Ronit April Varga Birth & Postpartum Doula in Oakland, CA

I HIGHLY recommend Ronit. Clear your mind of everything you think a Doula is—Ronit has helped over 100 babies into the world. There’s no way I’d want us to give birth without her experience by our side.

— David T

I was having an experience with a breeched baby. With Ronit’s bodywork and assistance, we were able to get my baby turned without needing an ECV. So grateful for her help with this, her gentleness, and care!

— Gloria Gallegos Tollner

My husband and I felt incredibly grateful to have Ronit as our birth doula for our first child, born in December 2025. Ronit was an indispensable member of our birth team. Some highlights of working with her include the following: Based on her extensive experience across Bay Area hospitals and her ability to sense that we were more philosophically aligned with a different hospital than the one where we had initially registered, Ronit recommended that we change hospitals. In retrospect, this change was crucial; my birth experience would likely have been far less positive had we not made her recommended pivot based on the circumstances of my labor. Once early labor began, Ronit remained on standby for days, consistently responding to our calls and texts. She advised and supported us in making timely and informed decisions around possible induction and augmentation needs, at all hours of the night. Most importantly, Ronit provided invaluable bodywork during active labor. There was a specific spot in my lower pelvis that the epidural was not reaching, and I found myself unable to manage the pain in that area despite using various comfort measures and techniques. Ronit arrived at the hospital and swiftly provided hands-on massage therapy to the affected area, offering both my husband and me much-needed physical and mental relief as we moved through the delivery of our baby girl. She worked seamlessly with our medical team, and it was beautiful to see the respect our nurses and midwife had for her, often even taking her lead. We couldn’t recommend Ronit more highly for her birth doula services.

— Jennifer Shepard

We were lucky to cross paths with Ronit and select her as our doula for our first child’s birth after interviewing many other doulas. Inviting someone into the intimate space of pregnancy and delivery is a very personal thing - everyone’s needs for support are different. While Ronit is a bit newer in her Doula work than others we interviewed (around 80 births over the last few years vs 2000+), she is very knowledgeable and passionate, and brings the incredible professional experience of being a seasoned 30 year body worker/massage therapist to the birthing experience which gives her a deeply embodied philosophy towards birth that aligned with my goal of getting out of my head and into my body during the labor experience. I suspected having a Doula with intuitive, skilled hands would be awesome and wow was I right! Ronit came to our home in advance of our birth for a session to teach us comfort measures, which gave my partner important skills to support me. She was able to provide important education to us both about pregnancy and the labor experience, including using a model of the pelvis to demonstrate the rationale behind different positioning to engage the baby in entering the pelvis, and allowing the tailbone free motion to create a pathway for the baby to exit the pelvis. She offers a pre-delivery pregnancy massage for her clients which helped me feel comfortable with her hands on touch prior to the labor experience, and also lent us a tens unit which provided pain relief. When I was in active labor, she arrived at midnight at the hospital as my labor progressed, and stayed through the birth 18 hours later, sharing her energy and joy, and her knowledge of labor and body. Throughout labor, Ronit provided indefatigable hands on massage to alleviate pain which allowed my partner to get some much needed sleep. She was supportive of the choices I made surrounding the birth, was an appropriate advocate within the healthcare team, helping to clarify goals and communicate them. I feel lucky to have had Ronit as part of my birth team. If you are seeking knowledgeable, hands on pregnancy and labor support, I would strongly encourage you to connect with Ronit!

— M O

My ob was the person who initially referred me to Ronit. And once we spoke I knew she would be perfect doula for my birth team. She shared so much knowledge during my prenatal visits, offered massage to help prep my body for labor and when my baby was approaching one week “late” she helped me make some contingency plans. Thankfully spontaneous labor happened the next day (after I did the miles circuit which she recommended)! She helped me achieve my home birth experience at the Kaiser hospital in San Francisco and having her there while I was laboring with no pain meds really made labor feel more manageable. She helped me trust my body and communicate my birth preferences/ needs to various doctors and nurses. And on top of that her hip squeezes, positioning recommendations and other comfort measures I believe made birth less painful and move faster. The pushing took much longer than I had hoped but with her coaching and that from my doctor I was able to remain focused and optimistic. Long story short I don’t know what I would have done without her during the birth of my son! Thank you Ronit!!

