We cannot say enough wonderful things about DCBD. This was my/our first pregnancy, and we truly felt 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! read more

Rebecca from DC Birth Doulas was absolutely incredible. From the moment we first connected, I immediately 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 read more

I hired DC Birth Doulas with the expectation of receiving meaningful support during my child's birth. What I experienced was deeply distressing and, in my view, fell short of what I had contracted for. After a 48-hour induction, I had an unplanned C-section. My son was born not breathing and was taken to the NICU. The doula, whom I had never met or spoke with before, arrived very shortly before delivery. According to my recollection and that of my family, she engaged in a tense discussion with the hospital staff regarding a recent Virginia law that she said allowed her to be present in the operating room and PACU. The hospital declined to allow this. Given that I was minutes from surgery (she arrived around 6:10 p.m., I was taken to the OR around 6:20 p.m., and gave birth at 6:32 p.m.) and we did not have time to review the law she referenced, I chose not to pursue the matter further and asked her to leave. The contract states that in the event the doula is not permitted in the OR, 2-5 hours of postpartum support will be provided. In my case, I was not offered this specific support. I was instead offered additional postpartum services at an extra cost requiring a new agreement. Had the included postpartum support been offered, I would have accepted it, particularly given the circumstances. During our interactions, my partner's name was repeatedly stated incorrectly, despite his clear involvement throughout the process. To me, this came across as inattentive during a time when personalized care is especially important. When I later raised my concerns, I received formal legal correspondence. In an email from their attorney dated August 7, 2025, I was told to "conduct myself accordingly" and advised about potential libel and defamation claims after I mentioned that I intended to share my experience publicly. I have documentation of this communication. In my personal opinion, the responses I received felt procedural rather than compassionate. Based on my experience, I would urge families to consider their options carefully. This account reflects my personal experience and opinions, based on contemporaneous notes and documented communications, and is shared for the purpose of informing other families. Under both federal and Virginia law, statements of opinion and truthful accounts of personal experience are protected speech. read more

DC Birth Doulas - Doulas Near Me

UPDATED REVIEW on DCBD's further lies (see attached photos -- Yelp uploaded them out of order but I numbered them as #1, #2, #3, and #4) On 6/20/25, I wrote a Yelp review detailing the terrible experience I had with DCBD. PHOTO #1: On 7/1/25, DCBD owner Sarah P. wrote a Yelp comment suggesting that at worst I lied in my 6/20/25 Yelp review (or at best I hallucinated what happened to me). PHOTO #2: On 7/24/25, I wrote an update quoting from an email Sarah had sent me -- proving that DCBD had **PRIVATELY** admitted to me that it had in fact mistreated me and that its reasons for canceling my contract were completely unfounded, but had still insisted on canceling my contract anyways. Yet Sarah P still tried to paint me as a liar or unreliable narrator in her **PUBLIC** Yelp comment posted on 7/1/25. PHOTO #3: FYI this is the full email Sarah sent me on 6/17/25 admitting it had mistreated me and that its reasons for canceling my contract were completely unfounded, but still insisting on canceling my contract anyways. As you can see, I quoted an excerpt from this email in PHOTO #2. PHOTO #4: When Sarah P. saw my 7/24/25 update (PHOTO #2) on Yelp, she realized she could no longer try to paint me as a liar or unreliable narrator. So, she completely edited her 7/1/25 Yelp comment -- it now claims that DCBD did "take accountability for any errors on [their] end". This is just more duplicitous behavior. Sarah's 6/17/25 email (PHOTO #3) never took any "accountability" for DCBD's "errors", she never apologized for mistreating and gaslighting me, and she still canceled my contract without giving me any legitimate reasons. Again, I maintain that every word of my 6/20/25 review is accurate, and anyone is welcome to message me to learn more. read more

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We are so glad we hired DC Birth Doulas! In addition to the incredible support we got from our birth and postpartum doulas, the classes and other resources helped us feel prepared for our first baby. Our birth doula, Phelicia, was supportive and responsive remotely during early labor and joined us quickly when labor progressed faster than we anticipated for an induction. We are so grateful she was there with us in person, letting us know what to expect, helping us understand our options, and coaching us through delivery. Our postpartum doula, Maya, was an amazing resource during the early weeks of parenthood. We learned so much from her and also got so much emotional support during this major transition. We are so grateful for DCBD and would definitely work with them again! read more

