What's the Cost of Hiring a Midwife in Richmond, CA?

The cost of a midwife in Richmond, CA, can vary depending on factors such as the specific services offered, the midwife's experience, and whether it's a home birth, birth center delivery, or additional prenatal and postnatal care. On average, midwife services for prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum support can range between $3,000 and $6,000. Some midwives may offer sliding scale fees, payment plans, or accept insurance, which could influence the final cost. It’s best to contact local midwives or birth centers for more specific pricing information tailored to your situation.

The cost of a midwife in Richmond, CA can be influenced by several factors:

  • Type of Midwife

    Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) who work in hospital settings may have different pricing than Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) who attend home births or birth center deliveries.

  • Birth Setting

    Hospital births with a midwife typically cost less out-of-pocket when covered by insurance, while home births and birth center deliveries may have different fee structures.

  • Scope of Services

    Many midwives offer comprehensive packages that include prenatal visits, labor and delivery support, and postpartum care, which can affect the overall cost.

  • Insurance Coverage

    Whether insurance covers the cost of a midwife in Richmond, CA depends on your specific insurance plan and the midwife's credentials. Many insurance plans, including Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California), cover midwifery care, especially if the midwife is a licensed professional or works within a healthcare facility. However, coverage for home births or independent midwives may vary. It’s essential to contact your insurance provider to confirm the details of your plan, check if the midwife is in-network, and verify what services are covered.

  • Experience and Specialization

    Midwives with extensive experience, additional certifications, or specializations such as VBAC support or water birth may charge higher rates.

  • Geographic Location

    Midwifery costs can vary based on the cost of living and demand for midwifery services in your specific area.

When considering hiring a midwife in Richmond, CA, it's advisable to research and interview several midwives to find one who aligns with your birth plan, preferences, and budget. During consultations, you can discuss their specific services, insurance acceptance, and pricing structure to ensure you have a clear understanding of what is included and the associated costs.

How to find a midwife in Richmond, CA

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Share details about your birth plan, whether you're considering a home birth, birth center, or hospital delivery. We'll match you with experienced midwives in Richmond, CA who specialize in the care you need.

Licensed & certified professionals

Our network of midwives serving Richmond, CA includes Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) with extensive training in prenatal care, labor support, and postpartum recovery.

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Real parent reviews

Read reviews from Richmond parents who chose midwifery care for their births. They share their experiences with prenatal support, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. Compare reviews to find the right midwife for your family.

Found 136 Midwives in Richmond, CA

Jaimie Nunez

Richmond, California

Jaimie Nunez

Accepts insurances

My path to birth work was deeply personal — shaped by three very different birth experiences that taught me how transformative the right support can be. It was during my third birth, with the help of a doula, that I witnessed firsthand the power of continuous, compassionate care — not just for me, but for my husband, who was able to show up as the hero of our story. That experience called me to this work. I come alongside families during this powerful and vulnerable time with warmth and steady presence, and I bring personal experience with inductions, medicated and unmedicated labors, cesareans, and NICU stays. I am currently completing my doula certification and am deeply committed to the families I serve. Whatever your birth looks like, I will be there — informed, caring, and fully in your corner. Serving families across the San Francisco Bay Area — San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Marin, Walnut Creek, and everywhere in between.

Manuella Orsi

Richmond, California

Manuella Orsi

6 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My path to becoming a doula comes from both my clinical background and my lived experience caring for families. I am a registered nurse by training, and after moving to the U.S., I spent years supporting families as a nanny, building deep trust in their most intimate routines. Becoming a doula allowed me to reconnect with my nursing roots while offering something deeply human: calm, presence, and informed support during one of the most transformative moments of life.

