Placenta Encapsulation Specialists in Washington, DC

Hello. My name is Shanaée Walker, proud owner of Rooted in Birth located in the DMV area. I’m a certified birth and postpartum doula with specialized experience supporting twin pregnancies and families welcoming premature infants. I’m also a certified placenta encapsulation specialist and a trained newborn care specialist, offering comprehensive, evidence-based support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. As a military spouse and a mom of three, I understand the importance of adaptability, compassion, and strong support systems. My passion is walking alongside families during one of life’s most transformative seasons, providing calm, informed, and nurturing care every step of the way.

Hey beautiful souls! I'm the Dope Doula DMV, your holistic full-spectrum doula and womb wellness coach. ✨ I'm passionate about empowering Black mamas and birthing people on their journeys, from conception to postpartum and beyond. I believe in honoring the sacred wisdom of the womb and using holistic practices to cultivate self-love, informed choices, and a birth experience filled with knowledge, power, and joy. Let's connect and co-create the birthing and wellness experience you deserve!

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!

I’m Chaya, a DMV native, proud mama of three, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), student midwife, and birth worker with a deep passion for supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. My journey into birth work began in 2019 when I earned my CNA license, NRP/CPR certification, and full-spectrum doula certification. I originally entered nursing with the goal of becoming a labor and delivery nurse, but in 2020, I began apprenticing as a student and birth assistant alongside a local home birth midwife. That experience completely shifted the way I viewed birth and helped me develop a deeper appreciation for physiologic, intrinsic birth and the importance of protecting a birthing person’s autonomy. Since then, I’ve continued growing both in nursing and midwifery. I became a Licensed Practical Nurse while continuing my education toward my ultimate goal of becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). I’ve also spent several years working in a local hospital’s Labor & Delivery unit while running Nova Birth & Wellness, which has allowed me to experience birth from both the clinical and community-based sides of maternity care. As a doula, placenta encapsulation specialist, birth photographer, student midwife, nurse, and perinatal advocate, my heart has always been centered around supporting mothers during one of the most sacred and vulnerable seasons of their lives. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of attending more than 200 births in different roles, and every experience has continued to strengthen my passion for this work. While I have a special love for natural, physiologic birth, I believe there is no single “right” way to give birth. Every person deserves to feel informed, respected, supported, and in control of the decisions surrounding their body and their baby. Whether someone chooses a home birth, hospital birth, epidural, induction, cesarean, or an unmedicated birth, my role is to help them understand their options and feel confident in the path that feels right for them. Advocacy is at the core of everything I do. My goal is to create a relationship built on trust, safety, and genuine connection so my clients know they can confide in me, depend on me, and feel completely supported during such an intimate time in their lives. Many of the relationships I’ve formed with families have grown into lasting friendships, which is one of the things I value most about this work. My dream is to become a CNM and eventually open my own practice where I can provide families with compassionate, evidence-based, autonomous maternity care and offer the option of home birth—the same kind of empowering experience I was blessed to have with my own children.

Hi, I'm Vee. I am a Perinatal Health Care specialist (Doula) Birth Activist, and Cultural Anthropologist. My work is in: Birth, Holistic Postpartum Care, Traditional Holistic Postpartum Care, and Belly Binding Practice. I specialize in the wholeness and wellness of an expectant mother. I believe when a Mother is put first -loved on, cared for and nurtured well...then her whole home and family then is okay as well!

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. 

