Avery Bright

Los Angeles, California

Avery Bright

37 years of experience

My journey into the world of doula work is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and commitment to serving marginalized communities. As a Black Jamaican queer woman who has navigated the complexities of raising a family and building a career in diverse environments, I have come to understand the profound impact of culturally competent and empathetic support during the transformative experiences of reproductive care and justice framework, childbirth, lactation, postpartum, newborn care, bereavement and grief support. I began my career as a full-spectrum doula inspired by my own birthing challenges and experiences, I am a mother of 4 (twin daughter 33 and sons 25 and 22), however, what struck me harder than my own challenges, were the facts, stories, challenges and barriers that black mothers/birthers and their infants were experiencing. The Black maternal/prenatal and infant mortality rate in America is alarming and according to the CDC, “Black women in the United States are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than White women. In 2022, the maternal mortality rate for Black women/birthers was 49.5 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is higher than the rates for White (19.0), Hispanic (16.9), and Asian (13.2) women/birthers. Some factors that contribute to these disparities include: Variation in quality healthcare, Underlying chronic conditions, Structural racism, Implicit bias, and lack of access to paid parental leave.” I wanted to be part of the solution, I began by becoming a newborn care specialist and now I've expanded my services to include full-spectrum doula, radical reproductive justice advocacy, death, grief, end-of-life doula and future IBCLC and midwife. Beginning with self, propelled me into what had been calling me for decades. Here I am, more ready than ever to expand my career and serve my community. Helping others understand the unique challenges black birthers face, is one of my goals, understanding the problems is the first step in working towards the solution. The realization I found is that many Black families do not receive the support they need to thrive. These realizations propelled me into expanding my career as a newborn care specialist to include full-spectrum doula, lactation educator, death and end-of-life doula and currently working towards becoming a childbirth educator, IBCLC and eventually a midwife. My work has always been centered around advocacy for BIPOC and LGBTQIA2S+ communities, ensuring that all families, regardless of their background, receive the compassionate and personalized care they deserve. In my practice I center black and brown folks and prioritize a holistic approach that encompasses not only the physical aspects of reproductive health care but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of my clients, their partners and their family members. I believe that they all deserve to feel empowered, respected, and supported throughout the birthing person's journey and other reproductive health care scenarios. This belief drives me to provide comprehensive care that includes prenatal visits, continuous labor support, immediate postpartum lactation support, postpartum visits, newborn care and when needed abortion support, bereavement and grief support. My goal is to create a safer and nurturing environment where my clients, their partners, and family members, can feel heard, valued, and confident in the birthing person’s birth choices and beyond. Whatever their reproductive heath care needs may be. One of the core tenets of my philosophy is the importance of community and connection. I actively engage with support groups, and I'm looking forward to connecting with clinics, hospitals, community and faith-based organizations, and through social media, to support and advocate for reproductive health care rights and justice, recruiting clients and building a network of support. I understand that addressing the disproportionately high rates of Black/African American infant and maternal/prenatal/infant mortality rates in this country requires a collective effort. By fostering strong relationships within communities, I aim to raise awareness of the value of Black doula support and ensure that more Black families have access to these vital services. I am committed to continuous learning and professional development. Attending trainings on lactation, trauma-informed care, full spectrum doula support, newborn care, lactation education, bereavement and grief support, billing and including sliding scales to increase accessibility, and data collection allows me to provide the highest standard of care and to be inclusive to my clients and my community. Moreover, I value the opportunity to present my work and facilitate client support groups, as these activities help to amplify the voices of Black families and promote best practices and cultural traditions, within the doula community. What matters most to me when supporting clients and their families is their autonomy and dignity. EVERY birthing person should have the RIGHT to make informed decisions about their care, and it is my role to provide them with the information, resources, and emotional support they need to do so. I strive to be a compassionate advocate, a reliable partner, and a source of strength for my clients, their families and the communities I serve, by helping them navigate their unique paths to parenthood, reproductive health care, midlife care and through death/dying/end-of-life care, bereavement, and grief, with confidence and grace and to provide support to their folks and to communities in which they live.

Antoinette Hudson

Los Angeles, California

Antoinette Hudson

12 years of experience

Hello, my name is Antoinette Hudson. I am a Certified Christian Doula, who is excited to be able to help families have a calm, relaxing and Faith-Based Labor experience. Providing informational, physical, and emotional support; each visit is tailored to your family.

