LGBTQ+ Affirming Doulas in Philadelphia, PA

These providers list LGBTQ+ families as a specialty. Read their profiles and reviews, and message the ones who feel right for your family.

44 LGBTQ+ Affirming Doulas near Philadelphia, PA

Larissa Melo Pienkowski

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 2 years of experience

5.0 (2 reviews)

Larissa Melo Pienkowski

I’m Larissa (she/ela/ella), a birth and postpartum doula based in Philadelphia, PA. My practice is rooted in the beliefs that birth is a sacred act of transformation, that birthing people hold innate wisdom in their bodies, and that we all deserve safe, affirming, size-inclusive reproductive healthcare. As a birthworker, I offer a compassionate and comforting presence, intuitive and evidence-based information, physical support, fierce advocacy, and space for birthing people of all identities to move through pregnancy and labor peacefully and confidently. I myself identify as queer and Latina. Eu falo português e adoraria trabalhar com famílias brasileiras. 🇧🇷 In my free time, I love to cook, read, journal, play volleyball, practice Pilates, and make pottery, and I’m passionate about weaving mindfulness, movement, and nourishment into birthwork in ways that uplift radiant, full-body joy. I’m lucky to live with my wife and our Siberian husky, Olaf, in Germantown, Philadelphia.

Recent review

Have you ever experienced the joy of working with someone who is so clearly doing what they were meant to do? Such is the radiant experience of working with Larissa as a doula. From our first conversation, I connected with her unique combination if confidence, optimism, and groundedness. She always listened with true intention, never trying to push me any which way but instead helping me figure out my own needs and wants for my pregnancy and delivery. She helped fill in gaps in my knowledge and, most importantly, guided me through tough decisions and helped me feel confident in those decisions. She was equally supportive of my partner and their experience. During labor, delivery, and birth, Larissa was my steadfast advocate, and I delivered a healthy baby. Thank you Larissa!

- Frankie

Xiomara Gittens

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 7 years of experience

5.0 (29 reviews)

Xiomara Gittens

Peace and blessings! My name is Xiomara, I am a mother of a beautiful girl. I am from the very small town of Pemberton, located in Southern New Jersey. I take pride and I am inspired by my (Afro Caribbean-Latina) Panamanian roots and culture. I believe in holistic and wholistic healing and practices, and the balance between the two. I am 2x certified full spectrum doula, (through Doula Trainings International and the state of NJ via NJMIHIA), Reiki Master, and Placenta Specialist. I became a doula because of my own birthing experience, which led me to my passion for birth-work. Helping families by educating, advocating, and providing a safe space for a meaningful and purposeful birth. No birth is the same, no pregnancy is the same. However, by providing a safe space, and exceptional services, we can shift the narrative so that more families are aware of birth-workers within and outside of the healthcare system, with a focus on culturally competent care. Our mission at The Purple Purpose LLC is to inspire our clients to become the highest most confident versions of themselves, while embracing their journey, from the beginning until the end. We aim to bring forth a new way to assist families in maintaining their health and wellness, before, during, and after birth. We want to bring a deeper level of holistic and wholistic practice that will allow personal and professional growth, but most importantly, a safe, successful, and purposeful birth .

Recent review

I cannot recommend Xiomara enough as a doula. From the very beginning of my pregnancy journey, she was incredibly responsive, attentive, and genuinely caring. From the moment I booked her, she consistently checked in on both me and my baby, always making sure I felt supported, informed, and prepared every step of the way. Her communication and dedication gave me such a sense of comfort and reassurance throughout my pregnancy. When it came time for labor and delivery, Xiomara was truly amazing. She stayed by my side from the very beginning all the way through the end of my delivery — over 33+ hours of labor. Through every contraction, emotional moment, and difficult decision, she remained calm, encouraging, knowledgeable, and fully present. She advocated and made sure my voice was heard, especially during moments when I was too exhausted or overwhelmed to speak for myself. Her knowledge, professionalism, and passion for what she does are unmatched. She helped me feel empowered during one of the most vulnerable experiences of my life, and I truly believe my birth experience was so much more positive because of her support. Every mother deserves someone like Xiomara in their corner. I’m beyond grateful for her care, compassion, and unwavering support throughout my birth journey. Thank you, Xiomara, for being such an important part of bringing my baby into the world. 🤍

- Arseayana Knight

Lorrae Bradbury

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 11 years of experience

5.0 (1 review)

Lorrae Bradbury

Trauma-Informed Birth & Postpartum Doula + Mind-Body Birth Support Specialist - serving sensitive souls, trauma survivors & diverse families with holistic, inclusive care. Virtual support worldwide | In-person in Philadelphia, Florida & travel throughout US I believe in care that meets you exactly where you are - honoring both the profound transformation and messy reality of reproductive experiences. As a Somatic Experiencing (SE) student with a psychology background, I offer trauma-informed doula care that integrates nervous system regulation and mind-body birth support. I go beyond logistics to support the emotional complexity, relationship dynamics, and identity shifts that accompany life-changing transitions. After navigating my own pregnancy experiences with minimal support and feeling dismissed by medical systems that couldn't hold the complexity of mind/body connection, I became passionate about offering the embodied, compassionate support I needed, but couldn't find. My approach centers on the emotional and relational complexities of becoming parents - drawing from over a decade of somatic-based, trauma-informed intimacy and relationship coaching to focus on the psychological and somatic shifts that come with growing a family. I specialize in supporting empaths, sensitive souls, cycle-breakers, LGBTQIA+ and non-traditional families, and those seeking heart-centered, evidence-based, identity-affirming care that honors their full humanity. Whether you're seeking birth doula support, postpartum care, pregnancy loss support, or prenatal preparation, I provide grounding support through nervous system regulation, practical advocacy, body-based somatic tools, and steady, non-judgmental presence that helps you stay connected to your identity and agency while navigating medical systems and profound personal transformation.

Recent review

From the moment we connected, Lorrae created a space where I felt genuinely seen, affirmed, and supported in ways that are unfortunately rare in healthcare settings. During my pregnancy, she consistently prioritized my needs, choices, and comfort over any agenda, and did not push me toward any particular protocol or outcome. Lorrae is exactly the kind of practitioner our community needs. She combines professional skill with authentic compassion, and her nervous system regulation tools became invaluable during both labor and postpartum. She has a gift for creating calm in moments of intensity. Beyond her clinical skills, Lorrae embodies genuine care and integrity and I cannot recommend her highly enough to other parents seeking support.

- Manisha P.

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 years of experience

5.0 (1 review)

Ari Eisen

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.

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San Francisco, CA

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Austin, TX

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