My husband and I had a wonderful experience with DC Birth Doulas. We purchased their birth doula and postpartum doula package, which included pregnancy circles, prenatal classes, and postpartum classes--and every part of the experience was great from start to finish. The true highlight of our journey was working with our birth doula, Alison. Her presence, support, and expert coaching throughout labor and delivery were invaluable. We truly believe our birth experience would not have been as positive without her guidance and care. We are so grateful for the compassionate, professional, and empowering support we received, and we would wholeheartedly recommend DC Birth Doulas to anyone looking for doula services. read more

I highly recommend DC Birth Doulas, and have personally recommended them to pregnant friends. I chose to have a DC Birth Doula with me at the hospital for my baby's birth - she provided me with emotional support and helped me consider my options when making decisions during labor. She also provided physical care - turning me from side to side during labor (when my epidural prevented me from doing so myself) and involved my partner in the process. Our post-birth doula gave our newborn great care and helped us grow comfortable with feeding, changing, bathing, and grooming our baby; she also cared for our baby so we could take much-needed naps. DC Birth Doulas also connects women who have given birth around the same time...these connections continue to be great resources for practical tips as well as emotional support. Again, I highly recommend DC Birth Doulas! read more

I would like to share my utmost appreciation for my birth doula, Jen, and the entire DC Birth Doula team. My birth preference and strong desire my entire pregnancy was the hope that I could deliver our baby naturally with no pain medication. I prayed so much for this! I knew it would only be possible with the help of a DC Birth Doula by my side. This team came highly recommended by my twin sister as she hired DC Birth Doulas for both of her pregnancies. She continually told me that hiring DC Birth Doulas was the best decision she made for her birth experiences. I could not agree more! Jen was there for me via phone calls, text messages and in person during my 24 hours of labor. She was a calming voice when I realized I was going into labor. Her presence at the hospital was everything to me! Anytime I needed help she was there for me. Pressure points, words of encouragement, breathing techniques, cold towels, comb/ball to hold in my hand, changing positions while working through the pain (and breaking my water). It was a slow labor for me with the amount of pain without an epidural, and the only reason I made it through was because of her support. She was my complete advocate with the nurses and doctors! She helped me get into the right position and breathing techniques for pushing. It is difficult for me to put into words just how much Jen was my angel that day! I will forever be grateful to her. She helped me through the most challenging day of my life and helped my dream delivery come true. Pushing at the end with her encouragement, and the female doctors and nurses surrounding us, was complete female energy! Many thanks to DC Birth Doulas for all that the team did to support me during my pregnancy. Jen stayed over an hour after delivery to make sure I was recovering well, and she was the one that helped me the most in the hospital with correct latching for nursing. I am forever grateful to Jen and the team! read more

Working with DC Birth Doulas was truly a gift. If you are on the fence about whether you need a doula, I highly recommend them. It was amazing to know that we had a whole team of people we could call on at literally any hour. They provide incredible support through all stages, and I felt deeply respected and cared for throughout the entire pregnancy and postpartum journey. Our birth doula was wonderful, and I appreciated that she continued checking in with us in the hours and days following birth. As first time parents, leaving the hospital with our newborn was scary and it was so helpful to know that the DCBD team was there for us. The postpartum doula was also very supportive, knowledgeable, and non-judgemental, which is exactly what we needed in the weeks following. We also found the classes and group sessions valuable, as well as all of the other miscellaneous resources and support they give you. Working with DCBD is an incredible value for your money. They were also highly responsive and easy to work with on the logistics. read more

DC Birth Doulas was one of the best decisions we made to get ready for our baby. They had the right combination -- education, community, and support during labor and delivery. I loved meeting people in the pregnancy circles, the educational classes were great. Our doula Alison was INCREDIBLE during my labor and delivery, she was the most confident person in the room and made me feel so taken care of. Truly she got me through. Lastly, the post-partum circles were SO valuable. I didn't really think about it much prepartum, but I really ended up needing that support. Shaleen and Elizabeth are really excellent support systems, can't recommend DC Birth Doulas highly enough! read more

