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What are the steps to reserve a doula or specialist?
Complete our care questionnaire.
We'll review your requests and send you a curated selection of doulas based on the information included in your questionnaire. Your curated matches are pre-screened providers that we feel would best meet your care needs, budget and requested experience level.
You’ll receive access to the matching profiles with more information about them, their services, pricing, experience level, and testimonials.
You select which matches you’d like to interview.
Your selected matches will reach out to you directly to introduce themselves and schedule an interview.
You select your top choice and we’ll support you through the hiring process.
Rest easy, knowing you've checked one more thing off your to do list by finding an incredible doula!
What if I don’t connect with any of the providers I’m matched with?
No problem. Just let us know. We’ll take a closer look at your needs and continue the search until we find someone who feels like the right fit. You won’t hurt anyone’s feelings—we’re here to support you.
What are the qualifications required to join your team?
Every single doula or specialist on our team has been personally vetted and interviewed by owners, Chelsea & Lauren. When screening each member we verify formal training and/or certification in their field, conduct a thorough background check, review personal & professional references, confirm CPR + First Aid certification, receive a copy of their professional liability insurance for our files and conduct a face-to-face interview.
Trust that when you receive a match through Doulas of Orange County that you’ll be receiving a top notch, professional doula/specialist and the most compassionate care through pregnancy, birth & postpartum.
What areas do you serve?
We have doulas all over Southern California including all of Orange County, Long Beach, the Inland Empire, San Diego County, and Los Angeles County. We even have members in Detroit, Orlando, Charlotte, New Jersey, Knoxville, Eugene, Portland, and those who regularly travel for postpartum work. We are constantly expanding our team and service area.
Is there a fee to get matched?
Our doula matching service is completely free for families. You only pay once you hire the doula or specialist of your choice.
How do the doulas or specialists on your team determine their service fees?
Actual rates are set by each individual doula/specialist but you can select the match that best fits your budget and care needs. When filling out our care questionnaire we ask that you include details about your budget so we can take that into account when curating your matches.
Rates are based on more than just the number of clients they have worked with or years of experience. When setting their rates each member takes into account additional training & continuing education, life experience, and professional and personal expenses, but will also include skill set and extent of trainings completed. The lower end of the scale is generally for newer doulas with less field experience, while the higher end of the pricing scale offers more field experience and speciality services like custom postpartum meal preparation, belly binding, awake care, and more.
Postpartum Doula rates range between $50 and $85 an hour, with the average rate being $60/hr for single babies and $75/hr for multiples.
Birth Doula rates range between $1300 and $5000, with the average rate being $2800.
Placenta Encapsulation and Belly Binding rates range between $200 and $450
Sleep Consulting packages range between $500 and $10,500 depending on package purchased.
Does your team work with Carrot, Maven, Progyny, Hi Cleo, or other benefit providers?
Yes! Our team is very familiar with Carrot Fertility, Maven Clinic, Progyny, Hi Cleo, and other insurance or benefit providers. If you’re looking for a doula that qualifies for reimbursement with Carrot Fertility, Maven Clinic, or other benefits providers, please note in your inquiry form what benefits are covered and if there are any specific criteria your doula/newborn care specialist needs to meet to qualify and we will match you accordingly. For benefits providers like this, you can expect to pay out of pocket to book services and your doula can provide documentation and an itemized invoice to submit for reimbursement.
Does your team accept insurance coverage such as Kaiser or Medi-Cal
We are currently unable to match families with doulas where insurance pays out after the service is rendered, rather than reimburses the family directly. All doulas on our team require payment upon reserving care.
How do I pay my doula for services?
When you hire a Doulas of Orange County provider you have 3 options for payment:
Private Pay: You will pay your doula or specialist directly based on the pricing you discuss.
Carrot Fertility, Maven Clinic, Progyny, Hi Cleo, or Other Benefit Provider: Please share any specific criteria your doula must meet, along with the reimbursable amount. Your doula can provide you an invoice for reimbursement through your benefit provider.
