Find a Doula in Durham, NC

Doulas on Meela are certified, client-recommended, and vetted by licensed medical practitioners. Find one near you.

Create a free account, and we'll bring top doulas to you.

Get started

1,000+ childbirth experts

Client recommended, 97% 5-star reviews

Vetted by licensed medical practitioners

Verified client testimonials

Why Use Meela to Hire Your Doula?

Meela is the trusted place for parents to find top-rated doulas, connecting over 1,700 parents with vetted doulas each month. Reach out to doulas directly, or answer a few questions and let us bring you the best available options near you. All for free, no strings attached.

Certified, Expert-Vetted Doulas Near You

Our doulas are the best of the best and hold the highest standards of evidence-based, inclusive, and compassionate care. Each verified doula on Meela is vetted by a licensed medical professional and comes with multiple client recommendations, active certifications, and has extensive training and experience in perinatal care.

Found 22 Pros in Durham, NC, USA | Birth doula support
EXPERIENCE
0 50
Families served
0 3500
Birth fee
$0 $7500
HOURLY RATE
$0 $500
$ flexible
img img

Amanda Smith

Raleigh, NC

5 reviews • 19 families supported • 2 years experience

5 reviews • 19 families supported • 2 years experience

My main goal is to support and educate parents. There is so much information out there you just don't know what to believe. My information comes from fact-based sources and years of experience with babies and mamas. I will help you get the answers you need to make the best decision for you and help you to stick firm to your choices when the world might seem against you. I also want my moms to feel in control of their labor and delivery. Not everyone gets exactly what they want, but I will make sure that no matter what twists and turns may occur you feel heard and supported.

Care philosophy

I am passionate about supporting families during the pre and post-birth processes, regardless of the outcome. I feel called to this line of work and am excited to connect with you. My philosophy is to education and help mom feel in control of her epericnce.

Areas served

  • Wake County, Johnston county, Harnett County

Reviews

  • Elizabeth
    September 23, 2024 at 8:32 pm | Client review

    My prenatal, labor and postpartum care with Amanda was excellent! I could not of done it without her! She is very knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate. I could go on and on about her great qualities. I would 100% recommend her to expecting parents and I would love to use her again for my future pregnancies.

$ flexible
img img

Karen VelMartin

Raleigh, NC

3 reviews • 10 families supported • 2 years experience

3 reviews • 10 families supported • 2 years experience

EMPOWERING MOMS AND FAMILIES 4 LIFE! Hi, I'm Karen! I'm a Certified Professional Birth and Postpartum Doula in the Raleigh area of beautiful North Carolina. I'd be honored to have the opportunity to get to know you and hear about your birth goals and desires and provide support to you and your family as you embark on your journey to starting or expanding your tribe. I became a doula so that I could provide support and empower both expecting and postpartum families to have better birthing experiences, to have the experience they not only desire but ultimately deserve to have. I received my certifications through the Madriella Doula Network in 2022. I'd be honored to have the opportunity to get to know you and hear about your birth goals and desires.

Care philosophy

At Bump and Beyond Family Services, our approach to birthing and parenting is holistic and client centered, focusing on the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of each family we serve.

Areas served

  • Raleigh, North Carolina
  • Wake Forest, North Carolina

Reviews

  • Aiyana
    February 28, 2024 at 8:15 am | Peer review

    Karen is very knowledgeable and considerate when talking to clients and their families. She is very punctual to all her appointments and is an effective communicator. She is also very supportive and caring towards her clients and their children.

$ flexible
img img

Amanda Waldrop

Durham, NC

0 reviews • 2 families supported • 1 years experience

0 reviews • 2 families supported • 1 years experience

I answered the calling to birth work in 2021 and received my birth doula training through Carriage House Birth the same year. I am dedicated to providing evidence based care and support to help all of my clients make informed decisions about their births. My package includes prenatal visits to discuss how we will work together and how I can help you prepare for your birth. During our visits we will talk about nutrition, exercise and movement, body balancing, self care, pelvic floor support, and how I will work with you and your partner during labor. I also offer some initial postpartum care and am trained in lactation support. Becoming a parent and bringing new life into the world requires so much and I'm here to support you through that transition.

Care philosophy

I'm here to provide compassionate and equitable care for all birthing people. In my care I provide evidence based information and support to help clients make informed decisions about their births.