I cannot speak highly enough of our experience with DCBD! We used DCBD for our second birth and really wish we had known about and used them for our first. They offer a trove of resources and support for mom, partner, and baby leading up to, during and after birth. We found this group of incredible women to be highly organized, communicative, responsive, and most importantly, caring. From the moment we signed up with DCBD, they wanted to learn about our vision for a successful birth. They were proactive in checking in with us throughout the pregnancy leading up to delivery. I was so impressed with our doula, Kelsey. I had a scheduled induction and she knew about my desire to have an unmedicated birth. From the time I went in for the induction to when I began active labor, Kelsey was there for us every step of the way. She offered advice and guidance via text and call prior to active labor and once labor started, her physical and emotional support and presence, especially with an unmedicated birth, was invaluable. I want to second Deborah's comment below about how often you're left alone to labor in the hospital. Kelsey provided critical support and pain management recommendations and knew exactly when to call the labor nurses and midwife for additional support. My husband and I credit our daughter's successful delivery to Kelsey (and our wonderful labor team). Kelsey even documented the birth for us so we have a record of all the important and special moments. She also checked in with us often after leaving the hospital. We are so grateful to Kelsey and the DCBD team. Thank you! read more

I highly recommend DC Birth doulas to anyone giving birth. The support at birth was very helpful, and the bundle classes and groups have also been such an unexpected and amazing bonus! With the birth bundle, which I believe was just a few hundred more, I attended several classes before birth, have had a postpartum movement and infant massage class, and a circle with other new moms and babies. Highly recommend! read more

DC Birth Doulas doesn't need another five star review, but they definitely deserve it for the excellent and holistic service they provide as birthing partners. They have a large team which means that you won't know exactly who will be helping you at the birth, but that also means that you will always be covered and supported no matter what. We were lucky enough to have the same doula who did our virtual pre-birth prep visit at delivery and Rena is totally fantastic! Such a supportive, knowledgeable and calming presence. But DCBD's provides so much additional support beyond just delivery and you can pick and chose exactly what level works for you. They clearly list all of their services on their websites (with prices!!) and you can get a birthing bundle or pick and choose as you see fit. As first time parents we chose the birth bundle which comes with virtual classes, support groups pre and post birth, regular email updates on pregnancy stages and call-in support. We found the classes a little overwhelming (as much of pregnancy and birth prep is) but appreciated that there were options to break them up over several sessions or just take in one long block and tried both options (all classes still virtual, which is honestly very helpful for tired pregnant people). We also utilized the doula call line in helping us decide between our two hospital/practice choices and found their insights very helpful. One of the most striking things about giving birth is how often you are left alone at the hospital except for the moment of active labor, so by hiring DCBD you are adding a dedicated, caring and present member to your "team". I can't recommend that, or this practice, enough. read more

I don't know what we would have done without Rena and Claudia's expertise, care, and love. They were both fountains of knowledge concerning hospital care, pre and postpartum best practices, and Claudia was a godsend during the postpartum breast feeding twinpocalypse we had! read more

I'm extremely happy with the DC Birth Doulas and glad I chose them. The team was very supportive throughout the pregnancy and postpartum. I've received tons of support, fantastic care, attention to all the details I've mentioned, and most importantly, it was a sense of a family circle who had my back covered. The classes and circles were very informative and we've learned a lot. Knowing that no matter what we'll get a support during birth thanks for their big team of doulas was the most important differentiator for us to go with DCBD. Thank you so much, DCBD! read more

There are no words to describe how amazing DCBD is, but I will try. I was hesitant to work with a group at first since we wouldn't get to "develop a relationship with one person," but I discovered having the group was actually a plus. I labored for 4 days and was constantly texting and calling the support line and was provided such great recommendations plus it helped me feel like I wasn't alone late into the night while I was anxious and having contractions and not sure what to do. Jen ended up being the doula who supported us at the hospital and is my hero. She jumped right in with the nurses to move me around since my baby was not liking the positions I was in. I was nervous there might be some tension, but I could tell the nurses definitely appreciated having Jen there as she provided so much value. She talked me though my contractions and massaged me for hours when my back was spasming. When we had to do an emergency c-section, she talked me though the expectations and made me feel confident and comfortable going into a situation i was unprepared for. She was also incredibly supportive in the days and weeks after my c section, constantly checking in, offering resources and coaching me through some baby blues moments. As a first time pregnant person, the support that DCBD provided was invaluable and I would recommend for anyone looking to gain confidence going into the birthing process. read more

