VBAC Doulas in Washington, DC

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.

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.

My name is Kemba. I’m a compassionate, hard working Birth Doula My skill is listening to mothers and working with them for satisfaction in birth outcomes. I can meet with mothers, we will design our work proposal and birth plan. Together we will use many therapeutic modes for your birth and immediate postpartum. My specialty is bringing the safety and beauty of natural birth to your setting. Myself I gave birth without epidural in a hospital undergoing a medical induction. With the right support you can have a healthy satisfyingly birth. I serve all areas of the DMV and parts of Southern Maryland and greater Baltimore.I’m looking forward to meeting your family.

Meet me, your dedicated birthing doula at Elyvation Station! With a passion for empowering expectant parents, my philosophy revolves around ensuring your journey into parenthood is not just supported but celebrated. I bring a wealth of knowledge and compassion to guide you through the intricacies of pregnancy and birth. My commitment is not just to educate and support but to empower you to advocate for your wants and needs during this magical time. While I love and support mothers from all ethnic backgrounds I am particularly aware of the higher risks black women face during labor, and my services are designed to address and mitigate those challenges for all women. Let's embark on this transformative journey together, ensuring your birthing experience is not just memorable but one filled with strength, knowledge, and the joy of welcoming new life.

Hi, I'm Courtney, founder of Golden Hour Care LLC, supporting families across Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. As a Certified Labor Doula (CLD) and Certified Postpartum Doula (CPD) through Birth & Baby University, I walk with you from pregnancy through those first weeks home. In labor, I'm your steady presence: comfort measures, position changes, help understanding your options, and support speaking up for what you want, whether you're planning an unmedicated birth, an epidural, an induction, or a cesarean. After baby arrives, I bring 10+ years of infant care and 6+ years of postpartum experience, including twins and overnight support, so you're not navigating the fourth trimester alone. I'm CPR/BLS certified and fully insured. When I gave birth to my son, I didn't feel listened to, and that's exactly why I do this work. In birth, I want every family to feel heard, informed, and calm, even when things don't go as planned. After birth, I want you rested and confident, so you can be fully present with your baby instead of just surviving those early weeks.

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.

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 mom to be’s!! I’m Danielle and I am a State Certified Birth Doula and Community Health Worker in the NOVA (Northern Virginia) area. I have been in the healthcare field since I completed my Bachelor of Science at Marymount University where I studied Health Promotion and minored in Public Health. I was concerned during the pandemic about the alarming rates at which black women and women of color were passing away at a time that is supposed to be joyous. With not having kids of my own yet, I would like to put out the good I’d like to receive when my time comes. Educating moms and their partners with welcoming their children and feeling confident to not feel pressured to do anything other than what’s on the birth plan. Knowledge is power and I would love to support you in feeling even stronger before, during, and after your birth.

Hello! I am Nina Q. Allen, a certified and registered full-spectrum holistic doula committed to guiding individuals, families, and/or their support networks through the profound womb-wound axis of health and wellness. It is a deep honor to be considered for this beautifully important role in your journey. As your matched doula, I provide physical, emotional, and informational support—whether in-person or virtually—throughout all pregnancy outcomes, incl. the prenatal and postpartum phases. Cont'd. My goal is to ensure you feel grounded, informed, intuitively determined, and valued, with support at whatever pace feels most comfortable for you. Through a 1:1 whole-body approach, I entirely customize your care to your unique desires, intentions, needs, and preferences. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions and/or wish to connect further—I am here for you. I so look forward to flowing along this abundant path with you during this magical time on our shared planet, into the beyond.

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. 

Hi there! I’m Ashley- a Certified Birth Doula through A Woman Who Serves, a certified Childbirth Educator, Placenta Encapsulator, and Certified Breastfeeding Specialist. My philosophy of birth is that it is made to work! A mother is innately designed by God to birth her babies, and when supported in the right way, she can leave her birth feeling empowered. My goal is to support a family in whatever way they feel is most important- through education, hands-on support, emotional support, and encouragement. I would love the chance to speak with you to see how I could best serve you during this special time!

Hi everyone! I'm Liz. I'm a certified birth doula and trained postpartum doula through DONA International and founder of Empowering Birth Doula Services. I believe every expectant parent deserves a doula and to be informed so they can give birth on their terms. They deserve respect, compassion and someone to help them advocate for themselves and their choices during the most vulnerable but also the most powerful moment of their lives. They deserve to feel EMPOWERED in childbirth instead of fearful. I offer flexible payment plans, accept Tricare Standard East and Carrot Fertility and am also partnered with Be Her Village so you can add my services to your baby shower registry!