Susan Galloso

Richmond, California

Susan Galloso

17 years of experience

Susi Galloso is a dedicated and skilled professional with a passion for supporting individuals and families during the transformative journey of childbirth and early parenthood. With a wealth of experience and expertise, she has been serving as a birth doula since 2010, a massage therapist since 2009, and an infant massage educator since 2014. In her role as a birth doula, Susi provides invaluable emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant mothers and their partners throughout the labor and delivery process. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of birthing techniques, relaxation methods, and comfort measures, she helps ease the anxieties and discomforts associated with labor, fostering a calm and empowering environment for the birthing individual. Her compassionate and empathetic nature allows her to connect deeply with her clients, understanding their unique needs and preferences to tailor her support accordingly. As a massage therapist, Susi possesses a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and various massage techniques. Since 2009, she has been utilizing her expertise to offer therapeutic massages that aid in relieving tension, promoting relaxation, and enhancing overall well-being. Her massages are not only a source of physical relief but also an opportunity for her clients to rejuvenate their minds and bodies, fostering a sense of balance and harmony. Additionally, Susi is a certified infant massage educator, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing the bond between parents and their infants. Utilizing her extensive knowledge of infant development and touch therapy techniques, she educates parents on the benefits of infant massage. Through guided instruction, she empowers parents to utilize gentle massage techniques that can aid in soothing and relaxing their babies, improving sleep patterns, and promoting healthy growth and development. Susi's combined expertise as a birth doula, massage therapist, and infant massage educator showcases her holistic approach to supporting individuals and families during crucial life stages. Her dedication to enhancing the well-being of her clients, coupled with her compassionate and nurturing nature, make her an invaluable resource for those seeking expert guidance and support on their journey to parenthood and beyond.

Josy Ferreira

Richmond, California

5.0 (7 reviews)

Josy Ferreira

9 years of experience
Accepts insurances

From the moment I stepped into the world of birth and postpartum work, I knew this was my calling. I’m a Birth & Postpartum Doula and Newborn & Infant Care Specialist serving families across the Bay Area and East Bay, with a background grounded in evidence-based care, cultural sensitivity, and a genuine passion for supporting parents during one of the most transformative seasons of their lives. My training includes Cross-Certification through ProDoula as a Certified Postpartum & Infant Care Doula, Hospital Friendly Doula (HFD) Certification as a Birth and Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist certification through the University of Colorado, CPR & First Aid through the Menlo Park Fire Department, CERT Member through the Menlo Park Fire Department, Child Development through Abilene, continuing education in Lactation (UCSD), Infant Massage, and professional development in Sleep Shaping/Sleep Training through Summer Sleep Secrets. I am also an active volunteer doula at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, supporting birthing people and families from diverse backgrounds. Families often describe my approach as a blend of warmth, intuition, and grounded professionalism. I deeply believe in meeting each family where they are — without judgment, without pressure, and with a plan that reflects their unique rhythms, identities, and goals. I proudly support LGBTQ+ families, offering fully inclusive, gender-affirming care and language so every parent feels safe, welcomed, and respected. My philosophy is rooted in gentle structure and the Montessori method, encouraging independence for both parents and babies through simple, responsive routines. I specialize in newborn behavior, feeding, sleep foundations, and emotional support — helping families understand their baby’s cues and build healthy rhythms from the very beginning. One of my strongest areas of expertise is sleep shaping, using age-appropriate techniques that allow many babies to sleep through the night by 4–5 months, always with a respectful, attachment-minded approach. Clients often share that I have an effortless way of integrating into the home, anticipating needs before they are spoken, and creating an environment of peace, order, and emotional safety. Whether supporting breastfeeding, troubleshooting sleep, soothing a fussy newborn, guiding siblings, or caring for a recovering parent, my goal is always the same: to bring calm, clarity, and confidence to the postpartum experience. For me, being a doula is more than a profession — it’s a devotion to nurturing, empowering, and walking alongside families during a beautiful and vulnerable chapter. Every home I enter becomes part of my heart, and it is an honor to support parents as they grow into their new roles with confidence, joy, and rest. If you’re looking for someone who will care for your baby with tenderness, support your recovery with evidence-based expertise, honor your family’s identity, and guide you with compassion every step of the way, I would be honored to walk this journey with you.