Areas served

  • The Triangle
$ flexible
img

Laura Lundegard

Durham, NC

0 reviews • 7 families supported • 2 years experience

0 reviews • 7 families supported • 2 years experience

I am a birth doula and prenatal/postnatal yoga teacher. I began my birth work journey after working in maternal mental health research for 4 years. After hearing from countless women about their birth trauma and the anxiety, depression and trauma that followed, I decided it was time to be on the front lines and dove headfirst into birthwork. As a birth doula I fully support you emotionally, physically and mentally during your pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum, my offerings are listed below. Birth Doula Services: 1-3 prenatal visits 24/7 support via text On-call 2 weeks leading into estimated due date. Labor and birth support (at home, birth center or hospital) Back up doula in case of emergency 1-3 postpartum visits Private Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Pricing is based on a sliding scale with payment plans available.

Care philosophy

I believe that birth can be a sacred, transformative, and empowering journey unique to each individual. As a yoga teacher I believe in the power of movement, breath, mantra, visualization and sound to tune into the natural rhythm and sensation of the body..

Areas served

  • Chapel Hill
  • Carrboro
  • Durham
  • Raleigh
  • Cary
  • Apex
  • Wake Forest
  • Burlington
  • Mebane
  • Pittsboro
  • Hillsborough
img img

Stephanie Best

Raleigh, NC

2 reviews • 130 families supported • 5 years experience

2 reviews • 130 families supported • 5 years experience

I worked for three years in Women’s services at Duke University Health Services as a Labor and Deliver CNA. I also worked for four years as a Phlebotomist at Triangle Arthritis & Rheumatology and The Geergroup. I am still currently licensed in both nursing and Phlebotomy as well as CPR and first aid certified. I am an accomplished healthcare worker with over fourteen years of medical experience. I went to college at North Carolina Central University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I use my Psychology degree to help with the emotional support side and use my past healthcare experience to help with the physical support. I take pride in caring for others. I also for the past eight years have been studying holistic methods. I was a vegan for four years and have a lot of knowledge in nutrition. From birth my daughter has suffered very sensitive skin which made me create my own body butters, soaps and sugar scrubs for a more natural remedy . I have also made my own elderberry tea and am currently working on a tea line. I am into healthy living and finding the best treatments for our body. I am a big fan of natural products and I believe that where there is an herb there is a better option.

Care philosophy

To provide the birth experience of your dreams, by actively listening to your desires, to help fulfill your goals, and to guide you through your birthing experience.

Areas served

  • Wake, Durham, Johnston, Franklinton, Duplin, Wayne

Reviews

  • Denesha
    July 3, 2022 at 3:17 pm | Peer review

    Stephanie brings a wide array of both personal and professional attributes. She works well with others and goes above and beyond to be sure those she encounters are well taken care of. Stephanie is a great team player and is always willing to go the extra mile. Anyone who encounters Stephanie is sure to be in great hands.

$ flexible
img img

Shaunette Howard

Zebulon, NC

1 reviews • 100 families supported • 5 years experience

1 reviews • 100 families supported • 5 years experience

I have enjoyed supporting families through my work as a camp counselor, childcare provider, teacher's assistant and studying early childhood for over 10 years before becoming a doula. I have also had the honor of bearing my 6 children with my husband of over 18 years and helping families through their experiences with birth and lactation. In 2017 I was introduced to the idea of becoming Doula on my search to find ways to support families. This led to becoming a peer counselor with WIC and studying with Bebo Mia, DONA, and Mamas Village. I have now been practicing as a Doula for 5 years and enjoy every moment of it! There is a special place in my heart for teens, first time parents, marginalized groups, and rural communities.

Care philosophy

Feeling secure, prepared, and empowered are important as you await the delivery of your little one and at the time of their arrival! This is something all families deserve! I am passionate about meeting your needs! My goal is to provide the best experience possible!

