LGBTQ+ Affirming Doulas in Santa Monica, CA

Hi, I’m Maribel, a DONA International-certified birth doula and birth photographer based in Irvine, serving Orange County and select surrounding communities in South Los Angeles County/South Bay, the western Inland Empire, and North County San Diego. I didn’t always know what a doula was. I found this work because I needed that kind of support myself, and experiencing what it felt like to have someone calm, familiar, and fully in my corner changed the way I understood birth. Eventually, it changed the direction of my work too. Today, I try to offer families that same sense of steadiness and connection. Before labor, we build a relationship and practice tools so the day feels more familiar. During birth, I adapt to what you need: hands-on comfort, positioning, breathing and relaxation, experience with different tools, a softer ambiance for relaxation, partner coaching, and support around informed decisions. I am especially intentional about partners; my role is to support them, not take their place, so they can spend less energy wondering what to do and more energy simply being your partner. After birth, I stay connected with early postpartum care for the families whose births I attend, including emotional, educational, and practical support within my scope. Photography comes from my love of real-life storytelling. Birth is so absorbing that there are parts of your own story you may not get to see while you are living them: the looks, the gestures, or the small moments surrounding the first time you meet your baby. My documentary approach is quiet and unobtrusive, preserving those pieces so you can return to them later. Birth photography may be booked on its own or woven into doula care. My broader full-spectrum doula work also includes standalone abortion support, pregnancy loss, and infant loss support. Eligible doula services may be covered through Medi-Cal or select commercial insurance benefits.

Hi, I’m Susy, founder of Baby N Doula Care. I’m a certified postpartum doula and lactation educator, with specialized training in newborn care and NICU support. With over 18 years of experience, I provide thoughtful, evidence-based care to help families feel confident, supported, and well-rested during the early weeks at home. My approach is calm, respectful, and tailored to each family’s unique needs, offering both practical guidance and emotional support throughout the postpartum journey.

I'm Brazilian, wife and a mom of two girls. My cultural Background and my daughter's birth experiences are deeply connected to my decision to become a doula. Growing up, I used to listen to my mother's birth stories, which helped me see childbirth as a grand and beautiful event. For me, the idea of giving birth was always sacred - but it was through the births of my two daughters that I truly understood what it means to give birth. After my second birth, I knew I wanted to become the kind of support person who had been essential to me during my own experience. In 2021 I began walking the path to become a Doula.

To me the most important thing about this work is the human touch. Having grown up attending births in my family, I am a supportive, intuitive experienced doula who centers the whole family. You are the parent, not the patient to me. I focus on helping you move your body in ways that will help bring the baby down, using my hands, heart, and breath work at the center of my care. I have experience with many community births at home and in birthing centers (Simi Valley Birth Center and the Brooklyn Birthing Center), as well was with many hospital births in Los Angeles, Ventura, New York City, and Seattle. I am passionate about giving normal, humanizing service and advocacy to disabled and high risk parents to center your voice, needs, and access from start to finish. In order to provide a stronger service within the disability community, I work with a partner or group.

Hi! I am a lactation consultant and Doula (birth and Postpartum). I started my career as a medical assistant in an Intergrative/Holistic Pediatric clinic. I loved working with families and after experiencing breastfeeding issues with my first baby I decided to pursue a career in lactation. I have worked in pediatrics, hospital and home visits supporting families pursue their feeding goals. My next step in my career was fulfilling my dream of becoming a doula and supporting families prenatally and through postpartum. I feel truly blessed doing the best job in the world. I can't wait to connect with you and be a part of your journey <3

Hi, I'm Jaime! As a postpartum doula, PCD(DONA), I support new families with educational, emotional, and physical support. Within the unique needs of each family, I aim to establish an environment that promotes bonding, healing, and rest, while also educating on infant feeding, newborn care, family integration, baby milestones, and sleep. I also assist with light housekeeping and meal preparation. I have completed the following DONA International-approved training: Bini Birth DONA Approved Birth Doula Training (I'm now working solely as a postpartum doula), Sierra Childbirth Institute’s DONA International Postpartum Doula Training, Breastfeeding Basics for Doulas through Bini Birth, and Bini Birth's Childbirth Education Class. I am also excited about my journey towards becoming an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and have completed both the LES (Lactation Education Specialist) course, and Lactation Consultant Education course, through Breastfeed LA. I am excited to use the knowledge I gained to provide extra support for the breast/chestfeeding relationships of new families. As a mother of two, this work is deeply important to me. I enjoy supporting families as they find their voices as new parents. I have a past enriched with supporting births as a birth doula, and bring firsthand experience to the full spectrum of birth preparedness, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. I view my role as a doula as one that protects and holds sacred the journey of each family, knowing it will become a cherished memory for my clients.