LaSherry Mckinney

Long Beach, California

LaSherry Mckinney

7 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My path to becoming a doula was forged during a deeply personal experience, as I navigated the challenges of healing my own womb from an ovarian cyst. Faced with the possibility of losing an ovary and the potential inability to have more children, I turned to holistic remedies and the power of herbs. Through this transformative journey, I not only healed myself but also discovered a profound calling to share the knowledge I gained with other women of color who often face similar struggles with womb health. Driven by this newfound purpose, I embarked on a mission to become a holistic fertility doula. As I delved into the realm of fertility, I uncovered not only the prevalence of womb health issues among women of color but also the systemic disparities and injustices they face in their pregnancy and delivery experiences. This revelation ignited a fire within me to advocate for fair treatment and support for all mothers-to-be.

Alexandra Shepperd

Los Angeles, California

Alexandra Shepperd

5 years of experience

I am a Los Angeles-based full-spectrum doula, here to educate and advocate in all things related to pregnancy, birth, and reproductive health. My role is to assist you and your family in having the birth experience you envision and desire. To help empower you during this transformative period, I will provide you with emotional, physical, and informational support and be an advocate for your needs. I am committed to providing care throughout, during, and after your birth experience, across all birthing outcomes.

Mikaela Johnson Vaal

Los Angeles, California

Mikaela Johnson Vaal

15 years of experience

I am a Perinatal Care Specialist — my job is to hold space for people as they navigate reproductive health and perinatal care by providing emotional support, physical comfort, practical assistance, and non-medical care. What that may look like depends on each client's individual needs and situation. I am passionate about education and love to not only learn new things myself, but also pass on my accumulated knowledge to others. I strongly believe that knowledge is power, and support my clients in navigating the healthcare field knowing their options and alternatives so they are better able to advocate for themselves, their bodies, their families, and their choices. I started my journey in the healthcare field in 2010 when I began training as a Massage Therapist in NYC. Since then I have become a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and since moving to LA in 2017, I have turned my focus more specifically to equity for marginalized people in health and wellness. I am now a DONA International Certified Doula, California Certified Massage Therapist, a Reiki Master, Yoga Instructor, trained in the use of Essential Oils for Birth and Postpartum, and most recently became a Certified Facilitator of The Resilience Toolkit.

Daisy Epperson

Los Angeles, California

Daisy Epperson

6 years of experience

I believe that it is a huge step to trust in yourself and body in order to bring your baby earth side. You step into another mind-space and you have to allow yourself to walk through the toughest moment of your life. You may forget all of the preparations you been learning, and only do one thing the entire time, but guess what, you did it. You did what felt right for you in every step of the way. You control what you need and only you will know what’s best for you. Hi, I’m Daisy and I am the birthkeeper that supports every decision you want to make, and it sounds cliché but it’s true. My opinion doesn’t matter when it comes to your decision making, only the suggestions and knowledge behind what options you have and the choice you want to make. I’m here for you.

Adesola Haugabrook

Beaumont, California

Adesola Haugabrook

10 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hey hey! My name is Adesola but so many call me Yeti! I am a passionate and open birth support person! I am here to support families to have restorative and empowering births throughout Southern California. Hope to have the honor to work with you!

Chloe Morin

Huntington Beach, California

5.0 (2 reviews)

Chloe Morin

2 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi, I’m Chloe Morin. Mother of two, a bonus mom of one, and now, a birth and postpartum doula. My journey into motherhood has shaped me in ways I never expected, revealing both the beauty and the deep vulnerability of bringing life into the world. I believe there are two moments in life when heaven meets earth—marriage and birth. Birth is raw, powerful, and life-changing, and no woman should have to navigate it alone. My passion is to stand with women in one of the most vulnerable times of their lives, offering support, advocacy, and a steady presence, no matter what their journey looks like. Beyond birth, I am dedicated to postpartum care that truly nurtures. The fourth trimester is just as important as birth itself, and every mother deserves care that honors her healing—physically, emotionally, and mentally. My goal is simple: to ensure women feel supported, seen, and strong in this transformative season of life. I would be honored to walk this journey with you.

Recent review

Hands down the best doula I could have asked for! I’ve had 2 births without a doula and decided to have one for my 3rd birth. Previously I had epidurals and wanted to try a natural birth. I was able to voice my desires with Chloe and she truly gave me the courage to do it. My labor intensified so quick from early labor to transition within an hour. By the time I made it to the hospital I was already in transition, Chloe showed and immediately started doing whatever she could to help ease the pain and my inexperience with labor pains. She truly was such an essential voice in the room, it was truly the only voice I could focus on. I knew she was there for me and knew she was going to encourage me the whole way through. She truly has been such an answered prayer to all my fears and helped me through natural labor! I honestly could not imagine any other doula with me. She’s been so supportive in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. She’s calm and relaxing yet cheerful and uplifting lifting. Coming from a medical background myself I can honestly say she really is the best combination of medicine meets natural. She’s willing to lean alongside whatever goals you’re looking for in birth! Thank you Chloe, I honestly couldn’t imagine going through that labor without you!