Recent review

I had the pleasure of working with Josy as my postpartum doula, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. From day one, she was incredibly respectful of our family's needs and preferences, always communicating clearly and checking in to make sure we felt supported. Josy's knowledge of infant care is exceptional. She guided us through everything from feeding and sleep routines to soothing techniques with confidence and expertise. She supported me on my nursing journey and with infant massage, especially tummy massage in the early weeks. What truly impressed me was her commitment to continuously learning and deepening her skills—she stayed current with the latest research and best practices, which gave me tremendous peace of mind during those early weeks. Her calm and joyful presence and genuine care made such a difference during a vulnerable time. If you're looking for a postpartum doula who is professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to her craft, Josy is an outstanding choice. Beyond her technical expertise, what truly set Josy apart was her extraordinary kindness and emotional intelligence. She understood that welcoming a newborn into the family is about so much more than feeding schedules and sleep—it's about navigating a profound life transition with all its joys and challenges. Josy met us exactly where we were, without judgment, and created a safe space for us to ask questions, express concerns, and adjust to our new reality. Her deep understanding of the needs of families with newborns was evident in countless small but meaningful ways. She anticipated our needs before we even voiced them, whether it was preparing a nourishing snack, tidying up the kitchen so we could rest, or simply sitting with me during a difficult moment and offering reassurance. She recognized when I needed encouragement and when I just needed someone to listen. Josy also showed remarkable sensitivity to the dynamics of our whole family. She understood that postpartum support isn't just about the baby—it's about caring for parents as they adjust to their new roles, managing recovery, sleep deprivation, and the emotional roller coaster of those first weeks. Her presence brought a sense of calm and competence that allowed us to feel more confident as parents. What I valued most was her genuine warmth and the way she made us feel seen and supported as individuals, not just clients. Josy truly cares about the families she works with, and that compassion shines through in everything she does. Having her by our side during those precious early weeks was an invaluable gift.

- S M.

Maristela Azevedo

Berkeley, California

Maristela Azevedo

9 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My philosophy is centered on fostering safety and comfort for both the parent and the baby. My dedication to my profession is unwavering, and as a doula, I am committed to delivering optimal emotional and physical support to my clients. I consider each parent and child unique and being adaptable and attentive to the diverse needs of families ensures that my care is not only practical but also emotionally supportive.

isabel baer-modena

Berkeley, California

isabel baer-modena

15 years of experience

Hello! I am an experienced doula currently moving back to the Bay Area from Santa Cruz. I am passionate about providing each family with an individualized experience. I have been working as a postpartum doula, primarily at night, since 2020 and I have been a birth doula since last year. My care and experience has supported countless families through this tender chapter of life. Services range from infant care, meal prep, light house cleaning, lactation/infant feeding guidance, and tips I’ve learned through the years of infant care.

Tiffany Washington

Emeryville, California

Tiffany Washington

4 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I have been a full-spectrum doula for almost 4yrs. I primarily focus on postpartum care, supporting families as they welcome their new baby and adjust to life together. With training in Spinning Babies® and experience in lactation support, I provide a blend of knowledge, gentle guidance, and hands-on care to nurture both parents and babies. My approach is both nurturing and empowering. I feel honored and privileged to be welcomed into families’ homes, and I often become a trusted part of their circle during this sacred time. I also believe in the importance of finding the right fit—every family deserves a doula who feels like the right match for their values, needs, and journey.

Rhonda Frazier

Emeryville, California

5.0 (8 reviews)

Rhonda Frazier

11 years of experience

Hi, I’m Rhonda! I’m a Certified Birth Doula and Maternal-Child Health Nurse with 10 years of experience in Labor & Delivery and Mother-Baby care. I became a doula two years ago after seeing how much families benefit from calm, compassionate support during birth and postpartum. My goal is to create a peaceful, nurturing space where parents feel informed, cared for, and confident. Based in the Bay Area, I serve Emeryville and surrounding communities. I’m also a proud mom of three grown children and love reading, exploring California, and spending time with my family. Calm nights. Compassionate care. With loving hands. 🤍

Recent review

Being this my first pregnancy, I was looking for a doula who had a medical background and would strongly advocate for my preferences and wellbeing. Rhonda was professionally prepared to support my partner and myself during my pregnancy. She was very thorough in explaining the birthing preference list, making sure that I was well informed on my birthing preferences. She was very patient in explaining the interventions during my induction, such as procedures and medications. Rhonda also did a great job in relaying my birthing preferences to the nurses and doctors. During my labor, Rhonda created a relaxing environment, providing calming scent diffusers and words of affirmation cards. She also helped me in changing positions to alleviate pain and to move the labor process along. Whenever the staff made a suggestion, Rhonda made sure to break down the information using evidence-based data. This allowed me to have a positive and memorable birthing experience. Rhonda was very responsive via text and email. She also made sure to check in with us after delivery to see if we needed any support and to debrief on the experience. I would definitely recommend Rhonda for anyone going through their first birth.

