Bereavement Doulas in Philadelphia, PA

These doulas list pregnancy and infant loss support as a specialty. Take your time reading their profiles, and message anyone you would like to talk to.

43 Bereavement Doulas near Philadelphia, PA

Melissa Lucchesi

Villanova, Pennsylvania

5.0 (14 reviews)

Melissa Lucchesi

8 years of experience
Accepts insurance
Responds within an hour

Hi! My name is Melissa Lucchesi. I am a certified fertility, birth and postpartum doula and maternal mental health coach. I own Moon Sage Mama, which is a beautiful cooperative made up of amazing trauma-informed and mental health and wellness supportive doulas! I have spent the last 2 decades in the trauma world, and deeply know professionally and personally how much trauma-informed support in the birth and postpartum space matters. That’s why everyone who works with us can be assured gentle and loving, compassionate support through a trauma-informed lens. That means “Your body. Your birth. Your baby.” Whether you carry with you a trauma history, prior birth or fertility trauma, extra anxieties, or you just want an extra layer of loving kindness in your support, reach out and connect! Wishing you a beautiful, healing birthing day!

Recent review

I have been so lucky to hire Melissa twice as a doula now and I could not recommend her services enough. She is a wonderful advocate for mothers and truly listened to what I needed. She gave me the space to think about what my needs might be and I don’t think I would have known without her there to ask those questions. She helped prep our whole family in a way where I felt so well cared for. For both of the births Melissa was there for, as soon as she walked in I felt a huge sigh of relief. She was there and she had me and my back and I fully trusted her to guide me. We were also fortunate enough to hire her postpartum doulas! We had the pleasure of working with Veronica, Danielle and Bernadette. Everyone brought different outstanding qualities that were a total joy to experience. They went above and beyond to learn about our families needs and fit right in. I trusted all of them with my postpartum care, cooking meals, giving my husband a break and endless sibling entertainment for my bigger kids so I could snuggle in bed with our new baby. I felt so well supported my body was able to heal physically and I could emotionally take space when needed. There was always round the clock care and they were quick to fill our schedule when I quickly realized I needed more support than I had initially intended. I wish all mothers could experience this kind of care.

- dani p.

Chelsea McShane

Stafford Township, New Jersey

5.0 (3 reviews)

