High-Risk Pregnancy Doulas in Philadelphia, PA

These providers list high-risk pregnancy as a specialty. They work alongside your medical team, not in place of it.

22 High-Risk Pregnancy Doulas near Philadelphia, PA

Melissa Lucchesi

Villanova, Pennsylvania 10 years of experience

5.0 (14 reviews)

Melissa Lucchesi

NPI verified Responds within a few hours Accepts insurance

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 agency 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 fears, history of mental health struggles, or you just want an extra layer of loving kindness in your support, reach out and connect! Wishing you a beautiful, healing birthing day and a connected, supported postpartum!

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 7 years of experience

5.0 (3 reviews)

Chelsea McShane

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.

Toni Rose

Fort Washington, Pennsylvania 32 years of experience

5.0 (12 reviews)

Toni Rose

Responds within a day Accepts insurance

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

Ms. Riley

Mount Laurel Township, New Jersey 6 years of experience

4.9 (14 reviews)

Ms. Riley

Responds within a day

I’m Ms. Riley, a Certified Full-Spectrum Doula specializing in labor and delivery support and holistic family care. My birth work journey began in New York City and now continues through Stacia Doula Services LLC, serving families across New Jersey and Pennsylvania from my primary location in Mount Laurel, NJ (08054) and secondary location in Philadelphia, PA (19118). I provide in-person birth support within a 1.5-hour travel radius, including Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean, Union, Hudson, and Essex Counties in NJ, and Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, Chester, Berks, and Lehigh Counties in PA. My certifications include: • Certified Full-Spectrum Doula • Postpartum Doula Specialist • Prenatal Community Healthcare Worker • Full Spectrum Lactation Educator • NICU Doula • Newborn Care Specialist • Placenta Encapsulation Provider • Pediatric CPR, AED & First Aid • Adult Mental Health First Aid USA I offer prenatal consultations and labor support that meet EHR and HIPAA compliance standards, ensuring secure and professional documentation. My care is rooted in advocacy, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based practices that empower families during birth. Flexible Financing Available: Stacia Doula Services LLC proudly offers interest-free payment plans through Health Finance Advocates (HFA) for self-paying clients. Every client qualifies, with guaranteed approval and no impact to your credit score. Whether you’re preparing for birth or seeking culturally responsive support, I’m honored to walk alongside you—every step of the way.

Recent review

Five Stars Isn't Enough for Ms. Riley There are some people who come into your life during your darkest moments and leave a permanent impact. For me, that person was Ms. Riley. I hired Ms. Riley as my NICU Doula while pregnant with my twins, and from the very beginning she was by my side. She was there for my birth, she supported me throughout the entire three months that my twins were in the NICU, and after they were discharged, she continued caring for my babies as our NICU Newborn Care Specialist for an additional three months. In total, Ms. Riley walked alongside my family for six incredibly important months of our journey. What makes her support even more meaningful is the fact that I had no family support system. During my pregnancy, my husband decided to divorce me when I was only four months pregnant with twins. I was facing one of the most difficult seasons of my life, feeling scared, overwhelmed, and alone. Through it all, Ms. Riley was a constant source of support, encouragement, and compassion. Ms. Riley has a way of making every mother feel seen, heard, and cared for. She affectionately calls us her "baby mothers," and I have to admit, that always made me laugh during a time when I desperately needed something to smile about. It may seem like a small thing, but her ability to bring comfort, humor, and warmth into difficult situations is truly a gift. She consistently went above and beyond for me and my twins. Whether it was providing guidance, emotional support, newborn care expertise, or simply being present when I needed someone most, she showed up every single time. I never felt judged, rushed, or alone. Instead, I felt supported, empowered, and capable as a first-time mother navigating an unexpected and challenging journey. Ms. Riley, it is so clear that this is your calling. The love, dedication, patience, and commitment you bring to your families cannot be taught. You have a rare gift, and I truly believe doors will continue to open for you because of the impact you have on the lives of mothers and babies. We need more people like you, not only in newborn care but throughout the healthcare industry as a whole. I will absolutely be booking Ms. Riley's services again when I'm ready to return to work, even though I work remotely, because the peace of mind she provides is priceless. I am giving Ms. Riley five stars, but honestly, stars don't come close to describing how she made me feel. If you truly understand what a halo represents, then that's what she deserves: unlimited halos. Thank you, Ms. Riley, for helping me survive and thrive during one of the hardest and most beautiful chapters of my life. I will be forever grateful.

