Ariel Amarkarian

Los Angeles, California

Ariel Amarkarian

2 years of experience

Hello everyone! My name is Ariel Amarkarian, and I am an Armenian social justice advocate and dedicated birth worker. As a trained FULL SPECTRUM doula working toward certification with Birthing Advocacy, Stillbirthday, and DONA International. I provide compassionate emotional, physical, and informational support to all birthing people throughout every stage of their journey, from prenatal care to postpartum healing. Death is also an intrinsic part of life, and I am committed to supporting families through both the beauty of birth and the grief of loss. In addition to supporting childbirth, and postpartum, I also specialize in abortion care. I recognize that access to safe, respectful abortion services is a vital part of healthcare. My work is deeply rooted in principles of reproductive justice, health equity, inclusion, trauma-informed care, liberation and LOVE. If I am not geeking out over babies you can find me writing spoken word poetry, enjoying a good book, dancing, or watching reality TV (it's my guilty pleasure).

ELSY Melara

Los Angeles, California

5.0 (3 reviews)

ELSY Melara

26 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I'm a dedicated professional and a proud mother to two beautiful young ladies who inspire me every day. With over 20 years of experience in the child care industry, I am deeply passionate about supporting families during the precious early weeks of a newborn's life. In addition to my professional credentials, I bring a positive, can-do attitude to every interaction. My love for learning something new every day fuels my work, as does my passion for crafting artisanal soaps, spending time with family and friends, and exploring the great outdoors through travel and camping. I'm an active member of my community, constantly supporting various non-profit organizations and charities. I offer a range of services designed to make your transition into parenthood smoother and more joyful. From setting up the nursery, assisting with first baths, and caring for multiples to providing circumcision care and reflux support. I'm here to develop healthy sleep routines, assist with breastfeeding, and help transition your baby from breast milk to formula. I also offer lactation education, postpartum support, and multicultural postpartum recovery care. As a Certified Newborn Care Specialist, trained by Gentle Ventures Holistic NCS Training and certified through the Newborn Care Specialist Association, a sleep trainer through Summer's Sleep Secrets, and a Certified Postpartum Doula trained through CAPPA. I specialize in the care of newborns from 0-16 weeks, and I bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to every family I work with, continuously enhancing my expertise through ongoing trainings, workshops, and courses. Above all, I am deeply committed to providing the support you need in this incredible journey of parenthood. My approach is always filled with love and care, and I take immense joy in being around babies, helping them, and their families, in the most formative weeks of their lives. Let's navigate this beautiful journey together, caring with love every step of the way. My commitment is to build a warm and trusting relationship with you, offering ongoing education and a safe space for you to express your feelings during this transformative time. Let me be your dedicated partner on the journey to achieving well-restedness and a harmonious family life.

Recent review

Elsy’s support has been invaluable to me as a new mom. She has equipped me with tools that have greatly benefited both my baby’s well-being and my own peace of mind. From teaching me how to prepare bottles and understand my baby’s cues to sharing effective sleeping techniques and self-care tips, her guidance has been transformative. I’m incredibly grateful for the care and expertise she has provided. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to any parent seeking support!

- Ligia W.

HENRIETTE DYER

Los Angeles, California

5.0 (1 review)

HENRIETTE DYER

16 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hello there! My name is Henriette Dyer, and I am the owner and founder of Wee Beginnings LLC, residing in Los Angeles, CA. With over 35 years of experience in childcare, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to supporting families. I specialize as a Newborn Care Specialist, Certified Postpartum Doula (not a birth doula), Certified Lactation Educator, Certified Sleep Coach, and Certified Infant Sleep Consultant. My background also includes extensive experience as an infant/toddler teacher, pre-kindergarten teacher, and parent & child play instructor, all dedicated to helping families raise healthy and happy children. In my role as a Newborn Care Specialist, my focus extends beyond simply helping parents achieve much-needed sleep. I also work to alleviate the stress and frustration often associated with caring for a newborn, positioning myself as a crucial part of your support team. Establishing a stable support system is incredibly vital during the postpartum period when the baby comes home. In my free time i enjoy travelling to new places, writing, cooking and hiking. I would be delighted to discuss how my services and experience can provide valuable support to your family or organization. Please feel free to reach out to schedule a time to connect. Best regards, Henriette Dyer

Recent review

Henriette was a fantastic resource/night nurse for our second son. She worked with us for over a month and I trusted her completely. She was also great with our toddler. Highly recommend.