Reimbursement: You may qualify for reimbursement depending on your insurance policy and coverage. Your doula can provide you an itemized invoice to submit for reimbursement. Please note, our doulas are not medical billers so cannot bill insurance directly.
Do you offer classes and consultations for pregnancy & postpartum?
Yes! We have MANY childbirth and parenting educators on our team who can provide both private or group classes, as well as customized consultations for prenatal and postpartum planning. Please fill out our inquiry form to be matched based on the classes and services you’re looking for.
Do you support all kinds of families?
Yes. We proudly support all families, regardless of how you came to parenthood, your birth preferences, gender identity, family structure, or personal beliefs. You’re welcome here.
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What does a birth doula do?
A birth doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, labor, and birth. Your doula is available provide education, guidance, advocacy, comfort techniques, and to help you feel empowered and grounded through the entire process. Your birth doula won't replace your partner or medical team, but rather they will work alongside them to make sure you feel fully supported.
When should I hire a birth doula?
We recommend hiring your doula anytime during the late first or early second trimester to allow time for prenatal visits and relationship-building. However, we do match clients in their third trimester and even on short notice, if availability allows. The sooner you reach out, the more options you'll have.
What is included when I hire an Orange County birth doula?
Each member of our team offers their own packages, style of care and personal touch. With a birth doula, you'll receive emotional, physical and educational support throughout your pregnancy, labor and early postpartum.
Most doulas include 1-3 prenatal meetings in their birth packages which focus on building a relationship, navigating your plans for birth, and engaging in confidence boosting activities to prepare you for your baby's arrival. In-person labor support at your home or hospital is also provided, along with continued support immediately after your baby arrives to help facilitate bonding. Many birth doulas include 2-4 additional weeks of postpartum phone and email support as well.
Several birth doulas on our team also include specialty packages which include private childbirth education, prenatal coaching, placenta encapsulation and belly binding or vaginal steaming for postpartum.
Do you offer backup doulas?
Yes. All of our doulas work with a trusted backup system in case of emergencies, illness, or overlapping births. You can request to speak or meet with your backup prior to birth if you wish.
Are doulas covered by insurance?
In California, many insurance plans now cover doula services, however, our doulas are not medical billers and are unable to bill your insurance company directly for services. However, many clients have been successful in utilizing HSA/FSA funds to cover their doula fees or submitting documentation for reimbursement.. We recommend you speak to your HSA/FSA administrator or insurance provider to find out the necessary steps to get your doula's fees covered.
Can I meet the doula(s) before I decide who to hire?
Absolutely! Once you've received your curated doula matches, you'll have the chance to meet and interview whomever you choose. Interviews are a great opportunity to make sure it feels like a good fit, ask questions, and get clarity on how each doula can support you. Chemistry and comfort matter and we want you to feel fully supported and safe with the doula that you hire.
There seems to be a wide price range for birth doula services. What determines a birth doula’s fee?
All of the doulas and specialists on our team set their own rate which will vary depending upon their certifications, field experience, skill set and additional trainings. Some offer a flat fee for birth doula services, while others offer packages that include a variety of services bundled together. Fees for birth doulas on our platform range from $1300-$5000. None of our doulas provide services for free, as their time, training, and experience is valuable.
I plan to get an epidural, can I still hire a doula?
Of course! Our team of doulas are supportive of your individual birth choices and preferences, whatever they might be. Should you choose to have epidural in labor, your birth doula will still continue to provide incredible support.
Birth doulas are available to help you at home while you are in labor, help you navigate when to go to the hospital, provide physical or emotional support, and more throughout labor. This support doesn’t end if your birth plans change, however, HOW your doula provides support may shift based on how your birth unfolds.
Do you have virtual doulas available in Orange County?
Yes, in the time of COVID, many doulas began providing virtual doula support, which makes doula support easily accessible for families across the world!
Read More on Your Virtual Birth Doula - ways she can help even when she's not in the room!
Read More on Virtual Doula Support - essential now more than ever!
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How can a postpartum doula help me?
