We cannot say enough wonderful things about DCBD. This was my/our first pregnancy, and we truly…read morefelt supported every step of the way by their team. Especially in those last 1-2 months, we leaned so heavily on the birth doulas and they responded to all of our questions and concerns immediately. We learned the most about how to care for our daughter and what was happening in my body from DCBD. I went into labor and the birth experience feeling ready and excited, and that's because of the experience, information, and kindness that were shared with us ahead of time. The birth - nearly 4 months later, and we are still talking about Camille! We are going to remember her forever - she was such a wonderful presence during my entire labor and after, and we don't know what we would have done without her. She made sure my husband and I knew what was happening, she advocated for us, she ensured I was comfortable (well, as comfortable as you can be in labor), and she really rooted for us the whole time. I felt safe because she was with us. And Ella - we were shocked that someone who didn't *have* to be there, stayed for the entire labor, participated, and stayed after when we were transferred to the postpartum room! She will be (or already is) a phenomenal birth doula. We felt so lucky to have Camille and Ella. Post birth - Lolonyo came to our house the very first night we were back from the hospital, and what a gift she is. She taught us how to soothe a baby, how to change a diaper (I'm sure they showed us in the hospital... but I could not remember haha). We had her for several nights during those first 2 months and we were so, so grateful to wake up the next morning refreshed, rested, and with the knowledge that our daughter had been held in loving arms all night long. She was never judgmental and was always supportive as we navigated breastfeeding, safe cosleeping, and everything else. We also had Joanna for several daytime visits. She always made sure to check in on my mental and physical health, which was so appreciated, and she was so helpful. We always felt like we were able to reset a bit after her visits, because she'd leave behind clean bottles and pump parts and a rested (and sometimes still sleeping) baby, and we would have had time to ourselves to shower and get a little more organized. She made our chaotic lives feel lighter, and we loved her for that. As a DCBD member you'll also have the opportunity to be part of a postpartum circle of other parents going through what you did. Shaleen and Elizabeth gave us space to talk through birth and everything that comes after, while feeling supported and safe. I'm still friends with some of the parents from my circle. In closing - DCBD is worth every single penny. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!

Rebecca from DC Birth Doulas was absolutely incredible. From the moment we first connected, I…read moreimmediately felt comfortable with her and the entire team. She has such a warm, genuine presence that made it easy to ask questions and talk through everything honestly. She was always responsive and gave thoughtful, real answers that helped me feel informed and confident throughout the process. I was hoping for a VBAC, and with Rebecca's support we were able to have a successful one. She provided amazing support not only for me, but also for my husband. During labor she was calm, encouraging, and incredibly knowledgeable, helping us both feel grounded and supported every step of the way. Having Rebecca there made such a difference in our birth experience. I'm so grateful for her care and for the support of the entire DC Birth Doulas team. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable, and truly supportive doula

We are incredibly grateful to have had Katie as our doula. She is professional, deeply experienced,…read morecompassionate, and exceptionally skilled at working with medical providers while always advocating for her clients. As someone of advanced maternal age with a pregnancy complicated by hypertension, I felt supported and informed every step of the way. Katie was a steady, reassuring presence throughout pregnancy, induction, and birth. She helped us navigate complex medical decisions with clarity and confidence, and her calm advocacy made a meaningful difference in our experience. We felt heard, respected, and empowered throughout the entire process. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Katie is exceptional at her job, and an amazing human being. My wife and I were both very anxious…read moreeven before we were expecting for the first time. My wife needed someone who could instill calmness, provide information, and accommodate her preferences for labor. I needed someone who could help me be the involved partner i wanted to be through the childbirth process and after. That is why once we found out we were expecting we were looking for a doula to help us sort through the tons of information on preparing for childbirth, childbirth itself and the medical, personal, and other choices associated with it. Katie is an expert's expert, but is able to talk through different topics in a way that helped put us at ease. She's friendly and funny, which helps when she is walking through medical decisions, how to talk to doctors, how to talk to family, considerations and questions we have as first-time parents. She also makes herself available by phone and text when we have questions at random hours with baby. On top of all that, after our baby girl was born, she was able to follow up with us and help teach us a few tricks here and there as well as answer questions we had as things came up.

