How Much Does a Birth or Postpartum Doula Cost in San Mateo, CA?

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Median package price

$1,500

Typical range $558–$2,500

Median hourly rate

$60/hr

Typical range $50–$65/hr

Near San Mateo California United States
Median package $1,500 $1,600 $1,100
Typical package range $558–$2,500 $500–$2,500 $450–$1,800
Median hourly rate $60/hr $55/hr $45/hr

Based on 560 package prices from 246 providers listed on Bornbir within 150 miles of San Mateo, CA. Updated September 2026.

See national doula prices

Doula pricing depends on the type of support: birth doulas usually charge a flat package fee for labor support, while postpartum doulas typically charge by the hour for daytime or overnight care at home.

It's important to note that doula fees can vary significantly within the San Mateo area, with some highly experienced or specialized doulas charging higher rates. Additionally, some doulas offer package deals that may include prenatal visits, continuous labor support, and postpartum support, which can affect the overall cost.

When considering hiring a doula in San Mateo, it's advisable to research and interview several doulas to find one who aligns with your preferences, needs, and budget. During consultations, you can discuss their specific services and pricing structure to ensure you have a clear understanding of what is included and the associated costs. This process will help you find a doula who meets your needs and fits within your budget.

Want a quick estimate first? Try our doula cost calculator to see live birth and postpartum doula price ranges computed from packages doulas publish on Bornbir.

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Found 277 Doulas in San Mateo, CA

Shelby Stewart

Oakland, California

5.0 (3 reviews)

Shelby Stewart

26 years of experience
Accepts insurance

As a full spectrum birth-keeper, sexual/reproductive & lactation educator, and womb-space ceremonialist, I hold space for you to have continuous, high quality support that is infused with culturally responsive care, and embedded within a framework of advocacy. As such, I provide physical, emotional, and educational support and guidance to all birthing people, their partners, their families, and communities across the lifespan, reproductive landscape, and for all reproductive circumstances and outcomes. Earthseed Birthwork praxis is steeped in the belief that within the hallowed grounds of your wholeness – your lived experiences and unique socio-cultural contexts, your dreams, and your life journey, there is an opportunity for YOUR divinely aligned birth journey to come forth. I specialize in serving as guide, helping you investigate and get curious about, cultivate, and then traverse your own birth ceremony, the complex and oftentimes daunting medical system's model of care, and matrescence – the wholeness (physically, psychologically, and socially) of becoming a mother/parent…all while centering the sacred and traditional practices that have safely held birthing people for time immemorial. Bearing witness to, being deeply present for, and reflecting your own innate power to call forth and touch into the dance of your intuition, are my gifts. Working with me is intended to be more than a mere hand-holding, it is meant to be a full person witnessing, and the sanctuary of safe space to support the expansion of your capacity to be present with all that arises on your journey. I believe all births are immeasurably transformative...birth shape- shifts us into whatever next iteration this life is calling forth for us. When allowed, birth may expose you to rapturous wonder, deep discomfort, indescribable joy, and the instinctive knowing that you will forever physically, emotionally, and spiritually be changed. Care Setting I meet people where they are, and not where I may perceive they ‘should’ be…literally and figuratively. I hold and offer care within in-person spaces, homes, virtually, office, and outside underneath the sky’s blanket.

Recent review

We give Shelby the highest recommendation. She supported our birth journey in so many critical ways, through her presence, knowledge and constant encouragement. She is very personable and answered all of our questions. We especially appreciated the way she could explain why the clinical setting would prefer or encourage particular interventions, while also letting us know about all of the options available and helping us to make informed decisions along the way. She empowered us. When it mattered most, during labor and delivery, Shelby was there, with the right presence, words and encouragement. She helped our baby come into the world. We hope other parents have this positive experience of a doula, like Shelby gave us.

- Heidi and Luke H.