Birth is not a personality trait. It's practice, clarity, and support. I'm a second-generation birthworker and Full Spectrum Doula with nine years of experience. I walk with families from conception through postpartum, and my practice is rooted in trauma-informed care, Black and Brown resilience, and care for all bodies and identities — including size inclusivity and LGBTQ+ affirming support. I specialize in helping parents navigate unmedicated births, VBACs, cesarean recovery, and parents over 35. As a Childbirth Educator, Community Lactation Educator, and Maternal Health Consultant, I meet you where you are with high-touch, personalized care. As a yogi, I weave mindfulness, breath-work, and movement into care, helping families find balance and resilience in real time. Whether you're preparing for birth, navigating postpartum, or a partner trying to make sense of it all, you're welcome here. Let's nurture this journey together.

Hello there! My name is Cynthia Alvarado and I identify as she/her. I'm happily married to a wonderful man, and we have a beautiful 12-year-old boy, who is currently in middle school. My journey in Baby Night Care began in 2011 when a dear friend of mine, who is a Doula, recommended that I take a Doula training course. At that time, I had no idea what a doula was, but I was fascinated when she explained it to me. I loved babies and was excited to work with them and nurture families in their postpartum journey. When I took my doula training, I was eighteen and pregnant with my son Julian Alvarado! Julian was my first experience with newborns, and it was an incredible experience for me. As I was young and had no work experience, I started as a part-time daytime nanny. Later on, I began doing night nanny work while still working daytime. I slowly started building my experience and resume, and eventually started working full-time night-time only as a postpartum doula. Since then, I have continued my education in newborn and postpartum care, and I've become a Certified Doula, a Certified Newborn Specialist, a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, and I've earned a degree in Child Development, specializing in infant care. I have been working with families for over ten years now, and I absolutely love it. I have combined all my careers to provide personalized care that fulfills each family's unique needs. I offer emotional and lactation support, education, resources, empowerment, and nurturing for the whole family, as well as baby care services. If you need any help or support, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'm here to help!

Kelly Lorene Flanary (she/her) a queer full-spectrum doula, community herbalist, and visual + healing artist in Los Angeles, California.

My childcare philosophy centers on creating a calm, loving, and supportive environment where both babies and parents can thrive. I believe that responsive, gentle care builds a foundation of trust and security for infants, while empowering parents with confidence and rest during the early days of parenthood. Every family is unique, and I approach each home with flexibility, empathy, and respect for individual values and rhythms. My goal is to nurture not just the baby. Still, the entire family unit, offering practical help, emotional reassurance, and peaceful routines that make the transition into new parenthood feel manageable and joyful.

Hi, I’m Charlotte! I’m a birth doula and maternal health advocate based in Los Angeles. The word “doula” comes from the In Greek word, δούλα which means “woman who serves” and I live this wholeheartedly. My doula approach is deeply attuned to you. This is your experience. As a 200hr trained yoga teacher, I weave in movement, breath work, and mindfulness, while staying rooted in evidence-based care. I’m research obsessed! I studied at Brown University for college and I am passionate about education and maternal health advocacy. I remain closely engaged with current research and continue my education through ongoing trainings and workshops. I am committed to showing up for my LA community. Alongside my doula practice, I serve as a Client Coordinator at Joy in Birthing Foundation, helping connect under-resourced families with doula support across Los Angeles. I offer pro bono care through organizations like Harvest Home and within the foster care system. Outside of birth work, you can find me with a coffee in hand in Silver Lake, in a yoga or barre class, knitting, or hiking in Griffith Park. I wake up everyday feeling deeply grateful to be a doula and serving the women and people around me in such a transformative time in their lives. I have the deepest appreciation and respect for each person I support. It would be an honor to support you and your family wherever you’re at in the journey. I want to hear about your biggest wishes and dreams for your birth and postpartum experience — it can all be creative, imaginative, and beautiful. Let’s connect!

