VBAC Doulas in Richmond, VA

Planning a vaginal birth after cesarean? These providers list VBAC support as a specialty, from preparing for labor to helping you talk through your options with your care team.

20 VBAC 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

Sarah Fielding

Mechanicsville, Virginia 10 years of experience

5.0 (28 reviews)

Sarah Fielding

Responds within a day Accepts insurance

I have been a birth doula for ten years, a CLC for six years and a postpartum doula for three years. I came to birthwork after the births of my two oldest children- we had excellent support through two very different birth experiences and that put me on this path to supporting other families. I trained with Therese Hak-Kuhn of ToLabor, and while in the midst of having children attended births occasionally for a few years, and have been doing full time doula work since 2022. I work at a group practice with an excellent backup system. My team provides five prenatal touchpoints and on call support starting at 38 weeks until your baby is born, as well as two postpartum visits. I support clients in hospital and out of hospital settings. Between the training I received at the ToLabor workshop and my own personal experiences, I grew to shape my philosophy on what my role is. Having experienced a wide variety of outcomes welcoming my own five children - one unmedicated hospital birth, one home birth transfer cesarean, and three home birth VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) I've learned there is no one right way to give birth! My goal is to get to know each client as well as I can to best anticipate your needs during labor and birth! No two clients are the same just as no two births are the same, and knowing your preferences and how you take in information helps me show up the best way possible when you need me most!

Recent review

I truly don't know what we would have done without Sarah. She was an incredible resource during pregnancy, answering all the questions we had as first time parents-to-be and helping us prepare for the big day. We didn't know what we didn't know, but she helped us figure it out! For my actual labor, she grounded me in a way that I didn't know I needed until I was in the moment, and was a steady presence as we had to make decisions when the circumstances of my labor shifted. She was even able to capture some photos from labor and the OR, some of the only photos we have from the hospital. Post partum, Sarah continued to be a wonderful supportive presence by checking in on us and helping us navigate complications in both labor and post partum. If you're looking for someone who is a fierce advocate, grounded, steady, and has a direct communication style, Sarah is your girl!

- Caroline Wasson

Siedah Israel

Fredericksburg, Virginia 7 years of experience

5.0 (7 reviews)

Siedah Israel

NPI verified Accepts insurance

Hi, I’m Siedah Israel, a Certified Labor Doula, Holistic Wellness Practitioner, and Certified Herbalist based in Fredericksburg in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. I’m a wife of 15 years and a homeschooling mother of five. My wellness and birth advocacy journey began with earning a certificate in Massage Therapy from Eastern Virginia Career College in 2018. I later completed my Doula Certification through Germanna Community College in 2024 and graduated with honors in Herbal Studies from the American College of Healthcare Sciences in 2025. I am currently in Phase I of the PEP process as I work toward becoming a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM). I have extensive experience supporting families through hospital births, birth center births, and home births. Personally, I have experienced three hospital births and two home births, which deeply informs the care, perspective, and support I offer to the families I serve. When I’m not supporting families, I enjoy homeschooling, spending time outdoors with my children, writing poetry, working on my werewolf novel, and handcrafting natural hair and skincare products. It is a true honor to walk alongside families with compassion, cultural awareness, and grounded support during such a sacred season of life.

Recent review

I truly do not know what I would have done without Siedah, and I believe I amucky to have found her for my second birth. As someone who has gone through a traumatic birth experience my first pregnancy, I knew I needed some additional support outside of my husband. But, let's talk about the process even before birth. Months before giving birth, Siedah reminded me and helped me re-process my trauma. Made me really think about how I wanted things to go this time around. To make me confident as well in asking questions about my care and babies care. I feel like that was a huge part in the success of my second birth experience. Fast forward to the actual birth, Siedah asked all the healthcare staff the right questions, or had them re-explain what was going on. I did have to be induced as I had pre-eclampsia. Everything went so smooth, it was exactly how I imagined it. Not to mention how fast it all went too! Siedah has such a big heart, and you can tell she truly cares about you; wants what is best for you too! She treats you like family, and reminds you to choose yourself which can be hard sometimes to remember when you're a mom. You won't regret having her by your side.

- Tiffany M.

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.

Milan Burton

Richmond, Virginia 4 years of experience

5.0 (1 review)

Milan Burton

Birthing Kingdom LLC is owned and operated by Milan, a passionate Virginia State Certified and DONA International Trained Birth and Postpartum Doula. She believes in educating women and their partners while creating a safe and comfortable birthing space. Milan relies heavily on her faith and believes working as a doula is a way to serve God and his kingdom, this led to the creation of Birthing Kingdom LLC. After practicing under one of the most sought out doula agencies in Virginia, Milan wanted to apply her skills, knowledge and experience under a new ideology. Birthing Kingdom LLC offers birth and postpartum doula services focused on incorporating Jesus Christ into your pregnancy and birthing journey. We aim to educate parents on all things pregnancy, the labor and birthing process, postpartum care for mothers, and caring for your newborn baby. Helping you create a reassuring pregnancy, birthing environment, and postpartum period that enhances peace of mind, autonomy, and well-being is the top priority. We work with pregnant women birthing at home, birthing centers and hospitals within the Richmond, Virginia area and surrounding counties.

Recent review

I booked Milan early in my pregnancy, and I’m so glad I did. My pregnancy was high risk, and she supported me every step of the way. She let me vent after every doctor’s appointment through texts and calls, and she listened to every worry without judgment. Milan has such a calming spirit, and just hearing her voice would instantly put me at ease. I trusted her completely, not only because of her advice but also because she respected the doctors’ recommendations while helping me find my own voice. There were many times when I would have let others decide for me, but she gave me the confidence to speak up. Now that I’m postpartum, I’m even more grateful for her. I could talk to her for hours, and she continues to be such a comforting, grounding presence. Having Milan as my doula was truly a blessing that made a challenging pregnancy feel supported, peaceful, and full of grace.

- Kamryn T.

Paiten Dodd

Chester, Virginia 2 years of experience

5.0 (1 review)

Paiten Dodd

Hello Lovelies, My name is Paiten Dodd, and I am certified birth doula (DONA), professional postpartum doula (CAPPA), certified breastfeeding specialists, childbirth educator, and Registered Nurse. I take pleasure in providing you (and your partner) with the best treatment, unwavering support, and resources before, during, and after birth. My goal is to make the transition to parenthood as stress-free as possible, allowing you (and your partner, if applicable) to have a pleasant and gratifying experience. As a doula and nurse, I am able to provide clients with evidence-based education, adequate support, and the birth experience they deserve. I am dedicated to making sure you come first, you are heard, and the vibes are always good! Remember the contractions are strong, but you are powerful! Let's have a BIRTHday :)

Recent review

I don’t even know where to begin. Paiten is a gem. She has such a gentle spirit and kind heart. This was my first pregnancy and I didn’t know what to expect. Terrified, fearing the unknown, Paiten put all my worries to rest before, during, and after my delivery. I have nothing to compare labor and delivery to, BUT I can say it was a great experience with Paiten by our side. When I felt that I wasn’t being heard or had concerns I couldn’t voice, Paiten stepped in. When I needed guidance during contractions, Paiten stepped in. When needing help with labor progression, you guessed it, Paiten stepped in and guided us every step of the way! As you see, I could go on and on AND ON! My family is still raving about Paiten 8 weeks postpartum! 10/10 recommend Paiten and her services to any mommies out there!

- C J.

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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San Francisco, CA

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Austin, TX

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Orlando, FL