LGBTQ+ Affirming Doulas in Washington, DC

These providers list LGBTQ+ families as a specialty. Read their profiles and reviews, and message the ones who feel right for your family.

53 LGBTQ+ Affirming Doulas near Washington, DC

Anisha Thompson

Silver Spring, Maryland

5.0 (3 reviews)

Anisha Thompson

10 years of experience
Accepts insurance
Responds within an hour

Hi, I’m Anisha, a birth doula and the owner of Womb 360. For over 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting families through pregnancy, labor, birth, and the early postpartum period. My approach to doula care is centered around making sure you feel informed, heard, supported, and confident in the decisions you make for your birth. I believe every family deserves to understand their options and have someone in their corner who can provide calm, nonjudgmental support throughout the experience. Whether you’re preparing for your first birth, hoping for a different experience this time around, feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions, or simply want an experienced support person by your side, I meet you where you are. I provide in-person birth support throughout the DMV area as well as virtual doula support. Through Womb 360, I also offer personalized birth planning and pregnancy education to help families feel prepared long before labor begins. Birth can be unpredictable, but you shouldn’t have to walk into it feeling unprepared. I’d be honored to be part of your support team.

Recent review

I had such a wonderful experience with my doula! She was supportive, knowledgeable, patient, and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process. She really listened to my needs and made sure I felt heard and empowered. I’m so grateful for her guidance and would absolutely recommend her to any mom looking for a caring and dependable doula! ❤️

- Rebecca J.

Jenn Carlson

West Springfield, Virginia

5.0 (1 review)

Jenn Carlson

14 years of experience

Hey there! I'm Jenn Carlson, your friendly neighborhood doula! I call Springfield, VA home, where I live with my husband, Eddie—a rock musician who moonlights as a film critic. (Or maybe it’s the other way around? Either way, there's a lot of passionate reviews in my house!). I spent over two decades as an IT pro and a stage manager before diving headfirst into my most exciting production: raising two amazing daughters. Both of their births were high-drama—think less "rom-com" and more "medical thriller." But those experiences sparked a fire in me to help other women feel empowered during labor, and thus began my journey as a doula. Since 2013, I've been lucky enough to attend over 700 births and help nearly 300 new moms recover through the magical art of placenta encapsulation (yes, it’s a thing and it’s awesome). I'm a CBI and DONA Trained, Madriella Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, a Childbirth Educator, an AHA Infant and Pediatric First Aid and CPR instructor, a certified Reiki practitioner, and a placenta encapsulation specialist. Whew, that’s a mouthful! My goal? To be whatever my clients need. Natural-minded or more into the medical approach, I’m here to make sure you have the birth experience you want—with all the options on the table. My definition of a successful birth? One where the mom feels respected, empowered, and ready to write her own birth story, no matter how her baby arrives. Because education is key, I teach breastfeeding, infant CPR, newborn care, and childbirth classes. I've got experience with Bradley and Hypnobirthing techniques, and I bring along my trusty rebozo and TENS unit to help families through labor. I also have special training to support moms who have experienced trauma or loss, and a big, soft spot for high-risk mothers like me who need to know they have options. So whether you’re looking for a bit of guidance, a lot of support, or just someone to laugh with while you figure it all out—I’m here for you!

Recent review

Jenn possesses a unique blend of deep, evidence-based knowledge and genuine empathy, which was evident in every interaction. She took the time to understand my preferences, fears, and hopes, and tailored her support to fit my birth needs. Whether it was providing invaluable information quickly over text, offering comforting words during labor, or simply being a supportive presence throughout my birth experience, Jenn was there every step of the way. Jenn’s skill in managing both physical and emotional aspects of labor was remarkable. We felt incredibly empowered with her was by our side. She ensured that my experience was as positive and respectful as possible. Her ability to read the room, adapt to changing circumstances, and offer practical solutions made all the difference. While my birth didn’t go how I had envisioned due to unforeseen complications, I felt incredibly supported and advocated for throughout the process. At every significant decision point, we discussed and weighed the options. Jenn made sure to inform me on what is or would happen and why. In the end, I believe the decisions I made during labor were the most well-informed and safest options for the baby and me. I feel positively about my birth experience because of Jenn who was a light and guide during the process. If it weren’t for her being my doula, I’m sure I would have had a traumatic labor in which I would have continued to regret my choice in provider and hospital. We are profoundly grateful for Jenn’s commitment to our well-being throughout the pregnancy and labor experience.