DC Birth Doulas were amazing! They supported us from the beginning of the pregnancy and then beyond with their prenatal class, newborn class, months of phone and email support, and finally in-person care at the hospital and postpartum follow up. All throughout, they helped us understand both what would physically and emotionally happen (and how we could prepare to meet our new baby) as well as the logistics of the process. While laboring, Jen stayed with us for over 12 hours (showing up at 4 am) and helped us understand what the medical staff were telling us - and helped us think through the options with what would work best for us in mind. This included preparing for an unplanned C-section after a long day of labor and making us feel safe as things changed drastically. But what really set DC Birth Doulas apart was their ability to provide the right information, in just the right amount, at just the right time. When we went past our due date, they shared resources on that topic. When it became clear that we would be induced, they helped us become comfortable with that reality and understand the options. And after delivery, when we worried about swollen legs or nursing challenges, they helped us step by step. Having a baby is the most stressful event we've ever been through. Their kindness, empathy and clear communication made even the toughest moments manageable. They brought joy, love, and security to this year in our lives, and we are forever grateful. These women are goddesses. read more

I had the great pleasure of working with Tamara from the Central team through my pregnancy and labor/delivery, and loved the experience! I was hesitant to hire a doula during the pandemic (this was right around when the delta variant started surging) and I was told by my provider I may not be able to have anyone else in the delivery room besides my partner. But based on all the positive reviews I had heard about DC Birth Doula, and given that it was my first baby, I knew I wanted all the support I could leading up to the delivery even if a doula couldn't be there with me in the delivery room. I felt very heard and supported from the moment I signed up for the service and I am so glad I did! Thankfully I was allowed to have a doula in the delivery room, so it worked out great. I went into labor 2 weeks before my due date and my contractions ramped up really quickly. Tamara was there for me when I was weary during the early part of active labor and I was alone at home. As soon as I got the green light to head to the hospital, I called my husband and headed straight to the hospital. Tamara arrived to the hospital within 30 min or so after we did so the timing was great. It turned out to be a 14 hour labor + 2 hour delivery, and Tamara was really great through out it -- distracting me from my pain, answering various questions my husband and I had about the delivery process, communicating well with the nurses and doctors. Everything turned out great and our baby girl was born all safe and healthy! I also appreciated that the DC Birth Doula team check up on you for a few weeks after you give birth to answer any questions ranging from breastfeeding, pelvic pain, baby blues, feeding, etc. In midst of all the chaos of taking care of a newborn less than a month old, I felt heard and cared for whenever Tamara reached out to me to ask how I was doing. Overall, I can't recommend enough the DC Birth Doula team! If you are at all curious, I would highly encourage you to go ahead and hiring them!! You won't regret it. read more

We had an amazing experience with Amy and I can't imagine going through the birth of our first child without her! Her knowledge and willingness to help in every situation truly made the process better for the both of us, but especially for my wife, who obviously was the most important!! She followed up a little over a week later with an in-house visit and we really felt like she was part of our family. Cannot recommend them enough (they're worth the money!), and cannot say enough good things about Amy! read more

DC Birth Doulas - Doulas Near Me

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We had an incredible experience with DC Birth Doulas. As anxious first-time parents, the birth prep and postpartum/infant care classes were incredibly helpful. The birth Doulas were available to answer questions and concerns throughout my pregnancy, and Phelicia provided invaluable support during labor and delivery (especially during procedures when my partner couldn't be in the room). Our postpartum Doulas, Claudia and Rebecca, gave us much-needed support, advice, and opportunity to rest during our early days at home. I very highly recommend the Birth & Beginnings Bundle or any of DCBD's services to anyone, especially first-time parents! read more

We are very happy with our decision to use DC Birth Doulas. From the beginning, they have been supportive and inclusive. They operate on a team model which my partner really appreciated and offered us the best combination of resources. Our birth doula was Rena and she was fabulous!! I had a natural childbirth, and I could not have done it without her. We would love to work with her again when we have another child. The classes that the group offers are helpful as are the support networks (pregnancy and postpartum) between other moms and partners. Highly recommend this group for anyone looking for doulas in the area. read more

