Nikki Avila
Nikki Avila
Nikki Avila
About me
Hi, I’m Nikki Avila—Certified Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, and Cofounder of Three Moons Doula Collective. My work is rooted in the belief that birth is sacred, transformative, and deeply personal. As a Latina birth worker, I’ve spent the last 16 years walking alongside families during one of life’s most vulnerable and powerful seasons—offering care grounded in compassion, cultural wisdom, and advocacy. Three Moons Doula Collective is not just a training program—it’s a movement. A space where doulas of color rise in their power, find their voice, and reclaim the knowledge that lives in their lineage. Our mission is to ensure that Black, Indigenous, and Latino families have access to skilled, culturally conscious birth support—because our communities deserve nothing less. Birth work has always lived in my spirit. Even before I had the language for it, I was holding space for pregnant friends as a teenager—offering a supportive hand to hold and an open heart to listen. That calling was modeled by my mother, who was a constant presence of strength and care in our family and community. I learned early on that showing up for others is powerful—and that’s where my passion was born. In 2018, I began formal training with Doula Trainings International and went on to earn certifications through Cornerstone Doula Training in birth and postpartum care. In 2021, I became a Certified Hypnobabies Instructor and Hypno-Doula, offering tools for calm, confident birthing experiences rooted in the power of the mind-body connection. My continued education reflects a deep commitment to both evidence-based care and ancestral wisdom. In 2022, I began training with H.E.R.B.A.L. Doula. In 2023, I trained with La Mujer de Tierra in Ceremony of Birth, deepening my connection to traditional and ceremonial practices. In 2024, I trained in Spinning Babies® with Midwife Tema, expanding my knowledge of physiological birth and body-based support. In 2025, I continued my holistic path by training in Reiki for birth with Mitra, integrating energetic support into my care. From belly binding to energy work, my approach is holistic and intentional—honoring the entire person, not just the process. In 2019, I founded the Bakersfield Doula Circle to unite birth workers in sisterhood and solidarity through monthly gatherings where doulas come together to share, learn, and lead with collective wisdom. I actively collaborate with community partners like Save a Mom, Save a Family, Inc., and since 2024, I have been part of the Maternal Healthcare Committee in Kern County, contributing to local efforts that aim to improve maternal health outcomes and expand access to culturally responsive care. In May 2024, I traveled to Ecuador with Wombs of the World, where I had the honor of sitting under and learning from Parteras Mama Mila and Partera Martha, a powerful mother-daughter duo. Their teachings deepened my understanding of birth as sacred lineage, passed down through generations, and strengthened my commitment to honoring traditional wisdom in my work. In February 2026, I continued this journey in Mexico City and Oaxaca, Mexico, where I sat with and witnessed the work of traditional midwives and healers—Doña Queta, Partera Paula, Partera Yuu, Curandera Norma, Partera Rosa of Valenzuela, and Partera Mariela. These experiences further shaped my understanding of birth as ceremony, community, and ancestral remembrance. I am deeply grateful for the work and mission of Wombs of the World and for Charlotte’s leadership in creating these transformative spaces. In 2025, through Three Moons Doula Collective, we trained our first cohort of doulas—many of whom are now actively working with managed care plans, providing essential support to mothers throughout Kern County. As of 2026, my colleagues and I continue to expand this work by training Native American Indigenous birth workers, strengthening culturally rooted care within our communities. As a Certified VBAC Link Educator and Medi-Cal Doula, I’ve supported over 130 births, including more than 28 Medi-Cal births in 2024 alone. Each one is a powerful reminder of how informed, respectful care can transform outcomes and empower families. In June 2026, I will be releasing The Wisdom of Waiting Birth Method™, a childbirth education course designed to guide families back to trust, knowledge, and the innate power of birth. Through Three Moons Doula Collective, I’m committed to shifting the paradigm. This work is about more than teaching skills—it’s about nurturing leaders. Doulas who are deeply rooted in their culture, confident in their knowledge, and ready to create generational change. I hope every person who trains with us feels seen, held, and empowered—and that every birthing person they support feels the same. This is the legacy I’m building: one of advocacy, ancestral remembering, and powerful community care. We are creating a future where birth is safer, more just, and deeply sacred. I am here to support you, IN THE WAITING, Nikki Avila
Certification and training
Course for HIPPA Training (2024)
Gentle Birth- Childbirth Educatior - still pending (2024)
Hypnobabies-Doula (2021)
Childbirth Education - Hypnobabies (2021)
Cornerstone - Labor and Birth and Postpartum Training (2020)
VBAC Link Certified (2024)
Certified Herbal Doula and Birthkeeper Training (2022)
Birthing from Within - Doula and CBE Training (2023)
EBB- Professional Birth Academy (2020)
Belly Binding Training (2022)
Mujer de la Tierra - Ceremony of Birth Indigenous Teaching (2022)
Doula Training International (2018)
BirthWorks International - Birth Doula Workshop (2024)
BirthWorks International - Childbirth Educator Workshop (2024)
Memberships and affiliations
California Medi-Cal
Credentials
Specialties
Languages
English
Accepted insurances
Service introduction
I offer and accept any Medi-Cal Kern Family Health Care, Kaiser Medi-Cal and HMO, and Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal
Packages
Ratings and reviews
The one thing I regret is not hiring Nikki earlier!! I reached out to her when I was 36 weeks pregnant and I am so lucky she was willing to take me on so late in my pregnancy. Nikki not only helped me prepare as best as I could in the short time frame we had before I gave birth, but she also connected me with the women in her team who were incredible resources as well. When it came to my L&D, Nikki was with me in the hospital for a complete 24 hours. She helped me navigate challenges to my birth preferences, consider tough decisions, and advocate for me when dealing with some difficult healthcare professionals. I truthfully think my birth experience would have taken a horrible turn if i did not have the support I received from Nikki. After I was released from the hospital, My son had difficulty with his latch, and i had a hard time with pumping. I shared my issues with Nikki, and she quickly put me in touch with her lactation consultant in her group, and they were able to counsel me that same day. I truthfully believe if it wasn't for this help, i would have given up on my breast feeding journey prematurely. Although I reached out to Nikki late only because i found out my insurance would cover a doula, My husband and I both have determined if we no longer could hire Nikki through our insurance, we would budget for her services if we decide to have another baby in the near future. Nikki is kind but also direct, gentle but also strong, informative but not condescending, and she is patient but not avoidant. She is sensitive to the needs of the individual client, and accepting to all walks of life.