Nikita Wise is a Traditional Apprentice Midwife serving families throughout the Baltimore–Washington region with a deep commitment to culturally centered, respectful, and holistic maternity care. Widely recognized for her dedication to Black and minority families, Nikita has spent over a decade supporting women through fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with compassion, clinical rigor, and ancestral reverence. Born and raised in Baltimore City, Nikita later relocated to suburban Maryland at age 19, where her personal journey into motherhood profoundly shaped her professional calling. Becoming a mother at 16 with the steadfast support of her married parents, she developed an early passion for maternal health and a determination to serve women during some of life’s most transformative moments. This experience inspired her pursuit of a career in labor and delivery and ultimately midwifery. In 2013, Nikita began her formal clinical training by earning her Nursing Assistant Certification at the Gandhi School in Pikesville, Maryland. She then advanced her medical training at Brown’s Career Institute, where she became both a Patient Care Technician and Certified Phlebotomist. That same year, she entered the field of obstetrics as an OB Surgical Technician at Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C., completing the hospital’s in-house Surgical Technology Program and receiving extensive on-the-job training in high-acuity maternity care. Over the next five years, Nikita worked across multiple labor and delivery units throughout the DMV, including Sibley Memorial Hospital, The George Washington University Hospital, St. Agnes Hospital, Providence Hospital, StoneSprings Hospital Center, Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, and MedStar Montgomery Medical Center. During this time, she gained firsthand experience in operative births, maternal emergencies, and interdisciplinary obstetric care—knowledge that continues to inform her midwifery practice today. In 2019, recognizing the limitations of hospital-based care for families seeking autonomy and holistic support, Nikita transitioned from surgical technology to birthwork as a doula and student midwife. That same year, she founded DMV Birth Doulas, LLC, a full-spectrum doula practice dedicated to empowering families through personalized, evidence-informed, and culturally affirming support. In 2020, Nikita launched The Black Doula Training, LLC, an accessible, low-cost educational program designed to increase diversity in the birthwork profession and prepare aspiring doulas for professional practice. Many graduates of the program have gone on to serve families in community settings and within DMV Birth Doulas’ professional network. In December 2024, Nikita successfully fulfilled the hands-on training and skills checklist requirements ine PEP process as an Apprentice Midwife including observing 10 births as a doula, assisting in 20 births as an assistant under licensed midwives, and attending 30 births as a primary student under direct supervision.  Throughout her training, she worked under the mentorship and clinical supervision of respected midwives across the Mid-Atlantic region, including: Bayla Berkowitz, CNM (Pikesville, MD) Monika Karaosman, CPM (Berlin, MD) Elder Midwife Maureen McIver, CPM (Pennsylvania) Ryann Bernard, CPM, JD (Alexandria, VA) These mentors evaluated her clinical skills, birth outcomes, and professional competencies, affirming her readiness to practice midwifery in community and out-of-hospital settings. Today, Nikita is the owner of The House of Gloria Fertility & Birth, a sacred, boutique midwifery and fertility practice in Ellicott City, Maryland. Her work blends traditional midwifery principles with modern clinical standards, offering families holistic fertility care, homebirth midwifery, and comprehensive postpartum support. She is particularly known for her dedication to informed consent, physiologic birth, and culturally grounded care that honors Black maternal health and ancestral birth traditions. Nikita remains deeply invested in education, mentorship, and advocacy for maternal health equity. Through her clinical practice, training programs, and community outreach, she continues to expand access to respectful, culturally aligned birth care for families across Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

I am a pro-life doula and childbirth educator (including SpBCPE, BRM pro). I am passionate about walking alongside women and their partners with individualized support, encouragement, and evidence-informed care that honors the body’s God-given ability to birth. I spent years in the healthcare setting compassionately caring for others before making the switch to support women in this most special time in their lives. I hold a deep concern for the disturbing ethical changes our American healthcare system and seek to make a difference. I believe every life is sacred—and every mother deserves gentle, informed, and respectful care. I specialize in: *Doula care rooted in compassion and medical truths *Perinatal Parent Advocacy *Clients/partners who are Neurodiverse *Empowered individualized education for physiologic (natural) birth including peri-natal activities and positioning for pregnancy/birth *Partner-inclusive support, education and advocacy skills *Informed decisions, birth plans and birth rehearsal *Lactation counseling, flange fitting *Placental Encapsulation *Care of special needs babies, NICU informed doula

I am a mom, daughter, a sister, an aunt, a cat mom, taco chaser, lover of travel, and a proud doula. My family and I live in the DC area, though I will always and forever remain a Georgia girl at heart. My passion has always been in healthcare and championing people to make the best decisions for themselves based on unbiased support and evidenced based information. My goal is that each and every family I support feels confident and empowered walking into and away from their birth experience.