- Kelsey L.

Megan Wilkinson

Huntington Beach, California

Megan Wilkinson

4 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi, name is Megan! I am a caring and compassionate postpartum doula and newborn care specialist dedicated to supporting families during the transformative early days of parenthood. With a deep understanding of both physical and emotional needs, I provide personalized care, offering guidance, reassurance, and practical help to new parents. I am committed to creating a nurturing environment where families feel empowered, confident, and supported as they adjust to life with a newborn.

Maria Castillo

La Crescenta Montrose, California

Maria Castillo

22 years of experience
Accepts insurances

NEW BORN CARE SPECIALIST & ELITE INFANT NANNY HELLO FAMILIES. I'm a highly experienced Newborn Care Specialist and Infant Nanny with over 30 years of supporting families across Southern California. I specialize in: • Elite infant care: sleep conditioning, feeding support, developmental milestones, and gentle routines • Family support: guiding parents with education, resources and strategies tailored to their lifestyle and preferences • Discreet, luxury-level service: trusted experience with high-profile and HNW clients Based in Montrose, CA Now accepting new families in Southern California — message me today to schedule your consultation. BIO I am a happy, enthusiastic and passionate role model originally from El Salvador. I believe in open communication, hands-on learning and being a part of the family. I am a highly proficient and trained caregiver bringing years of knowledge and expertise, caring for newborns and toddlers. While in college, I took over 30 units of child development classes. I specialize in care and support for infants ages 0-16 weeks including preemies, multiples, special needs and toddlers. I work consistently and confidently, assisting parents and helping to navigate their new life with a baby on board, while educating and empowering them.

Iliana Ipes

Glendale, California

Iliana Ipes

2 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi, I’m Iliana! I’m a Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula based in Los Angeles, and at my core, I’m a student of life. I believe in curiosity, imagination, and the strength of humanity. We’ve made it this far by showing up for one another, especially during life’s most vulnerable transitions, and that belief sits at the foundation of how I approach this work. Before becoming a doula, I spent years working in film and visual storytelling. That background deeply shapes how I support families. It taught me how to read a room, stay grounded under pressure, notice subtle shifts, and honor someone’s story without trying to control it. Birth is not so different. It’s unscripted, intimate, and deeply human. My role is to be present, observant, and steady, allowing your experience to unfold in its own way. In both birth and postpartum, my focus is connection. Connection to your body, your baby, and the people supporting you. I support all kinds of births, whether hospital or home, unmedicated or with an epidural. There is no one right way. I aim to demystify the physiology of birth so the unknown feels less intimidating, while also helping you feel more at home in your body. If you have a partner, I help you move as a team, offering tools for communication, grounding, and nervous system regulation. I strive to be a calming presence you can orient toward if things feel overwhelming. Postpartum, that support continues as you settle into life with your baby and find your rhythm. I’m here to support your story with care, curiosity, and deep respect for how human this season is. :)

Kiley Tkaczyk

Glendale, California

Kiley Tkaczyk

6 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi, I’m Kiley! I’m a Los Angeles based birth and postpartum doula, preconception coach, birth photographer and mother. With an extensive background spanning over a decade in healthcare, with a specific focus on women's health, family building and conception, paired with years immersed in the study of birth, my journey has evolved into a passionate exploration of the entire process from preconception to postpartum. Throughout my tenure, I experienced a profound paradigm shift, recognizing that there’s infinitely more to wellbeing than just the physiological aspects, prompting an exploration at a deeper level. This moment also ignited a connection to the initiation of childbirth and an enhanced reverence for the inherent strength within every woman. I perceive each birth as a sacred ceremony A powerful rite of passage that connects you to the cosmic forces of creation. I believe in bringing intention and presence to every phase of this journey, honoring that consciousness in preconception, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum looks different for each individual. My work is about creating a dynamic in which you can discover what that means for you, so that are you well held, in full alignment with self.