Hi, I’m Audrey, founder of Birth ‘n’ Herbs, a traditional birthworker, Certified Lactation Counselor, and student midwife preparing to become a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM). My approach to birth is rooted in traditional wisdom, evidence-informed care, and a deep respect for bodily autonomy. Through my experience supporting births in homes, birth centers, and hospitals, I’ve developed a passion for helping families navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with confidence. I believe birth is a sacred rite of passage and that every family deserves to feel heard, respected, informed, and supported. My goal is to create a space where you feel empowered to make informed decisions, trust your instincts, and experience birth on your own terms. Whether this is your first birth or you're welcoming another little one, I'm honored to walk alongside you during this transformative journey. Education & Training Certifications Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) – Healthy Children Certified Blactation Educator – The B.L.A.C.K. Course Community Breastfeeding Specialist – Reviving the Village (YOLO) Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) – Essentials Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) – CPR Provider Midwifery Schools & Apprenticeships Da Roots Traditional Midwifery School – Year 2 (in progress) Mama’s Midwife Apprenticeship with Wantina Brooks-Roach, CPM (completed March 2026) Myrtle Tree Midwifery – Student/Birth Assistant under supervision of Hadassah Bellot, CPM (completed Sept 2026) Traditional Midwifery Freedom Path – Gather Grounded Midwifery, Teaching Midwife Racha Tahani Lawler Queen (completed Jan 2025) Midwifery-Specific Trainings Holistic Midwifery – Earth Groundz Breech Without Borders Breech 2.0 Hybrid Training Breech Without Borders Twins & Breech Masterclass Spinning Babies Workshop Herbal & Traditional Knowledge Community Doula Training – Sista Midwife Productions Grandma’s Hands I: Pregnancy, Postpartum Herbs & Nutrition in the Southern Tradition – Divine Birth Wisdom Grandma’s Hands II: Deep Time – Divine Birth Wisdom Level 1 Herbalism – Essence Herbs Herbalism & Plant Medicine Studies

I am a Certified Birth Photographer and Certified Full Spectrum Doula serving Denver, Colorado and surrounding areas. My love for birth started at a young age, but it wasn't until I birthed my daughter that I found my passion. I believe that everyone's pregnancy journey and birth story matters. You will carry your experience with you for the rest of your life. As your doula and birth photographer, it is my responsibility to support you, advocate for you when necessary, and document the beautiful moments of your birth. ​ I believe that birth is natural and all about trusting yourself, your body, and the process. I also believe that it is your right to determine what the best birth is for your family. I offer support for all types of families. I am also bilingual (Spanish/English). It does not matter if you are having a home birth or a scheduled cesarean. My main goal is to ensure that you have all of the information you need in order to make an informed decision. No matter what decision you make, I will always have your back. ​ As a parent who has just recently gone through my own pregnancy and birth journey, I understand how lonely it can feel. Know that you are never alone. I will be there to listen whenever you need to talk to someone about how you feel or you just need to release your emotions. I will believe in you even when you don't. You are strong, capable, and powerful. And I'll be there to remind you every time you doubt yourself.

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’m Amy Durham, a leading experienced Certified Birth Doula providing families in the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. area with holistic & evidenced based maternity care. I have been a doula for 10 years and have attended over 600+ births. Birth is absolutely magical! Caring for women and families as they welcome a new baby earth-side is such an honor!

As a homebirth midwife, it is my hope to facilitate an empowering environment for women to receive respectful care centered around bodily autonomy and supporting the family unit as a whole from pregnancy and birth to postpartum. My goal is to help you feel confident and informed with each choice that presents itself through out your entire time with me as your care provider. I believe no matter what birthing experience you chose, or if your plans change, having a say along with some self efficacy in your care can help achieve better birth outcomes overall.

I am a mother of 4 wonderful children and a grandmother of an amazing grandson.. I have been a Doula for over 20 years… I love working with families and teaching mothers on how to care for their new borns…I love working with babies.. I have worked with so many families around the dmv.

Leah Hairston (she/her) is a full-spectrum doula, perinatal social worker, lactation counselor and advocate. She educates and empowers women with female reproductive systems, reminding them of their inherent power. Her dedication to facilitating spaces for healing, equal access, and justice stems from her deep commitment to addressing the systemic reproductive injustices against Black women. She is the founder of Sweet Bee Services, a Baltimore-based doula agency that provides justice-focused, trauma-informed, family-centered care throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia. When not working, Leah enjoys trying new recipes while listening to audiobooks, walking her pup T’Challa, and savoring moments with loved ones. She is passionate about all things related to babies, reproductive wholeness, and social justice. Learn more and support her work by visiting www.sweetbeedoula.com.