Josy Ferreira

Richmond, California

5.0 (7 reviews)

Josy Ferreira

9 years of experience
Accepts insurance
Responds within a day
Packages from $2,200 · $60/hr

From the moment I stepped into the world of birth and postpartum work, I knew this was my calling. I’m a Birth & Postpartum Doula and Newborn & Infant Care Specialist serving families across the Bay Area and East Bay, with a background grounded in evidence-based care, cultural sensitivity, and a genuine passion for supporting parents during one of the most transformative seasons of their lives. My training includes Cross-Certification through ProDoula as a Certified Postpartum & Infant Care Doula, Hospital Friendly Doula (HFD) Certification as a Birth and Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist certification through the University of Colorado, CPR & First Aid through the Menlo Park Fire Department, CERT Member through the Menlo Park Fire Department, Child Development through Abilene, continuing education in Lactation (UCSD), Infant Massage, and professional development in Sleep Shaping/Sleep Training through Summer Sleep Secrets. I am also an active volunteer doula at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, supporting birthing people and families from diverse backgrounds. Families often describe my approach as a blend of warmth, intuition, and grounded professionalism. I deeply believe in meeting each family where they are — without judgment, without pressure, and with a plan that reflects their unique rhythms, identities, and goals. I proudly support LGBTQ+ families, offering fully inclusive, gender-affirming care and language so every parent feels safe, welcomed, and respected. My philosophy is rooted in gentle structure and the Montessori method, encouraging independence for both parents and babies through simple, responsive routines. I specialize in newborn behavior, feeding, sleep foundations, and emotional support — helping families understand their baby’s cues and build healthy rhythms from the very beginning. One of my strongest areas of expertise is sleep shaping, using age-appropriate techniques that allow many babies to sleep through the night by 4–5 months, always with a respectful, attachment-minded approach. Clients often share that I have an effortless way of integrating into the home, anticipating needs before they are spoken, and creating an environment of peace, order, and emotional safety. Whether supporting breastfeeding, troubleshooting sleep, soothing a fussy newborn, guiding siblings, or caring for a recovering parent, my goal is always the same: to bring calm, clarity, and confidence to the postpartum experience. For me, being a doula is more than a profession — it’s a devotion to nurturing, empowering, and walking alongside families during a beautiful and vulnerable chapter. Every home I enter becomes part of my heart, and it is an honor to support parents as they grow into their new roles with confidence, joy, and rest. If you’re looking for someone who will care for your baby with tenderness, support your recovery with evidence-based expertise, honor your family’s identity, and guide you with compassion every step of the way, I would be honored to walk this journey with you.

Recent review

I had the pleasure of working with Josy as my postpartum doula, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From day one, she was incredibly respectful of our family's needs and preferences, always communicating clearly and checking in to make sure we felt supported. Josy's knowledge of infant care is exceptional. She guided us through everything from feeding and sleep routines to soothing techniques with confidence and expertise. She supported me on my nursing journey and with infant massage, especially tummy massage in the early weeks. What truly impressed me was her commitment to continuously learning and deepening her skills—she stayed current with the latest research and best practices, which gave me tremendous peace of mind during those early weeks. Her calm and joyful presence and genuine care made such a difference during a vulnerable time. If you're looking for a postpartum doula who is professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to her craft, Josy is an outstanding choice. Beyond her technical expertise, what truly set Josy apart was her extraordinary kindness and emotional intelligence. She understood that welcoming a newborn into the family is about so much more than feeding schedules and sleep—it's about navigating a profound life transition with all its joys and challenges. Josy met us exactly where we were, without judgment, and created a safe space for us to ask questions, express concerns, and adjust to our new reality. Her deep understanding of the needs of families with newborns was evident in countless small but meaningful ways. She anticipated our needs before we even voiced them, whether it was preparing a nourishing snack, tidying up the kitchen so we could rest, or simply sitting with me during a difficult moment and offering reassurance. She recognized when I needed encouragement and when I just needed someone to listen. Josy also showed remarkable sensitivity to the dynamics of our whole family. She understood that postpartum support isn't just about the baby—it's about caring for parents as they adjust to their new roles, managing recovery, sleep deprivation, and the emotional roller coaster of those first weeks. Her presence brought a sense of calm and competence that allowed us to feel more confident as parents. What I valued most was her genuine warmth and the way she made us feel seen and supported as individuals, not just clients. Josy truly cares about the families she works with, and that compassion shines through in everything she does. Having her by our side during those precious early weeks was an invaluable gift.

