Shannon McLaughlin - Birth Doula

About Shannon

With the birth of my niece in 2022, I began learning about the world of birth support and decided to take the jump into birth work at the start of 2025. In March, I trained as a doula with DONA at San Diego County Midwives, and knew I wanted to start my work in the volunteer space. Since May 2025, I have volunteered with UCSD's Hearts & Hands doula program and have logged over 150 hours on the Labor & Delivery floor as a badged member of the team, giving me invaluable hands-on experience for all types of births. I have continued my education in multiple areas including: -Peanut ball training with San Diego County Midwives -Spinning Babies® workshop -WIC's lactation seminar -Observed a 5-week Childbirth/Hypnobirthing course with The Birth Education Center. -I am trained in HIPAA protocols, hospital best practices, and am CPR certified. I now have plans to take what I have learned in my volunteer births and further education and start accepting private clients in 2026! Outside of the birth room I enjoy reading, hosting dinner parties, eating Wayfarer pastries at the park, puttering around the garden, and spending time with my husband and family. I am wishing you nothing but love and warmth during this transformative time and am available even if you just need someone to talk to.

Availability

Taking new clients

Due Oct – Nov 2026, Jan – Aug 2027

Confirmed 4 weeks ago

Due date close to the edge of this window?

Birth Doula packages and pricing

Birth Doula

-90 Minute Initial Appointment-- introductions, birth preferences/planning, etc. -Two 60 Minute Prenatal Visits-- understanding fears, birth education, position and comfort measures practice. -Unlimited support throughout pregnancy and postpartum, via phone, text, or email. -Labor & Birth support, including 1-2 hours during immediate postpartum. -One postpartum visit 1-2 weeks after delivery.

$1,400 USD · Flat rate

Accepted insurance

Health Net Kaiser Permanente Medi-Cal Community Health Group Anthem Blue Cross Message Shannon to confirm coverage for your plan.

What to expect

I will provide emotional and physical support during birth, as well as answer questions you may have about the process using resources of my own or within my network. I will be with you continuously during labor, birth, and postpartum. You deserve to have an empowered birth where you feel safe and secure in your choices.

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Certifications, training, and specialties

Certification and training

Birth Doula Training, DONA (2025)
Spinning Babies Foundational Workshop (2025)
Peanut Ball Training (2025)
WIC Lactation Seminar (2025)

Education

B.A. Literature/ Writing, UCSD (2014)

Languages

English

Specialties

Acupressure During Labor Birth and Lactation Birth Assistant Birth Doula Birth Support Breastfeeding Support Childbirth Education Evidence-Based Care Home Birth Hospital Birth Labor Doula Massage Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Pain Management Postpartum Adjustment Postpartum Care Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

Frequently asked questions

How much does Shannon charge?

Shannon's Birth Doula package is $1,400 USD, flat rate.

Is Shannon taking new clients?

Taking new clients. Due Oct – Nov 2026, Jan – Aug 2027. Availability was confirmed 4 weeks ago.

Does Shannon accept insurance?

Shannon lists Health Net, Kaiser Permanente, Medi-Cal, Community Health Group, and Anthem Blue Cross as accepted insurance. Message Shannon to confirm coverage for your plan.