- Ana R.

Sarah Wolfman-Robichaud

Berkeley, California

5.0 (3 reviews)

Sarah Wolfman-Robichaud

3 years of experience

Consultant. Doula. Mama. Twenty+ years ago, I ran into a college acquaintance at a friends' wedding. She told me she was a Doula. It was the first I'd ever heard of it. Shortly thereafter, I returned to the New York publishing and theater world, later moved to British Columbia to pursue degrees and a career in arts education, birthed my two favorite humans, and then moved to the Bay Area, California, where I was welcomed into the Jewish professional community. Throughout my movement in these roles, I never stopped thinking about what life would be like as a Doula. It took some time, but here I am, pursuing a decades-long dream. And when I'm not reminiscing about my own transformational career path, or working with growing families across the Bay Area, I'm still singing my children to sleep (even the one who's now taller than me).

Recent review

Sarah swooped in to help us with our twin boys two days and two nights per week. She was a breath of fresh for these two tired parents! Sarah's nurturing spirit, organizational skills, and general joy was such a relief in our home. I also learned a lot in watching her care for the boys. The twins blossomed in her care as she seamlessly juggled two babies at once. We miss her, but she has left her mark on our family!

- Kate C.

Shelby Stewart

Oakland, California

5.0 (3 reviews)

Shelby Stewart

26 years of experience
Accepts insurances

As a full spectrum birth-keeper, sexual/reproductive & lactation educator, and womb-space ceremonialist, I hold space for you to have continuous, high quality support that is infused with culturally responsive care, and embedded within a framework of advocacy. As such, I provide physical, emotional, and educational support and guidance to all birthing people, their partners, their families, and communities across the lifespan, reproductive landscape, and for all reproductive circumstances and outcomes. Earthseed Birthwork praxis is steeped in the belief that within the hallowed grounds of your wholeness – your lived experiences and unique socio-cultural contexts, your dreams, and your life journey, there is an opportunity for YOUR divinely aligned birth journey to come forth. I specialize in serving as guide, helping you investigate and get curious about, cultivate, and then traverse your own birth ceremony, the complex and oftentimes daunting medical system's model of care, and matrescence – the wholeness (physically, psychologically, and socially) of becoming a mother/parent…all while centering the sacred and traditional practices that have safely held birthing people for time immemorial. Bearing witness to, being deeply present for, and reflecting your own innate power to call forth and touch into the dance of your intuition, are my gifts. Working with me is intended to be more than a mere hand-holding, it is meant to be a full person witnessing, and the sanctuary of safe space to support the expansion of your capacity to be present with all that arises on your journey. I believe all births are immeasurably transformative...birth shape- shifts us into whatever next iteration this life is calling forth for us. When allowed, birth may expose you to rapturous wonder, deep discomfort, indescribable joy, and the instinctive knowing that you will forever physically, emotionally, and spiritually be changed. Care Setting I meet people where they are, and not where I may perceive they ‘should’ be…literally and figuratively. I hold and offer care within in-person spaces, homes, virtually, office, and outside underneath the sky’s blanket.

Recent review

We give Shelby the highest recommendation. She supported our birth journey in so many critical ways, through her presence, knowledge and constant encouragement. She is very personable and answered all of our questions. We especially appreciated the way she could explain why the clinical setting would prefer or encourage particular interventions, while also letting us know about all of the options available and helping us to make informed decisions along the way. She empowered us. When it mattered most, during labor and delivery, Shelby was there, with the right presence, words and encouragement. She helped our baby come into the world. We hope other parents have this positive experience of a doula, like Shelby gave us.

- Heidi and Luke H.