You can't go wrong hiring Tina to be your doula! She provides care before, during and after birth…read more Whether you are a first time mom or adding another player to your family baseball team, Tina will customize care especially for you, at your level. She makes herself available day or night and when you have a question or concern she won't quit until it's solved! She is a powerful, yet calming presence during the birth process. She is very intuitive and passionate about what she does! If you are looking for a birth coach to support you in every way possible, Tina is your girl!

As a military family you often find yourself away from family or needing that extra support. This…read morewas my 4th child and I felt prepared for what was to come, however, I felt I was missing that support that I craved from another woman. I didn't have family near going through my pregnancy and labor and after meeting Tina, I knew that I had support system and fighter in my corner. From the prenatal visits and lessons in my home to the labor and delivery, Tina made me feel so supported physically and mentally. I know she put her comfort on the back burner to endure my marathon labor that ended with my first girl after three wonderful boys! Having Tina as part of my pregnancy and labor was priceless. Thank you, Tina!

Hiring District Doulas was the absolute best decision we made related to my pregnancy and the birth…read moreof our son. I would recommend them to anyone - hire them now!!! I did a ton of research on DC area doulas and interviewed several before choosing this practice. I chose DD because I loved that they were small enough that you could get to know all three doulas that may potentially be at your birth. I also appreciated the 24/7 text line and the in person classes. They were actually one of the only practices I found that offered a class series. The text line was SO helpful to us whenever we had a question or a scare during pregnancy. I also loved that the classes were in person - we learned so much and felt really prepared for the birth. I recommend hiring them early enough that you can go to all four classes before you give birth. Carolyn did our prenatal visit and helped us put together our birth plan, talked us through how to deal with a baby in breech position, and helped us navigate through a couple nerve wracking times where we felt reduced movement. Most of all she helped us make the decision to switch providers midway through my pregnancy. I really believe that this helped enable me to have the overall birth experience that I wanted. She was so supportive throughout and we loved working with her. Jackie was our doula for the birth. She was amazing - I honestly don't know what we would have done without her. She joined us at our house and then followed us to the hospital when it was time to go in - she really helped us time going in to the hospital so that we would be admitted at the right time (not too early or too late). She was so calm and reassuring throughout, and an amazing advocate for me and for my husband as well - ensuring that he got to hold the baby and get his own skin to skin time after the birth. She took photos for us, and stayed with us well after the birth. I had a very smooth experience because of her guidance and advocacy. We are so, so grateful to have had her as our doula. On top of all of this - they really mean it when they say they are your doulas for life. At the postpartum visit, Jackie helped me a ton with breastfeeding and Carolyn shared some tips with me over the phone. We didn't get as much of a chance to work with Michelle, but it was clear from the classes how knowledgeable she was as well. All three of them truly care about women and babies, and it shows. This was money so well spent. If we have a second baby, we will be hiring them again.

There arent enough good things to say about District Doulas and Michele. My husband and I decided…read moreto get a Doula a few months prior to birth and had the opportunity to attend a few of District Doulas classes. Learning about birth from them and breast-feeding was incredibly helpful and made both seem less daunting. In the week leading up to birth, they were phenomenal with their communication, checking in and helping translate what we were hearing from the doctors. I went into labor a little bit differently than expected where my water broke before contractions really started. This led to needing a lot of Pitocin, something that I was pretty freaked out by. Michele was my Doula and the entire time she was so comforting via text and phone calls, and made me feel so positively about everything that was going on at the hospital. When things started to pick up, she arrived and was the perfect presence making us all calm and she got along so well with our nurses and Dr. She was right there with us the entire time, holding my leg as I pushed and giving me words of encouragement. Once our son made his entrance into the world, she took photos that I will treasure forever. She stayed after for a little to ensure that we were adjusting to breast-feeding and that everything was going OK, and she continued to check in over the coming days. I have to say that all of our hospital care team raved about her, and said that it was the best Doula experience that they have worked with. That meant a lot to me, knowing that they see a lot of other providers and knew just how awesome District Doulas was. Following birth we had our postpartum visit and she gave me the tough love I needed which was to slow down and not try to do so much. I was beyond exhausted and these words while hard to hear were exactly what I needed to do. She helped save my mental and physical health as a result of that visit. District Doulas has continued to be an incredible resource for us, sharing recommendations for everything from baby lotion to postpartum therapist. If we have another child, Michele and District Doulas will be my first call. They are the most incredible investment you can make to have the positive birth experience that you want. I cannot thank them enough!