Chelsea McShane

7 years of experience
Responds within a few hours

Welcome! I'm Chelsea, a mom of 2, and owner of Moonlight Maternity, where I practice as a Full Spectrum Doula, Lamaze International trained Childbirth Educator, and Newborn Care Specialist! I truly feel my purpose is to spend my life trying to make a positive impact on motherbaby health and wellness, and to help foster thriving families from the start. Changing things for the better in the maternal healthcare field is a monster to tackle, but I know that being able to positively impact even just one family at a time will lead to a generational ripple effect, and there's nothing more beautiful to me than to imagine a future like that. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be in the world of birthwork! My favorite show as a kid was "a baby story", (I know... I was a weird kid lol) a show that followed pregnant people through their journey and birth experience, and by the time I was a teenager I knew I wanted to become a Midwife. I was enrolled in a Midwifery program for over a year and on the way to making my dreams come true. Then, when I was 19, I found myself unexpectedly pregnant and everything came to a temporary halt while I spent time focusing on raising my son as a single mother, and working full time to support us. The birth of my son was an incredibly traumatic experience unfortunately, but inspired within me an even greater drive and passion to make a difference. I knew more than ever how important information, advocacy, autonomy and empowerment are during pregnancy and birth experiences. Having those things directly relates to how confidently you begin your motherhood journey, the way you trust your intuition, and the way you raise your babies. I realized on a more personal level exactly how important it is to try to prevent negative outcomes and experiences in the birth space...something which I knew before, but deeply understood now. Over the years, I spent my free time educating myself more, reading anything I could get my hands on, watching birth vlogs on YouTube- still always deeply passionate about birthwork, and longing to find my way back to it. I found my wonderful husband along the way when my son was 2 years old, and we got married a few years later. He has always supported my love of birthwork and encouraged me to chase my dreams. I helped friends and family through pregnancies, birth, the postpartum period, and breastfeeding using everything I had learned, and loved any opportunity I had to talk to people about the subject. The idea of becoming a doula was something I talked about frequently, but didn't feel it was possible for me to act on timing wise. The people in my life who love me always encouraged me and believed I could do it, and one day, a conversation with an amazing friend flipped that switch for me to take the leap, and the stars finally aligned! That same day, I immediately started researching training organizations and what type of doula I could become, spent a while finding the program I felt was best for me, went to start the application, and it just so happened they had a scholarship opportunity available that closed the very next day. The requirements were to write an essay about why I wanted to become a doula, any issues or hardships that have kept me from doing so, a bit about my life story, and to share how I dreamed I could impact my community through my work. To me, this seemed like a no brainer and the easiest, most exciting thing I had ever written...my dreams becoming reality were on the other side of that essay. I got it done quickly and submitted my application for the scholarship before dinner time that night. I nervously waited to hear back, and a week later, I received an email congratulating me with a full scholarship opportunity! The most beautiful and affirming part of all of this to me, is that the day it all happened- the conversation, taking the leap, the scholarship opportunity... just so happened to be my birthday...a sign I took to be the universe confirming & guiding me on the path to my life's purpose. I still get chills thinking about how it all fell into place perfectly, and am so grateful it did. Once training began a few weeks later, it affirmed further everything I felt about my passion for this work... I finally felt aligned with my dreams, and a sense of knowing that this is how it was all supposed to happen- all in the right timing for me. In 2022, I had now been a Full Spectrum Doula for over a year, and my husband and I were elated to find out we were pregnant with a baby girl! I felt so much more confident throughout my pregnancy, knowing that this birth was going to be fulfilling, redeeming, and everything I had always hoped for. My experience was truly something incredible...I was able to see the beauty of knowledge, empowerment, and healing come full circle. I gave birth on my own terms, my body and my choices were respected and held with care, I was surrounded by support and love, and my soul was healed as my daughter was born- a re-birth of me as well. A beautiful opportunity to step into a new phase of motherhood and womanhood confidently! Experiencing pregnancy and birth again myself through new perspective was cathartic, eye-opening, and truly life changing for me. I will forever hold that in my heart, and an experience like that is ALWAYS my goal for my clients. In practicing birthwork, I offer a holistic and practical approach, ensuring that in the balanced approach I take, my clients feel confident in themselves and in my support. I take pride in being able to support the entire reproductive journey and have a personal connection to each modality of care that I offer, so my heart is in it all. Whether you're with me for pregnancy & birth, fertility, postpartum, loss support, or anything else, I will give you an unmatched level of attention and care- something I hold with the utmost importance. I will always offer quality time and opportunity for real connection. I don't believe in being surface level with each other, because birthwork is intimate and sacred. Connection is comfort and a nervous system at ease. I want you to feel safe, nurtured, and at-home in my presence. I want to hold space for your thoughts, feelings, needs, and comfort. I'm always a safe space, a non-judgmental listening ear, and shoulder to lean on when you need it most. All of it matters to me, and the way it impacts your experience is important. During your pregnancy, we will spend plenty of time on evidence-based education, so you feel confident and empowered in informed decision making, and more clear on what you may experience during your birth. We will craft your ideal birth plan together so we can prepare to make it attainable. I'll make sure you understand the "why" behind birth experiences changing (as they always will), and that in creating that birth plan, what we're really doing is creating a woman who feels confident in standing strong in her choices, and in control of her own birth. I will never judge you for changing your choices or doing what you feel is best for you in the moment, and will continue to make sure you feel confident and supported no matter what. I will always be authentic and forthcoming, because I don't believe in infantilizing women when you deserve transparent information. Inauthenticity is not the kind of person I am anyway lol, and I hope that encourages you to be yourself around me too! Authenticity builds trust, comfort, and a feeling of safety in communication. I want to build on that connection with you, learn about you, have conversations that make you feel seen and held, and allow you to get to know me as well. As I said above, It means everything to me if you feel safe, nurtured, and at-home in my presence. Birth is intimate, raw, humbling, and empowering- honoring that for you is an honor to me. By extension, fertility beforehand, the postpartum period afterwards, your lactation journey, newborn care, and every part of the path to and through parenthood is intertwined. That's why I chose the path of Full Spectrum work, to be able to support you through any and every part of your journey should you want me to. I will dedicate myself to you, respect you, hold space for you, be a friend to you, and help you see that YOU are the most powerful and important part of it all. I'm excited to be a part of your journey- we're in this together ❤️

Recent review

I cannot emphasize enough how wonderful it was having Chelsea as our doula for the pregnancy and birth of our baby girl. Being that this was our first baby, we were looking for guidance when it came to almost everything birth and labor related. Chelsea was so genuine, sweet, caring, knowledgeable, and considerate from the start. She was there for me via text/call and in person throughout my pregnancy, and her presence during my (long) labor and delivery was so invaluable. She was a calming wealth of knowledge when it came to labor techniques and advocating for me all the way through to baby girl’s arrival, and even postpartum. I’m so thankful to have had her with us and to have made a lifelong friend! I would highly highly recommend her to anyone and everyone in their birthing journey.

