Feel Supported Through Pregnancy, Birth, and the Early Weeks of Parenthood
Whether you're expecting your first baby or growing your family, a calm, experienced doula can make all the difference. Since 2009, we've supported families across San Francisco, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles.
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What Does a Doula Do?
What Does a Doula Do?
Why Families Choose DOULAS by the BAY
Since 2009
Over 3,000 families have been supported across California.
Certified & Employed
Every doula is certified, vetted, background-screened, and part of our team — not a contractor.
Serving Northern + Southern California
Support for families across San Francisco, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and beyond.
"A Mother, a Doula, and a Mission to Support Every Family."
Shakila Marando
A Mother, a Doula, and a Mission to Support Every Family“My journey started over 25 years ago as a nanny, when I discovered how much I loved supporting parents through the beautiful, ever-changing reality of raising little ones. Being a mother myself changed the way I show up for families with empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to make the hardest moments a little easier. In 2009, I founded DOULAS by the BAY with a dream rooted in my heart: to create a community where parents feel truly seen, understood, and supported. Together with my team, we've now supported thousands of families across California.
Our Doula Services
We support families preparing for birth, adjusting to new parenthood, and caring for their babies.
Birth & Labor Doula Support
Confidence, care, and informational support throughout labor and birth.
- Prenatal planning and evidence-based information
- Continuous labor support & reassurance
- Partner coaching and advocacy at your side so you feel supported
Postpartum Doula Support
Personalized in-home care for recovery and newborn needs.
- Feeding support, newborn care, and guidance
- Help establish sleep routines and daily rhythms
- Light household help, meal prep, and day or overnight support
Overnight Doula Support
Support through the night, so you can get the rest and reassurance you need.
- Gentle nighttime feeding support
- Burping, diaper changes, and soothing baby back to sleep
- More rest, confidence, and peace of mind
What Families Are Saying
Read what parents have shared about their experience with our team.
Ready to Feel Supported?
Common Questions About Doula Services
Do you have another question? Reach our team at info@doulasbythebay.com
What does a doula do?
A doula provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support through pregnancy, birth, and the early weeks at home. A doula does not replace your doctor or midwife and provides no medical care. A birth doula offers comfort and steady presence during labor and delivery, while a postpartum doula supports your recovery, feeding, and newborn care at home. The goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and calm at every stage.
How much does a doula cost in San Francisco or Los Angeles?
Pricing depends on the type of support you choose (birth, postpartum, overnight, or a combination) and the length of care. For a detailed breakdown of typical doula costs in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, see our guide to doula pricing in California. We offer flexible packages, accept HSA and FSA cards, and provide payment plans through Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay, plus a sliding-scale program for families who need it. We’ll walk you through the exact options for your family during your free consultation.
When should I book a doula?
Many families book during the second trimester, often between 16 and 24 weeks. Booking early gives you time to build a strong relationship with your doula and ensures they are available when support matters most. That said, it is never too early or too late to reach out. If you are in your third trimester or your baby has already arrived, we can still find options that match your needs.
Does insurance or Medi-Cal cover doula services in California?
Coverage is expanding in California. Medi-Cal has covered doula care statewide since 2023, and some private plans, including Kaiser, now offer doula benefits for members on qualifying plans. Many families also use HSA or FSA funds or employer family-benefit programs like Carrot, Maven, and Progyny, which reimburse for care from certified, insured doulas like ours. Because coverage and eligibility vary by plan, we’ll help you understand your specific options during your free consultation.
How is DOULAS by the BAY different from other doula agencies?
DOULAS by the BAY is not a referral platform. We are a professionally structured, employee-based agency, which means every doula on our team is background screened, insured, CPR trained, HIPAA compliant, and continuously mentored and evaluated. We have supported thousands of California families since 2009. This structure lets us combine genuine warmth with real accountability, so you always know who is supporting you and that they are fully backed by our team.
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