Areas served

  • Raleigh
  • Lillington
  • Hampton Roads
  • Johnston County
  • Harnett County
  • Wake County
  • Durham
  • Chapel Hill
  • Nash

Reviews

  • Marina
    June 15, 2022 at 11:06 am | Peer review

    Shaunette is dedicated to equitable care for all people and has extensive experience working with pregnant and postpartum families. She is kind, compassionate, and relatable and approaches parents with understanding, love, and professionalism. She is dedicated to making the maternity space more equitable. I have loved working with Shaunette and have learned so much from her. She would be an asset to any family’s birthing or postpartum team!

img img

Kelly Collins

Raleigh, NC

4 reviews • 100 families supported • 9 years experience

4 reviews • 100 families supported • 9 years experience

I have worked with children and families for 25 years and I truly believe it is my calling. At just 15 years old, I started my own babysitting business. At 17, my love of children was very strong and my desire to work with families grew tremendously. In college I studied Elementary Education & Early Childhood Education and while I did not become a school teacher, I still worked closely with children and families at various child care centers and eventually became a Career Nanny. Best of Both Worlds was "born" after becoming a wife and mother while still working as a full time nanny. I realized that I too needed some support after having my son. Because of this, it was time to move into a new phase of my career. Over the last 9 years, I have supported dozens of families in physically, emotionally and spiritually and I would love to support you and your family in any way I can.

Care philosophy

BOBWDS is a faith-based, family-centered business providing a wide range of pregnancy, birth and postpartum support for new parents and the entire family. I am committed to educating and informing my clients on all of their birthing options while building their confidence and diminishing their fears about childbirth and parenting. My main goal is to provide a positive and spiritually empowering experience as well as continuity of care throughout your parenting journey.

Areas served

  • Garner
  • Raleigh
  • Cary
  • Durham
  • Apex
  • Chapel Hill
  • Wake County
  • Durham County
  • Wake Forest
  • Wendell
  • Zebulon

Reviews

  • Shalanda
    February 12, 2021 at 4:32 pm | Client review

    I loved Kelly’s personality and genuine concern about caring for me as well as my family throughout the pregnancy and postpartum. She was kind, professional, thoughtful and offered great tips and advice. I enjoyed having her as my doula!!

$ flexible
img

LaRonda Murphy

Raleigh, NC

0 reviews • 4 families supported • 2 years experience

0 reviews • 4 families supported • 2 years experience

Our black-owned doula service is committed to empowering and supporting minority women throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journeys. We understand the unique challenges faced by minority women and strive to provide personalized, culturally sensitive care that respects their backgrounds and experiences. Women play a crucial role in the health and strength of families and communities, and our mission is to ensure they receive the support, respect, and resources they need during this transformative time. While our primary focus is on serving minority women, we welcome all women, offering compassionate and holistic care that honors the individual needs of every mother. We believe that every woman deserves a safe, empowering birth experience, and we are dedicated to advocating for our clients' rights, fostering a sense of empowerment, and promoting overall well-being. Our service is not just about childbirth—it's about nurturing strong, healthy families and communities.

Care philosophy

Our care philosophy centers on empowering minority women by providing culturally sensitive, personalized support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. We honor the strength and resilience of all women, fostering an environment of respect, compassion, and empowerment. While our focus is on minority women, we embrace and support every woman, ensuring a safe, nurturing experience for all.

Areas served

  • Raleigh, NC
  • Durham, NC
  • Cary, NC
  • Holly Springs, NC
  • Apex, NC
  • surrounding cities
  • Fayetteville, NC
  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • Rocky Mount, NC
  • Clayton, NC
  • Garner, NC
  • Kinston, NC
  • Morrisville, NC
  • Fuquay-Varina, NC
img

Christina Farmer

Sanford, NC

0 reviews • 3 families supported • 1 years experience

0 reviews • 3 families supported • 1 years experience

Evidence says continuous labor support by a doula: Lowers risks for a C-Section by 39% Increases the rate of higher APGAR scores for newborns by 38% Resulted in 34% more women rating their birth as a positive experience

Care philosophy

Evidence says continuous labor support by a doula: Lowers risks for a C-Section by 39% Increases the rate of higher APGAR scores for newborns by 38% Resulted in 34% more women rating their birth as a positive experience

Areas served

  • Sanford, NC Apex, NC Cary, NC Fayetteville, NC
$ flexible
img img

Casey Sodano

Cary, NC

3 reviews • 50 families supported • 6 years experience

3 reviews • 50 families supported • 6 years experience

AID offers ala-carte pricing, giving families the ability to create their own package of services and classes that best meet the families needs and budget.

Care philosophy

As a Birth Doula, my role is to provide continuous support throughout the pregnancy and birth process. Helping each family achieve a better birth experience whether they chose a medicated or natural birth for their family. Meeting each client's needs with thoughtful care and preparation for their birthing day.