- S M.

Gracious Bay Area Doulas

Walnut Creek, California

5.0 (4 reviews)

Gracious Bay Area Doulas

5 years of experience
Accepts insurance
$65/hr

At Gracious Bay Area Doulas, we believe every mother deserves to be supported with compassion, dignity, and grace during the postpartum journey. Guided by our commitment to providing caring hands and faithful hearts, we partner with families as they navigate the beautiful and often challenging transition into parenthood. Led by a Certified Postpartum Doula with a professional background in Pharmacy and Health Care Administration, our practice combines healthcare knowledge with practical, hands-on support to help families welcome and care for their new baby with confidence. We recognize that the postpartum period is a critical time for healing, adjustment, and bonding, and our goal is to help families feel informed, supported, and empowered every step of the way. Faith, compassion, and service are at the heart of everything we do. While honoring families from all backgrounds, we strive to reflect grace, integrity, patience, and genuine care in every interaction. At Gracious Bay Area Doulas, it is our privilege to walk alongside families during one of life's most meaningful journeys, helping mothers heal, families thrive, and new beginnings flourish.

Recent review

Faith had truly become an extension of our family for the first 3 months of our daughter's life! We started working with Faith when our daughter was less than a week old, and from the beginning she brought such a calm, confident, and warm presence into our home during the chaotic time of early parenthood with a newborn. She is very trustworthy, prompt, and reliable. For my husband, she represented safety and stability as he knew our daughter was safe and we could have a good night's sleep. For me, she was also a trusted mentor into motherhood - both from her professional training and her experience of being a mother to 3 children. She helped me navigate breastfeeding/pumping and how much my baby was eating, she taught us how to calm an overtired crying newborn, hunger vs overtiredness cues, transitioning from a swaddle to a sleep sack, fussiness from vaccines, and more. After 3 months of working with Faith 5 nights per week, we felt like we were finally ready to 'graduate' from Faith and tackle parenthood ourselves as our daughter was easily sleeping 9+ hour stretches at night in her bassinet! I cannot overstate how grateful we are to Faith for her help and guidance with our daughter during those first 3 months - we would have been lost (and extremely sleep deprived) without her. I know she enabled me to be a better mother to my daughter during the days and to have time heal from birth. Faith will be one of our first calls if we have more children! We would love the opportunity to work with her again. 

- Gabby T.

Kaila Stephens

Pleasanton, California

5.0 (4 reviews)

Kaila Stephens

12 years of experience
Packages from $200 · $60/hr

Hello families! Congratulations on your new addition(s)! My name is Kaila Stephens and I am a Newborn Care Specialist and Certified Lactation Counselor located in the San Francisco Bay Area. I have provided care for infants and their families for over a decade. I have a background in Early Childhood Care & Education, advanced newborn care training, and expertise in feeding, sleep shaping, parent education, nursery and baby registry set-up. Bringing new life into the world is an incredibly special and exciting time for families, but it is also a vulnerable time. My practice is judgement-free. My primary goal is to provide your family with the most support and knowledge possible to set you up for parenting success. When I am not caring for babies or running my business, I enjoy going to the park with my son, walking my dog Nemo, tending to my garden or reading a good book.