I am a doula who believes in compassionate and supportive care above all else. My approach is rooted in non-judgmental principles, ensuring that every birthing journey is respected as a unique and personal experience. You'll receive multiple prenatal sessions and a postpartum visit as part of my services. Thank you for considering me to be part of your journey!

I am a proud wife and mother of 3. I love helping women and families in their journey to/through parenthood by giving support prenatally, during labor & postpartum! I feel it is imperative for parents to have the support they need to ensure they have the best experience possible during a big transition like having a family or extending your family.

Hello! my name is Anika Raghani, and I’m a Birth and Postpartum Doula based in Los Angeles. I’m passionate about supporting families through every stage of their journey with compassion, respect, and care.My approach is holistic and parent-led—I believe that each family knows what’s best for them. I’m here to walk alongside you, offering the tools, information, and emotional support you need to make empowered, confident choices throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Creating a safe, inclusive, and judgment-free space is at the heart of my practice. When I’m not supporting families, I enjoy soaking in nature, discovering new coffee spots, and spending quality time with loved ones.

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Juli's unique background combines the intuition of traditional midwifery and a strong sense of the spiritual side of the childbearing transition. Juli is fully supportive and embraces all families of every shape, size, color, creed, background, belief, sexual or gender identity. You will find love and caring at Open Heart Midwifery. Upon availability, you may hire the midwife to support you overnight during the postpartum period. Juli brings a wealth of experience with both singletons and multiples and can help families get a good night's sleep. She can also assist with feeding/nursing and newborn care skills. If you are feeling tired and alone, please reach out. If the midwife isn't available, she can help you find someone who is so you can access the support you need.

I am a Perinatal Care Specialist — my job is to hold space for people as they navigate reproductive health and perinatal care by providing emotional support, physical comfort, practical assistance, and non-medical care. What that may look like depends on each client's individual needs and situation. I am passionate about education and love to not only learn new things myself, but also pass on my accumulated knowledge to others. I strongly believe that knowledge is power, and support my clients in navigating the healthcare field knowing their options and alternatives so they are better able to advocate for themselves, their bodies, their families, and their choices. I started my journey in the healthcare field in 2010 when I began training as a Massage Therapist in NYC. Since then I have become a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and since moving to LA in 2017, I have turned my focus more specifically to equity for marginalized people in health and wellness. I am now a DONA International Certified Doula, California Certified Massage Therapist, a Reiki Master, Yoga Instructor, trained in the use of Essential Oils for Birth and Postpartum, and most recently became a Certified Facilitator of The Resilience Toolkit.

Hi, my name is Kristina and I have worked with babies, kids and their families for over 15 years. I have been a camp counselor, babysitter, nanny, mother's helper, assistant teacher at a Waldorf school, and now a postpartum doula. I help families in the postpartum period WITHOUT judgment and WITH kindness. I can help you with newborn care, setting up snacks, cleaning bottles or pump parts, holding the baby while you take a nap or a shower, and be a sounding board or a shoulder to cry on.

I believe that it is a huge step to trust in yourself and body in order to bring your baby earth side. You step into another mind-space and you have to allow yourself to walk through the toughest moment of your life. You may forget all of the preparations you been learning, and only do one thing the entire time, but guess what, you did it. You did what felt right for you in every step of the way. You control what you need and only you will know what’s best for you. Hi, I’m Daisy and I am the birthkeeper that supports every decision you want to make, and it sounds cliché but it’s true. My opinion doesn’t matter when it comes to your decision making, only the suggestions and knowledge behind what options you have and the choice you want to make. I’m here for you.

Hi there! I’m Simone, a body-inclusive second generation birth and postpartum doula in Los Angeles. I’m passionate about supporting birthing people of all sizes, abilities, and backgrounds. My care is rooted in body liberation, emotional safety, and grounded, intuitive support so you feel deeply seen, respected, and celebrated throughout your journey. I trained and received my certification as a full-spectrum birthworker through the AAIMM/Birthing People Foundation in partnership with LA County Public Health. That experience deeply shaped my approach to culturally aware, compassionate, and community-centered care. I believe everyone deserves a birth experience that feels safe, empowering, and aligned with their vision. I offer emotional support, evidence-based education, and hands-on tools to help you trust your body and move through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with confidence and ease. Outside of birthwork, I’m a storyteller and intuitive guide, and I bring that same grounding, heart-centered presence into how I support families. I’d love to connect and hear more about the kind of experience you’re hoping for!