Ladjane Sampaio

Kentfield, California

5.0 (3 reviews)

Ladjane Sampaio

8 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hello! My name is Ladjane Sampaio and I am a Certified Postpartum Doula and experienced Nanny based in the Bay Area. I am also a proud Brazilian mother of five, and it’s from this deep well of personal experience and love that I draw my strength and purpose as a caregiver. Supporting families through the delicate postpartum period is not just my profession—it’s my calling. I bring a calm, compassionate, and culturally sensitive presence to every home I serve, helping parents feel empowered, seen, and truly supported as they adjust to life with a new baby. I offer hands-on newborn care, breastfeeding support, postpartum recovery assistance, light housekeeping, and home organization to ensure a peaceful and well-supported transition into parenthood. I am CPR and First Aid certified, and I have excellent references that reflect my professionalism, reliability, and loving care. While English is not my first language, I communicate clearly and warmly—and most importantly, I know how to care for babies with confidence, love, and great attention to detail. Families often tell me how reassured and cared for they feel with me by their side. I speak Portuguese fluently and am happy to support multilingual families with empathy and understanding. I would be honored to support your postpartum journey with heart, skill, and experience.

Recent review

She’s such a wonderful doula — caring, dedicated, and truly passionate about what she does. She supports both mom and baby with so much love and calm energy, and always offers helpful guidance to the whole family. Her presence brings peace and confidence. I couldn’t recommend her more!”

- Maria M.

Jamie Jones

Oakland, California

5.0 (5 reviews)

Jamie Jones

21 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi, my name is Jamie Jones I'm a Certified Birth Doula, Certified Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialists, Certified Lactation Support, and a Certified Sleep Specialists. I have been working in Labor and Delivery as a Senior Surgical Technician for 20 years now. I absolutely love helping to bring new life into the world. Being able to be there for new families as their support system during that time brings me joy. In my heart of hearts I have found it is my calling to live a life of service. I am a natural born helper so what better way then to continue helping families after the are home in the Newbirn phase of the journey. I am originally from Memphis,Tn and I now reside in Oakland,Ca. I want to be able to be an emotional support for the family be it giving help with breast feeding or allowing the parents to rest when they can. So that the parents will know their baby is in safe hands and the can rest easy. Https://p-e-a-c-e-over-everything.com/postpaartum-doula Cell 510-616-8005

Recent review

I’m so grateful for Jamie. She came to see me a few weeks postpartum and brought such a calm, steady presence into my home. She made me feel truly supported during a time when I needed it most. She helped me feel more confident and less anxious. You can tell she genuinely cares about the mothers she works with. I’ll definitely be calling her again for any future babies, and I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for compassionate postpartum support.

- Heleyna H.

Thamires Brito

Oakland, California

Thamires Brito

3 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am a postpartum doula with over 3 years of experience supporting families during the early stages of parenthood. I am CPR and First Aid certified, fully vaccinated, and trained in breastfeeding support, helping mothers navigate nursing with confidence and care. My approach is compassionate and tailored to each family’s needs, providing both emotional and practical support to ensure a smooth and supported postpartum experience.

Sampaguita C. S.

Oakland, California

5.0 (3 reviews)

Sampaguita C. S.

10 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi — I’m Sampaguita Thank you for being here. I’m a birth worker, student midwife, and lifelong advocate for reproductive and sexual bodily autonomy for every body. My work is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves choice, access, safety, and power in their reproductive journeys. I’m especially honored to support individuals and communities whose lineages have had to fight for this freedom — whether that meant the right to give birth and raise children, or the right not to. It is a sacred calling to support people through the transformative journeys of pregnancy, labor, postpartum, and parenting, and I hold this responsibility with deep gratitude. I bring a lived, embodied lens to this work as a... - Non-binary lesbian - Mixed 2nd-generation Filipino-American - Birth worker with nearly 10 years of experience - Working-class upbringing - Covid cautious and harm reductionist - Living with chronic pain and disabilities

Recent review

It was a privilege to have Sampaguita be our doula and I couldn't have imagined a better birthing experience than the one I've went through with her by our side. Sampaguita provided a safe safe for us to explore our vulnerabilities and fears and helped guide us through it so that we'll feel more confident stepping into our role as parents. From beginning to end, she created an environment of warmth and support that shaped my birth into a positive experience. We couldn't have asked for a better support system and it was a honor to share this part of our chapter with her. I highly recommend having Sampaguita as part of anyone's pregnancy and birth experience as we will definitely have her be a part of ours for our next pregnancy!