There are an incredible number of benefits to hiring a postpartum doula or newborn care specialist. They provide education, resources, emotional support, and guidance through the 4th trimester. For more information on what a typical daytime or overnight visit can look like visit the Postpartum Doula page on our website.
Read More on A Morning With Your Postpartum Doula
Read More on Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 of What Does a Postpartum Doula Do?
How long is a visit with a postpartum doula or newborn care specialist?
Daytime care is generally between 4 and 8 hours per visit, while overnight care is typically between 8 and 12 hours per visit. Families can also choose 24 hour live-in care where 1 or 2 providers work together to provide around the clock newborn support. Each postpartum doula or newborn care specialist is unique in what they offer and we encourage you to share your schedule preferences with us in your care questionnaire so we can match you doulas or specialists that meet your needs.
How long do most families use postpartum doulas or newborn care specialists?
Some families just need a few weeks of support. Others continue care for 6–12 weeks or even up to 9 months. Our team offers flexible scheduling to meet your needs, whether it’s short-term help or ongoing care as your baby grows.
Is a postpartum doula the same as a baby nurse?
Postpartum Doulas and Newborn Specialists are not “baby nurses.” This is a question we get a lot, and yes, they are quite different. While some families hire night nurses or baby nurses for overnight care and feedings, these providers are not required to carry any specific certifications or have any specialty training. In fact, the term “baby nurse” or “night nurse” is misleading because they are not in fact medical nurses. All postpartum doulas and newborn care specialists with Doulas of Orange County are formally trained/certified by an accredited body (DONA, CAPPA, DTI, etc), have their Infant CPR certification and have professional liability insurance.
Read More on Postpartum Doula or Baby Nurse? What You Need to Know
My baby is already born, can I still hire a postpartum doula?
Yes, absolutely! While many of our team members book up 3-6 months in advance, we will do our best to find you a match. Fill out our care questionnaire and select the option for expedited support and we’'ll reach out within 24-48 hours to get you support ASAP!
What does an overnight visit with a postpartum doula look like?
Whether there for 8, 10, or 12 hour visits your doula or specialist will provide emotional and practical support for postpartum recovery and newborn care. They will help feed, change, and put your baby back to sleep throughout the night so you can get loads of rest! For those that are breastfeeding, your doula can bring your baby to you throughout the night to eat and once baby is done feeding, they will burp and help settled your little one back to sleep. Other accommodations can be also be made for pumping & breastfeeding based on your preferences.
Please note that your doula or specialist may lightly rest when your newborn is sleeping. Based on your preferences, they can stay in your baby’s room or they can bring the basinet into a guest room or living room if preferred. This way they are able to quickly respond to baby’s needs throughout the night.
What do I need to provide for my overnight or live-in newborn care specialist or postpartum doula?
It is always important during overnight or live-in care that your newborn care specialist or postpartum doula be comfortable. We suggest for 24/7 care that your specialist has access to a private bedroom and private bathroom as well as internet access. At minimum, a bed and storage space for personal items should be provided. If providing overnight care a couch or blow-up mattress is an acceptable sleep/rest space, however couches or recliners are not ideal for 24/7 care. You can discuss preferences directly with the person you hire so you can find the best solution for everyone.
For 24-hour care it is also expected that you provide food and beverages for the duration of the placement. If your specialist or doula has any dietary considerations, they will discuss them with you directly.
Additionally, when providing 24/7 live-in care your specialist or doula should be given a 4-5 hour break each day. These hours will be discussed and agreed upon together with your specialist. It is crucial for your newborn care specialist or postpartum doula to get daily uninterrupted sleep in order to stay healthy and provide the best quality of care for your family. These breaks are generally used to shower, nap, and take care of personal needs.
Can a postpartum doula or newborn care specialist help me with sleep training?
Possibly. Some of our doulas and specialists are also qualified sleep trainers or sleep consultants and could assist you in assessing and implementing healthy sleep habits for your newborn. For 3-6 month contracts, you may find that sleep shaping is a good option for your family. For questions about other sleep options, scroll down to our “Sleep Support” section.