- Nerina M.

Christina Duff

Havertown, Pennsylvania 20 years of experience

Christina Duff

Accepts insurance

Christina Duff, CD(DONA), CLC, MS, is a Philadelphia and Main Line birth doula with more than 20 years of experience supporting families through pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum care. Since 2006, Christina has supported more than 1,800 births throughout the Philadelphia region. Based in Havertown, PA, Christina is the mother of three. Her oldest son attends Saint Joseph’s University Graduate program, her middle child attends Georgetown University, and her youngest is a student at the Academy of Notre Dame. Christina co-founded Well Born Baby with the goal of providing expert, compassionate support to growing families. In addition to her work as a birth doula, Christina is a postpartum doula, certified breastfeeding counselor, and childbirth educator. Christina's path to birth work began in science. She earned her B.S. from Drexel University in 2000, then pursued Master's studies in Biology, specializing in biomechanics and functional morphology. During that time, she served as a teaching assistant in Anatomy and Physiology, deepening her understanding of the human body. Before becoming a doula, Christina worked as an Environmental Planner with the Chester County Planning Commission. After becoming a mother, she felt a powerful pull toward supporting other families through pregnancy and birth. In 2006, she co-founded Well Born Baby, a respected doula agency known for providing compassionate, evidence-based support for all kinds of birth experiences. Christina is a DONA International-certified birth and postpartum doula and a certified breastfeeding counselor through the Nursing Mothers Alliance. She also teaches childbirth education and served as a seminar leader at Lifecycle WomanCare, where she helped orient families to birth center care. Her work in both clinical and home settings gives her a wide range of experience and the ability to connect with families planning hospital births, birth center births, and home births alike. Whether supporting a non-medicated birth, an epidural-assisted labor, a VBAC, a scheduled cesarean, a twin delivery, or a high-risk pregnancy, Christina tailors her care to each family's values and goals. She believes that every parent deserves unbiased information, emotional steadiness, and respectful support, no matter how they choose to give birth. Despite receiving acceptances from top nursing programs at Villanova, Jefferson, and the University of Pennsylvania, Christina chose to remain a doula. She believes that this role allows her to provide continuous, personalized care in a way that medical systems often cannot. Her commitment to helping families feel informed and empowered is central to everything she does. In 2014, Christina’s doula work was featured in The New Yorker's short film An Unnecessary Cut, which documented her client’s successful VBAC birth and highlighted broader issues surrounding cesarean rates in the U.S. Today, Christina continues to serve as a trusted doula on the Main Line and in Philadelphia, guiding parents through pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period with knowledge, compassion, and unwavering support. She believes that birth is not one-size-fits-all—and her mission is to help every family feel confident, cared for, and heard throughout their journey.

Maria Silver Pyanov

Abington Township, Pennsylvania 19 years of experience

5.0 (1 review)

Maria Silver Pyanov

Hi! I'm Maria Silver Pyanov and I’m a birth doula, postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and parent educator since 2007. What does that mean? It means my job is to help you have your best birth experience and feel confident during early parenting. I specialize in prenatal education, personal and privately tailored parent education during and after pregnancy, and in-home postpartum support. I provide practical and emotional support and education from conception through early parenthood. Looking for a childbirth class? I provide group and private classes. Looking for continuous labor support? We're there every step of the way. Need in-home help after you baby arrives? My team and I are the Mary Poppins for new parents, working our magic to make sure YOU feel supported and cared for. Beyond exhausted? I’m here to help you get overnight rest with a postpartum doula or with sleep coaching and guidance. I’ve been affectionately referred to as the living Google of pregnancy, birth, and parenting . And as a mom of six living kids who have been birthed at home, in a birth center, a hospital, and via c-section, I have the personal experience behind all of my professional education and training to really prepare and support families.

