Sarah Epstein

Postpartum Doula
Thousand Oaks, California
11 years of experience
5.0
About me

Sarah began her journey into postpartum doula practice in 2015 through Birth Arts International and has since continued her education, becoming certified in Infant/Adult CPR and as a baby-wearing technician. She regularly attends workshops to ensure that she provides her clients with the most current and comprehensive support available. Growing up with a brother who has a non-verbal disability, Sarah learned from an early age to intuitively read and respond to unspoken needs. Witnessing her mother's nurturing care and trusting her own instincts have shaped Sarah's approach to providing compassionate, intuitive support to families, especially those who may struggle to express their needs. Her passion for newborn care, sparked by her personal experience as a mother of two, drives her work. Sarah offers services ranging from breastfeeding support to establishing sleep routines, helping parents feel confident and empowered in their journey with a new baby. The "village" of support she had after her children's births inspired her to offer others the same level of care and guidance. Outside of her work, Sarah enjoys spending time with her family & friends, playing with the family dogs, being outdoors, cooking, and traveling.

Education

An accredited educator in Infant and Early Childhood Education (2025)

Certification and training

Birth Arts International (2017)

Certified in Infant and Adult CPR and AED (2024)

Credentials
CPD
Specialties
Anxiety Babywearing Breastfeeding Support Cesarean, Episiotomy and Scar Pain Infant Care Newborn Care Postpartum Care Postpartum Depression Postpartum Doula Care Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Languages

English

Service introduction

As a postpartum doula, my priority is to offer whatever support the birth person (mother) needs. That said, it's just as essential to provide support for the whole family. Whether it's integrating an older sibling, a beloved pet, or the other parent, my goal is to meet the families where they are in the postpartum journey. I offer basic newborn care and education, guidance on breast/chest feeding, and support for transitioning to an older sibling, an extra set of hands.

Packages
Organization/Nesting
Planning, set-up, and being prepared for the baby's arrival can be so much fun! The daunting part might be... all those cute clothes, blankets, linens, and more are now laundry. Not to mention, the toys need a place to call home, the kitchen cabinets might need reorganizing for all the new bottles, etc. -Wash, Fold, & Organize All Baby Clothing, Blankets, & Linens -Organizing Baby Items (in common spaces) -Diaper Bag Organization & “On-The-Go” Preparedness Ideally, being set and ready in the nursery/baby's room 2 to 6 weeks before the newest family member's arrival. Two 4-hour sessions are offered at $600.00. Any additional hours requested/added to a set shift will be at a rate of $50.00 per hour.
$600.00
USD Flat rate
Postpartum Doula
At this time, ONLY Daytime Support is offered. All shifts are offered at a minimum of 4 hours. Any additional hours beyond the scheduled shift are $50.00 per hour. (weekends excluded)** Contract 2-Week Commitment Minimum (A contract may exceed more than two weeks, but no less than two weeks) Shift Rate $250.00 Per Shift
$250.00
USD Flat rate
Ratings and reviews
Average
5.0
# of Reviews
6
5.0

My experience with Sarah was VERY positive. Upon meeting for the first time, we instantly connected and eventually bonded to the point where Sarah felt like extended family. I hired her to care for my infant baby girl for a few hours a day while my husband transitioned back to work after paternity leave and I was solo with 2 kids under 2. I needed someone for about a month to help make the transition smooth, but also look after my infant while I ran miscellaneous errands and/or tended to my 2 years old. Sarah proved herself to be an expert early on. I watched her handle my 2 month old baby girl with ease and care, so I began to let my guard down and trust her abilities. She covers all the basics (tummy time, putting baby down for nap, etc.) but does them in a way that is so attentive and full of glee that it was inspiring to watch. In addition to caring for the baby, she cooked for us, brought fresh fruit almost every visit and offered advice on different issues I was facing as a new mom of 2. Her advice was never pushy, which was great for my communication style. Lastly, she was really flexible! If I needed to switch hours or cancel, she easily accommodated with a little notice. Eventually, I ended our time together bc I needed to learn how do it on my own. I felt Sarah was doing such a good job, that I was starting to rely on her too heavily and needed to do the work myself. I would certainly recommend Sarah for families with a variety of needs - she can do it all, just ask! :)

- Chanta G

5.0

Sarah was there for us when we needed it the most. When my daughter was about four months old, my husband was working 24 hour shifts and I needed some help. She was able to start right away and was flexible enough to work with our crazy schedule. I didn't have to do the baby's laundry the entire time Sarah was with us and she gave me the chance to shower and collect myself. She was eager to help with anything I asked, even getting my freezer full of homemade baby foods. We really appreciate all the help Sarah was able to provide us.