Joy is such an amazing doula. I was unable to pay for her services, but she helped me find a…read moremidwife during my high risk pregnancy and introduced me to hypnobirthing. Without her help, I wouldn't have been able to have a wonderful water birth with one of the best midwives I've had the pleasure to meet. Thank you Joy!

Joy took my family photographs and she did an amazing job. Our pictures came out perfect. She is…read morevery comfortable to be around as well. Beyond satisfied, I highly recommend her services.

Would have loved to use them... until I saw "chest feeding" on their homepage. A provider that is…read moreconfused about biology - about what gender breastfeeds, is a provider I want no where near me or my baby. I am looking for women who see the dignity in WOMEN, and live in reality.

We came across these ladies at a Holistic Health Fair where I learned what a Doula was and what…read morethey do. Fast forward about a year later, we were expecting our first child! The ladies gave us such a good lesson that we didn't hesitate to call them and get a contract in place for Labor and Delivery and Post Partum support. Best decision ever! From the time they take you on as a client, they were very responsive and support in a truly non-judgy way. Unlike pushy family members and in-laws, they offered all the advice and options you want and they coach you into deciding for yourself what is best for you and your baby. They coached me as well as my husband on the various options (and there are LOTS!) and while they were in the delivery room, they reminded me of what I wanted and prevented the hospital from pushing me around. If you are on the fence about getting a Doula, I highly recommend meeting with them and finding out what they do. They anticipated needs that I needed before I even knew I needed them, and were there to provide them to when WHEN I needed it. They do so much more than you would expect.

Our family hired Carrie Scott for nighttime postpartum doula services for the first two weeks after…read moreour son was born and we had such a great experience! We trusted her right away and she put us at ease taking to our newborn immediately! She was reliable and took great care of our son. I was able to get some extra much needed sleep. I highly recommend her!

WHERE TO START... The investment is 1000% worth it. For us as new parents wanting to experience…read morepregnancy, labor & delivery and then postpartum season with zero knowledge but as enjoy the process as peace-filled and confident with objective info as possible... (everyone's aim right?!) ...Celina made this happen!! She was a resource for all questions, providing excellent advice that balanced beautifully with her expertise, medical recommendations, and general common sense, making sure to always leave the decision in our hands yet make us feel confident in doing so! She is a patient and calm presence, always temperate and positive! Her class in our home before delivery to educate on techniques, help us walk-through a birth plan, and know what words even meant and what doctors and nurses would ask for was incredibly helpful. On the actual birthday, she was there to equip us in general to make the best choices and move me around in positioning for a really positive birth, experience and healthy baby (including bringing lavender aromatherapy and cozy lights in the delivery room!!)! She taught my husband a support move for laboring that saved me getting to 6cm dilated while I had intense lower back contraction pain and we said we would pay the whole investment of having a doula for that 1 move alone :) After coming home, Celina did night care 2x nights a week literally coaching us and everything from breast-feeding tactics to bottle sterilizing to best holding positions for gassy baby, how to get her to sleep well ... Swaddling!! And so much more! Also, mom healing questions and practices (or "is this normal" texts) -- she is a vast source of information and support, I just could not imagine going through this without her! We felt equipped with what we needed for each step, but never overwhelmed. A doula such a special, and in my opinion 100% necessary part of the family to have for a positive experience from pregnancy to newborn care!! What a blessing we will always be grateful for!

I have had the privilege of working for Shannon of BAYW as a colleague for the past few years…read more However, this year we hired Shannon as our Doula and Childbirth Educator for the birth of our Son. Shannon is extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She helped us feel confident and secure in our birth choices and helped educate us on all our options. My labor lasted 36 hours and Shannon stuck by our side. Once we returned home after the birth of our son, Shannon paid us a visit to ensure we were supported at home as well. We highly recommend Birth As You Wish.

From the owner: Birth as you Wish specializes in identifying clients' needs before, during and after childbirth to…read moreprovide them with individualized support. We provide evidence-based support care and childbirth education classes in the Southern Maryland area.