— Rachel Wright

We were so lucky to work with Ronit as first-time parents! She has a warm and calm presence, and she worked exceptionally well with our whole birth team in L&D. She was instrumental in getting me through an unmedicated birth. She shared photos of the birth with us and checked in with us postpartum too. We appreciated the wealth of knowledge she shared in an organized and professional manner, and the evidence-based lens she used to help guide us in making informed decisions. She also offered a prenatal massage at 39 weeks that was extraordinary. We would highly recommend her as a doula!

— Chiara Scarpelli

I had a prenatal massage from Ronit at 38.5 weeks. She has an extra level of skill and knowledge with prenatal body work than anyone else I’ve seen this pregnancy. Other prenatal massages have typically been regular massage techniques with the addition of pillows for support. But Ronit’s approach targeted specific areas of my body that have been under stress and in pain due to pregnancy. She showed me some stretch techniques to continue feeling better. She helped me become aware of how my baby’s specific positioning is affecting my body. It was also a very relaxing treatment which I really appreciated. Ronit is also my doula, and I’m looking forward to having her expertise at my delivery soon!

— Tara Seely

I'm so happy we chose to work with Ronit as our birth doula. As a first time mom, she was everything I needed - an experienced, knowledgable, and calming presence throughout pregnancy and birth. The pre-birth meetings we had were extremely helpful in sorting out our birth preferences and learning about the ways my husband could support me and provide comfort during labor. The prenatal massage she offered was wonderful as well, and much needed at 39 weeks pregnant. It was during my long labor that I was most grateful to have Ronit on our team. I was in pain, exhausted, and kind of scared. When I opted to change my birth plan to accept medication for pain relief, Ronit was fully onboard and ready to tell me the pros and cons of each option. She supported every decision I made. As an expert in Spinning Babies, she also helped me keep moving after I got the epidural to encourage my baby to get into the right position for an optimal delivery. As the cherry on top, Ronit took photos of our delivery and the first few moment with our sweet baby. I will always treasure those photos and memories!

— Holly Palmeri

I saw Ronit for prenatal massage, and I highly recommend her to any pregnant person looking for relief and relaxation! I was feeling particularly vulnerable in my body after an intense ECV procedure, but I immediately felt safe and cared for by Ronit--her intuitive touch and her beautiful space.

— Cassie Blair

Ronit was the mom I needed. She cared for my husband and advocated for what we wanted. She is so knowledgeable and kind!! I didn’t have to think about anything when I was in the hospital; I was free to focus on myself and my baby. There was a high-stress moment, and she was able to guide us through it. I look forward to having Ronit with us as we welcome babies and blessings!! 🥹🩵

— Stephanie Mauer

Ronit is an absolutely wonderful doula. She is knowledgable, warm, friendly, and reassuring; she was a calming and supportive presence throughout our entire journey.

— Emily Basner

We are so grateful for Ronit and the incredible support she provided throughout our birth journey! From the very beginning, she was informative and helpful, guiding us through our birth plan with confidence and care. In the hospital, Ronit truly rose to the occasion. She helped Ashley achieve many of our birth plan goals, including having a vaginal delivery, using movement and position changes, and delaying the need for an epidural as long as possible—all of which contributed to a smooth delivery with minimal tearing. Beyond her expertise, Ronit was kind, caring, and an unwavering advocate for us. She helped us navigate conversations with the hospital team, ensuring our voices were heard. Having her as a trusted presence in the delivery room made all the difference. She even documented the birth with photos and videos (with our permission) that we will cherish forever. Her support didn’t stop at the hospital—she visited us a couple of weeks later to check in on both mom and baby, helping us reflect on our experience with warmth and encouragement. If you're looking for a doula who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and deeply dedicated, we cannot recommend Ronit enough! — Free & Ashley

— Ashley Gary

Working with Ronit was a gift for our family. We were expecting our first child and had experienced pregnancy losses previously. We began working with Ronit at 20 weeks and she supported us in everything from understanding birth better and all the options, interventions, preferences to how to best work as a team to manage labor. Having her available throughout the journey was incredible. And - the due date massage is wonderful! While we ended up with a cesarean birth, Ronit was with us before and after and helped make eveything smooth, comfortable and supported. We also wanted to make prints with our placenta and she made the prints with us right after surgery. Our post partum visit was equally wonderful as Ronit shared great insight and helped get our little one to sleep in the bassinet, which had been a challenge for us. I couldn’t recommend her enough, she was the Doula of our dreams!