Recent review

She is incredibly knowledgable, compassionate and kind. Her very unique journey makes it possible for her to meet anyone where they are, understand one's needs or goals and help them through the birthing and parenthood experience. Highly recommend!

- Kay L.

Iyonia (i-Yah-Na) Guinyard

Burlington, New Jersey 7 years of experience

5.0 (3 reviews)

Iyonia (i-Yah-Na) Guinyard

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.

Dorian Jackson

Winslow Township, New Jersey 25 years of experience

5.0 (1 review)

Dorian Jackson

Hola!! I am a certified Birth and Postpartum Doula serving the Southern New Jersey area. I am a former Labor and Delivery Nurse and in current practice as an OB/GYN Nurse Practitioner. The core of my philosophy for the work that I do is Education, Empowerment and Advocacy. I believe that your journey deserves more than what is offered as the standard for prenatal and postpartum care. I am here to facilitate exactly that! I am bilingual in Spanish and offer individual services through my website. I look forward to connecting with you!

Recent review

I cannot recommend Dorian enough! She provided my prenatal care during my first pregnancy, and from the very beginning, I felt supported, educated, and genuinely cared for. She took the time to answer questions, ease concerns, and ensure I felt confident throughout my pregnancy journey. What stands out most is her calming presence and compassionate heart. She has a way of making you feel heard and empowered while providing exceptional guidance and advocacy. Her knowledge and experience are invaluable, but it’s her kindness and dedication that truly make a difference. Even after my baby was born, she remained available and present during the postpartum period, offering support, reassurance, and encouragement when I needed it most. Knowing I had someone I trusted to turn to during both pregnancy and postpartum brought me so much peace of mind. She goes above and beyond for the families she serves, and I am incredibly grateful for the care, support, and genuine compassion she has shown me. Any family would be lucky to have Dorian as part of their birth and postpartum journey.

- Jessica P.

Nyfisa C. Rabb

Bear, Delaware 22 years of experience

5.0 (3 reviews)

Nyfisa C. Rabb

Accepts insurance

Nyfisa C. Rabb, CD(DONA)
 Founder of Birth Ur Way! | Doula Educator at CoCoLife.black Nyfisa C. Rabb is a proud native of Philadelphia and an alumna of Temple University, where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Education. Her journey into birth work began over 20 years ago, sparked by her experiences supporting friends and family through pregnancy and childbirth without the guidance and advocacy they needed. That calling led her to establish Birth Ur Way! a full-spectrum doula practice grounded in compassion, empowerment, and education. With more than two decades of experience, Nyfisa provides the kind of care she once longed for, support that is intentional, personal, and transformative. She finds deep fulfillment in helping families bring to life the vision they hold for their births. Her guiding belief is: 
“Your body. Your birth. Your plan.” In addition to supporting families, Nyfisa shares her expertise as a doula certification instructor with CoCoLife.black, where she trains and mentors the next generation of birth workers. Her teaching is rooted in culturally responsive, community-centered care. Nyfisa is also committed to addressing disparities in maternal health. She equips her clients with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to advocate for themselves, make informed decisions, and navigate the medical system with clarity and strength. She values collaboration with healthcare providers while always centering her clients' needs and birth preferences.

Recent review

We engaged Nyfisa for the full package, and are grateful for the exceptional support she provided. From the initial consultation through delivery, she addressed every question, alleviated concerns, and managed each hurdle with Olympian poise. Her compassionate, family-centered approach fostered a sense of safety and support, enabling us to navigate unexpected challenges while achieving an empowering birth experience. Our family is blessed to have Nyfisa as our doula. With our heartfelt thanks, we extend our appreciation.

- Ashley G.

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