Find a Doula in San Diego, CA

Vida Birth and Wellness: www.vidabirthandwellness.com The birth room is a sacred space that should be assisted on your and your baby’s terms. It's also an equally mental and emotional experience, as it is physical. VIDA on your birth team means you'll be encouraged to find your most centered self throughout pregnancy + labor with unwavering support and advocacy. I meet you where you're at on your journey, and aim to be a grounding voice/hand to keep returning to your center and help maintain a coping mindset throughout labor. I focus on guiding the individual's self mastery and combining it with my expertise in progressing labor for a physiologic birth. Balancing my intuition, with learned wisdom in modalities such as body balancing (Spinning Babies®), rebozo work, herbology, meditation + visualization amongst others to compliment your natural strength and assist any expecting partners to fulfill the primary support role.

Care philosophy

My mission is to support individual transformation through compassionate and non-judgemental care and empowerment, leading to better birth outcomes. Rooted in holistic, evidence-based wisdom and practices, VIDA aims for you to be seen, heard, and fully supported so together we can co-create the best birth experience possible.

Areas served

• San Diego County

Birth doula services, lactation consulting, placenta encapsulation

Care philosophy

My aspirations are rooted in a genuine desire to provide women with services tailored to their unique needs and an unwavering belief of womens innate and divinely inspired ability to birth their babies. I hope that with each birth a mother has, she can experience the true feelings of bliss and connectedness that nature intended her to have.

Areas served

• San Diego County

Reviews

• 

  Phyllis

  August 30, 2023 at 1:01 am | Client review

  Jaqulynn went above and beyond as my doula. This was my first time giving birth, and without her loving and caring support I am not sure what I would have done. She is very knowledgeable about the birthing process and makes you feel so relaxed. I can’t wait for Jaqulynn to be my doula for my next pregnancy!!

Since I entered the path of motherhood in the year of 2014 my passion in helping expecting parents grew. I have always sincerely helped and guided individuals at their most vulnerable times specifically speaking when I served others as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Room for 10 years. However, my path changed after hearing so many stories from different parents as they were entering the path of parenthood. I decided in becoming a Doula and trained through Dona International. Being a momma of two with two different birth experiences I did not want share my experience but share my knowledge, educate and empower expecting parents. I have realized that every parent deserves support, love, compassion, empowerment and education. Every individual is different with different needs and want. In which it turns out that every pregnancy, birth and postpartum is different. I will honor your path and guide you as you are going through pregnancy and birth. I promise I will gather all the information you need and present it to you and encourage you to make your own choice. Follow your own instincts. I promise to support you and listen to you at your most Vulnerable time during pregnancy and birth. I Promise to encourage you and empower through your journey. I come with open mind, heart and soul to serve you and your partner.

Care philosophy

My philosophy it is simple; it is to provide you, and your family with the love and support you need to ensure that you have the pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care that you want. I know there's a lot of noise out there- from books to blogs to experts itching to advice you, but I am here to tell you to listen to your instincts and follow your heart.

Areas served

• Mira Mesa

• North County

Reviews

• 

  Meredith

  July 26, 2023 at 12:40 am | Client review

  We loved Isabel as part of our birth team—including the pre birth prep and postpartum doula work.
  Nothing in my birth went to plan but isabel was a great support and I would wholeheartedly recommend her as a consummate professional experienced and knowledgeable in a wide variety of birth scenarios and kind and compassionate and supportive no matter your circumstance.

Vida Birth & Wellness: www.vidabirthandwellness.com The birth room is a sacred space that should be assisted on your and your baby’s terms. It's also an equally mental and emotional experience, as it is physical. VIDA on your birth team means you'll be encouraged to find your most centered self throughout pregnancy + labor with unwavering support and advocacy. I meet you where you're at on your journey, and aim to be a grounding voice/hand to keep returning to your center and help maintain a coping mindset throughout labor. I focus on guiding the individual's self mastery and combining it with my expertise in progressing labor for a physiologic birth. Balancing my intuition, with learned wisdom in modalities such as body balancing (Spinning Babies®), rebozo work, herbology, meditation + visualization amongst others to compliment your natural strength and assist any expecting partners to fulfill the primary support role. Partnering with VIDA on your birth journey means support throughout all variations of your ideal, and ultimately real birth. Lead with courage and confidence to stay empowered and safe in any setting, where all bodies birth.