We are a team of Perinatal Professionals (Doulas, Childbirth Educators, Yoga Instructors, Mental Health Therapists, Lactation Consultants, Sleep Specialists, Placenta Encapsulation Specialists, etc.) supporting families in great transition that is parenthood. Located in Baltimore, MD, we serve families locally, and around the globe - online! www.wombroom.mom

Hello, I’m Ranjani (pronounced "Runjini"), founder of Nurtured Beginnings Doula Care. I am a Certified Birth Doula through DONA International and A Woman Who Serves, a mother of four and grandmother of three, and a woman devoted to serving families with grace and compassion. I believe birth is a sacred, God-designed journey — a powerful expression of His love and creativity. Through Nurtured Beginnings Doula Care, I provide nurturing, faith-centered, and evidence-based support to families throughout Northern Virginia and within about an hour of Lovettsville, VA 20180. I also offer placenta encapsulation services to promote balance and healing in the postpartum season. My heart is to walk beside you with peace, encouragement, and prayerful presence — helping you feel supported, confident, and cared for as you welcome new life into the world. “For with God, all things are possible.” — Matthew 19:26

Birth Your Way maternity services was founded on the importance of providing physical/mental/emotional support, and the knowledge needed to make informed decisions during pregnancy and the labor & delivery process. My goal is to educate, empower, and support mothers, their partners, and even their families, so you feel safe, heard, and confident. As an experienced certified Birth Doula serving families since 2015, I offer personalized support for any gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, etc. I am also a certified placenta encapsulation specialist offering placenta services for your postpartum needs.

Hi! I’m Mel, a full-spectrum doula, lactation peer counselor, and student midwife based in the DMV and supporting Florida birthing mamas and birthing people as well. With lived experience in both a cesarean and a VBAC/home birth, along with six years of herbal training, I integrate evidence-based care, trauma-informed support, and holistic traditional practices. I attend all births and prioritize improving outcomes for Black birthers through clear guidance and informed decision-making. My goal is to help families navigate pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding with confidence, accurate information, and consistent advocacy. Birth should be calm, peaceful, and empowering no matter which turn it takes. When I'm not being a doula, I'm being a chef ♡

Hi! I’m Samantha. Certified birth and postpartum doula located in the DMV. I am also currently a student midwife. I LOVE everything birth!! I believe that birth should be your way and every person should be informed to make the best decisions for you and baby. I create a judgement free zone for both birthers and support persons while fully supporting educationally, physically and emotionally. During my free time I am finding new adventures with my girls and husband. I’m also a dance teacher and high school cheerleading coach.

Founder of The Momager Co. Definition: Momager: /mAH-mUH-JeRR Noun: Somebody who Manages the needs of a new or soon to be parent supporting them through fertility, pregnancy, birth, parenthood and everything in between. Hello everyone. My name is Taja Iglesias but you can call me Tay. I am a mother, full spectrum doula, doula trainer, lactation professional, placenta practitioner and soon-to-be midwife! My career supporting families in all capacities of parenthood led me to becoming the founder of The Momager Co. - a doula & parenting support agency. Experiencing disparities as an Afro-Latinx LGBTQ parent and walking with many families going through similar challenges with little to no access to support, led me to expanding The Monager Co and adding in our non profit - The Momager Collective: sister company to The Momager Co specifically serving low-income parents and families of underrepresented communities like the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ families. When it comes to caring for clients, our Momagers provide bespoke care that is tailored to your needs. We meet you where you are mentally and emotionally, in order to best educate, prepare and support you for the journey to come. We're here for you and excited to be a part of your story!

