Sara Marcus

Birth & Postpartum Doula

Laguna Beach, California

6 years of experience

About
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About me

Hi, I’m Sara—a devoted doula with a deep passion for supporting families through both birth and the postpartum journey. I’ve had the privilege of being part of over 100 births, and I bring a calm, grounded presence along with a wide range of experience to every family I work with. As a mom of five—including twins—and someone who’s had home births myself, I truly understand how powerful, intense, and personal the transition into parenthood can be. Whether I’m by your side during labor or helping you navigate those tender early weeks at home, my goal is always the same: to provide steady, compassionate support tailored to your unique needs. Now that my own children are older, I’m thrilled to be reengaging fully with the work I love. Being part of this sacred chapter in people’s lives—both during birth and in those early postpartum days—is an incredible honor. If you’re looking for someone to walk with you through it all, I’d be honored to be part of your journey. Let’s take this step together.

Education

Bachelors Science Sociology (1999)

Certification and training

Birthwisdom (2001)

DONA (2003)

Lamaze (2004)

UC San Diego, Lactation Educator (2005)

Credentials

CD (DONA) CLE

Specialties

Birth and Lactation Birth Doula Birth Support Breastfeeding Assistance and Support

Languages

English

Service introduction

As a birth and postpartum doula, I provide compassionate, hands-on support for families throughout the entire journey into parenthood. My birth services include physical, emotional, and informational support before and during labor—whether you're planning a home birth or hospital birth. I work closely with each family to understand your preferences, help you feel prepared, and offer steady encouragement through every stage of labor. From comfort techniques to partner support and advocacy, I’m there to help create a calm and empowering birth experience. My postpartum care is designed to ease the transition after baby arrives. I offer practical help—like newborn care, feeding support, light household tasks, and guidance for establishing routines—as well as emotional support during this big life change. Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, my goal is to meet you where you are, lighten the load, and help you feel more confident and cared for in those early weeks. With experience in over 100 births and as a mother of five myself (including twins and home births), I bring a blend of professional knowledge and personal understanding to every family I work with. Each birth and postpartum experience is unique—and I’m honored to support yours.

Packages

Birth Doula

This package provides comprehensive support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum journey. Whether you’re planning a hospital, birth center, or home birth, I’ll walk alongside you every step of the way with knowledge, care, and encouragement. Included Services: 2 Prenatal Visits We’ll meet before your birth to cover childbirth and newborn education, breastfeeding preparation, and to create a personalized birth plan that reflects your values and preferences. Labor & Birth Support I’ll join you at home once contractions are about 6–7 minutes apart and stay by your side through labor and delivery—whether at home or in the hospital. After baby arrives, I’ll remain with you for 2–3 hours to ensure you’re settled, resting, and that baby has latched successfully. 1 Postpartum Visit (3 hours) A follow-up visit in the early days after birth to provide hands-on support with newborn care, feeding, recovery, and to answer any questions as you adjust to life with your little one. This package is designed to offer steady, experienced support during one of the most transformative moments in your life. I’d be honored to be part of your journey.

$2,800.00

USD Flat rate

Postpartum Daytime

This package is designed to help ease your transition into life with a newborn by providing calm, hands-on support during the day. Whether you're catching up on rest, figuring out feeding, or simply adjusting to your new rhythm, I’m here to support you in whatever way you need. Services include: Newborn care and soothing techniques Breastfeeding support and guidance Light meal preparation Light household chores (dishes, laundry, tidying) Any baby-related tasks to help lighten your load Every family is different, and my goal is to offer the kind of support that brings peace of mind and room to breathe during those early days at home. 6 hour minimum

$45.00

USD Per hour

Postpartum Overnight

Rest is essential for recovery and well-being in the early days of parenthood—and that’s where overnight support makes a big difference. This package is designed to give parents the opportunity to truly rest while I care for your baby through the night. Services include: Full newborn care throughout the night (diapering, soothing, swaddling, bottle feeding, or bringing baby to mom for nursing) Breastfeeding support, including help with positioning, latch, and nighttime feeding strategies Light baby-related chores such as washing bottles or pump parts, organizing baby supplies, and tidying the nursery Emotional check-ins and support for new parents, creating a calm, reassuring environment My goal is to ensure you wake up feeling more rested and confident, knowing your baby was in caring, capable hands. 8 hour minimum

$55.00

USD Per hour

Ratings and reviews

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Frequently asked questions

What does a doula do?

A doula provides physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. I’m not a medical provider, but I work alongside your care team to support your choices and help you feel confident and empowered.

When should I hire a doula?

Anytime! Some families reach out as early as the first trimester, while others connect closer to their due date. I recommend reaching out by your second trimester to ensure availability and allow time to build a strong relationship.

Do you attend home births, hospital births, or birth center births?

Yes to all! I support births wherever you feel safest—whether at home, in a hospital, or at a birth center.

What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?

A midwife provides clinical care such as monitoring vital signs, delivering the baby, and managing medical aspects of labor. A doula offers non-medical support—comfort measures, advocacy, education, and emotional reassurance.

Do you replace my partner or support person?

Not at all! I work alongside your partner, helping them feel more confident and involved. We’re a team, and I’m there to support both of you.

What kind of postpartum support do you offer?

I offer daytime postpartum visits that include newborn care, breastfeeding help, emotional support, light meal prep, household tasks, and guidance through the early weeks. My goal is to make your transition smoother and more supported.

Will you help me create a birth plan?

Yes! We’ll go over your preferences, discuss different options, and create a birth plan that reflects your goals and values.

Are you available by phone or text between visits?

Absolutely. I’m available for ongoing support via phone, text, or email during your pregnancy and for a period after birth.

How do you support breastfeeding?

I offer guidance on latching, positioning, and establishing a feeding routine. If more advanced support is needed, I can refer you to a lactation consultant.

How does your personal experience influence the way you support families as a doula?

As a mother of five—including twins and with experience in both hospital and home births—I bring a deep, lived understanding of the physical and emotional journey of becoming a parent. I know firsthand how overwhelming, joyful, and transformative birth and postpartum can be. That perspective helps me meet families with genuine empathy, patience, and care. My own experiences taught me that every birth is different and every family’s needs are unique. That’s why I focus on listening deeply, honoring your choices, and providing steady, nonjudgmental support—whether you’re preparing for your first baby or adding to your growing family. I see my role not just as a guide, but as someone walking beside you, making sure you feel confident, supported, and never alone.