Care philosophy

My mission is to support individual transformation through compassionate and non-judgemental care and empowerment, leading to better birth outcomes. Rooted in holistic, evidence-based wisdom and practices, VIDA aims for you to be seen, heard, and fully supported so together we can co-create the best birth experience possible.

Areas served

• San Diego County

I am a certified doula through the International Doula Institute. I am passionate about community, inherent maternal wisdom, and nourished womanhood. In my practice I provide two prenatal appointments, and am happy to discuss nutrition, provide childbirth education, and address your hopes, fears and excitements with regard to your birth, so that we may both plan for the most wonderful outcome, and enjoy the unfolding of the journey with joy, trust, and strength. I also provide postpartum care, with meal prep, shopping, light housework and baby care. I wholeheartedly believe in your innate strength and wisdom to birth your baby. I would be honored to support you and bear witness to the incredible transition your family is embarking upon. I strive to support your birth in a holistic and ancestral capacity. You are in charge, I will affirm your power and mirror your strength back to you. Check out my website to learn more, www.tennesseethedoula.com Please feel free to reach out for a free consultation!

Care philosophy

I am passionate about community, inherent maternal wisdom, and nourished womanhood.

Areas served

• Greater San Diego, CA Area (50 miles)

Reviews

• 

  Arianna

  December 30, 2022 at 12:32 pm | Peer review

  I can not say enough good things about Tennessee. She has served as my back up doula. She is punctual and flexible. She has an incredible way of connecting with anyone she meets. She is so intuitive with how to serve every person according to their needs. Birth work is her natural gift and I know she will continue to bless every person she serves.

Since I entered the path of motherhood in the year of 2014 my passion in helping expecting parents grew. I have always sincerely helped and guided individuals at their most vulnerable times specifically speaking when I served others as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Room for 10 years. However, my path changed after hearing so many stories from different parents as they were entering the path of parenthood. I decided in becoming a Doula and trained through Dona International. Being a momma of two with two different birth experiences I did not want share my experience but share my knowledge, educate and empower expecting parents. I have realized that every parent deserves support, love, compassion, empowerment and education. Every individual is different with different needs and want. In which it turns out that every pregnancy, birth and postpartum is different. I will honor your path and guide you as you are going through pregnancy and birth. I promise I will gather all the information you need and present it to you and encourage you to make your own choice. Follow your own instincts. I promise to support you and listen to you at your most Vulnerable time during pregnancy and birth. I Promise to encourage you and empower through your journey. I come with open mind, heart and soul to serve you and your partner.

Care philosophy

My philosophy it is simple; it is to provide you, and your family with the love and support you need to ensure that you have the pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care that you want. I know there's a lot of noise out there- from books to blogs to experts itching to advice you, but I am here to tell you to listen to your instincts and follow your heart.

Areas served

• Inland Empire

• San Diego County

• Orange County

Reviews

• 

  Lynette

  March 6, 2023 at 5:35 am | Client review

  I always knew I wanted to deliver naturally but I never knew the preparation it would take. When I was in labor with my second son I made it to 9cm and could no longer tolerate the pain. When I got pregnant with my 3rd I decided to hire a doula. Fully aware of what isabel has been through, I hired her. Everyone deserves a fresh start and her background had nothing to do with her expertise as a doula. Isabel did a phenomenal job preparing me for labor. I was her first client and you wouldn’t have ever known. Isabel was very attentive,caring and made her self available
  She frequently checked on me,.helped me practice exercises to prepare my body and went with me to appointments. When time came she joined me in my home to labor in the tub. She did a great job giving me the exact environment we discussed, a sound machine, essential oils and back rubs.when it was time to go to the hospital she advocated for me to the medical staff when I couldn’t. She gave me the birth I wanted! I would hire her again and again!

