Molly C. | Postpartum Doula in Oakland, CA

    Practice overview

    Molly Charmstrong (she/her) is a hard-working Midwesterner with the heart of a California Poppy.

    She has been working with families and children while pursuing a wide variety of passions for over twenty years. As a nanny, elementary school teacher, camp instructor, international performer, and mother, Molly has developed the knowledge, empathy, and passion to help new and growing families.

    In 2017 after becoming a mother herself, Molly suffered postpartum depression for the first two years of motherhood. This was followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, a breast cancer diagnosis, and its treatment. After emerging from these circumstances healthy and healing, it became clear that she must answer the call to begin the training and certification process as a postpartum doula.

    Molly is passionate about the work of helping new and growing families prepare, navigate, and honor the constantly changing realities of parenting with her soft, present, funny, strong, and calming force.

    Over the past year Molly has been working with several families and new parents in various support roles, and would love the chance to help your family as well.

    Years experience

    1

    Families supported

    3

    Hourly Rate

    $50

    Care philosophy

    Molly believes that in order to strengthen, improve, and peacefully grow our communities, we must have happy, informed, healthy, nurtured, and supported families. Supported families can raise empathetic, resilient, curious children - who become empathetic, resilient, curious adults. These adults can create strong, steadfast, and peaceful communities. Let's make this world a better place.

    Services

    • Postpartum doula support

    Specialties and Experience

    • LGBTQ
    • Over 40
    • Postpartum mood disorders

    Care settings

    • Home

    Languages

    • English

    Credentials

    • Postpartum Doula training - Los Angeles Doula
    • Lactation Support - Los Angeles Doula

    Connect

    Pricing packages

    Hourly Postpartum Doula support
    $ 50 /hr
    A peek in on a day with Molly: I greet my clients as I put on my apron and house shoes. I take an inventory of the house. Dishes will need to be done, everyone is looking pretty sleepy: perhaps a nap suggestion. Coffee hasn't been made; I'll do that first. The baby's cries sound hungry. I double check that all is set and ready for a peaceful chest feeding and bring water to the feeding parent. Once baby has successfully latched I start in on dishes and snacks while I check in on the feeding parent; "How was the dinner with your visiting family? I know you were feeling nervous about it." After hearing about the previous night suggest the nap and offer a snack. While naps are underway I wear baby and prep dinner. It's been a big day.
    Sliding scale pricing available
    Contact for additional pricing options

    Location

    Areas served

    • East Bay
    • San Francisco
    • San Francisco Bay Area
    • Oakland
    • Berkeley

    • Kaitlin
      November 20, 2022 at 3:07 am | Peer review
      5 /5

      Molly Charmstrong has found her niche in helping new families after birth. She is a perfect blend of both compassionate & capable. Not only is it her helping hands but a kind heart and wise soul. Molly is truly a gift to anyone she meets.

    • Allison
      November 21, 2022 at 7:38 am | Client review
      5 /5

      Molly helped me during a particularly difficult time while I was recovering and mostly immobile. She cared for my two very active boys with patience and warmth, helped us prep meals and lunches for the week, fed me and helped out with light housework. She provided a listening ear and time to check in. Very professional, good communication, and flexible with our changing needs. I really admire the positive, thoughtful way she interacts with children which allowed me to relax knowing my kids were okay and focus on healing.

    • Meghan
      November 28, 2022 at 10:54 am | Client review
      5 /5

      If you’re wondering how you will survive another day of parenting, look no further. Molly is your person. She’s thoughtful, present, resourceful, empathetic, hard-working, and has walked across the coals of motherhood herself. She can help you move from surviving to thriving if you allow yourself to receive her excellent care.

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