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.

14 LGBTQ+ Affirming Doulas near Richmond, VA

Melanie Conn

Richmond, Virginia

5.0 (29 reviews)

Melanie Conn

10 years of experience
Accepts insurance
Responds within a few hours

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

I recommend Melanie to anyone considering hiring a doula for their birth journey. She is knowledgeable, warm, approachable, and brought a sense of humor that helped us through an intense experience. She made my wife feel seen, understood, supported, and comforted in exactly the ways she needed throughout labor. When challenges arose, Melanie advocated for us. As the birth partner, her presence allowed me to focus on supporting my wife instead of trying to manage every conversation with the many providers coming and going from our room. She allowed me to simply be present. When labor took an unexpected turn and my wife was wheeled away for a C section, Melanie was there for me during one of the most difficult moments of the experience. Her support, expertise, and compassion made an immeasurable difference for our family, and we are incredibly grateful to have had her by our side. We trust Melanie implicitly, and we'd hire her again in a heartbeat.

- Nathan

Sara Krivanec

Richmond, Virginia

5.0 (31 reviews)

Sara Krivanec

25 years of experience
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

ERICA ANGERT

Richmond, Virginia

5.0 (4 reviews)

ERICA ANGERT

13 years of experience

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.

Ashley Markey

Fredericksburg, Virginia

Ashley Markey

5 years of experience

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

5.0 (2 reviews)

Juliann McLaughlin

4 years of experience

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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