The birth of my daughter Ramona has emphasized the importance of a respectful labor team. My support partners created a loving and safe space for me to allow my birth to go wherever it needed. I felt empowered with a sense of total freedom. There was no judgement. There was no direction, yet I felt safe with total trust in my midwife. That day I was born as Mother, with the birth of my Ramona. I offer: individualized education, emotional support, and hands-on care through pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. To help create the personal experience you desire, I offer sensitive care for all with consideration of specific cultural beliefs and practices, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, single pregnant people, lower income.

Care philosophy

Childbirth is an intimate spiritual and physiological experience that requires respect. This beautiful process should always be delicately nurtured by compassionate caregivers. Pregnant people have the right to take control of their births, which can be a personally empowering experience. When people have these strengthening events throughout their lives, it builds confidence and resilience.

Areas served

• Temecula, Murrieta, Fallbrook, San Diego

Reviews

• 

  Klarissa

  September 29, 2022 at 11:38 am | Client review

  Liz was amazing to work with. She is super knowledgeable about the placenta and placenta encapsulation. She was communicative and was diligent about all my medical needs to produce her product. I would highly recommend her!

The journey into motherhood is nothing short of transformative. Yet, our modern lives lead us to believe that pregnancy and birth are something you push through and quickly bounce back from. La Madre Holistic Practice is the antithesis of modern day practices . I want to encourage you to take it slow, to really savor your pregnancy and love your expanding womb. To nourish your body and your baby with the optimal foods during pregnancy and postpartum. To move and balance your body so it may work in symphony with the mechanics of gestation and labor. To connect with your baby through breathwork and journaling while pregnant, and through loving touch and bonding once they've arrived. I believe every woman deserves a loving, knowledgeable, grounded companion by her side during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. My ultimate goal is to Mother you in whatever sense of the word that means to you, so that you may best Mother your baby. To mother you during your pregnancy with reassurance and guidance in making the decisions to best support your desired birth. To mother you during your labor with strong yet gentle, knowing hands and a soft voice. To mother you during your postpartum with warm, nourishing foods, healing touch and body work, and a non judgemental, open heart that is here to hold you during this most vulnerable and beautiful time. ~Mother The Mother~

Care philosophy

Hello and welcome! My name is Jacqueline Garcia, you can call me Jackie :) I have a passion for birth and postpartum and I have been called to support women in this metamorphic transition. After the birth of my first child, I found myself immersed in this world and want nothing more than to be that loving energy beside you during your birth and that sacred time postpartum.

Areas served

• I serve all of San Diego County

Reviews

• 

  Emily

  June 8, 2022 at 4:30 am | Client review

  My pregnancy was complicated, scary, and emotional- as many were in 2020. But it was also one of the most magical, calm, tender and balanced times I’ve ever experienced in my LIFE. Jackie was a KEY component in this balance and strength. What she provided me was more than just a service- she was a GIFT to myself and my family with the support, knowledge, compassion and always provided a SAFE space for me to lean into the woman and mother that I am and want to become.

  Also- the support she gave my spouse was so helpful especially while I was on bedrest… she gave him help with nutritional meals up until my son was born 2 months early.

  She is just a well rounded and loving human being!

Anissa Cornelius is a CAPPA Certified Childbirth Educator and DONA-trained birth doula who loves supporting families. She has been serving families as a doula since 2016 and teaching comprehensive childbirth classes since 2017, after training with CAPPA, obtaining her certification in November 2018. She is also a trained midwife assistant and certified Breastfeeding Specialist. Her interest in birth work started with her first pregnancy and quickly grew into a full blown passion for supporting birthing people, their birthing needs and their families.

Care philosophy

Families deserve options, support and respect on their birth journey.

