Evidence-Based Birth & Postpartum Doula Care in California

When a family chooses to work with DOULAS by the BAY, they are doing more than receiving support, they are actively contributing to positive change in our community.

Their decision helps make doula care accessible to families who might otherwise never have the opportunity to receive it. Through our sliding-scale options and our volunteer doula program, we are able to offer free or low-cost services to families who cannot afford doula support. Newly hired doulas begin their journey by supporting these families, gaining hands-on experience while providing meaningful care. This is how many of our doulas step into the workforce—supported, mentored, and rooted in service.

By working with DOULAS by the BAY, families also help address a much larger issue: the ongoing maternal and infant health disparities in our communities. With maternal mortality rates still far too high—during pregnancy, birth, and even after—every family supported is part of a broader effort to improve outcomes and provide compassionate, informed care where it is needed most.

In addition, families create opportunities for meaningful employment. Their choice allows us to recruit, train, and employ doulas who are deeply passionate about supporting families. It helps create sustainable livelihoods for people who care, who are dedicated, and who feel called to this work.

This is why I truly believe that when families choose DOULAS by the BAY, they are making an impact. Together, we are fulfilling a mission, to make a real difference in maternal health, one family at a time. And for that, we are deeply grateful.

At DOULAS by the BAY, our doulas are not independent contractors — they are trained, employed members of our trusted team. This distinction matters and directly impacts the quality, safety, and consistency of care your family receives.

Every doula goes through a rigorous screening and hiring process before joining our team. This includes background checks, reference reviews, and a values-based assessment using the Predictive Index, a professional behavioral assessment tool that helps us evaluate communication style, emotional intelligence, reliability, adaptability, and alignment with the compassion and professionalism required to support families during such a vulnerable time. This ensures our doulas not only have the skills, but also the right temperament and mindset for this work.

All Doulas by the Bay doulas are:

• Trained and certified

• CPR and safety trained

• HIPAA compliant, ensuring your personal and medical information is protected

• Certified in postpartum anxiety and depression support, allowing them to gently check in on emotional well-being and provide thoughtful referrals when needed

• Background checked, fully insured, and covered by workers’ compensation, offering families added peace of mind

• Our doulas also participate in ongoing education and professional development, ensuring their care remains current, evidence-based, and deeply compassionate.

From pregnancy through postpartum, our doulas show up with care, integrity, and intention — offering support that is thoughtful, professional, and centered on helping families feel safe, supported, and truly seen.

Birth doulas focus on supporting you throughout labor and delivery, providing physical comfort, emotional support, and information to help you have the birth experience you desire. They typically meet with you prenatally to discuss your birth preferences and provide early postpartum follow-up.

Postpartum doulas specialize in the period after birth, helping with newborn care, feeding guidance, light household tasks, and emotional support as you adjust to life with your new baby. They can provide both day and overnight support.

Many families choose both services for continuous support throughout their journey.

Doulas work as a complementary part of your care team, not replacing medical professionals. Birth doulas collaborate with your medical providers (OBs, midwives, nurses) while focusing solely on your comfort and support. They help facilitate communication between you and your medical team, ensuring your questions are answered and preferences are considered.

Postpartum doulas complement your pediatrician’s care by offering practical, day-to-day support and guidance. They can help you implement medical recommendations in your daily routine and identify when additional medical attention might be needed

We begin with a free consultation to understand your specific needs, preferences, and birth plans. Based on this conversation, we’ll carefully select and introduce you to 2-3 doulas from our team whose experience, personality, and availability align with your family’s needs.

You’ll have the opportunity to interview these doulas to ensure you feel a strong connection before making your decision. Finding the right fit is crucial for this personal relationship, and we’re committed to matching you with a doula you feel completely comfortable with.

Many families choose to begin their doula search shortly after the first trimester, typically between 12 to 15 weeks of pregnancy. The timing allows space to explore your options and connect with the right support.

For birth doula services, the second trimester (around 13-15 weeks) is a popular window to book, especially to secure your preferred doula.

For postpartum care, we recommend booking about 4-5 months before your due date. That said, we understand that every journey is different, and we do our best to accommodate last-minute requests when possible.

If you’re considering both birth and postpartum support, reaching out early ensures continuity of care from pregnancy through the early days of parenthood.

Our childbirth and parenting education is designed to support families from pregnancy through birth and into the early postpartum period with clarity, confidence, and practical skills. Across more than 20 hours of comprehensive education, families gain a strong foundation to help them feel informed, prepared, and supported every step of the way.

Families learn about pregnancy and fetal development, choosing care providers and birth settings, nutrition and exercise during pregnancy, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and important medical considerations such as inductions and preeclampsia awareness. Our education also covers labor and birth physiology, comfort and coping techniques, movement for labor progress, birth preferences and decision-making, and meaningful partner support.

In addition, classes include preparation for cesarean birth and recovery, newborn care basics, breastfeeding and newborn feeding, and navigating the early postpartum period with confidence. Taught by experienced labor and delivery nurses, lactation consultants, and birth professionals, our education is thoughtfully aligned with medical care while honoring each family’s individual values, goals, and circumstances.

All childbirth and parenting classes are included at no additional cost for families who choose to work with our doulas, ensuring every family receives well-rounded education and ongoing support as they prepare to welcome their baby.