Areas served

  • Cary, NC
  • Raleigh, NC
  • Holly Springs, NC
  • Apex, NC
  • Morrisville, NC
  • Chapel Hill, NC

Reviews

  • Jackie
    July 25, 2023 at 12:48 am | Client review

    My first experience using a doula during delivery and my expectations were greatly exceeded with Casey! She was kind, attentive, knowledgeable and it really felt like she listened and understood me and what I wanted and needed at the perfect moments. I could not have asked for a better experience.

img img

Melanie Holmes

Raleigh, NC

3 reviews • 10 families supported • 3 years experience

3 reviews • 10 families supported • 3 years experience

Hello! My name is Melanie and I am a wife and mama of 1! I enjoy spending time with my family, vacationing, listening to podcasts, and reading. I am a certified labor and postpartum doula! I offer pregnancy & birth support, evidence-based resources, breastfeeding support & education, postpartum care, and emotional support. Before becoming a doula, I obtained my BS degree in early childhood studies and an AAS degree in early childhood education. I have worked in the early childhood field for over 10 years as a teacher with children from 6 weeks- 5 years old and then became an assistant director of a preschool school. I would describe myself as having a servants heart. I have a passion for caring for children and their families! I decided to become a doula after giving birth to my daughter and facing the unknowns as a first time mama. I knew then I had to get certified so that I can share what I know from experience and have learned through trainings to be able to walk alongside families whether it’s their first birth or 3rd. I love being able to provide families with emotional, physical, mental, and informational support in a non-judgmental manner, while creating a relationship that’s confidential and trustworthy. I will provide your family with love and support as we partner together to welcome your newest little love to the family! I am excited to partner with you on this precious journey!

Care philosophy

I care for the whole family!

Areas served

  • Cary.Durham.Morrisville.Knightdale.Garner.Clayton

Reviews

  • Annelise
    February 5, 2024 at 9:51 am | Client review

    We are thankful for Melanie and the help she has given our newly growing family. She has supported us from the very beginning of this journey to parenthood, and not only provided comfort, but helpful, informative, and reliable resources along the way.

$ flexible
img img

Janessa Robinson

Raleigh, NC

3 reviews • 12 families supported • 2 years experience

3 reviews • 12 families supported • 2 years experience

I'm here to help you through pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum, breastfeeding, transitioning, nursery organization, travel, bottle training as well as sibling care. I do nights with a minimum of 6 hours and up to 12 hours, days minimum of 4 hours and up to 10 hours.

Care philosophy

I am here to help YOU. I'm here to be your advocate during birth and your friend at 2am feeds as your postpartum doula. I go off of the parents lead, make suggestions when asked and always make sure every one is cared for the way they deserve.

Areas served

  • Raleigh
  • Cary
  • Holly Springs
  • Durham
  • Clayton
  • Smithfield
  • Rolesville
  • Goldsboro
  • Fuquay- Varina
  • Kenly
  • Garner
  • Wilson
  • Apex

Reviews

  • Lindsay
    November 17, 2022 at 11:43 am | Client review

    Janessa saved us immensely during the first few months with our newborn twins. I looked forward to every night we had with her. Janessa was always on time and very prompt and attentive to the individual needs of both babies. I’ll never forget the first night she came – I introduced her to the routine and she told me to go to bed, which I very graciously agreed to. I told her I’d likely be up in an hour or two, when I heard the twins cry… however I slept almost five hours. I never heard a peep and I came downstairs to two very happy babies, drinking their bottles. She helped us with dishes and laundry as well. She was a blessing we will never forget!

img img

Cherilynn Whitten

Raleigh, NC

3 reviews • 16 families supported • 2 years experience

3 reviews • 16 families supported • 2 years experience

As a certified Birth Doula since 2021 with DONA International and 10+ births under my belt, I feel honored to be able to share my expertise and experience with women and families around the central North Carolina area. I approach birth holistically, serving those who want natural unmedicated hospital births, wellness center, or home births. As well as providing physical, emotional, and mental support during labor and birth. My role is also to act as an advocate for the birthing woman and her family in hospital settings. I desire for women to connect with their whole selves; body, spirit, and soul to become transformed through birth!

Care philosophy

Transforming Births Doula Services is all about giving intentional quality care and instilling compassion for every birth mom out there! Believe it or not, women undergo transformation in pregnancy and childbirth. Our job is to support, inform, comfort, and empower birth moms along the transformative process during their pregnancy, labor and birth, and throughout the postpartum period.