Areas served

• San Diego county

• North County

• La Mesa

• Chula Vista

Reviews

• 

  Heidi

  April 14, 2022 at 7:57 am | Client review

  Anissa was incredible. She supported me through having my first child which of course is a difficult experience since you really can only learn as you go. Firstly, Anissa empowered me to have the labor and delivery I wanted; I was able to have my child in a cozy birth center with no medical interventions. She helped me maintain composure throughout labor and to feel confident, safe, and strong. She was honest and straightforward yet empathetic. I really can’t believe emphasize enough how skilled she is with her “bedside manner” with an experience like labor that can be so grueling. Most of all, she was there in the very challenging early weeks (and beyond) providing excellent advice, support, and encouragement. She always encouraged me to reach out for resources and kindly, promptly, professionally provided quality ones every time I did — which was often! I can’t thank her enough. I hope that she will have availability for my next pregnancy because she was simply incredible, I will be so disappointed to work with anyone else!

I am passionate about helping my clients have the birth they envision. Birth is a natural process I believe in your ability to give birth and I will come along side you with my education and experience to help you have the birth you desire. I consider it an honor to be on this journey with you. I will educate you on your childbirth options, help with comfort measures, guide you through laboring and birthing positions, help with relaxation, natural pain management, and facilitate safe and comfortable birth environment.

Care philosophy

Physical Support Position ideas for comfort and labor progression cross over with hands-on comfort measures like comforting touch, counter pressure, breathing techniques and other “doula magic” for families. A doula’s skilled hands and positioning tools can often help a malpositioned baby find its way through the pelvis and into the birthing parent’s arms. Emotional Support

Areas served

• All of San Diego County

• Lakeside East County

Reviews

• 

  Heather

  December 3, 2022 at 10:34 am | Client review

  Ginger was my doula for my son’s birth in May 2022. As a military family we move frequently, often in need of community where my husband’s career takes us. I was fortunate that this move brought us to San Diego where I was able to meet Ginger. She was an amazing birth doula, and so much more. (My labor did not go as I expected and after about 60 hours ended up having a c-section, Ethan was stuck up there and wanted to stay inside forever. Even though thoughts of a c-section were overwhelming and nerve-racking I felt at ease with Ginger explaining each step of the way. My husband and I were so thankful to have Ginger at our bedside with the unexpected twists and turns we endured). I felt educated before my birth, throughout each stage of my labor, and continuously as my son grows and develops. Not only did I gain Ginger as a birth doula, mentor, and friend–I gained a community of other moms and their babies. I came to San Diego knowing very view people, but have made amazing friends who are fellow moms that I now walk through life with on a daily basis. The community aspect drew me to Ginger’s care. She really loves her community of moms and their babies and I am thankful that community led me to life long friends for me and my baby.

Margaret's doula journey began in Cambodia. While living there, she researched local women's birth experiences. She learned that the women from her village all gave birth without pain medication by necessity. However, they also lacked information on natural ways to ease birth pains and help labor progress. They frequently had difficult births where they felt alone and unsupported. Knowing from personal experience how much difference childbirth education and labor support makes, Margaret was inspired to become a doula. Margaret returned to California in 2023 and offers compassionate doula care and practical childbirth education to families in San Diego. She holds a master's degree in language development, has studied 7 languages, and offers doula services in English and Khmer.

Care philosophy

My favorite thing about being a doula is equipping moms with knowledge so that they can approach birth with peace and confidence. I help moms create sensory-friendly birth plans and explore all their options in advance. This puts them in the best position to make healthy decisions for themselves and their babies. I also love providing emotional support and hands on physical support.

Areas served

• San Diego

• Chula Vista

• La Jolla

• Clairemont

• Hillcrest

• Kearney Mesa

Reviews

• 

  Jenna

  January 30, 2024 at 2:24 pm | Client review

  Margaret is very kind, considerate and a gentle communicator that is amazing to be guided by. She has a lot of experience in birth in a non western settings and I found that a huge comfort knowing I was getting advice from someone who can guide me through the most natural birth possible. She is also very open to all sorts of birth plans and clearly communicated the importance/ cause and effect of each decision throughout the birth process. She also is amazing at reassuring things may not be perfect during the birth but it doesn’t derail everything. Overall I feel she can provide excellent care and compassion.

