Doulas of Orange County

Now Hiring Doulas & Newborn Care Specialists!

Have you heard?! Doulas of Orange County is growing and we are looking for some incredible Doulas to join our team!

DOC is a doula matching service, providing prenatal, birth and newborn parenting support to families in Orange County, California. We have a wonderful team of dedicated Birth and Postpartum Doulas, Sleep Coaches, Newborn Care Specialists and Parent Educators who provide compassionate care through every step of our client's journey.

Our Doula matching service is currently look for experienced, passionate and dedicated Postpartum Doulas, Birth Doulas, Newborn Care Specialists and Lactation Professionals to join our team.

Motherhood Shouldn't Be An Island

Last night we hosted a viewing of "When the Bough Breaks" a heartbreaking documentary about the realities of postpartum depression & psychosis. We were joined by local OC birth professionals, members of the community, and a number of mental health professionals to not only watch this film, but to discuss what we can do to make postpartum support more acceptable and more accessible. 

It's no secret that there is still tons of stigma surrounding mental health and treatment options in this country, but what struck me most after viewing this film was the overall lack of understanding, education, and resources surrounding perinatal mood disorders. Simply put, our healthcare and societal systems often set women up for failure, leaving them feeling confused and isolated with nowhere to turn. There are no specific standards for screening and care providers see so many patients each day that it's common for those needing help to slip through the cracks.

That's if these women reach out for help in the first place as the fear of being judged often keeps women silently suffering.

Goodbye 2017, Hello 2018!

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Is it totally cliche to say that we can't believe the holidays are over and the New Year has begun?! Well, it's the truth! This year has flown by and we are so grateful for all that has transpired. 

We'd like to take a moment to give thanks for the path which has led us here. To all the wonderful, memorable, and challenging moments in 2017 which have pushed us to expand beyond our comfort zone. We survived and so did you!

It has been a year of big change for Doulas of Orange County. Earlier this year we said goodbye to one of the founding partners of OC Doula Collective, Jessica Bougie, and welcomed new Co-Owner, Lauren Jacobs. Shortly after, owners Chelsea & Lauren embarked on a branding overhaul and revealed the newly designed and freshly named Doulas of Orange County to our clients, friends, and colleagues. 

This summer we said a fond farewell to our original office in Costa Mesa and moved into our new and improved digs in Irvine! What a ride it has been. Our event calendar grew adding more classes, gatherings, & support groups for Orange County families. We added additional professionals to our team: birth doulas, postpartum doulas, educators, & lactation professionals; all who have been eager and committed to serve our growing clientele. 

The end of this year brought the launch of our sister agency Doulas of Long Beach and we are proud to provide the same professional and compassionate care to families north of Orange County. 

In 2017 we served over 200 families offering Birth & Postpartum Doula support, Childbirth & Parenting Education, and Placenta Encapsulation. It has been an incredible honor to walk beside so many new and growing families during these special moments. We adore each and every one of our clients and are eternally grateful for your patronage and support. This work is a true delight for our entire team. 

Doulas of Orange County has some exciting plans for 2018, starting with our Open House on January 20th. We welcome you to join us in celebration of our new offices & education center. We're collaborating with some incredible national & local businesses to make this event truly amazing. RSVP today!

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We wish you and yours a very happy new year and hope that the joy and prosperity of 2017 continue in abundance well into 2018!

Why a Judgment-Free Doula Matters

You'll here us talk about non-judgmental support A LOT in our work as doulas. This is the pillar on which our agency stands. But we're often asked, what does non-judmental support really mean? 

I remember the exact moment when I realized how important being a judgment-free doula was. I was at a baby shower chatting it up with some friends, including the guest of honor, the mama-to-be. Someone in the group asked if she had a birth plan. I saw her face fall as she looked directly at me, then looked quickly away. Her demeanor changed as she told us that she had already scheduled a repeat cesarean. 

Earlier in her pregnancy she had come to me asking about VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). I remember gushing about how amazing VBACs were and how empowering they can be. I remember telling her that she should go for it! I recall side-stepping her fears about uterine rupture, explaining that they are a rarity and I recall dismissing her fears about going past her estimated due date and needing to be induced. I cringe now thinking about the assumptions I made and how I projected my personal beliefs onto her. 

It was there at that baby shower that she held a mirror up to my face. After sharing that she was choosing to have a cesarean, she shared that she was nervous to tell me. She was scared that I wasn't going to be supportive or that I would try to talk her into having a VBAC. 

My spirit was crushed.

I was mortified that my passion for supporting natural birth had come across as judgmental and that my words and actions had caused shame and fear. As a doula, I often touted myself as non-judgmental and while I intentionally never made anyone feel bad about their birth experience, it was at this baby shower that I began to wonder just how non-judgmental my support really was. 

Talk about a wake up call!

In that moment I made a decision that changed my approach as a doula. As I apologized to my friend for my judgments and for making her experience seem less than, I made a commitment to myself to do better and be better. I became a doula to make a positive impact on birth and the best way I know how to do that is to be open and unconditionally supportive of all choices. And it is that attitude that we look for in all the doulas we bring onto our team. 

Our support involves no judgment.

None. Nada.

zip. zilch.

completely, 100% Judgment free.

Your birth is yours and yours alone. Yes, there will be family, friends, care providers, and your doulas surrounding you with support and love. But it is your body and your baby, therefore the choices you make are yours. We vow not to project any certain agenda or philosophy onto your unique experience.

Our doulas offer a safe space to share your beliefs about birth and parenting, your fears, and your desires.  Together, you and your doula will create a birth and postpartum plan that encompasses all your needs. And while she is there to answer your questions and offer guidance, she trusts in your capacity to make the informed decisions that are right for you. Even if your plans change down the line, the non-judgmental support will continue. 

It is our belief that with the support of your judgment-free doula positivity will surround your pregnancy, birth, and parenting journey. It is our belief that in providing space to learn and make your own decisions you will find confidence. It is our believe that in being there 100%, no questions asked, you will find comfort and peace of mind. 

The birth of your baby will forever change you. This is your experience, and we will be by your side, no matter what. Your choices are yours, not ours. Your birth is yours, not ours. Your body is yours, not ours. Your baby is yours, not ours. What is ours is our desire and passion for spending this time with you, your partner and your family, offering unconditional support and care. And we offer it happily.

When Should I Hire a Doula?

"Am I too early?"

"Am I too late?"

"When do most people hire you?"

If I had a dollar for every time I got a call inquiring about doula support...

It's a common query from Orange County families beginning their doula search: "When should I hire a doula?" To which I answer, "As soon as you know you're ready!" 

For some the doula search can take a while, for others, they meet one amazing doula and know it's a match made in heaven. Personality, connection, confidence in their support - these are all things expectant couples are looking for, in addition to training and expertise. And when that connection is evident, I say you should snatch that doula up ASAP!