- Nikonia G.

Charlene Walker

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

5.0 (1 review)

Charlene Walker

5 years of experience

I am a full-spectrum doula offering compassionate support through every stage of the journey — from birth and postpartum to grief and placenta care. My heart is in holding space for all experiences, whether it’s welcoming new life, processing loss, or finding healing in the postpartum period. I believe in the power of connection — not just between parent and baby, but also between people and cultures. I love helping others explore and embrace different traditions, ways of healing, and perspectives from around the world. Through this work, I aim to nurture, uplift, and walk alongside every person I serve with empathy, respect, and deep care.

Recent review

Having a doula is truly worth it, and my experience with Charlene Walker was amazing. We first connected online during the pandemic, and even though she was new to being a doula, her passion for children and helping others really stood out. Charlene later visited me and my kids in Baltimore, attended my doctor’s appointments virtually, and supported me through my planned C-section. She made sure my children were cared for and that I had everything I needed for delivery. She wasn’t just my doula — she felt like family. Charlene kept me calm and reassured throughout my birth experience. During a later doctor’s visit for my son, a nurse mentioned how much she remembered Charlene from the delivery and praised how well she handled things when my baby briefly wasn’t breathing. When I called Charlene about it, she shared that her focus had been making sure I was okay and that she had been in constant contact with the nurses. That meant so much to me. Even now, we stay in touch, and I can always reach out to her for advice or support. Charlene is compassionate, professional, and truly dedicated to her clients. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a caring and reliable doula!

- Melisa C.

Toni Rose

Fort Washington, Pennsylvania

5.0 (12 reviews)

Toni Rose

32 years of experience
Accepts insurance
Responds within a day

I truly am a lifelong caregiver: RN, certified postpartum doula, newborn care specialist, lactation counselor, baby nurse, nanny specializing in infants/toddlers & mother. I almost have 30 years experience caring for children. I love the newborns, infants and toddlers! I love assisting them reach their milestones. In the past 9 years, I have immersed myself in these age groups, as well as, learning about assisting families after a new addition and lactation support. I have previous reviews and references. Prices vary with location, and number of children. https://doulamatch.net/profile/15067/toni-rose

Recent review

We are so grateful for Toni and cannot recommend her highly enough. She supported our family as a night doula for our son Wes from birth through eight weeks, and her impact was truly life-changing. Toni brought expertise, calm, and warmth into our home during a time that can feel overwhelming, helping us establish healthy sleep routines, understand cues, and build confidence as new parents. We trusted her completely, and she cared for Wes with such love and attentiveness. Beyond caring for our newborn, Toni helped us organize our lives, create structure, and make our days feel manageable and supported. Because of her guidance, our nights were peaceful, our days ran more smoothly, and we were able to enjoy the early weeks instead of just surviving them. She is exceptional at what she does, and our family will always be grateful for her.

- Ted & Jill Piper

Iyonia (i-Yah-Na) Guinyard

Burlington, New Jersey

5.0 (3 reviews)

Iyonia (i-Yah-Na) Guinyard

7 years of experience
Accepts insurance

Greetings All My name is Iyonia Shavon. I have been a Certified Perinatal Doula, Uzazi Village, 2019, Certified Labor Doula, CAPPA 2023, & NJDLC Doula Mentor. In 2021 I became a NJ Medicaid Doula contract provider with all New Jersey Managed Care organizations and founded my private doula practice Kind Comforting Births LLC. In January of 2023 I contracted with Commercial Horizon BCBS NJ Omnia self pay plans . In August 2024 I expanded to offer services to Horizon BCBS Federal Employee Pilot Program for doula care! As of December 2025 I can now accept Carrot Insurance! I have a passion to serve my community and all birthing persons especially those in BIPOC communities in efforts to decrease infant & maternal mortality rates. I will honor your, voice, and ensure your are provided you with the birth experience you’ve dreamt of. My mission is to decrease the terrible disparities in maternal black health by serving birth by birth and mentoring future doulas.

Recent review

Iyonia was such a blessing as my doula. She was so informative, made us feel comfortable and confident about going into labor with a plan (and a plan b, c , d… and so on) to have the labor experience me and my husband wanted while also managing our expectations (very important)! I felt alone and lost during the birth of my first born. I felt like we were isolated and kind of “rushed” through the experience. But Iyonia made sure I, (and my support team) knew my RIGHTS as a patient, the birthing options available to us, and a plan to avoid the things that I was unhappy about with my first birth. You don’t know what you don’t know, so she made sure we knew what ask for. One experience I will always hold close to my heart was after my husband went to be with the baby after my c-section, she stayed with me, held my hand and continued to give me encouraging words at a time when emotions (and hormones) were about to get the best of me! I will always appreciate her for that. It made a huge difference.