- Andrea K.

Aline Franca

Laguna Beach, California

Aline Franca

3 years of experience

I'm Brazilian, and I'm a mom of two girls. My cultural Background and my daughter's birth experiences are deeply connected to my decision to become a doula. Growing up, I used to listen to my mother's birth stories, which helped me see childbirth as a grand and beautiful event. For me, the idea of giving birth was always sacred - but it was through the births of my two daughters that I truly understood what it means to give birth. After my second birth, I knew I wanted to become the kind of support person who had been essential to me during my own experience. In 2021 I began walking the path to become a Doula.

Chloe Malek

Laguna Beach, California

Chloe Malek

4 years of experience

Hi there! My name is Chloe, I am a mama to one and I am very passionate about birth work. I love being able to help support families on their journey to becoming parents. Birth is so special, and transformative, I feel truly honored when I am invited to help support families in their sacred space.

Claire Tata

Los Angeles, California

Claire Tata

9 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Claire Tata is a birth & postpartum doula, newborn care specialist (NCS), lactation education specialist (LES), a Mom, and a new parent educator with a special focus on infant sleep. She offers individualized, non-medical support to new and expecting parents in the Los Angeles area. Claire provides emotional, informational, and practical support throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum in direct service of the family's goals. She is enthusiastic and knowledgeable company on the journey to welcoming your new baby.

Jess Ford

Los Angeles, California

Jess Ford

9 years of experience

Born and raised in the Detroit Metro area, I graduated from The University of Michigan where I received my BFA. I began my birth and postpartum doula career in 2017, expanded into full spectrum care, and am now pursuing a masters degree in clinical psychology in order to focus in maternal mental health. I am currently based on Tongva Land / Los Angeles, CA, serving people virtually as well.

Leslie Simonds

La Crescenta Montrose, California

Leslie Simonds

7 years of experience

I am dedicated to supporting families during the early stages of parenthood. I have a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and logistical challenges that new parents face. My passion lies in ensuring a smooth transition into parenthood, and firmly believe that every family deserves compassionate and non-judgmental support during this transformative time.

Lindzy Butterfield

Ladera Ranch, California

5.0 (2 reviews)

Lindzy Butterfield

8 years of experience

I am a birth doula and childbirth mentor/educator located in Orange County, CA. The primary focus of my work is to improve birth outcomes for marginalized communities and to reduce (ideally eradicate) birth trauma. My training is mostly through an organization called Birthing From Within and I highly recommend their reading materials for individuals at any stage, from pre-conception to postpartum. My philosophy is that you, the pregnant person, have all of the wisdom and ability within you and we can work together to awaken that within you.

Recent review

Lindzy is just amazing! I highly recommend her services. She is well educated, informed on all birthing questions I had. Her expertise, advice, referrals, and support around all things pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum were so helpful and such a comfort as a first time mom. She is down to earth and easy to talk to, and she valued our birth plan. She was my advocate and a huge help in the delivery room, we are so grateful to have hired her, even in though I was late in my pregnancy. If we have another she will be the first one i'll call!

- Shey P.

Jillian Manriquez

Huntington Beach, California

Jillian Manriquez

5 years of experience

Hello! My name is Jillian Manriquez. I am an enthusiast of humans helping humans. Although I have not experienced any of my own pregnancies, I have physically, mentally, and emotionally with my mom's three experiences. I've seen my mom go through each pregnancy differently as well as each of their births being unique in their own way but beautiful in every way. I have experienced seeing a supportive birth team by your side helps every woman feel more empowered and supported during this beautiful experience. My reason for becoming a birth doula is to come alongside each woman to support their desired birth plan and help them feel empowered through a vulnerable time.

Bianca Turner

Long Beach, California

Bianca Turner

5 years of experience

Hello! My name is Bianca and I am a full spectrum (birth, postpartum and loss doula) serving the Los Ángeles county area. I focus on traditional and spiritual practices because I believe that birth is a sacred initiation to go deeper, and that all the wisdom that we are looking for on how to navigate is already available within. I provide nutrition, lactation, herbal, and labor prep support to all clients. My goal is to make you feel as empowered about YOUR ideal birth. Outside of birthwork, I absolutely love crafts, hiking, traveling, writing, making medicine, and being with my family and friends. Looking forward to working with you!