As a mother of five, healer, and birthkeeper, I bring over 22 years of experience caring for infants and young children, starting at age 13 when I cared for my nephew. As the youngest of seven siblings, I welcomed my first child, my “soul twin,” at 15; we share the same birthday, deepening our bond. I am dedicated to empowering women through holistic, nurturing, and informed birth experiences. I am the visionary founder of She Who Births All, Inc offering birth planning, herbal wellness, lactation support, and spiritual birth preparation. I also founded Bee Haven Holistic Health and Wellness Clinic, committed to whole-family care from infancy through end-of-life. With training as a Board-Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine (DNM), Doctor of Holistic Health (DHH), and Master Herbalist, I blend ancient wisdom with modern care. Currently, I study midwifery at Mercy In Action College of Midwifery. Whether birthing at home, a center, or hospital, I honor your vision with compassion and holistic support.

Please contact me via my website: www.sunflowerswellness.com, not on Bornbir! Lindsey Vick is a Blissful Bellies™ Certified Birth Doula with a strong background in hypnosis, energy healing, and Spinning Babies. She is also an experienced childbirth educator, doula mentor, Blissful Bellies™ Doula trainer as well as the Blissful Bellies™ Director of Birth Services and the co-founder of HelloBirth® Hypnobirthing. The Blissful Bellies™ birthing philosophy is that every parent deserves to have unconditional, judgement-free, nurturing support as they navigate this most precious and exciting time. Lindsey and the Blissful Bellies™ doulas at Sunflowers are committed to helping their clients find joy in each encounter and bliss in their births! Our doulas offer birth and postpartum services as well as birth photography, hypnobirthing childbirth education classes, and other birth services and supplies. Lindsey has been a birth coach since 2006, a childbirth educator since 2010, and a birth doula since 2013. She offers both in person and virtual doula services. Lindsey lives in Alexandria, VA, and when not helping pregnant families, she enjoys spending time with her family (spouse, two teenagers, two dogs, two cats, one bunny), listening to true crime podcasts, float tanks, cooking, and playing sudoku!

Hello Bestie, My name is Ms Nay and I am a Christian based Full spectrum doula. I provide emotional, physical, informational and spiritual support to individuals and families throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and early postpartum period. What drove me to become a doula is watching my sisters receive prenatal care that was concerning so I wanted to be apart of the change apart of affordable luxury care for families of different financial backings but receiving care that stands out. To have a support bestie who is resourceful and passionate about reproductive care. I offer a wide range of services, including education, advocacy, comfort measures, photographs and guidance to help ensure a positive birth experience and smooth transition into parenthood.

I can't remember a time when I was not passionate about family issues, and particularly family health. I had my first child at a young age, and found the perinatal landscape entirely bewildering. Mostly alone, I had no idea what was happening to me and my baby, or how to provide for him once he was born (and later, when he was quite sick). The experience strengthened my desire to support others who find themselves similarly lost at the hands of an impersonal medical institution. ​ ​​ I am committed to helping families access evidence-based information for informed decision-making, and to helping improve the birth experience for all families. I serve families of all types, and I specialize in trauma-informed care, bereavement support, disability advocacy, and neurodivergence, Additionally, I am conversant in Spanish, French, and American Sign Language (ASL). The journey into familyhood should be a time of joy, love, and familial and community support. I founded Family Ways with the intention to help bring such an experience to any individual and family who wants and needs it, and to strengthen the family bond—no matter what shape the family takes. I am honored to have been able to share in the lives of so many beautiful families, if for just this one crucial moment.

Hello everyone, my name is La'Cara Miles-Chandler but I go by Cara. I am a Certified Birth Doula and specialize in Placenta Encapsulation. I am located in Vienna, VA and offer services in the surrounding areas. Birth is a powerful, sacred journey — one that deserves tenderness, support, and unwavering care. I offer gentle, heart-centered doula support and placenta encapsulation services to help you feel grounded, informed, and deeply cared for as you bring new life into the world.