We were extremely happy with our experience with DC Birth Doulas. Each person on the team was extremely helpful, and made us feel extremely comfortable in asking any and all questions. They were always happy to be available for support, even at odd hours. We had Jen Finnegan for our delivery, and I have to say, she walked into a stressful experience. My labor was not going very well when she arrived, but she quickly took gentle but assertive action to address both my concerns and correct some of the shortcomings of the hospital. She took her time to explain everything that was happening and really course corrected our experience from negative, to an overall positive one. She definitely saw me at a very raw and vulnerable time, and was able to handle it with ease. She was respectful, understanding and also at times very direct with suggestions she felt would be helpful for me (i.e. making me eat when I didnt want to- which saved me later on.) I can't imagine my birth experience without her. She also helped me to begin breastfeeding and checked in on me often in the first two weeks of my daughters life. I had many questions (some of them rather silly I have to admit) and she took time to address each and every one of them. Lastly, I appreciated that Jen was very honest with me. She does not sugar coat things but always uses kindness with her approach. Her demeanor was perfect for us and I cannot recommend her enough. read more

Camille and I are so blessed to have DC Birth Doulas in our life. When we brought baby Talia into the world, Elizabeth and Rena were right by our sides. Our labor was an adventure (Talia was 45 hours in the making) and having a partner to support us was critical. They helped Camille through the trials of labor and also helped me (as her partner) get through some of the scary moments of labor. We felt like Elizabeth and Rena were part of the family and wished they could stay for our entire stay at the hospital. We cannot more strongly recommend the value of having a doula by our side during labor. Thank you Elizabeth and Rena! read more

DC Birth Doulas - Baby T - Doulas Near Me

DC Birth Doulas were amazing for all the stages of getting our little one here and once she arrived. My husband and I got so much great information during the prenatal classes and I really valued the community from the postpartum circle - made me feel really supported during a difficult physical recovery and transition to parenthood. Most of all, we want to thank Jen, our doula, for her incredible support during our labor and birth. When I was unexpectedly induced ahead of my due date, she supported us via text/phone while we navigated the early parts of induction and then came in person to support us through a very difficult (and long) labor that ended in an emergency c section. It would have been impossible without her support and we are forever grateful to her and the team for their support, care, and compassion to help bring us our healthy baby girl. read more

I recommend DC Birth Doulas to every couple I know giving birth in the DMV! I had a fantastic labor and delivery experience and credit DCBD for much of it. I felt prepared going into labor after their classes (included in the bundle) and was grateful to have access to experts throughout my pregnancy to ask questions. Jen was professional, caring, calm and a true advocate during my labor and I'm so grateful to have had her by my side. I can't imagine this experience without her! The bundle is well worth the money and I can't recommend highly enough. read more

A big thank you to the DCBD team! This was my first pregnancy; I had no idea what to expect; and DCBD gave me the critical support I needed. Throughout my pregnancy, in the COVID era, DC Birth Doulas were very accessible, responsive, and helpful, even though in-person support was not possible. I kept them up-to-date with my doctor appointments and shared questions/concerns. They provided tailored advice and TONS of great resources. For example: - Amber guided me through ways to turn a breech baby, which worked! - Then I FaceTimed with Mary for the pre-labor appointment who helped me formulate a birth plan and boost my confidence in preparation for labor. - Finally, Sarah G was invaluable for 24+ hrs of labor, as a calm experienced coach who helped us ask the right questions, feel comfortable with the care provided, and boosted our confidence to get through it all from pushing to the first days of parenting. She was on FaceTime, but it felt like she was there with us. While COVID required our interactions to be virtual, I felt extremely supported throughout my entire pregnancy and labor. I can't imagine having gone through his experience without them especially during a pandemic. read more

Worked with DCBD for our first baby, and so thrilled to get to work with them again for baby # 2. (Worked with Rena for the first birth.) Doulas are super knowledgeable, respectful and sensitive to each client's needs. They say they try to make your primary support person/partner (if you have one) shine, and they definitely did that for my husband. They made him feel more confident, which helped ease my anxiety considerable. Also, because they have several doulas on their team, I was never worried about going into labor at a time when someone wouldn't be available. (Meaning if I was a month early or a week late - I knew they'd be able to be there for me.) read more