Areas served

  • Raleigh, NC

Reviews

  • Kirsten
    December 9, 2022 at 10:46 am | Client review

    Cherilynn brought such a steadiness and peace with her into the labor and delivery room the morning I went into labor. She provided support and encouragement throughout the whole process. She is devoted to ensure her clients’ birth plans are honored and adhered to, which brought a sense of comfort to my husband and I. Cherilynn has an innate gifting to champion mothers to the finish line of their birth stories. We will be forever thankful she joined on our journey!

$ flexible
img img

Jennifer Krejcha

Clayton, NC

3 reviews • 5 families supported • 1 years experience

3 reviews • 5 families supported • 1 years experience

I am an independent practice. I will be by your side through your whole process (unless an emergency arises at which time I will provide a back up doula sister to provide care to you) I became a doula after seeing first hand what a difference having good birth support makes! Our partners can be the best and most supportive people but to place ALL our support on their shoulders is unfair. They struggle seeing their loved ones in pain or frustrated. So to have a woman helper who can come along side and calmly guide you BOTH through the phases of birth is so crucial. I am not scared of your pain, I don't have other patients to tend to or tasks to do. My SOLE PURPOSE is to be by your side and help you bring that beautiful babe into the world!

Care philosophy

I believe all women should have GOOD support during their birth days. Their voices should be heard and acknowledged during their care. It is my goal to serve as their sister, friend, environment protector and liason. I will do everything I can to make the birth experience the best it can be and help the mother with pain management and relaxation techniques.

Areas served

  • Clayton and surrounding areas

Reviews

  • Madelene
    May 7, 2021 at 4:23 pm | Peer review

    Jennifer is amazing! She is caring and personable, and she has a love for families. I am always happy to refer others to her as I know they will be in good hands. Additionally, she is a masseuse, and I have personally greatly enjoyed her massages! Jennifer is an awesome choice to trust with your birth!

img img

Emily Kelly

Raleigh, NC

3 reviews • 50 families supported • 5 years experience

3 reviews • 50 families supported • 5 years experience

We want to help you experience your dream birth by educating you on your birth preferences, potential interventions and ways to help you achieve your goals. As part of your birth team, we will be by your side throughout your pregnancy and labor to help support you in every way we are able to: emotionally, physically and mentally. During pregnancy, we help you gain the knowledge and education to help you feel confident in giving birth. During labor, we support you in making those decisions and accomplishing your birth desires. During postpartum, we help support you in breastfeeding, newborn care and household responsibilities.

Care philosophy

We believe in empowering women to confidently make choices in their pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey by providing evidence-based education, labor and postpartum support.

Areas served

  • Clayton, NC
  • Raleigh, NC
  • Durham, NC
  • Johnston County and surrounding areas

Reviews

  • Emily
    March 2, 2021 at 9:22 am | Client review

    I cannot say enough great things about Courtney. She has been an incredible support since day one! She was amazing at helping me understand what my desires for birth were, helping me structure my birth plan, and discussing pregnancy/labor/postpartum to help prepare me for what to expect. She had such a confidence in me to birth my baby that it helped to keep me confident. She was gentle and kind with her encouragement but strong and confident with her labor support. She truly helped me have such a successful labor.

img

Heather Grissom

Chapel Hill, NC

0 reviews • 100 families supported • 10 years experience

0 reviews • 100 families supported • 10 years experience

Supporting all families, creating beautiful &. positive birth spaces. Support during pregnancy, birth & postpartum

Care philosophy

Supporting families & positive birth spaces

Areas served

  • Chapel Hill
  • Durham
  • Greensboro
  • Siler City
  • Graham
  • Cary
img img

Devon Handel

Pittsboro, NC

3 reviews • 129 families supported • 9 years experience

3 reviews • 129 families supported • 9 years experience

I trained through DONA International in the end of 2013, and have been a birth doula since 2014. I offer two prenatal meetings, support throughout your entire active labor and birth, as well as 2 to 3 hours after the birth, and one postpartum meeting. All meetings are in your home, and I also support labor at home before transferring to your chosen birth place (time permitting).