Brandi Humphries

Long Beach, California

Brandi Humphries

9 years of experience

As a full-spectrum doula with eight years of experience working with newborns and supporting families, I am deeply committed to empowering parents during one of the most transformative times of their lives. As a devoted mother to my four-year-old, who had an amazing home birth experience with a supportive birth team, I understand firsthand the joys and challenges of parenthood, and I bring that empathy into my work. Currently pursuing my studies in midwifery, I am dedicated to expanding my skills to offer even greater support to families. I also have a passion for fitness and nutrition, and I love helping prenatal and postpartum mothers prioritize their wellness, recognizing that a healthy body and mind contribute to a positive parenting experience. My philosophy centers on creating a nurturing, nonjudgmental space where families feel seen, supported, and equipped to thrive in their unique journeys.

Melissa Johnson

Mission Viejo, California

Melissa Johnson

18 years of experience

I have been an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and postpartum doula/Newborn Care Specialist for over 16 years. I have worked in both hospital settings and privately in people’s homes. I love working with families as they learn to grow with their new babies.

Alison Swibel

Los Angeles, California

Alison Swibel

10 years of experience

Hi, I'm Alison! It wasn’t until I cared for my nephew for 2 years that I realized the significant impact a doula can bring by supporting new parents as well as the whole family. I have always been passionate about the importance of creating supportive and nurturing spaces. I am also a musical artist and have been singing since I was a child. Using my voice to help others is very fulfilling and I believe it can be a powerful tool for healing. Being in the outdoors and with animals as well as dancing are few of my interests. I am a trained and certified birth and postpartum doula through Keely Semler, MPH, CD. I am also a trained postpartum doula through DONA International, am working towards DONA certification and am CPR/First Aid certified. My pronouns are she/her.

Betsy Gough

Newport Beach, California

4.3 (6 reviews)

Betsy Gough

4 years of experience
Accepts insurances

After my son's birth, I was reeling from how well my birth journey went. I heard so many horror stories from friends and family about how their birthing days went. I was appalled for them. Most were pushed around by hospital staff, forced into unnecessary c-sections or just completely unaware of what options they had! I became determined to be an advocate for women who want to feel validated and that they can birth the way they choose. I wanted to be able to provide a beautiful experience, to anyone who desired it. Having my son empowered me to help other women have the birth of their dreams. I strive for a smooth, calm process, free from stress, judgement and fear. Whether it be at home, a birth center or hospital, all natural, medicated or planned c-sections, I believe that women should be able to do things their own way. Because each and every woman, birth and baby is different, I take pride in supporting you, however you choose to proceed. Hospitals can get confusing, nurses/OB's can get impatient, let me be your advocate through this journey. Let me help you, do you. Let's birth the way that you want.

Recent review

We’re so glad we had Betsy as our doula for this journey. From the very beginning, she was super friendly, supportive and knowledgeable , sending us all kinds of helpful materials, everything from hospital packing lists to a birth plan template, and natural ways to induce labor. She really helped us feel prepared going into it. During the birth, Betsy was amazing! I had a 52 hour labor and she was there with us through the thick of it, helping with breathing, acupressure, and just keeping us calm and grounded. She made it easier for me to advocate for myself, especially when things didn’t go quite as planned. Her support helped me feel way more confident and in control. She’s also been incredibly helpful postpartum, always checking in and offering guidance and extra help with almost anything when we’ve needed it! Honestly, she’s been such a steady and positive presence through the whole experience. We truly couldn’t have done it without her and can’t recommend her enough! Thanks for helping us bring our beautiful baby Henry into this world! We’re so grateful for you Betsy!

- Lindsay L.

Elaine Kopinga

Newport Beach, California

5.0 (1 review)

Elaine Kopinga

17 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Certified Nurse Midwife & Nurse Practitioner specializing in traditional postpartum care. Our team is staffed with experienced lactation, postpartum, and newborn care experts melding old world wisdom with evidenced based care.

Recent review

Elaine and her team are the best! They provide LS so much education and support. Her maternity membership is the amazing, I received so much one on one support during my pregnancy, she is so well connected, I felt like a VIP celebrity!

- Keira F.