My husband and I feel great about our first childbirth experience thanks to DC Birth Doulas. I urge everyone to hire a doula, and I highly recommend the Senior Team at DC Birth Doulas. Contract: Pay attention to the conditions the other doula companies make you sign, namely the time limit (before you start getting charged $40 for each additional hour). If you have a longer/harder labor and go beyond 18 hours, do you really want to deal with getting an extra bill or feeling stressed thinking about the added cost? No! And it's not a question of fair wages (which one doula rep from another major group tried to claim), it's a question of who bears the risk in the transaction. Before: The in-home visit during my third trimester was really helpful, including an easy 5-minute yoga routine to do at bedtime, even with all of the reading and prep we'd already done ourselves. We really appreciated being able to email the team for advice and support in the final weeks of the pregnancy, with questions big and small; we always received detailed, well-informed replies in a timely manner. Birth: My goal was to go as long as I could without pain meds, but I didn't actually expect to make it the whole way through without them. However, thanks to Sarah (and a compressed labor) I did! I never could have managed that without her. But more significantly, I would not have received the timely medical care for the delivery without Sarah. She recognized signs that I was ready to push and made sure the nurses were informed. My husband and I would not have realized this, and who knows how much longer I would have gone or what would have happened. After the delivery she stayed with us and held my hand for the stitching, then she helped me nurse my baby for the first time. After: Texting and phone calls with Sarah when we got home helped us get through a difficult first week of fatigue, emotions, jaundice, and feeding. She wasn't just a sympathetic ear, she was a trained, educated, and experienced sympathetic ear with perspective, ideas, and information that we needed and wouldn't have otherwise had. Why hire a doula in general? Because you want an expert by your side for this event and experience, even if you've given birth before. It doesn't matter if you're aiming for an unmediated birth or want pain relief the moment you check into the hospital. They can help you make decisions, interpret information, manage discomfort, get the medical care you need, and keep your head above water after the birth. Unlike the doctor and nurses, the doula will be in the room with you the whole time at the hospital, they'll be dedicated solely to you, and they won't change for the new shift every 8-12 hours. read more

I would not recommend DC doulas to anyone who has a birth with complications. I developed severe preeclampsia and had a postpartum hemorrhage - and Rena was not equipped to give me the support I needed at the time or in the postpartum visit. Her focus was on the wonders of breastfeeding (without telling me it would be harder with my complications) and the joy of my birth (which was awful). They need to train people to DEAL with people who have severe complications. This experience made my whole birth memory worse. read more

They were great, and a wonderful resource/addition to my pregnancy, birth and post-partum journey! I would highly recommend them. I got their Birth & Beginnings Bundle, their most complete package, and I found it to be a complete and well-informed treasure trove. The package included virtual classes, an abundance of materials on topics such as breastfeeding, birth and pelvic floor health, a referral list, several doulas (including for post-birth support/counseling) and constant availability/open lines of communication. Compared to other doula practices in the area, they were the most responsive, communicative and professional. There were minor minuses, like one of the post-partum doulas wearing her mask inadequately (not covering her nose), which was a concern during a pandemic and for close proximity to a newborn; some of the classes feeling a little too much like kindergarten (i.e., "take your stuffed animal or practice doll and mimic how you'd breastfeed", "let's take turns reading the text on the screen", etc.); and our birth doula, who couldn't make it in time for the birth (not her fault, the baby came quicker than anyone could have anticipated) taking some photos in the hospital - great idea, but the photos were unfortunately blurry and low-res (since this was not a service she was meant to provide, and did it out of generosity, I wasn't upset, just a little disappointed, because those were great moments to capture, and I would've liked higher quality photos). The biggest downside for me is the inability to choose one or two doulas you want to work with for your birth - while I ended up getting one of my preferred doulas, and I understand how doula availability impacts choice, it would have been nice to go into labor without the added stress of not knowing who I'd get. That said, all their doulas are wonderful and very professional. I'd give them a solid A, and won't hesitate to use them again! read more

DC Birth Doulas was worth every penny and every minute I spent making arrangements with them! They were so supportive from beginning to end. I worked with Jenn, and she was there for me before, during, and after the birth of my son. I was scheduled to be induced, and everything was going as planned until I got my epidural, which didn't work. When I finally had to have a c-section, I could feel the pain of the surgery, and the doctors kept telling me and my husband that everything was fine. I left the hospital sad and disappointed that things didn't go how I was hoping they would, but Jenn supported me throughout. She helped me realize that my birthing experience was not normal and that it was okay to feel all the range of emotions I felt. I won't hesitate to hire them again when I have my second child. read more