- Annie

Joanna Turner

Oakland, California

Joanna Turner

11 years of experience

Meet Joanna -The heart behind Grounded Thru birth 🌿 A compassionate full-spectrum doula serving the greater Texas area. Joanna blends time-honored practices with modern knowledge to provide comprehensive care for the birthing person and their family. Rooted in intuition and a deep respect for the emotional and physical demands of birth, Joanna incorporates gentle massage, movement, her apothecary, and continuous emotional support to empower families with confidence and connection.

Kirsten Junghans

Oakland, California

Kirsten Junghans

8 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hello everyone! I'm so excited to introduce myself to you and share a little about what I do! My name is Kirsten Junghans and I am a DTI full spectrum doula, sleep trainer and postpartum chef. I serve the San Francisco Bay Area. I'm a single mother to an 11 year old kiddo named Ivy. As a doula my job is to make sure you know that your curiosities, concerns and questions are valid. The need to be reassured and supported are normal and valid as well. I am an advocate for all birthing individuals. With that being said, it is my responsibility and honor to comfort and support you in labor. I will tirelessly advocate for you to have the birth you want, to answer your questions and to explain what is happening. However, I will not be taking away your power by making every decision for you. This is your body, your birth and your baby. My job as your advocate and support person is to make sure you are informed of all your options, so that you don't ever lose your rights to bodily autonomy when you walk into the hospital. As your advocate I will do my utmost to support you and your choices while explaining your options to you. You are still in control, and that is very important to me! As a postpartum doula, I never overlook the importance of following up with you after your baby's birth. I will support you in the days, weeks or even months afterward. There are many types of support I offer including, feeding support, emotional support, helping you find a rhythm, preparing meals, and holding the baby so you can sleep. Everything I do is done to empower you and help you feel confident in your new role. The most important thing I do during the postpartum period is encourage you to rest and bond with your new baby. The weeks after birth are an immensely beautiful and emotional time. This is not the time to worry about cleaning and jumping back into your normal life. It's time to rest and get to know the child you've waited so long to meet!

Lacie Tupper

Oakland, California

Lacie Tupper

2 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hello and welcome! My name is Lace and I am a certified birth doula. I believe that every birthing person deserves to feel seen, heard, and empowered throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. My role is to provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support so that you can navigate this transformative time with confidence and care. My approach is rooted in compassion, advocacy, and evidence-based practices. I draw from my background in Global and Community Health, where I’ve studied reproductive justice, maternal health equity, and inclusive care models. I’ve also received yoga certification in Mallorca, Spain, which informs my grounding techniques and mindfulness-based comfort strategies during labor. Whether you are seeking support with birth planning, comfort measures, advocacy during labor, or gentle guidance in the early postpartum days, I am here to walk alongside you and your family. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and am especially passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ families, first-time parents, and those interested in holistic or low-intervention birth experiences. I continue to expand my knowledge through trainings in trauma-informed care, lactation support, and culturally responsive perinatal work. I believe that every birth matters and that your story deserves to be honored with presence, respect, and grace. Let’s connect—I’d be honored to support you in this sacred transition.

Leila Mottley

Oakland, California

5.0 (2 reviews)

Leila Mottley

5 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I'm a queer, Black birth worker offering sliding scale doula care in the East Bay. I was born and raised in Oakland and I only take on a handful of clients at a time so that I can give you as much individualized attention as possible. I trained as a full-spectrum doula in 2021 with Sumi's Touch and have been actively supporting clients in the transformative process of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum for over a year. Before that, I worked as an infant-toddler teacher for years and I incorporate education on newborn care in my work as a doula. I believe that education and information is critical to you being able to make choices that work best for you and go into birth with confidence and grounding in your abilities and understanding of your own body and baby. The goal of every birth is to create an environment and process that is uniquely comfortable and grounding for the person giving birth and so I provide a number of prenatal sessions to prepare parents with the knowledge and tools to make their own informed decisions while also being ready to step in and advocate on behalf of the parents' needs at any point. I am particularly interested in mindful birthing and finding the methods of pain reduction that work for each person, building a birth environment that feels as familiar and homey as possible (music, lighting, calming scents, etc), and being anything and everything you may need from home to the hospital, whether that be a coach, cook, massage therapist, fierce advocate, or photographer. I also have an affinity for postpartum care that encompasses lactation support, postpartum healing, herbal remedies, baby care, or just doing your dishes so you don’t have to worry about that too.