- Aliyah Gonzalez
Nikki is the best, I am so glad we hired her as our Doula. She is very knowledgeable, helpful and such a kind soul. Thank you for educating my daughter with your birth education classes, you made me feel very calm, peaceful during delivery. Thank you for all that you do. We love you.
- Milagros Damian
I found Nikki while searching for doula services during my third pregnancy. I was new to the area and already in my third trimester, yet she happily took me on as a client and even drove about 40 minutes to meet with me in my home. During my birth, her calm and grounding presence naturally helped me stay relaxed. I ended up having a fast, out-of-town birth, and she still made sure to arrive in time and provide steady comfort throughout. During postpartum visits, Nikki was incredibly sweet and felt more like a long-term friend than a provider. Having her come over to help during that season was such a comfort and made the transition so much easier.
- Shayne Taylor
Words can’t even explain how AMAZING Nikki is she has gone above and beyond to help me before birth during even after she’s answered all my questions throughly gave me advice encouraged me and was by my side comforting me while in labor for 3 days straight she’s taught me so much in such a short time span and I’m a mother of 7 yet there was so many things I didn’t know till I met Nikki ❤️ I’m a month postpartum and she’s still here helping me I’m so glad I had her as my doula 100% recommend you will not be disappointed 🫶🏼
- Mariah Alvarez
I am so beyond happy that I contacted In the Waiting Doula Services to guide me through my first pregnancy. Nikki is so kind, supportive, informative, and just overall so helpful. I had so many worries/ concerns as a first time mom, but Nikki was there to answer all my questions even questions I did not know I had. I appreciate the entire team! Marisol’s lactation class was amazing and helpful. ♥️
- Cristal Pulido
Mama you are here for a reason if you are unsure where to go choose Nikki. I am forever grateful that I came across her when searching for doulas her energy is unmatched from anyone I’ve met before. after my first birth at 20 left me with feelings of helplessness and frustration surrounding events in my birth story, I knew I didn’t want to go through the same experience a year later with my 2nd birth. During my first i felt the doctors and nursing staff had failed me. As well as myself for not having the knowledge to apply birthing tools I had learned or courage to advocate for myself. My second birthing time with Nikki was the complete opposite. She had a calm collected yet firm energy which I needed during my birth. Taking her hypnobabies course gave me the tools to apply the knowledge I had and she gave me a regained confidence to know I was capable of keeping my baby safe and make informed decisions. She also helped me process through the trauma of my first birth which absolutely freed my mental space from the negative associations of birth. I am so glad she was placed in my life and am forever grateful for the immeasurable influence she has had in my life. Thank you Nikki!
- cArisma
We just had Nikki as our doula this year for my second baby (I wish we had knew about her for my first). When my husband and I met Nikki for the first time i thought it was going to be hard since my husband and Nikki had a language barrier but they both tried so hard to understand each other and I am glad they did. We loved how she made us feel so comfortable, and we knew we wanted to have her for sure. I did end up having a unmedicated birth, and I know I couldn’t have done it without her by my side. I remember my husband telling me right after I had my baby that he was thankful for Nikki, he was very nervous seeing all the pain I was going through and he said as soon as Nikki arrived he felt way more calm as I remember in that moment I kept saying I couldn’t do it because I was in so much pain but Nikki reassured me I can do it, and told me I was going to be ok. After I gave birth she told me she knew I could do it and that she was so proud of me and that made me feel so good 🥹 Also, she was able to stay with me overnight at the hospital since my husband had to come home and be with our daughter. I am very thankful she was able to because she helped me so much with my baby that first night. We loved her so much that we will be using her for our next baby for sure❤️
- Sandra Loera Valdez
Having Nikki as my doula was part of an amazing birthing experience. She was so supportive and engaging with both my husband and I. I learned so much about trusting my body and having a healthy mindset about my pregnancy. Thanks to her I have an amazing birthing story to share. Nikki is all about advocating for you and making sure your needs are met. She has the charisma and all the skills needed to assist you in this memorable experience.
- Aly Gonzalez
Nikki provided me with plenty of knowledge, care, and love during my pregnancy and she was right by my side giving me words of encouragement throughout my labor process. Her office is calm and inviting. She made me feel safe, and like I had a voice when it came time to talk to the doctors. She provided excellent post partum advice and healing. She performed a womb closing ritual on me and it helped me process my birth. I would recommend her to anyone of my friends and would love to have her be my doula if I ever gave birth again. Amazing work.
- Aileth Bran
We hired Nikki as our Doula for my second pregnancy. I was concerned that I might need to have another C-section and knew that there was a possibility for that, but Nikki reassured me that she would help do everything she could to avoid that, which was a success! The amount of comfort she provided and care throughout my pregnancy and labor, far exceeded my expectations. She not only helped ease my mind but she also helped my husband during the process of it all. She is incredibly knowledgeable and is very calming. My husband and I could not have had our successful VBAC without her! I'm so grateful for this experience with Nikki.
- Mariah Trimble
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