— Nina Portugal Welsh

Ronit was a wonderful recommendation from my pelvic floor PT for prenatal massage. I received a massage from her at 38.5 weeks pregnant and it was just what I needed to release a lot of upper body tension. Fast forward 7 weeks postpartum, I saw her for another massage and it was pure bliss. Can’t recommend Ronit enough for mamas self care— my husband came with me, even had his own massage, while we took turns taking care of baby. Our nervous system needed the body work and we all slept so well!! We hope to make this a regular family event. Thank you Ronit!

— Alexis Andrade

Ronit was an incredible support throughout my pregnancy and during labor and delivery. She provided the emotional reassurance I needed and offered expert techniques, including helping me spin my baby to ease the delivery process. Her guidance and calming presence made a huge difference, and I can't recommend her enough!

— Tina Uh Rosner

Ronit helped me when my baby was breeched. She was empathetic, had great expertise & I loved working with her. Highly recommend

— Shivani Berry

A Warm Recommendation for Doula Ronit!!! Ronit supported my partner during her second birth and helped us have a truly positive experience after a difficult first one. From the start, Ronit brought calm, kindness, and professionalism. She was there not only for my partner but also for me, making sure we both felt supported throughout the whole process. With her patience, warmth, and care, Ronit guided us in a way that made everything feel much easier and more meaningful. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical at first about having a doula, but after going through this experience with Ronit, I highly recommend it to anyone expecting a baby. And if you get the chance to have Ronit with you – you’re in great hands! Ronit, thank you so much for everything. You made this birth an experience we’ll always remember.

— Omer Galili

Ronit is a gem! While I was pregnant, I went to Ronit for prenatal massages and each time I saw her, I left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and my body felt relief from pregnancy aches and pains. Ronit's energy will make you feel taken care of and soothed. Her space is very clean and comfortable. She offers dates and water upon arrival and makes you feel at home. She has an amazing ability to position your body and pillows in such a way that your pregnant body is very comfortable during the massage. A true skill especially in those final weeks. I highly recommend and will be going back for more massages postpartum!

— Lauren Roberts

Ronit has been an absolute gem throughout this journey, offering us fantastic support. Leading up to the birth, she really took the time to explain everything my husband and I needed to know during our meetings. We learned about the essential massages, exercises and preparations for labor, as well as handy techniques for labor positions and post-labor care. During labor itself, Ronit was there for us around the clock and she was very patient with me. She made our hospital room a very calm and relaxing space, with string lights, an essential oil diffuser, a wireless speaker and more. She provided soothing massages, guided me through different labor positions to help with the baby's arrival, and offered invaluable assistance. She was equipped with all the necessary tools to help with labor, especially in regards to pain, such as her Rebozo, a birth support rope and even a TENS machine that she kindly lent to us weeks prior to labor for us to practice with. Her presence truly turned the labor experience into a much more positive one. Not only did she touch our lives as husband and wife but also the lives and experience of my family who were also present that day. I cannot imagine my birth experience without Ronit.

— R PN

My wife had been seeing Ronit for prenatal massages even before she became our birth doula. These massages alone made her pregnancy much more comfortable. Our positive experiences with Ronit convinced us that she would be an excellent birth doula, and our labor experience confirmed that belief. We had several sessions before the birth where she taught me various techniques to assist my wife in preparing for labor and during labor itself. This hands-on learning was incredibly valuable, far beyond what you can get from a Zoom pregnancy class. I learned a lot, and I'm certain that labor would have been much more challenging if I hadn't known these techniques. Throughout the labor process, Ronit was there with us every step of the way. She ensured my wife's comfort while also making sure I knew how to support her effectively. Having someone in the room who could guide me in helping my wife was truly invaluable. All in all, our experience with Ronit as our birth doula has been amazing. We couldn't have imagined bringing our beautiful baby boy into the world without her by our side.

— Tijn LN

Ronit was such a huge help to us after our daughter was born. She integrated into our family seamlessly and was more than a set of helping hands - her presence allowed me and my husband to have some time to connect and catch our breaths (even in the midst of the newborn fog and chaos) which was invaluable to us. We are so grateful to have connected with Ronit and will hope to work with her again if the opportunity arises.

— Sarah Haselschwardt

Ronit was truly a lifesaver for us. I often began our time together feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, and by the end always felt more capable and hopeful. She was steady, reassuring, and worked magic with the baby (and in the kitchen!). She cooked the most beautiful meals for us and helped me see patterns with the baby that I was too tired to pick up on. I truly don't know how she does it all. I highly recommend her to any family and hope we can work with her if we have more children!

— Lily VanderStaay