Recent review

I was in labor for three days, and I can’t imagine how I would’ve managed without Leila. She is the support every person deserves during this process. She listened to my needs and helped me create a birth plan that reflected my personality. At the hospital, she advocated for me fiercely, pushing for alternatives that aligned with my wishes, even when the medical team repeatedly fear-mongered. Postpartum, she offered invaluable advice that helped me process my labor experience and navigate lactation. I am incredibly grateful that I had her by my side.

- Hafeezah A.

Krystal Vélez-Gómez-Edwards

Oakland, California

5.0 (4 reviews)

Krystal Vélez-Gómez-Edwards

4 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My name is Krystal Brisette Vélez-Gómez-Edwards and I am of Indigenous-Mexicana and Nicaragüense descent. I am open to supporting all births of all beliefs and practices. I am passionate about my own cultural work and practicing as a traditional, Mexican doula, acknowledging birth as ceremony. My first career path was in nursing until I discovered my dismay with Western medicine and healthcare. Years later I experienced the birth of my son, Michael, who is now 16. I was 21 and had no support outside of my marriage, I had no clue what I was doing and I didn't know what I didn't know. I ate awfully and gained at least 70 pounds. When my water broke and I was admitted to the hospital, I was soon told I would need a cesarean due to my son going into "distress." I planned to have a natural birth, but here I was receiving an epidural (fentanyl!) and being cut open and tugged at from within. I was so detached from my own body. My baby was taken from the room and I didn't have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits and pleasure of skin-to-skin bonding, our 'golden hour' to breastfeed peacefully. I suffered from postpartum depression and learned to bury and forget the experience because I figured that's just how it was. It wasn't until years later that it came up for me and was a catalyst for many positive changes in my life. I was a few years into healing work with indigenous medicines and in one of my own ceremonies, I received a calling to bring ceremony back to birth, along with visions of burying a placenta at a sacred tree. I began researching traditional Mexican birth work to discover that this was in fact an indigenous tradition. I dedicated myself to the journey of birth work. I obtained training in many facets of holistic birth work and traditional, Mexican birth work, including herbalism to support birth and postpartum, womb healing, rebozo work, techniques for comfort and pain management as well as repositioning breech babies, lactation support, craniosacral therapy, cerrada de caderas (traditional closing ceremony), and the list continues to grow. I have been studying safe use of psychedelics during pregnancy and birth. As a traditional, certified holistic birth and postpartum doula, my primary role is to provide emotional, physical, and informational support to you during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and beyond. I believe birth work is sacred and magical. Most importantly, I'm passionate about incorporating traditional practices into my work, which means I can also draw on indigenous knowledge and rituals to enhance and support your desired birthing experience. Together, we'll navigate this journey, ensuring you feel empowered and well-supported throughout.

Recent review

Cristal was absolutely essential to my uncomplicated delivery of my child. Her warmth and knowledge gave me the confidence and peace to go within myself and have an unmedicated delivery in the hospital. Being able to text her with any questions during and before early labor was incredibly comforting and helpful. Cristal was also a tremendous support for my mom and husband in the hospital, making the whole experience more personalized and less stressful. She provided them with the confidence and reassurance they needed, creating a calm and supportive environment for all of us. At the end of my quarentena, Cristal performed my cerada de caderas ceremony, which was beautiful and just the pampering I needed. This ceremony helped me reconnect with my roots and heal from my previous two birthing experiences. Cristal's support, both during and after delivery, was invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for her presence during this important time in my life. Thank you, Cristal, for everything you've done for me and my family!

- Rocío G.

Denise Jolly

Oakland, California

Denise Jolly

35 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I bring over 30 years of experience supporting families with children in private homes, with many of those years dedicated to the tender postpartum period as a Doula and Newborn Care Specialist. Known for anticipatory service and a calm, grounding presence, I provide expert care for newborns, including multiples, while offering mindful support for birth parents as they recover and transition into parenthood. With discretion, compassion, and deep knowledge of infant care, I help parents feel confident and supported as they welcome their newest family members.

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