LGBTQ+ Affirming Doulas in Van Nuys, 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.

The Asian Doula Alliance (ADA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the education of Asian doulas. ADA was founded to respond to such urgent needs by introducing structured training, stringent certification, and a robust ethical framework. Our certification process involves rigorous screening, continuous education, and clear accountability standards, ensuring doulas uphold the highest professional and ethical conduct.

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!

Add something hereAdd something hereAdd something hereAdd something hereAdd something hereAdd something hereAdd something hereAdd something hereAdd something hereAdd something hereAdd something hereAdd something hereAdd something hereAdd something hereAdd something hereAdd something hereAdd something hereAdd something here

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.

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.

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.

I'm a new Doula excited to grow into this role alongside birth-givers who are growing into parenthood! I'm fascinated by all things pregnancy and birth, and have been for as long as I can remember, and being a birth Doula is just the first step in my journey into maternal health care. I'm an environmentalist with a degree in Environmental Science & Conservation Biology from UCLA, and its no coincidence that caring for mothers feels adjacent to caring for mother-earth. My biology background also has me fascinated with the biology of birth and sharing that info with new parents as medical conditions and quirky body complications inevitably pop-up! Ask me about the syncytiotrophoblast or wharton's jelly! I can't wait to learn with you! In my free time, you'll find me playing "Quadball" (real-life quidditch), a co-ed, full contact sport adjacent to rugby and basketball that keeps me in tip-top shape to do hip-squeezes for hours! I live with my two rescue kittens and my partner. I'm passionate about amplifying other queer peoples voices and advocating for them during labor. Can't wait to connect with you!

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

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!

Hi, I’m Iliana! I’m a Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula based in Los Angeles, and at my core, I’m a student of life. I believe in curiosity, imagination, and the strength of humanity. We’ve made it this far by showing up for one another, especially during life’s most vulnerable transitions, and that belief sits at the foundation of how I approach this work. Before becoming a doula, I spent years working in film and visual storytelling. That background deeply shapes how I support families. It taught me how to read a room, stay grounded under pressure, notice subtle shifts, and honor someone’s story without trying to control it. Birth is not so different. It’s unscripted, intimate, and deeply human. My role is to be present, observant, and steady, allowing your experience to unfold in its own way. In both birth and postpartum, my focus is connection. Connection to your body, your baby, and the people supporting you. I support all kinds of births, whether hospital or home, unmedicated or with an epidural. There is no one right way. I aim to demystify the physiology of birth so the unknown feels less intimidating, while also helping you feel more at home in your body. If you have a partner, I help you move as a team, offering tools for communication, grounding, and nervous system regulation. I strive to be a calming presence you can orient toward if things feel overwhelming. Postpartum, that support continues as you settle into life with your baby and find your rhythm. I’m here to support your story with care, curiosity, and deep respect for how human this season is. :)

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!

Claire Tata is a birth & postpartum doula, newborn care specialist (NCS), lactation education specialist (LES), a Mom, and a new parent educator with a special focus on infant sleep. She offers individualized, non-medical support to new and expecting parents in the Los Angeles area. Claire provides emotional, informational, and practical support throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum in direct service of the family's goals. She is enthusiastic and knowledgeable company on the journey to welcoming your new baby.

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.

My name is JD (they/them). I am a nonbinary full-spectrum doula certified through Doula Trainings International. I support individuals and families in the greater Los Angeles Area and beyond. I am passionate about providing support during the vulnerable moments of perinatal events and outcomes. I provide evidence-based care and specialize in informed consent. I look forward to speaking with 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!

Hi I'm Ebony, registered nurse, holistic doula, lactation education specialist, maternal mental health peer support specialist, and future nutrition health coach. AKA... all the the things to help your toward a journey of health and wellness. But most importantly I am a lover of life and I help you heal your body, conceive naturally and birth with dignity. I work alongside moms and birthing persons who want a different outcome. I take a holistic and mindful approach to fertility, birth and wellness. You know your body better than anyone, and you know what’s best. So, I partner with you to explore all the options (even ones you don't think you want) to craft a more positive birth experience.