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What types of postpartum healing services do you offer?
We offer a holistic range of services including belly binding, placenta encapsulation, sitz baths, yoni steaming, postpartum massage & bodywork, nourishing meal preparation, Ayurvedic support and guidance based on ancient traditions like Zuo Yue Zi (“lying-in”) to support physical and emotional recovery
How long should I book a postpartum healing specialist?
We recommend 4–6 weeks of consistent healing care—ideally starting in pregnancy—so each specialist can fully focus on your recovery and wellbeing
Do you offer postpartum meal services in Orange County?
Yes! We have several doulas who offer customized postpartum meal preparation. They can create custom meal plans for your dietary and nutritional needs and provide nourishing meals to support postpartum recovery and lactation. For basic meal support your daytime postpartum doula can also assist with light meal and snack preparation. If you are looking for Organic Postpartum Meal Delivery in Orange County, we highly recommend Restorative Roots. (use our link for $20 off your first order of $200 or more)
Do your placenta encapsulators pick up my placenta from the hospital?
Yes, you can request to be matched with a placenta specialist that offers transportation which includes picking your placenta up from any Orange County area hospital or birth center and delivering it to your home once processing is complete. There may be an additional fee for transportation services as it requires your specialist to be on-call to come pickup at any time.
What is the turnaround time for placenta encapsulation?
It typically it takes 48-72 hours for your placenta encapsulator or placenta specialist to process your placenta. If you request tinctures, cord keepsakes, or a placenta print, it may take longer.
What other placenta options are available?
Some providers offer placenta smoothies, salves and tinctures, while others offer keepsakes such as cord preservation or placenta prints.
What does belly binding include?
Each specialist creates their own packages, however, it’s common for a belly binding session to include: wrapping fabric, warming oil, and hands-on instruction to learn how to wrap yourself.
When can I start belly binding after birth?
Belly binding is typically started within the first week postpartum for vaginal births, and after 2–4 weeks for cesarean births, with your provider’s clearance. Each person's healing journey is different, and your specialist will help you find the right timing for your body.
What’s the difference between belly binding and a postpartum girdle?
Belly binding is a traditional, cloth-based method that focuses on gentle, consistent support and healing. Unlike medical girdles or compression garments, it’s breathable, adjustable, and honors your body’s natural rhythms during recovery. It’s more than physical—it’s part of a holistic approach to postpartum care.
What is yoni steaming, and is it safe after birth?
Yoni steaming, also known as vaginal steaming, is a traditional practice that uses warm herbal steam to gently support healing of the vaginal and perineal area after birth. It can help reduce swelling of the perineum, promote circulation, and soothe the tissues. We only recommend yoni steaming after bleeding has slowed and always with guidance from one of our trained practitioners to ensure safety and comfort. If you are not comfortable with yoni steaming, our practitioners also offer herbal sitz baths.
When can I start yoni steaming postpartum?
Most people wait until postpartum bleeding (lochia) has significantly slowed or stopped, typically 4–6 weeks. Your practitioner will assess your healing and provide customized herbal blends and instructions based on your needs.
What is a sitz bath, and how does it help with healing?
A sitz bath involves soaking the perineal area in warm water, often infused with healing herbs like calendula, lavender, or comfrey. It can relieve soreness, swelling, and hemorrhoids while promoting tissue repair. Sitz baths are a soothing, accessible way to care for yourself in the early weeks postpartum.
Do I need any special supplies for belly binding or herbal baths?
Your specialist will provide everything you need or guide you in what to have on hand. For belly binding, your specialist will bring the wrap and any supportive materials. For herbal baths or yoni steams, your specialist can create a custom herbal blend and show you how to use it safely in your own home.
What is postpartum bodywork
Postpartum bodywork is gentle, intentional hands-on care designed to support your recovery after birth. This may include massage, abdominal work, craniosacral therapy, lymphatic drainage, or other healing techniques depending on your provider’s training. The goal is to nurture your body, release tension, support hormone balance, and promote emotional grounding in the early postpartum weeks.
