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.

18 VBAC 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

Sarah Fielding

Mechanicsville, Virginia

5.0 (28 reviews)

Sarah Fielding

10 years of experience
Accepts insurance
Responds within a day

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...

- Caroline Wasson

Siedah Israel

Fredericksburg, Virginia

5.0 (7 reviews)

Siedah Israel

7 years of experience
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.

Paiten Dodd

Chester, Virginia

5.0 (1 review)

Paiten Dodd

2 years of experience

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

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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What parents are saying...

“I wish I knew about Bornbir sooner, as it's so important to surround yourself with experts who understand during those overwhelming moments and share evidence-based information.”

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San Francisco, CA

“I found my birth doula on Bornbir. After submitting my needs, I was able to connect with several awesome doulas that are within a local distance from me.”

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Austin, TX

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Orlando, FL