Dc birth doulas were amazing from the get go. We got helpful, non judgemental , relevant support every step of the way from the 'meet the doulas' event, during the pregnancy, preparation meeting with Kelsey and the eventual birth and post partum visit with Amber. We decided to go with the junior Doula group & got great support from the wider team ie: Amy popped in as she was in another room to check in and answer all our questions in the hospital. Being expats with no family nearby, the support was amazing and it's money well spent. If you are on the fence about getting a doula, you won't regret it. Kelsey met with us and helped us put together our birth plan, put us as ease with the whole process . She then offered support over the phone during our frantic induction decision (we had suspected cholestatis) Amber arrived at the hospital when the contractions started which got intense really quick, the skills, hands on support and direction (positions to progress more) Amber offered were perfect for coping, especially when it got super intense , we couldn't have progressed to 9cm without her. we had to eventually get a c section (very hard decision but with the knowledge and support of both midwives and Amber we felt more confident) Amber accompanied my partner In surgery (we are all scared of blood) took pictures of the baby, was there to hold/comfort our baby, calm my partner down as well as take photos for us, Making the room comfortable and ensuring my mother in law and myself were ok, Amber went above and beyond (total labour was about 24-30 hours, I forget) The Postpartum visit was very informative, Amber reviewed vital details we had missed of the day to prepare us for our future birth(s), so even though post event we felt daunted, that visit made us confident and positive again about the next birth(s) Amber also sent us info re lactation and post partum support that has been super useful since we don't know what resources are available in the area. Thanks Amber, Kelsey, Amy and dc birth Doulas! read more

We had AMAZING help and support last week from the team and particularly Jen on the day itself. We had a very positive birth (except the initial blip where the OB refused to believe things were happening and told me to come back in days and maybe weeks ). Luckily baby arrived safe and sound within 24 hours from that point! Having DC birth doulas on call to guide me through this time, over text at first while we were in a hotel nearby waiting to be admitted and then in person was undeniably a key part of that. The prep classes were also fantastic. We honestly couldn't have done it without them and we LOVE the photos taken as well, a memory to treasure. Thank you!! read more

My Senior doula Lindsay Wolff was so knowledgeable and amazing. This was baby #2 and my second natural child birth. I thought I knew what I was doing going in but this birth was drastically different from the first one. During my active labor w midwives it turned into an emergency due to my sons heart rate dropping and the labor nurse had to call the OB. My doula said that had I not been able to push I would have had an emergency c section. My doula was very affirming and supported me through the whole ordeal with methods to comfort me which felt like the worst pain of my life. Thankfully I delivered a healthy 8 lb baby boy. read more

I highly recommend DCBD. They provided wonderful prenatal, birth, and postpartum support for me physically, emotionally, and mentally. I appreciated the check ins, advice, and encouragement on the whole journey. Most importantly, doula Jen helped me stay calm, confident, and focused during birth, even when plans changed and I needed an unplanned C section. I also loved taking advantage of the postpartum doulas and postpartum discussion circles, where I met some great people. I would absolutely use them again! read more

I am so grateful that I chose DC Birth Doulas for my birth experience. I got to know them through a guest on Birth Hour podcast and attended their monthly Meet the Doula event. My fluid level was low the day before my due date during the NST and the midwife suggested me do a second NST in the hospital. The result was still not good so they suggested an induction. I was hesitate because I don't want any intervention. I called DC Birth Doulas and Joan was the one on the call. She was very nice and patient and walked us through the pros and cons. Luckily, my labor started soon and I checked in the hospital. Joan arrived soon after my early labor started. The first moment I saw her, I knew I made the right choice. She was so sympathetic and kind and I felt in love with her immediately! She quickly decorated the room, turned down the lights and worked her magic to make the whole room cozy and nice. My labor was back labor so it was really hard. Joan was very knowledgeable and suggested doing a three-series positions hoping to change the baby's position. She worked with me all the time, putting counter pressure on my back which eased the pain a lot. The rice sack worked so well and Joan was so nice to warm it up repeatedly so I can have the most relief. She also taught my husband what to do so he can be helpful. We tried water as well when the pain was unbearable. Unfortunately, my conditions called for a cesarean at the end and Joan was very nice to keep my mom accompany when my husband was with me during the surgery. She also showed me how to breastfeed afterwards and I was able to do skin-to-skin after the surgery. The postpartum visit was very helpful and Joan gave me a lot of helpful information and resources to look into as I entered parenthood. She is always listening and very responsive as I have any questions. Joan was such a sweet and helpful person and I honestly cannot say anything nicer abut her. I am so grateful to have her during the most important moment of my life and I could not ask for a better doula. She is also very beautiful : ) Some people might be uncomfortable without knowing whom to work with during the exact moment but trust me, you will work with the one that you click with. Don't have any worry or concern at all. It will work out perfectly! I appreciate all the email tips, regular check-ins, prenatal, and postnatal visit. It was such a positive experience and I will recommend their service to everyone! read more