How is postpartum massage different from a regular massage?
Postpartum massage is tailored specifically for your recovering body. It addresses common postpartum concerns like sore shoulders from feeding, back pain, hip instability, swelling, and emotional stress. Techniques are gentle, supportive, and respectful of your birth experience—whether vaginal or cesarean.
When can I receive postpartum bodywork?
This will be up to you and how you feel and how well you’re healing. You can begin receiving bodywork as early as a few days postpartum, depending on your birth and physical status. For cesarean birth, we recommend waiting 2–4 weeks or until your incision is healing well. Your specialist will help determine the right timeline for you.
Do I need to leave my house for bodywork sessions?
Not at all. Many of our postpartum bodyworkers offer in-home care so you can receive nurturing support without having to pack up yourself or your baby. Your practitioner can come to you with everything needed to create a calming, restorative experience. You can also receive bodywork while holding or nursing your baby. If your baby needs to be held, nursed, or soothed during your session, we adjust as needed. This time is for you, and we’re here to make it as supportive and stress-free as possible.
Are your healing specialists trained in postpartum-specific care?
Yes. We only refer professionals who are trained in postpartum care modalities and understand the physical, emotional, and hormonal shifts that happen after birth. You’ll be in experienced, nurturing hands.
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What is sleep coaching or sleep consulting?
Sleep coaching is personalized guidance to help your baby or toddler develop healthy, age-appropriate sleep habits. It’s not one-size-fits-all. We look at your baby’s unique temperament, your parenting style, feeding routines, sleep environment, and more to create a plan that works for your family.
At what age can I start sleep training?
If you start from day 1 with a newborn care specialist you can begin implementing healthy sleep habits within the first 3-6 months of your baby’s life. For older babies, between 4 and 6 months is a common and often appropriate age to start helping your baby to sleep longer stretches or through the night. That said, it’s never too early or too late to start implementing good sleep habits! If your baby is younger than 4 months we have some questions to help you find the optimal program and sleep coach to help you! You can also talk to your pediatrician about the optimal time based on your baby's developmental leaps & progress.
What ages do you work with?
We work with families of newborns through toddlers. Gentle sleep shaping can start as early as the fourth trimester, and formal sleep coaching typically begins around 4–6 months and beyond, depending on your baby’s readiness and your goals.
Are we talking about “cry it out”?
This is a common misconception about helping infants sleep - that all methods are "cry it out" methods, but that simply isn’t true. Each of our sleep coaches do what we can to avoid or limit tears, but to be completely transparent, there is always the possibility of tears. You and your sleep coach or sleep consultant are both actively involved with making decisions based on what you observe together rather than passively letting your child cry behind a closed door. If your baby or toddler has distinct needs, that you as a parent, need or want to address, we would never tell you to ignore those parenting instincts!
How do I know if I need sleep support?
If you're exhausted, overwhelmed, struggling with postpartum depression or anxiety due to lack of sleep, or are just unsure of how to help your baby get more restorative sleep, you can benefit from our help. Whether you need a few tweaks to your routine or a full sleep plan, our consultants are here to guide you step by step.
What sleep resources do you recommend?
Since we don’t know you or your baby yet, we can't confidently recommend any books or resources. Sleep training isn't a one-size-fits-all solution and often that's what books provide. Instead, we believe you & your kiddo deserve personalized support! Once your sleep coach is booked, they’ll be happy to provide custom resources and recommendations for you.
Is this in-person or virtual?
We offer both. Some families prefer virtual sleep consulting for flexibility, while others love having in-home support during naps or bedtime routines. We’ll match you with a consultant who offers the format that works best for your needs.
What is the length of the sleep programs?
Each of our sleep coaches creates custom plans for what suits your family best. We have options starting with 3-5 full days & nights of live-in support to remote sleep consulting for 2-6 weeks. If you want consistent overnight support from birth to 6 months, we can match you with a wonderful newborn care specialist to help establish healthy sleep habits from the start!
