Meet Shakila Marando, Founder of DOULAS by the BAY
A Mother, a Doula, and a Mission to Support Every Family since 2009
Discover what makes us different
The Story Behind DOULAS by the BAY
Being a mother myself changed the way I show up for families, with empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to make the challenging moments a little easier. ”
Being a mother myself changed the way I show up for families, with empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to make the challenging moments a little easier.
In 2009, Shakila founded DOULAS by the BAY with a clear mission: to make expert, compassionate doula care accessible to every family — regardless of how their birth story unfolds. Since then, her team has supported thousands of families across California through pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period.
Book Your Free Consultation With Shakila's Team!In 2009, Shakila founded DOULAS by the BAY with a clear mission: to make expert, compassionate doula care accessible to every family — regardless of how their birth story unfolds. Since then, her team has supported thousands of families across California through pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period.
Book Your Free Consultation!Our Purpose
Because every parent deserves to feel seen, supported, and cared for. No family should face pregnancy, birth, or the postpartum period without a trusted doula by their side, so they can move through it all with clarity, confidence, and calm.
Our Vision
We envision strong, healthy communities where equitable access to doula care enhances maternal and infant outcomes — and creates lasting opportunities for those called to support families.
Our Mission
At DOULAS by the BAY, we walk alongside families through pregnancy, birth, and the early days of parenthood — offering compassionate, continuous support that shapes how a family begins. We are equally committed to the doulas who make this possible. By creating meaningful, structured employment, we invest in the people who invest in families — building a community where everyone is supported, recognized, and equipped to do their best work.
Care, access, and community — one family at a time.
What Makes Us Different
DOULAS by the BAY is not a referral platform. We are a professionally structured, employee-based organization, and that distinction matters deeply to the families we serve.
Every doula on our team is:
Ready to Feel Supported?
Common Questions About Doula Services
Do you have another question? Reach our team at info@doulasbythebay.com
How do you match families with the right doula?
We start with a free consultation to learn about your needs, preferences, and birth plan. From there, we introduce you to doulas whose experience, schedule, and style fit your family, and you choose the one who feels right. Because our doulas are part of our team rather than outside referrals, we stay involved and make sure you feel supported every step of the way.
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 is background screened, insured, CPR trained, HIPAA compliant, and continuously mentored and evaluated. We have supported thousands of California families since 2009, combining genuine warmth with real accountability.
What areas do you serve?
We provide birth, postpartum, overnight, and sibling doula support across the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. During your free consultation, we’ll match you with a doula who serves your area and fits your family.
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