- Natalie R

5.0

Sarah Epstein has been my doula for both of my boys. My first son was born 6/3/19 and I was an anxious new mother with very bad post partum depression and anxiety that landed me in the emergency room after not sleeping for days. Sarah came over and helped me through that very painful and embarrassing time. She showed me how to care for a new born and eased my fears and anxiety. Her help was invaluable and I don't know what I would have done without her. Honestly, her mental health guidance was also invaluable as often women's mental health is overlooked after giving birth. With my second son born just four months ago Sarah was again helpful and my rock. I had a very difficult delivery and recovery from my second C-section. My anxiety and depression was once again bad and Sarah helped me out every step of the way. She has a way of knowing exactly what I needed and catering to that. I cannot recommend her highly enough. She is empathetic, knowledgeable, kind, reassuring, non-judgmental and loyal.

- Mara Paisley

5.0

Sarah was a wonderful doula for our family as we transitioned from a family of three to a family of four. She knew exactly what we each needed and she supported each family member. She is kind, caring and knowledgeable about all things infant. She is a ray of sunshine. In addition, Sarah was wonderful with our six-year old son. My older son was beyond thrilled to finally be a big brother but also needed his own one-on-one attention after baby was born. Sarah was able to give him one-on-one attention while I attended to the baby. She also watched the baby while I took my older son out for lunch. She is a gem and any family would be very lucky to work with her!

- Laura Miller

5.0

I was hesitant to hire a doula at first because my partner doesn’t really like strangers in the house. But looking past that, I’m so happy that I had Sarah by my side after my baby was born. She was just phenomenal to have and be around! Sarah was very supportive and helpful throughout postpartum. She always respected my needs and requests while also helping me navigate this new experience (new parent here!). She gave me a sense of confidence as a new mom that I never knew I had. To just give one example, Sarah knew how important it was for me to breastfeed. I really struggled during the first week home getting baby to latch, and I remember Sarah saying that by the end of the week she was going to have my baby feeding from the breast. I didn’t believe her one bit because baby and I were struggling so much. But through her guidance, encouragement, and caring nature, she got me to my goal and baby was breastfeeding like a champion by Friday! I’m so happy to have had Sarah be part of my postpartum experience. Not only did I gain a doula, but a good friend who has continued to give me the support I need and ease any of my concerns that popped up after the fact.

- Vala Z.

5.0

From the first time I spoke with Sarah on the phone, she was genuinely interested in my family, our needs, and how she can best come alongside us in this vulnerable and meaningful time in our lives. She made the effort to continue asking me what I am most concerned about at different times in my pregnancy, and by doing that, she made me feel like I would be supported in the best way possible once my daughter was born. I emphasized how important it was that my two preschool-aged sons be supported in the transition, and she went above and beyond to connect with them and make them feel involved and important. She would take an interest in their interests and find ways to help them bond with their baby sister in a playful and sweet way. When it came to my individual needs, I felt like I could actually relax and heal when she was with us. Whether she was bathing, swaddling, rocking, soothing, helping with breastfeeding, or throwing in a load of laundry, organizing the thousand baby clothes and items, or filling my water bottle, getting me a meal, and offering her friendly presence or conversation, she really made our transition to a family of 5 so fun and meaningful. Her peaceful yet energetic, confident yet humble, and proactive yet responsive personality and approach really made the first few weeks of my daughter's life so much better. I am SO glad I decided to get a postpartum doula for my third birth, and there is no one better for us than Sarah!

- Jenna Duby

Frequently asked questions
Do you offer overnights?
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