Can I still breastfeed and encourage independent sleep?
Yes. Improving your child’s sleep habits does not mean you have to stop breastfeeding, night feeding, or contact napping. We help you balance feeding goals with better sleep, and we always work around what matters most to you.
When should I book?
Our sleep coaches only take a limited number of clients each month to ensure success. Our desire is to be fully present with you and your family and we cannot do that if we're working with 20 families at a time. Booking in advance confirms our availability AND gives you the peace of mind that more sleep is on the way! Last minute availability, while hard to come by, is sometimes available, so don't hesitate to reach out! We’ll do our best to help you even on short notice.
What if I have more questions?
We’re happy to answer whatever questions you have on a complimentary call. Fill out our inquiry form to receive more information along with a link to schedule a no commitment call.
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I’m not experiencing pain or having breastfeeding problems, do you still recommend I get lactation help?
100%, yes! We believe in prevention rather than waiting to see if a problem develops. While breastfeeding comes naturally to some, it is still very much a learning experience and having guidance and support helps provide peace of mind and hopefully ensures you don’t experience any breastfeeding hurdles. If you hire a specialist to help visit you in the first few days or weeks after birth, either at home or in the hospital, you are reserving one-on-one support for you and your baby, and are more likely to avoid breastfeeding issues down the line.
When should I seek lactation help?
Anytime! Early support can prevent many common issues, so we encourage reaching out during pregnancy or as soon as you start breastfeeding. If you’re struggling with pain, low supply, or baby’s feeding patterns, don’t wait—help is available.
Will you help with pumping and milk storage?
Absolutely. Your specialist can teach you how to use your pump effectively, store milk safely, and build or maintain your supply while pumping.
What if breastfeeding doesn’t work out?
While we do believe breastfeeding is highly beneficial for both mom and baby, we support you no matter what. Our focus is on healthy, happy feeding for your baby and family. If breastfeeding isn’t possible or desired, we’ll help you navigate bottle feeding and ensure you and your baby are thriving.
How do I book a visit with an Orange County lactation specialist?
We will reach out to you shortly after receiving your form with matches that best meets your needs, schedule and location.
From there, your lactation specialist will reach out to you and if you think it’s a good fit, you can schedule your in-home visit or virtual visit directly with them.
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What is a fertility doula?
A fertility doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals and couples who are trying to conceive, offering compassionate care, education, and advocacy.
How can a fertility doula help me?
Fertility doulas are great at helping to reduce stress and anxiety around conception. They can offer mind-body-spirit support techniques, guide you through fertility treatments or natural conception methods, and connect you with resources like nutrition, acupuncture, and mental health support.
When should I work with a fertility doula?
Anytime you’re trying to conceive, whether you’re just starting or have been on this journey for a while. Early support can help you prepare mentally and physically and cope with the emotional rollercoaster fertility often brings.
Do you provide support during fertility treatments like IVF or IUI?
Yes. Our fertility doulas offer emotional support during treatments, help you understand procedures, advocate for your needs, and provide coping strategies for appointments, injections, and testing.
Is fertility doula support covered by insurance?
Typically, fertility doula services are paid out-of-pocket, but some families use HSA/FSA funds. Your fertility doula can provide receipts and documentation to help with reimbursement if your plan allows.
How do I get started?
Fill out our care questionnaire to be matched with an incredible fertility doula.
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Do you offer services beyond doula support?
Yes. At Doulas of Orange County, we offer a wide range of holistic services to support your growing family. We’re here to care for your whole journey, not just one piece of it.
What kind of add-on services are available?
Our team offers a variety of specialized services including:Prenatal and postpartum massage
Birth photography
Babywearing education and fitting support
Belly binding
Herbal bath and yoni steaming
Placenta encapsulation
Newborn care consultations
Nursery organization & gear tutorials
Infant sleep shaping and sleep consulting
Can I book these services even if I don’t hire a doula?
Yes. You can book any of our add-on services individually, even if you're not working with one of our doulas for birth or postpartum care. We welcome all families to access the support they need.
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