Care philosophy

I support clients prenatally in order to help them be as prepared as possible to give birth with their unique goals in mind. I love to support natural labor and birth, and understand that that is not everyone's goal, and sometimes birth requires more medical intervention. I support through any interventions from the birth plan, and stay until several hours after the birth to be sure all is well.

Areas served

  • Triangle of North Carolina (Pittsboro, home)
  • Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Hillsborough

Reviews

  • Sandra
    March 12, 2021 at 10:52 pm | Client review

    To our family Devon was so much more than a doula we found online. She supported my husband and I during pregnancy, quickly answering any and all questions we had. Her support was founded in current research and a wealth of experience. Her prenatal visits gave my husband and I invaluable knowledge and preparation for birth, and with that a sense of calm and peace. During labor, Devon was our anchor. She grounded my husband and I with emotional and physical support, as well as advocated for my needs. My husband especially valued Devon’s support during labor because it allowed him to be present for me as a partner and not have to be a birth expert. The hospital staff was incredibly complimentary of Devon and her ability to seamlessly integrate into the care team. I could not have had my ideal birth without Devon and she will always hold a special and integral place in my birth story. I would recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone looking for doula support!

img img

Mariam Lam

Durham, NC

8 reviews • 50 families supported • 6 years experience

8 reviews • 50 families supported • 6 years experience

My mission is to provide others with the prenatal, labor, and birth support that everyone deserves. A powerful, confident, and comforting birth experience is something this world should strive to provide to all who need it. With me by your side, you can be assured that you will feel cared for, supported, and confident as you embark on your remarkable journey. My commitment to helping others, through the journey of pregnancy and childbirth, began in 2015 as a Birth Partners volunteer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While balancing parenthood, a full-time job as a Research Specialist at UNC, and volunteering as a doula, I worked to earn my Birth Doula Certification through DONA International. This allowed me the opportunity to enter the world of professional doulas as a way to better serve others.

Care philosophy

There is no right or wrong way to give birth! No two people, pregnancies, labors, or birth experiences are the same, and I believe everyone should be treated as a unique person going through a unique experience. As a Doula, it is not my birth and not my journey, but my goal is to provide the type of support you feel is best for you with complete empathy and no judgement.

Areas served

  • Durham County
  • Wake County
  • Orange County
  • Alamance County

Reviews

  • Janelle
    January 23, 2021 at 8:50 am | Client review

    Mariam is both an amazing person and doula ! I delivered my first child in August 2020 admits the COVID-19 pandemic and Mariam was and still is a huge support system for me and my family! Before my delivery she was a big support system for me, answering all my questions and concerns about pregnancy and beyond. She also went above and beyond to work around my busy work schedule to do socially distance meet ups in preparation for my birth. We love her and I would totally love for her to be my doula again for our future babies!

img

Emily Chaffee

NC

0 reviews • 100 families supported • 5 years experience

0 reviews • 100 families supported • 5 years experience

At Carolina Birth and Wellness, we offer a wide variety of services for complete support from preconception through the postpartum period. From preconception support through fertility doula support and menstrual cycle tracking, to pregnancy with birth doula support and childbirth education, and postpartum support with postpartum doula support, sleep training, lactation support, and lactation services. We also offer health coaching and massage therapy to compliment your wellness journey as you become a parent.

Care philosophy

Carolina Birth and Wellness believes that all individuals deserve support, every step of the way. Our non-judgmental approach to care puts you as the expert of your body, your baby and health. Our expertise and experience will help guide your decisions in a supportive, unbiased environment.

Areas served

  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • Durham, NC
  • Raleigh, NC
$ flexible
img

Adriana Parker

Carrboro, NC

0 reviews • 7 families supported • 1 years experience

0 reviews • 7 families supported • 1 years experience

Desiring to provide a more expansive method of care for people at various points of their reproductive journeys, Beyond The Horizon Doula Care was launched by Adriana Parker in November of 2019 after they spent time as a volunteer doula for a local non-profit organization. Adriana became passionate about perinatal health after spending much of their time in college providing sexual health education and resources to youth and college students. Beyond The Horizon Doula Care believes that every birthing person deserves access to a doula regardless of how they look, how they worship, where they are from, who they love, how they express themselves, or how much money they make. Oftentimes, many of these things are barriers to quality care essential in every stage and decision during pregnancy. We seek to combat these barriers while empowering each family we support. We also believe that doulas must maintain cultural humility, transparency, and respect when in partnership with their clients.