- Emily L.

Tania Copper

Fairfax, Virginia

5.0 (1 review)

Tania Copper

15 years of experience

Bringing more than 13 years of invaluable experience in the healthcare industry, I am deeply devoted to offering comprehensive birth and hypno-doula services, alongside pregnancy and fertility care. My journey in healthcare has honed my understanding of the intricacies of childbirth and fertility, allowing me to provide nuanced and empathetic support to every family I have the privilege to assist. My commitment to excellence drives me to deliver personalized care that embraces the individual needs and preferences of each client, ensuring they feel empowered and supported throughout their journey.

Recent review

I had the privilege of witnessing Tania from Birthing Boutique in action during the birth of my friend's baby at INOVA hospital, and the experience was nothing short of amazing! Throughout the labor, Tania demonstrated an impressive blend of expertise and empathy. She was an invaluable resource, not only for my friend but for the entire birthing team, seamlessly collaborating with the medical staff to ensure a safe and empowering experience. Her ability to create a serene atmosphere amidst the intensity of labor was truly remarkable. What stood out most about Tania was her unwavering support of my friend's choices. She actively listened and ensured that the birthing experience aligned with my friend's preferences, even in the face of unforeseen challenges. In addition, she anticipated needs before they arose and was a pillar of strength during tough moments. Her holistic approach, which included massages, words of affirmation, and breathing techniques, were next level! I would highly reccomend her services!

- Taj G.

Phelicia Cyrus

Burke, Virginia

5.0 (2 reviews)

Phelicia Cyrus

12 years of experience
Accepts insurance

While photographing my first home birth in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2014, I naturally found myself playing the role of doula between shots. I signed up for official training the next day and never looked back. Soon after doula training, I earned a Certification in Lactation Counseling (CLC) and began helping mothers struggling with feeding issues. I have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of babies in various settings, with varying feeding challenges, and a wide range of feeding goals. Phelicia welcomes families of all dynamics, ethnicities, and backgrounds, supporting births at home, in-hospital, medicated or unmedicated, planned, and unplanned cesareans.

Recent review

I loved having Phelicia as my doula. She helped me create my birth plan, prep for breastfeeding, pumping, and bottles, and feel at peace about delivery and nursing. Even though I ended up having a cesarean due to breech presentation, she came to the hospital and was ready to help in any and every way in post-op (with care for me, baby's first latch, advice, etc.). She was wonderful at following-up with us regularly, checking in, giving advice, etc., while also giving us space to enjoy being first-time parents. She was a fantastic lactation consultant and helped us navigate our little one's tongue tie with so much wisdom. I highly recommend her for birth and lactation support. If we have another child in the DC area, I will not hesitate to hire her again.

- Hannah B.

Darshal Smith

Columbia, Maryland

5.0 (7 reviews)

Darshal Smith

10 years of experience

Hi there! My name is Darshal but you can call me Dee! I am a mom and experienced doula. I’m originally from Mississippi, and have a beautiful, blossoming teenage daughter! My journey into motherhood and the knowledge and empowerment gained through childbirth has led me to become a doula. I have a passion for helping women achieve a positive and satisfying childbirth experience. My goal as a doula is to help educate, advocate, offer support and comfort for all birthing persons during their fertility, pregnancy along with labor, ultimately leading to a positive birth and wellness experience. 