Diana Roth

Newport Beach, California

Diana Roth

28 years of experience
Accepts insurances

A calling that has been nurtured for 32 years. I began my career with children as a teenage babysitter. I have been fascinated by child development since I was little more than a child myself. Arriving in the USA in 1991 from Barranquilla, Colombia I was immediately employed by Universal Studios Child Care Center. This experience offered a wide range of infants to care for and deepened my desire to advance in my calling as a childcare specialist. It was in my interactions with various parents that I soon realized how what came naturally to me was frightening to some. In a very short time, parents were asking me to provide services outside of the care center. I was helping with establishing baby sleep schedules, nighttime care and creating baby routines for families. In 1998 I had met my birthing doula trainer and mentor Carmen of Gyntle Touch Birth. At Carmen’s recommendation I also became a certified massage therapist from Touch Therapy Institute. Immediately I offered my time as a birthing and prenatal doula to help low-income unwed mothers. This was my way of giving back in gratitude of my being able to pursue my life’s purpose and obtain a vast amount of experience with a diverse group of mothers. Over the last 32 years I have worked with hundreds of families, from birthing babies, preparing hospital care routines and directives, setting up nursery supplies, prenatal doula, lactation coach, night care, postpartum care, pregnancy and baby massage. Along the way I married and was blessed to deliver my own two children, with my mentor Carmen presiding as my birthing doula. A not so well-kept secret is that my husband and I are gourmet chefs, an additional service many families are excited to have made available to them. I consider myself truly blessed in that I am able to share in the most important part of a family. Incredibly, many of the children I have had a hand in raising continue to contact me throughout their life. I have had the wonderfully good fortune to attend many, confirmations, bar & bat mitzvahs, graduations from elementary, Jr. High, High School, College and recently my first Graduate school ceremony. I respect privacy and discretion, am able to travel, provide meal preparation and offer household management services.

Kennedy Pennington

Compton, California

5.0 (3 reviews)

Kennedy Pennington

8 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hello! My name is Kennedy, and I would be honored to offer my services to you as a birth doula OR an overnight post partum doula/newborn care specialist! My philosophy is that judgement and restriction has no place in birth work. I'm not here to tell you what to do or turn my nose up at you for what you choose not to do. I'm here to support your decisions, let you know the pros and cons, and teach you how to trust your intuition when it comes to your baby and your body. My number one goal is to always provide a safe space for you and your family as you navigate the messy beauty that is birth and postpartum. I cannot wait to hear from you and I wish you the best of luck in your search to find the perfect fit for you and your tribe!

Recent review

Loved having Kennedy here to help me out as my postpartum doula! She was so patient, genuinely kind, and very knowledgeable. As a first time mom, I had worries about how my birth would go but I didn't even think to consider my postpartum experience. I was stressed those first few weeks, but hiring Kennedy lifted a huge weight off of my shoulders and allowed me to rest and heal properly so that my baby could get the best version of me. I will always be grateful for her help and I cannot recommend her enough!

- Charlene B.

Tamara (Mara)  Buck

Long Beach, California

5.0 (1 review)

Tamara (Mara) Buck

14 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am a certified birth and postpartum doula and have been a doula for over a decade in the Los Angeles area. I accept Medicaid/Medi-Cal and am carrot approved and in their directory of doulas. I am passionate about bringing intuitive and compassionate doula care to every person and family that feels they would benefit from the support of a doula before during or after pregnancy and labor. I believe in the power of setting intentions for the birthing journey and choosing your support is an important and empowering step. Warmest regards, Mara

Recent review

You may follow this link to read my reviews https://doulamatch.net/profile/10549/mara-buck-cd-cppd

- Mara B.

Joselyn Castellanos

Laguna Hills, California

Joselyn Castellanos

6 years of experience

Hello! I’m Joselyn, a proud mom who chose home births for my two little ones. Let's look back at my life before motherhood when the idea of childbirth intimidated me more than anything, thanks to all those stories and dramatic TV shows with women screaming their heads off in the delivery room. When I became pregnant with my daughter back in 2020, I dove into research, preparing my mind, body, and spirit for a positive birth—but I completely overlooked planning for postpartum and felt quite overwhelmed. Wanting to enhance my skills, I completed a 112-hour training with Bebo Mia Inc. and became certified with Pro Doula to become a full-spectrum doula. My journey also led me to explore the rich traditions of Mexican indigenous birth and postpartum practices, allowing me to honor my heritage while expanding my knowledge.

