LGBTQ+ Affirming Doulas in Richmond, VA

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

15 LGBTQ+ Affirming Doulas near Richmond, VA

Sara Krivanec

Richmond, Virginia 25 years of experience

5.0 (31 reviews)

Sara Krivanec

Accepts insurance

I am a birth doula, childbirth educator and international board certified lactation consultant (IBCLC). I am hiring for VBAC clients and moms having their second, third, ect. babies.

Recent review

I made the decision to go with a doula late in my pregnancy. Having previously had multiple abdominal surgeries, including a cesarean, I decided to do everything possible to prevent another one. That’s where Sara came in. Sara provided me with resources and positivity right away. She was very supportive of my wish to have a VBAC, and she never once doubted my ability to do so. Little did I know that I would be diagnosed with severe preeclampsia at 35wks, shortly after meeting Sara in person. It became clear that I needed to deliver right away. I was given the choice to either have a repeat cesarean or be induced for a VBAC. Sara provided me with helpful information so that I was able to make informed choices. I decided to go for the VBAC, and Sara was there to support me every step of the way. Despite requiring many medical interventions, I view my daughter’s birth as a positive experience. I know that a big part of that is because I had Sara’s expertise and steady reassurance. Not only did she help us with labor and delivery, but she also provided postpartum and lactation support in the NICU and at home. I couldn’t have asked for a better doula. Our family is very grateful to have had Sara on our team.

- Stephanie

Melanie Conn

Richmond, Virginia 10 years of experience

5.0 (77 reviews)

Melanie Conn

Responds within a day Accepts insurance

My aim is to earn the trust of my clients to guide them through their perinatal experiences and choices, but more impactfully to connect them with their own intrinsic wisdom and intuition. Supporting the PARTNER (if applicable) to support the birthing person through labor is my approach (dictated by comfort level, obviously) . As someone with a history of ED and body dysmorphia I have a passion for supporting people who have had or do have similar struggles. I am relatedly an active advocate against medical fatphobia and the associated myriad of non-evidence based biases against fat pregnant folks. My work is informed greatly by my own perinatal experiences, particularly in the realms of both birth plans and feeding plans changing, and the importance of the diagnosis and treatment of later onset postpartum mood disorders. In my free time I like to dismantle systems of white supremacy and patriarchy, tend to my indoor jungle, and build marble mazes with my kiddo.

Recent review

My pregnancy, home birth, and postpartum would not have been the same without Melanie! This was my husband and I’s first baby and our midwife suggested getting a doula. We were hesitant at first but as soon as we met Melanie there was no doubt in our minds she would make this process a lot smoother. At our first meeting we just clicked. She made us feel so heard, never doubting any concerns we had, listening with an open heart, and diving deeper into our fears. Throughout pregnancy i had a lot of anxiety and Melanie was always a text or phone call away. When the time came for labor, we were in constant communication. She gave my husband tips to help me cope that made a huge difference before she even showed up. Once she arrived, my husband was able to take a break and i just felt so at peace knowing Melanie was going to be there with me every step of the way. Her confidence in me was unwavering, and that reminded me that i could do this. She helped me labor in several different positions, always getting me comfy and helping me to relax and surrender. She took so many amazing photos and videos of my home birth that i will cherish forever. The postpartum care has been amazing as well and it is so nice to have someone to call with our newborn questions. If you are thinking about hiring Melanie, PLEASE DO IT! You will not regret having her at your birth. The experience she brings to the table is incredible, and we could not have done this without her.

- Courtney

ERICA ANGERT

Richmond, Virginia 13 years of experience

5.0 (4 reviews)

ERICA ANGERT

I'm a certified postpartum doula and certified breastfeeding specialist living in Richmond, VA. I've been doing this work for over 11 years, and I feel so honored to walk the early months of life with a new baby or babies alongside the families I serve. It's a beautiful, vulnerable time full of questions, joys, and concerns, and I love supporting families through all of it. I have extra training and expertise in supporting breastfeeding/chest feeding, since so many of parents' early concerns revolve around feeding, and there is not enough good lactation help available to most families. I work with first-time parents and those expecting their second, third, or more babies- everyone's needs are a bit different, but everyone can use extra hands and a listening ear during this time of transition. I would love to chat with you to get to know you and your family!

Recent review

Erica was a tremendous help to our family! We welcomed our first child over the summer and had no idea what we were doing as first time parents. Erica helped us with the transition in so many ways. She went above and beyond our expectations and not only provided care for the baby and helped with housework, but frequently checked in on my recovery physically, mentally, and emotionally. Her knowledge about breastfeeding was invaluable--I know my breastfeeding success is largely due to her support and knowledge in those early days when I wasn't sure what I was doing. Securing her help before the baby arrived paid dividends in so many ways!