I got started in the birth world by experiencing childbirth trauma with my first daughter, Arya, in 2020. I was kept out of the loop and doctors took advantage of my situation, which led me to think, “how can i make this better for other people?” Then, i began this beautiful journey with birth and postpartum!

Care philosophy

Hey there! My name is Brianna, and i am a certified postpartum doula, birth doula, childbirth educator and newborn care specialist. I am so excited to get to know new families and serve this community!

Areas served

• Norfolk, Virginia

• Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

Becoming a birth doula was an obvious choice for me, as I've always felt drawn to the world of babies and pregnancy. I find it endlessly fascinating to see how a woman's body changes and adapts throughout the various stages of pregnancy, and I'm always eager to learn more about this miraculous process. Additionally, I feel that there's something incredibly special about being able to support women through one of the most transformative experiences of their lives. Whether it's offering emotional support or practical guidance, I always strive to be there for my clients every step of the way. Ultimately, I believe that being a doula is about fostering connection, compassion, and community - and that's something that I'm truly passionate about.

Care philosophy

I believe in the power of community and strive to create a nurturing village. My care philosophy is rooted in diversity, inclusivity, and respect for each person's unique journey. I aim to build connections with families, healthcare providers, and support networks within the community. I provide holistic care that addresses physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Areas served

• San Diego

Hi I’m Summer! I’m a Birth Doula passionate about giving parents the tools they need to advocate for themselves and their birthing choices! I first decided to become a Doula after hearing countless stories of doctors pressuring unnecessary interventions, making what should be the most special day of your life, into a traumatic experience. I was struck by how susceptible new parents can be to misinformation, and my goal as a doula is to eliminate that uncertainty and foster a loving and safe birthing environment for parent and child. Of course the most important thing is that parent and baby are healthy, but that’s not the only important thing. I believe that as a parent your instinct is just as strong as that fetal ejection reflex and my job is to help you listen to it. I absolutely love being a doula and am so excited to support more families through this amazing journey. I would love to connect so please feel free to reach out anytime!

Care philosophy

I like to let the parents take the lead and tell me what type of support they are looking for, I’m very adaptable to any type of support! I like to be super hands on through contractions with comfort measures and massage. I’m also a huge believer in the Bradley method, which is partner based support. So your partner and I would work as a team to support you!

Areas served

• San Diego county

• Irvine and south

• Encinitas, Carlsbad

I have been a birth doula for five years. The birth of my second son took all kinds of twists and turns and really showed me that feeling safe is of the utmost importance. I provide all of my clients up to four prenatal visits to discuss birth plans, decision making skills, comfort measures, lactation, and postpartum expectations. It is vital to me to build trust between myself and my clients, so they understand that I only step in when needed, and stay hands off when appropriate. Birth support is unique to each family, and each family deserves to be supported in they way they need, not in the ways others tell them they need.

Care philosophy

Birth works best when we leave it alone. I feel that in an absence of a true emergency or high risk situation, interventions cause more trauma than they do good. I work with my clients to build trust (if needed) in themselves and their bodies to birth their babies wherever they feel safest, whether at home, a birth center or at the hospital.

Areas served

• All of San Diego County

Reviews

• 

  Natalie

  September 23, 2022 at 1:20 am | Client review

  I cannot say enough good things about Heather and would recommend her to anyone. She was the key to helping me fulfill my wish of having a natural, empowered birth. She was ready with recommendations of an OB that fit my birth wishes, education resources to prepare for birth and connected us with lactation consultants for in home assistance. I felt extremely valued by her as a person and never felt like “just another client”. Throughout my pregnancy and postpartum period she promptly answered my questions and always made me feel supported. She was an invaluable coach and advocate in the delivery room and I am just so grateful that she got to be part of our birth story. She is worth her weight in gold and we truly can’t recommend her enough.

