It just means most families are navigating this time without the help they were always meant to have. My approach is relational, responsive and practical. I bring genuine care, capable hands-on support, and a deep reverence for this time in your life. I believe the postpartum weeks deserve to be more than just survived. With the right support around you, they can be something you look back on with real tenderness. That's what I want for you! I'm a certified postpartum doula trained through Cornerstone Birthwork, a twin mom of 6-year-olds, and someone who finds meaning in the everyday practices that sustain life — good food, unhurried presence, and a little humor when it's needed.

Recent review

It is with great joy that I recommend our postpartum doula, Kelly Franson, www.daymoondoula.com. We hired Kelly to support our family for three months postpartum as we navigated life with our second child. Kelly began her work with us the day we came home from the hospital. We walked into a home full of flowers, homemade tea blends, beautiful snacks, warm porridge on the stove, and a bedroom prepared for rest and care. Over the days and weeks, Kelly became my companion; she listened as I processed my birth, navigated breastfeeding challenges, and learned how to care for both a toddler and a newborn. I was fragile, and she was steady. She is a creative thinker, helping two sleep-deprived parents find more ease in our home, whether through practical support (how to set up our space more effectively) or more nuanced guidance (how to support our toddler through such a significant transition with the arrival of a new sibling). Other words that come to mind when I think of Kelly are patient, warm, present, reliable, wise, and funny. What better qualities to have alongside you in the postpartum period? With her, I was not alone. Because I now have two postpartum experiences to draw from—one without Kelly, and one (thankfully) with—I can clearly see the tremendous value she brings to the intense and beautiful fourth trimester. Please message me if you have any questions!

- Alix Joslyn

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