Recent review

Kaila is simply amazing. She was with our family for the first ~15 weeks after our daughter was born (initially for 10 weeks but we loved her so much we extended). As first time parents we were nervous and a little crazed when our little one was born early at 38 weeks - from the moment she entered our home Kaila brought a calming warm energy. Not only was she incredibly sweet with our daughter, she was kind and supportive of us. We had great peace of mind knowing our little one was well cared for at night (and we got much needed rest!). Additionally in her capacity as a certified lactation consultant she gave advice and support, helping us monitor baby’s weight and advising on pumping / increasing supply when we struggled with breastfeeding. Kaila was sweet with our pups as well - she truly became a part of our family. We couldn’t have asked for a better person to help us through our first few months adapting as new parents. We’re more than happy to recommend her to any family looking for a reliable, kind and knowledgeable caretaker!

- Erin B.

Susan Galloso

Richmond, California

Susan Galloso

17 years of experience
Packages from $350

Susi Galloso is a dedicated and skilled professional with a passion for supporting individuals and families during the transformative journey of childbirth and early parenthood. With a wealth of experience and expertise, she has been serving as a birth doula since 2010, a massage therapist since 2009, and an infant massage educator since 2014. In her role as a birth doula, Susi provides invaluable emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant mothers and their partners throughout the labor and delivery process. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of birthing techniques, relaxation methods, and comfort measures, she helps ease the anxieties and discomforts associated with labor, fostering a calm and empowering environment for the birthing individual. Her compassionate and empathetic nature allows her to connect deeply with her clients, understanding their unique needs and preferences to tailor her support accordingly. As a massage therapist, Susi possesses a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and various massage techniques. Since 2009, she has been utilizing her expertise to offer therapeutic massages that aid in relieving tension, promoting relaxation, and enhancing overall well-being. Her massages are not only a source of physical relief but also an opportunity for her clients to rejuvenate their minds and bodies, fostering a sense of balance and harmony. Additionally, Susi is a certified infant massage educator, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing the bond between parents and their infants. Utilizing her extensive knowledge of infant development and touch therapy techniques, she educates parents on the benefits of infant massage. Through guided instruction, she empowers parents to utilize gentle massage techniques that can aid in soothing and relaxing their babies, improving sleep patterns, and promoting healthy growth and development. Susi's combined expertise as a birth doula, massage therapist, and infant massage educator showcases her holistic approach to supporting individuals and families during crucial life stages. Her dedication to enhancing the well-being of her clients, coupled with her compassionate and nurturing nature, make her an invaluable resource for those seeking expert guidance and support on their journey to parenthood and beyond.

Gena Perdue

Mill Valley, California

5.0 (3 reviews)

Gena Perdue

23 years of experience
Accepts insurance
Responds within a day
$85/hr

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I’m Gena Perdue, a certified birth and postpartum doula serving families across the Bay Area. I specialize in advocacy for better birth outcomes, overnight postpartum care and recovery, newborn care, and pediatric sleep hygiene. My practice is client-led, evidence-based, unconditional, and free of agenda. Your family deserves care that meets you exactly where you are. I believe that when new parents feel supported, informed, and well-rested, the entire family thrives. I bring a background in community and organizational leadership, having spent years helping families and professionals build systems of care that strengthen both individuals and communities. I’m certified, CPR and Standard First Aid certified, trained in emergency preparedness, insured, background-checked, and have current vaccinations. I'm calm, capable, and ready to help so you can feel supported, confident, and well-rested during your transition to parenthood.

Recent review

Gena was an absolute gift as we navigated the first few weeks of our son’s life. Having had a very difficult postpartum period with my first son, I did all I could to prepare for the birth of my second son which is how I met Gena. She was able to immediately put me at ease when my anxiety was front and center and helped me get centered when things felt extra difficult. She had faith in me when I wasn’t so sure and we talked about life and newborns striking a perfect balance of knowledge and friendliness that is hard to find. If you get the chance to work with Gena you will be all the better for it. I highly recommend her.

- Phyllis S.

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