I began my journey and training back in 2019 through CAPPA. My goal is to support and empower the mother and her partner through the experience she chooses by working through any fears she holds towards her role in giving birth and by understanding each part of the journey. I believe that the support I can provide as a Birth Keeper to the mother, partner, and other family members during this journey is invaluable. Preparing women to walk the labyrinth to birth their baby as well as birthing the transformation into parenthood.

Care philosophy

I am here to support and help empower your journey, and your right of passage through mind, body , spirit.

Areas served

• Oceanside, Ca

• San Diego, CA

• Encinitas, CA

• San Clemente, CA

In 1994 I acted as a gestational surrogate for a family in Israel, giving birth to their twins. Shortly after, I started a surrogacy agency to help families and their surrogates as they navigated the surrogacy world. It wasn't long until I found myself acting as a doula, although I'd never heard the term "doula" before! When I learned about doulas, I knew it was something I wanted to do! By 2001, I shifted my focus from surrogacy to doula work.

Care philosophy

As a Birth Doula, I feel my role is as an educator. I want the support person as involved as possible. I have given birth to 10 children, and have been a doula for many years, so I have a lot of experience to draw from. As a Postpartum Doula, I assist new families in adjusting to their new roles, provide resources, reassure parents, and even walk the dog!

Areas served

• San Diego County

Reviews

• 

  Iana Gabrielle

  June 2, 2021 at 5:19 pm | Peer review

  Tabby the doula is the truth when it comes to birth work. She is compassionate, thorough, and truly sincere. I have worked alongside her these past 4 years. Tabitha is an amazing community educator, birth work specialist and PAIL advocate. I couldn’t be happier serving expecting parents alongside anyone else. She is forever learning, continuing her education and levels of certification in this field. Tabby shares her knowledge to equip parents and peer educators alike. The birth industry thrives with caretakers like Tabitha in it! I can’t wait to see where her goals take her and hope I am right beside her along the way! Come on Midwife To Be!

The services I provide include birth planning support, birth partner training, prenatal yoga skills training, newborn nanny services, and postpartum doula support. I have always had a desire to care for families and started my journey as a mommy’s helper at 10 years old. From there I have continued to work with all ages. In the past year I have focused on gaining education and experience in the field of newborns and birth support. The past year I have worked with a family nannying their first child and adjusting back to working life with a child. We worked together to meet mother and baby’s breastfeeding needs as well as tools to promote sleep patterns. As I have worked with them I have focused on training myself in new skills that I wish to use expand my practice. In addition to my current experience and certifications, I am currently completing a Lactation Education Counselor Certification. I hope that I can assist you in any of these services and I am happy to discuss any needs and adjust my services to what you are hoping to get out of my services.

Care philosophy

In my practice, I strive to set clients up to feel empowered in their birth plan and identify the support team that meets their needs. Between my training as a birth doula, my prenatal yoga teacher training, and 15 years experience of supporting families with children of all ages, including infants, I would love to assist you in this exciting time of transition

Areas served

• North Park

• La Jolla

• City Heights

• Hillcrest

• South Park

• Golden Hill

• Point Loma

• Ocean Beach

• Mission Beach

• Pacific Beach

• University Heights

• Del Cerro

• San Carlos

• Mission Valley

• Clairemont

• Bay Park

Sacred Mother and Baby was established to give marginalized populations who are at risk for maternal death in San Diego increased accessibility to an affordable doula in an effort to reduce the climbing maternal mortality rate in United States. All mothers should be able to have a doula at their birth no matter their race or socioeconomic status. Link to website: https://haitiangoddessmidw.wixsite.com/sacredmotherbabydoul

Care philosophy

All mothers deserve to have a passionate doula empowering them during their pregnancy, throughout labor and delivery, and during postpartum recovery. Mothers should ALWAYS have control of their choices and be aware of their rights as birthing people. My role is to advocate for you when you are unable to upon your request and ensure you have a positive birth experience that you can cherish.

Areas served

• Spring Valley, Temecula, Murrieta, San Diego