Recent review

Dee the Doula (Darshal) is simply phenomenal! From the moment we connected, Dee brought such warmth, professionalism, and genuine care to every conversation. She is not only a certified birth & postpartum doula but also a student midwife with an incredible depth of knowledge about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. Her approach is the perfect balance of evidence-based guidance and heartfelt emotional support. She listened to my needs, respected my preferences, and made me feel empowered every step of the way. Whether it was helping me create a birth plan, offering comfort measures during labor, or ensuring I had the resources I needed at home postpartum, Dee went above and beyond. Even during times when she was navigating her own personal life challenges and may not have been quite as sharp for a few moments as she’s usually 110% of the time, she still showed up fully for me and my family. We gave her space to process because what good would she be to us if she wasn’t replenished? That mutual respect only strengthened our bond, and I can truly call her family and for that, I’m deeply grateful. It’s clear that this is more than just a job for her, it’s her calling. She treats her clients like family and creates a safe, uplifting environment for both parents and baby. If you’re looking for someone who will advocate for you, educate you, and hold space for you through one of the most important times in your life, I can’t recommend Dee the Doula enough! As we grow our family, she will ALWAYS be our go to doula! I can’t wait to see her in action one day as a midwife!

- Michelle T.

Gabrielle Taylor

Frederick, Maryland

5.0 (2 reviews)

Gabrielle Taylor

5 years of experience
Accepts insurance

Hi, I’m Gabrielle Taylor. I’ve been supporting mothers and newborns since February 2022, but my passion for women’s health began in my teenage years. I’m a proud mother of two—my children were born in 2017 and 2021. **I have teamed up with Danica Day to bring quality care and support to Frederick and the surrounding areas. You can read more about Danica here: https://www.dawnandduskdoulaco.com/** My first birth, a cesarean, was emotionally traumatic and left me feeling unsupported and unheard. In contrast, the birth of my second child was an empowering VBAC, made possible by the compassionate presence of an incredible doula. That experience was truly life-changing—it showed me the profound difference that informed, empathetic support can make. Now, my mission is to offer that same kind of transformative support to other families. Whether you're navigating your first birth or welcoming another child into your home, I’m here to help you feel confident, cared for, and connected. In today’s fast-paced world, motherhood can feel isolating—but I'm here to bridge that gap so you feel supported. I’m also currently pursuing my nursing degree to deepen my knowledge and enhance the care I provide as a doula. I’m honored to walk alongside you during this pivotal journey.

Recent review

Gabby is amazing! Truly, she answered every question I had, supported our postpartum journey, explained everything throughly, had brilliant insight, talked through everything with me, and helped my little guy sleep in 4+ hour stretches every time! She is the baby sleep whisperer! Could not say nicer things about Gabby and her gentle care of not only my little guy, but my family as a whole. She truly made my whole postpartum journey so much easier!!

- Carley B.

Amelia Villada

Leonardtown, Maryland

5.0 (9 reviews)

Amelia Villada

9 years of experience

Hello everyone! My name is Amelia Villada. I am a certified HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator, Body Ready Method pro, midwife assistant, and birth doula supporting families in the Maryland counties of St. Mary's, Calvert, and Charles. I am passionate about helping families (re)connect with and embrace their power as they journey through this incredible rite of passage. My philosophy centers on being a conduit for healing, serving as a guide to help reconnect you to your own power and agency. Bearing witness to self discovery and supporting individuals and families as they navigate this journey with strength, dignity, and peace is one of my greatest joys. I believe that with the right support, every birth can be a positive and memorable experience.

Recent review

Working with Amelia as our HypnoBirthing companion was truly transformative! Over the course of two months in September and October, she guided my husband and me with such kindness, humor, compassion, and grounded presence that after each in-person session, it felt as though we had known her for years. From the very beginning, Amelia created a warm, safe, and engaging space that allowed me to move from extreme fear and uncertainty about pregnancy and birth to feeling calm, confident, and genuinely excited for my birthing day. My husband looked forward to every class, as Amelia gave him tangible, meaningful ways to support me during pregnancy and to be an active, empowered partner during labor. Her teachings not only brought the two of us closer, but also helped us deepen our bond with our baby and equipped us with tools we will continue to use throughout parenthood and in many parts of our personal and professional lives. I am forever grateful to Amelia for sharing her knowledge and expertise in HypnoBirthing. She helped us prepare for the arrival of our baby boy with calm, clarity, peace, and joy and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide on this journey. I miss her dearly but will always take her spirit and teachings with me moving forward. What a gift she is to this world!

- Jenee Johnson

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