Strongly recommend! For 1st timers, support is important. All the more so when both of our parents live abroad. DC Doulas gave us that extra support we needed to feel safe and cared for. Being able to ask someone questions is important, and they always answered us comprehensively. We also took the baby delivery course with DC Doulas and it was great-- loads of fun, and very informative. DC Doulas have an evidence-based philosophy. I love that. It made me feel calm that (a) they don't make unsubstantiated claims, (b) they rely on empirical study, (c) they do not get in the way of the doctor. Amy was our doula, and she was wonderful during delivery. She was "all in", helping with every step. She also came by our house a few days post partum to check in and give us valuable advice. We are very grateful for having used DC Doulas, and we think you would be too! :) Bonus features: - Amy snagged some amazing "just-born" pictures of our baby. Just wonderful. - Amy shared her version of our delivery story with us and it was so beautiful to hear it from her perspective. It helps us consolidate the positive and let go of the negatives. Many thanks! xox read more

I don't even know where to begin! I am beyond grateful to the dc birth doulas. I had a successful VBAC and owe it to these ladies. I was surrounded by so much support. During my last trimester my baby would not get into a head down position. I was so anxious about another c section but knew I really did not have a choice. I was able to contact the doulas and share with them how anxious and uneasy I was feeling. These women knew exactly what to say! They helped comfort me and they would share with me statistics and information about my options. It was so nice to be surrounded with that extra support. I had a ECV scheduled and that's when I met Elizabeth. She was so sweet and she had such a calming aura. She talked to me through everything, held my hand, massaged my feet and told me how great I was doing during the entire procedure. The day I went into labor, the dc doulas were right there with me. They continued to check on me asking me for updates and ensuring me that they were ready for me. My husband and I were so grateful. Elizabeth showed up and stayed with us during my entire labor. She was magic! She helped me get through every single contractions, she held my hand, knew exactly where to apply pressure, and most importantly she helped me overcome my fears. She was my strength at my weakest moments, encouraging me through my entire journey. When the baby was finally born my family, Elizabeth and I all shed tears of joy. It was truly an amazing moment. I owe it to the dc birth doula for making my birth an amazing one. I would encourage and recommend all mamas to hire these group of women. You will not regret it! To be surrounded by an additional ring of knowledge is super comforting. They truly are magical. read more

After an uneventful pregnancy, I decided to get an elective induction on my due date. What was unexpected was how little was within my control once the induction process started. A low-risk pregnancy turned into a 43-hour long labor. Halfway into the labor, my doctor suggested the possibility of C-section and I started to freak out. Baby's heart rate was dropping and I was about going into an emergency c-section. I thought having a doula was just nice to have but once the induction made a wrong turn, I really couldn't have made it through without Rena's support. Rena was with me there the entire time. She helped me find the optimal position to stabilize baby's heart rate and also calmed me down through her soothing words and massages. She's incredibly knowledgeable and gives me sound advice throughout the process. After a very long night, I was told that the baby was in the right position and I was ready to push. I was in tears knowing that I could finally have this baby vaginally after 40 plus hours of labor. Wouldn't be able to do it without Rena. Highly recommend anybody working with her and DCBD. read more

Second time client here. The DC Birth Doulas team was such a valuable resource during these isolating covid times. I'm so grateful I had someone in the delivery room who could guide me through a variety of comfort measures and birthing positions -- because frankly I don't remember them well enough from my first birth, and even if I did, this birth was quite different. I am also really glad for all of the support leading up to the birth: the zoom call when we discussed hospital logistics in the midst of covid, the insight on new pregnancy symptoms, and the emotional support when my labor started earlier than I had planned. The DC Birth Doulas team gave me peace of mind and confidence when I needed it most. read more