Jen Ballew

Laguna Beach, California

5.0 (2 reviews)

Jen Ballew

11 years of experience

I’m Jen Ballew, a birth and postpartum practitioner with over a decade of experience supporting families through the sacred threshold of bringing new life into the world. I believe birth is not just a physical event—it’s a profound rite of passage that deserves reverence, preparation, and care. My work blends somatic wisdom, trauma-informed support, and a deep respect for each family’s unique path. I guide parents in reconnecting with their inner knowing, understanding their options, and approaching both birth and postpartum with clarity, confidence, and trust. As the founder of The Parenthood Project, I’ve created a holistic framework that weaves together evidence-based education, nervous system regulation, and community-centered care. My postpartum support is especially focused on helping parents recover in body and spirit, adjust to new rhythms, and feel truly nurtured in the early weeks and months after birth. From emotional processing and newborn care guidance to sleep support and somatic healing practices, I hold space for the full spectrum of this tender transition. You don’t have to do this alone—this journey is meant to be witnessed, honored, and held.

Recent review

Jen was the most incredible experience of my birth, no exaggeration. Her guidance, support, understanding and kindness rooted the foundation of my birth experience in love. Despite my birth not going the way I envisioned, Jen stood by me as my advocate and partner. I'm so grateful for her and I can't speak highly enough about her professionalism and dedication to birth and motherhood.

- Jessica G.

Charlyne Alvarado

Los Angeles, California

Charlyne Alvarado

17 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am certified by DONA International and have worked with many families using carrot benefits so I’m familiar with the process. Aside from being a birth and postpartum doula I am also a lactation and parent educator. I can provide guidance and help with breastfeeding, pumping, storing milk and if needed supplementing with formula. My approach is to meet each family needs, to offer the education and provide different options and let family decide what works best and go from there. There’s no right or wrong way to do things.

Shawndrea Rawal

Los Angeles, California

Shawndrea Rawal

5 years of experience
Accepts insurances

A safe space for MAMA and those who support her. We wanted to create a safe space that most moms desire; especially envisioned and crafted for her. We provide interactive educational materials that build confidence, provide purposeful planning, and facilitate bonding that prioritizes family, safety, and prosperity. Before Birth, We Sculpt and Educate your mind, body, and soul for pregnancy. We use state of the art nutrition, exercise, and fertility plans to keep your energy and hormones high as you prepare to conceive. During birth, We help UPLIFT MAMAS facilitating a space to remember themselves, facilitate their strength and power, and usher in the resilience of ancestors as we embark on the transformative process of birth. After Birth, We are the first to help you recover mentally, physically, and emotionally with our 10- week snatched Method. (Only available after you are cleared from your 6-Week check cup with a signed doctor’s note)

Yasmin Baskin

Los Angeles, California

Yasmin Baskin

19 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Matrescence::: Embracing your journey of Motherhood I guide women through the unknown and chaotic journey, called birth. I am a compassionate guide offering soothing wisdom and expert support. My specialty is being a safe space for mothers to heal from past birth trauma. I help mothers reclaim their power and embody confidence for the next birth. ensuring parents feel seen, supported and ready to thrive. After my first born, I immediately knew that my birth experience was something amazing, transformational and empowering. I just didnt have the words, but after my first doula training I could better put it in a much richer context and support other mothers, pre-conception through postpartum. Over the next years I shared my story and supported mothers in my community as a doula. Eventually working as a full time postpartum doula, I realized a major barrier was during the breastfeediing journey. I followed my passion in nurturing mothers into their new normal, with confidence, comfort and compassion while training to become a lactation lactation consultant. I am now an expert wombkeeper- Waterbirth & Postpartum Doula, Afterbirth Restorative Therapist, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) just to name a few. I find much pleasure and joy in nurturing new families as they discover, connect and create their family culture around the couplet. The cornerstone of my practice honors each mother’s unique journey of matrescence, the experience of becoming a mother. My resassuring, soothing wisdom and expert skills cultivate a visceral connection and safe space for new parents. I have traveled, trained and supported mothers internationally through pregnancy, labor/birth and breastfeeding. My signature, Afterbith Restorative Therapy Methods, support the new mother with restorative practices like belly binding, V-Steam, closing of the bones, as a time/space to reflect on their birth experiences. The Afterbirth Restorative Therapy Method not only provides a new mother with a greater sense of well-being; the new mother is better to care for herself and her new baby.