Care philosophy

As a reproductive justice-centric doula service, Beyond The Horizon Doula Care prides itself on providing compassionate, inclusive, affordable care.

Areas served

  • Carrboro, NC
  • Chapel Hill, NC
  • Durham, NC
  • Hillsborough, NC
  • Raleigh, NC
  • Cary, NC
  • Orange County, NC
  • Parts of Chatham County, NC
  • Durham County, NC
  • Parts of Wake County, NC
img img

Briana Smith

Raleigh, NC

7 reviews • 300 families supported • 7 years experience

7 reviews • 300 families supported • 7 years experience

Briana’s background is in public health which led her to birth work. She originally trained with Doulas of North America, and certified with Integrated Birth and Family Alliance as a birth doula and a postpartum doula. In her first two years of business, she also certified as a placenta encapsulation specialist with IPPA, a childbirth educator and breastfeeding peer counselor with Integrated Birth and Family Alliance, and an eco-baby educator with Bebo Mia. Briana is always continuing her education so she is able to provide non-judgmental, evidence-based support and resources to the families she serves. Briana’s most recent training includes postpartum belly binding, herbal salves for the whole family, Rebozo training, and vaginal steaming. Briana lives in Eastern Wake County with her family and Rottweiler. In her spare time (or as she likes to say - when she’s not at a birth!) Briana enjoys traveling, the beach, white wine, and a good CycleBar class!

Care philosophy

I meet families where they are, providing evidence-based care with a non-dogmatic approach. You want to breastfeed? Great! You want to formula-feed? Awesome, I can help with that, too! You have a planned cesarean? Fantastic, I have experience as a doula in the operating room. You want to have an unmedicated birth? Great, I've supported plenty of those! Need to pivot during birth? I can help you!

Areas served

  • Wake County
  • Durham County
  • Johnston County
  • Harnett County
  • Orange County

Reviews

  • SteKeira
    March 13, 2021 at 7:38 am | Peer review

    Briana is an amazing birth professional. She is a passionate advocate for those she serves and treats her clients with compassionate care. Her work ethic is unmatched! Anyone working with her will be enriched by the experience, I know I have been.

$ flexible
img img

Megan Alcius

Raleigh, NC

3 reviews • 12 families supported • 4 years experience

3 reviews • 12 families supported • 4 years experience

Hello! My name is Megan. I am a wife and mother. Birth work is my passion. I was led to this line of work after the birth of my son. While it could have been worse, it definitely wasn't an ideal situation. My mission is to make sure that every woman who hires me has the birth experience that she deserves. I believe that every woman should have a doula, no matter what. At this time I am only taking homebirth clients

Care philosophy

I believe that ALL women need support during such a special time in their lives. My goal is to make sure that you as comfortable and prepared as possible throughout your pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period. I offer payment plans and a sliding scale for low income families so that everyone gets a fair shot at having a doula present!

Areas served

  • wake county
  • Raleigh

Reviews

  • Sam
    July 24, 2021 at 2:41 pm | Client review

    I am very thankful that Megan came into our lives. I had many questions during this “geriatric” pregnancy as the ‘rules’ have changed since my last child. She was patient and kind through them all. She was also beyond helpful during a very frustrating time with breastfeeding and tried her best to help me figure out why it was difficult. Turns out my baby had a lip tie, which Megan figured out before any of the doctors did! Once we got that fixed it was much easier. So grateful for her help!

Doula Services: FAQs

A doula is a professional that provides emotional, physical and educational support to new parents before, during, and after childbirth and into the early postpartum period. Doulas are companions who strive to give families a safe, positive, and healthy labor experience. They provide parents with evidence-based information and education on childbirth and are someone who the parent can turn to with questions and concerns about having a baby. Doulas also take an active role in collaborating with the parent to create a birth plan.

A certified birth doula offers advice and techniques to help reduce the stress that the parent often experiences during childbirth and provides you with education about different aspects of delivery and labor and what comes after.

There are two ways you can hire a doula through Meela in Durham, NC.  

You can browse through the available doulas in Durham, NC and send the doulas you are interested in a message, introducing yourself and setting up an interview. We recommend interviewing at least three before hiring your top doula.