- Kinsey B.

Jesse Waller

Richmond, Virginia 10 years of experience

5.0 (30 reviews)

Jesse Waller

Accepts insurance

As a full spectrum doula, integrative lactation and feeding specialist, and licensed massage therapist, I have a passion for supporting all genders, bodies, and family structures through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. My personal birthing experiences include a planned home birth, turned hospital induction, turned cesarean, followed by a home birth VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean.) I have supported births ranging from unmedicated to planned cesareans, and would love to help you achieve the birth that is best for you. I especially value the opportunity to work with queer and trans people, neurodivergent families, and people preparing for births after cesareans. I stay up to date on recommended vaccines to maintain the safety of the populations I work with.

Recent review

I was so thankful to have Jesse as our postpartum doula. They always showed kind, loving care when taking care of our baby; I knew he was in safe, expert hands whenever she was with him. I deeply appreciated their knowledge and guidance, especially the way they pointed out key development markers that gave us much-needed confidence. What makes Jesse truly special is the way she cares for the whole family. While my birth didn’t go as planned, they served as a vital sounding board—commiserating and encouraging me exactly when I needed it most. She has a rare ability to intuit what needs to be done without being asked, whether they were bringing incredible baked goods or jumping in with meal prep and cooking. Jesse is a professional who brings both evidence-based expertise and a warm, grounding presence. I will always treasure the time we had with them, and if we have more children, she will be the first person we invite back into our home.

- Julia A.

Ashley Markey

Fredericksburg, Virginia 5 years of experience

Ashley Markey

My name is Ashley and I am a Professional Birth and Postpartum Doula. I am born and raised in VA and engaged to my high school sweetheart. My hobbies include running outdoors, puzzling, and lounging about with my cat, Sardo 🐈. You’ll often find my nose in a book and a seltzer water in hand. I served as a Domestic Violence Advocate within a nonprofit organization for 5 years—My role encompassed the responsibilities of a Night Resident Manager at an emergency shelter, alongside serving as the Children’s Service Coordinator. My professional duties encompassed the provision of in-person emotional support to families in distress, both on-site and via our 24/7 emergency hotline. My ongoing professional development included participation in continuous training programs, notably in areas such as crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and advocacy. My formative professional experiences include a 5 years of service as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at a home health agency, where I engaged with elderly patients, many of whom faced challenges related to dementia and physical limitations. This period of work significantly contributes to my capacity for caregiving and understanding of complex care needs. Furthermore, I maintain my employment as a cook at a respected vegetarian restaurant, a role I have upheld for twelve years . My proficiency in food preparation and safety protocols plays a pivotal role in ensuring the provision of nourishing meals for individuals seeking postpartum services. Currently I am also contracted with an agency and providing postpartum care, services, and support to families. My historical inclination towards caregiving, advocacy, and the provision of comprehensive physical and emotional support underscores my enduring commitment to these essential facets of service. Reach out if you have any questions concerns or ideas! I am here for you! ♥️♥️♥️

Juliann McLaughlin

Fredericksburg, Virginia 4 years of experience

5.0 (2 reviews)

Juliann McLaughlin

My philosophy as a doula is that everyone deserves to live out their best intentions. I provide personalized services for those seeking inclusive and comprehensive pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum support. I wish to give you an uplifting experience, free from discrimination and mental health stigma. I strive to create a space that will help you feel actively listened to and emotionally supported.

Recent review

If you're in need of a doula, I highly recommend Juliann! While she wasn't technically the doula we hired, she stepped in and stepped up for her sister in ways that no one else could. She demonstrated the perfect amount of restraint and support by being the best distraction to Kat (my partner; her sister) when desperately needed....and other times, the rock I just couldn't be....the rock only a sister can be). She knew just what she needed and when, and we intuitively worked with one another to be there for her every step of the way. Going into labor, Kat was sure she didn't want any family in the room while I always felt that as soon as things got rolling, she was going to need her sister. So without any advance notice and with a fully booked schedule and child of her own, Julie dropped everything to travel hours to the hospital (and back a few times while we rested) and be there with Kat until our little one came earth-side. As a queer couple (I'm trans and my partner is non-binary), I can say that there aren't many doula's out there that even recognize that there can be birthing persons with different genders - that include those bodies in these predomenantly/societally female spaces. With Julie, you can be sure that as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, your body, wishes, partner dynamics, pronouns etc will be honored, respected, and uplifted. During our birth, I got to witness Julie as she realized this was her calling. I was moved, touched, and so honored to be able to experience this moment of hers, and I genuinely can say there isn't anyone I'd trust more with your care. While Julie is just starting out in this field, she has a drive to excel and learn, and I'm witnessing firsthand her dedication to becoming an expert in this field.

- Jude O.

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