- Brittany C.

Zoe Jasper

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

5.0 (5 reviews)

Zoe Jasper

Hello! I'm Zoe Jasper (she/her), a certified birth, postpartum, and community doula living in Philly. My path to birth work started with attending an abortion doula training as a college student, which led me to realize my passion for supporting people through the entire spectrum of pregnancy outcomes. After going on to work as a teacher, nanny, and union organizer, I completed my birth and postpartum training through Maternity Care Coalition’s Community Doula and Lactation Program. My training gave me a strong foundation in community centered and culturally responsive practices. As a queer woman and a doula, I am committed to supporting all kinds of pregnant people and family structures in their unique journeys to becoming parents. I see this work as a necessary intervention in a medical system that all too often dehumanizes birthing parents and neglects the process of informed consent. All parents deserve to feel safe, respected, and affirmed. My goal is always to instill in my clients a sense of their own agency and power. I offer guidance in creating a birth experience that aligns with your vision and unconditional compassion as you navigate the perinatal period. Through evidence-based prenatal education, continuous, hands-on support during labor, and encouragement as you adjust to life with a newborn, I am in your corner every step of the way. Outside of birth work, you can find me spending time with my cat, organizing with the Philadelphia Tenants Union, singing badly at karaoke bars, and bopping around West Philly.

Recent review

Zoe is incredible. From prenatal to postpartum, Zoe makes sure you are informed, safe, and taken care of. She helped us advocate for ourselves during our induction. When it came time for delivery, she took control of the room, keeping us calm and focused. Zoe is knowledgeable, confident, and deeply compassionate. We could not have done this without her. We would work with her again and again and again.

- Izzy

Ari Eisen

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

5.0 (1 review)

Ari Eisen

5 years of experience

Hi everyone I’m Ari! (she/they) I'm a Trained Full Spectrum Doula located in Philadelphia, PA. I’m dedicated to providing trauma-informed, client-centered, and affirming care for all. My background in art and passion for research motivate me to offer imaginative, evidence-based birth education and holistic support. To read testimonials from parents who have trusted me to be a part of their experience, follow this link: https://doulamatch.net/profile/34407/ari-eisen. As a birth doula, my focus is on prenatal education that centers physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors impacting your pregnancy and parenthood journey. I'm here to support your unique vision for your birth experience and serve as your advocate in times of need. I understand that the bodymind is vulnerable and reactive to regimes of oppression. My goal is to uplift the innate beauty and strength of all bodies, with a focus on supporting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC parents in navigating barriers to just medical care (though I work with parents of all identities). I am sensitive to the institutions and practices that contribute to poor maternal and birth outcomes and I maintain that anti-racism is essential to holistic carework. For years, I've engaged in embodiment practices such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture to deepen my connection with bodymind intelligence and navigate my own chronic pain journey gracefully. Throughout my various doula trainings, I've upheld my values, which I'm eager to share with you. It would be an honor to be your guide and provide you with compassionate, radically inclusive support.

Recent review

Ari is a wonderful doula. My husband and I worked with Ari during pregnancy and delivery (at the hospital). Ari was consistently a fantastic partner and coach to both of us. We felt understood, cared for, and supported. From listening to our goals, offering resources, and even providing a reassuring massage, Ari was a source of relief. We also appreciated that she was very knowledgeable but at no point told us what to do or passed judgments on our intentions for pregnancy and delivery. Ari is both calming and confident – the perfect energy to help me deliver our child. I strongly recommend them to any birthing parent or partner!

- Julianna B.

FAQs

What does a bereavement doula do?

When can I reach out to a bereavement doula?

Can a bereavement doula support a pregnancy after loss?

Keep looking

What parents are saying...

“I wish I knew about Bornbir sooner, as it's so important to surround yourself with experts who understand during those overwhelming moments and share evidence-based information.”

Kristen P.
San Francisco, CA

“I found my birth doula on Bornbir. After submitting my needs, I was able to connect with several awesome doulas that are within a local distance from me.”

Fiona G.
Austin, TX

“Bornbir is a powerful network. It makes connecting with maternal providers so much easier. It means supporting one another through this parenthood journey, no matter what stage you are in.”

Alice W.
Orlando, FL