You can also hire a doula in Durham, NC in three easy steps:

  1. Post a job for free: answer some questions and receive responses from top-rated doulas in Durham, NC. It takes less than 30 seconds to post your job.
  1. Get your list of Durham, NC doulas: in a few hours, you will have a collection of doulas near you who are qualified to meet your needs. You can compare pricing, experience and read reviews. You can chat with each doula to learn more about them.
  1. Hire a doula with confidence: schedule virtual or in-person interviews with your top doula choices. Hire your top doula and start getting the care you deserve.

While the cost of a doula can vary based on experience and the services offered, the average cost of a doula in Durham, NC is $972, but typically ranges from $741 to $1,204. These costs are based on a representative group of 11 doulas surveyed by Meela in the Durham area. The average cost of a doula in Durham, NC is higher than the average cost of a doula in the state of North Carolina, which is $854.

To put this in further context, the cost of a doula in Durham, NC is about the same as the U.S. national average cost of a doula, which is $971.

When hiring a birth doula in Durham, NC, you and your doula will discuss and agree upon a fee structure, and your doula will send you itemized invoices through Meela, which you can pay securely through the app.

Some insurance companies will cover all or part of the cost of hiring a doula. Contact your insurance company to find out if they offer any coverage for hiring a doula; not all insurance companies do.

You can hire two types of doulas in Durham, NC: a birth doula and a postpartum doula. The birth doula is during your pregnancy and through the birth of your child. They provide you with emotional, physical and educational support during your pregnancy, your labor and delivery and for the first few hours after your child is born.

A postpartum doula will support you for the first few weeks after the baby is born. They provide in-home assistance, including teaching you how to take care of your newborn, acting as lactation consultant, and can provide some night nanny services.

Yes, a birth doula can provide support during a Cesarean birth and delivery. Doulas are non-medical professionals and do not replace obstetricians, physicians, midwives or nurses. They are an additive member to the team and provide emotional, physical and informational support to the birthing parent, partner and family. It is up to you whether the certified doula can remain in the operating room during the procedure.

When you hire a doula in Durham, NC, your services typically include several in-person prenatal sessions, 24/7 phone and text support, full attendance throughout your labor, and several hours of support immediately following your birth.

A doula in Durham, NC can help you in any kind of birth. Certified doulas are able to assist parents in creating the ideal “birth environment” and help parents deliver their baby safely. A doula can provide support during the birth whether it occurs in a hospital, a home, or another birth center of some kind. Doulas are there to support you in your desired birth preferences, whether that is a preference for natural, non-medicated, assisted, C-section or anything else.

Certified doulas can also act as a liaison between you and hospital staff regarding your childbirth expectations and preferences. For example, if your preference is to have a non-medicated birth, a doula can help guide you through that process and create a personalized birth plan. A certified doula in Durham, NC does not replace medical staff (such as your obstetrician and nurses).

When a surgical procedure is required, there are some situations in which a birth doula can also remain in the operating room, although this is not an expected obligation. A certified birth doula can also assist hospital staff to improve the overall birthing experience. A doula in Durham, NC will typically stay with the parents for several hours after birth to help them with birth recovery.

Evidence suggests that a birth doula in Durham, NC can help improve parent satisfaction with their baby’s birth and delivery. The involvement of a doula can also lead to shorter deliveries with less complications.

Recent studies show that parents who have a support person like a doula by their side throughout labor and childbirth are more likely to:

  1. Give birth without the need for pain medicine
  2. Describe their birth experience in a positive way
  3. Give birth without the need for medical intervention, such as C-sections or vacuum delivery
  4. Experience a shorter labor

You can hire a doula early in your pregnancy to allow you time to get to know each other and to begin planning for your later trimesters, labor, birth, and aftercare. It is ideal to hire a doula when you are around 20 weeks along, but you can start looking for one before that.

It is never too late to hire a doula in Durham, NC; you have right up to your due date to find a doula near you and receive all the benefits of doula support.

While many people think that a doula and a midwife are the same thing, their educational background and job duties are different. Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide emotional, physical and educational support, while also offering actionable advice and guidance to new parents about how to nurture their baby.

A midwife is a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) or a certified midwife (CM). CNMs are medical professionals that are certified and licensed by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. CMs are also certified, but they do not have nursing backgrounds.

Doulas are not medical professionals; they focus on the emotional support for the parents and the family before, during, and after the birth of the baby. Their job is to provide information, advice, and support to the family not diagnose any medical conditions or provide medical advice.

Get Started
keyboard_arrow_up