Michelle Wilkerson

Los Angeles, California

Michelle Wilkerson

5 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I'm a Los Angeles birth/postpartum doula, Certified lactation counselor and a belly binding specialist. I believe that birth is sacred making it one of the most vulnerable times in our life, my duty is to protect that. I'm the birth coach guiding you, helping you understand the physiological process of birth, your birth rights and helping you through postpartum. Being a mom of two helps me understand deeper what someone may need during these times. My philosophy is "hold the mother so she can then hold her baby".

Zala Ann K.

Newport Beach, California

5.0 (4 reviews)

Zala Ann K.

17 years of experience

Hello. My name is Zala Ann and I am a dedicated and certified newborn care specialist, I am passionate about providing exceptional care and support to newborns and their families during this precious and delicate phase of life. With a strong background in early childhood development and a genuine love for infants, I am confident in my ability to create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for your little one. I have worked with families from diverse backgrounds, offering personalized care plans tailored to each family's unique needs and preferences. I am committed to building strong relationships with families and maintaining open communication to ensure that all your concerns and expectations are met. I would be delighted to have the opportunity to meet with you and your family to discuss how I can contribute to the well-being and happiness of your newborn. Please feel free to reach out to me or to schedule a convenient time for us to connect. I look forward to the possibility of working together and supporting you during this special time in your lives.

Recent review

We cannot say enough good things about Zala! She is absolutely amazing and hiring her was the best decision we've made for our little girl. Zala is a wealth of knowledge and incredibly professional. She put our minds at ease from night one, and helped create a schedule for our daughter and got her sleep trained within just a few short months. This is our first child, so naturally we weren't sure what to expect, but having Zala was like having a personal, dedicated, expert caregiver that truly cared about her wellbeing and was open to discussing and working with us as we navigated the first few months of her life. We would give her 10 stars, if we could. She is worth every penny and is an amazing person and will undoubtedly make a lasting impression on anyone she works with.

- Kaitlyn and Aaron S.

Barbara Maxey

Newport Beach, California

5.0 (3 reviews)

Barbara Maxey

4 years of experience

Hi 👋🏼 I am a postpartum doula, meeting families where they are at. I assist with preparing meals, light housework, baby care, lactation support, bottle feeding support, and providing resources. I am a mother of two myself and love empowering parents in such a special time. I work day shifts, late nights and overnights.

Recent review

Barbara was an amazing support for my family in the first weeks of our daughters arrival. She came over the evening we got home from the hospital and because of her I was not anxious to bring my baby home and not know what to do. I had her to ask questions, give support and be an extra set of hands. In the few weeks Barbara was in our home, she made sure my main focus was being with my baby and healing my body. She aided in nourishing my body with healthy snacks, drinks and meals as well as taught me the reasons behind the healing properties certain ingredients had. There were countless times I didn’t need to ask for help on things around the house, Barbara would be one step ahead of me already doing it. This created a great flow between the two of us. The advice and knowledge that Barbara gave my family eased our mind many times. My husband was able to return to work knowing that baby and I were well taken care of and supported. Her support exceeded my expectations of what a postpartum doula brings to your family. Thank you Barbara for the wonderful experience. You helped our family in the best way possible.

- Rebecca V.

Elena Alonso

Newport Beach, California

5.0 (3 reviews)

Elena Alonso

7 years of experience

Hello parents! I am Elena, a professional trained in newborn care who provides aid to new parents during the first few months of a baby’s life at home. I have more than 5 years of experience and adding more to my career. I work at nights so parents can get the sleep they need to then provide the best care possible for their family during the daylight hours.

Recent review

Elena was our night nurse starting at the end of December last year, and she worked with our family for two months. Simply put—she was the best help I could have ever asked for during that time. As a first-time mom navigating those exhausting newborn nights, having he support made all the difference. She brought a calming presence, a wealth of knowledge, and so much genuine care for our son. From creating a gentle routine to helping us understand his cues, Elena guided us every step of the way and gave us the confidence (and rest!) we truly needed. We felt completely at ease with her, and our baby loved her.

- Tânia W.