Birth Doulas of Marin
Co-creating a Positive Birth Experience

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We are a collective of doulas who honor birth as a sacred,
powerful rite of passage for families. As mothers ourselves, we embody women's wisdom
and we believe that our years of experience and trust in the process of birth supports
parents through the challenges and rewards of their unique birth experience.
We hold the space for co-creating a positive birth experience.

Some frequently asked questions:

Who Are Birth Doulas of Marin? 

Birth Doulas of Marin  is a professional group of well-trained women that has been serving Marin County since 1984 exclusively at Marin General Hospital. In that time the group has attended over 2000 births. We have been well received by women and their partners using our services and welcomed by the obstetrical community and the labor and delivery staff.

Why use a collective rather than one private doula?

One of our primary goals is to ensure that you have a well-rested doula on hand when you need her no matter what. The only way to be completely certain of that is to provide several experienced,  like-minded doulas on call, one for each day of the week, 24/7.  We meet with you prior to the birth at our monthly Marin General meetings,  so that you can get to know us - attend as often as you like! And you'll fill out our "Getting to Know You" form so that we can get to know who you are as well.

We provide comforting, informative and consistent telephone support 24/7, up to the moment that you go into labor, and then are with you from the time you request our presence at the hospital until your baby is happily in your arms and you are ready for bonding as a new family. We visit you at the hospital after the birth, and many of our doulas offer a variety of independent postpartum services once you are home...please email us about Postpartum services. Others members provide Childbirth Preparation, Newborn Care, and Breastfeeding classes in the community. Please inquire by email about those services as well. (Classes)

If I plan on an epidural, why do I need a doula?

Whether you are planning a medicated or un-medicated birth, it is still a birth process. This may be a surprise to some, but women are advised to labor for a while before being administered an epidural, so that labor can progress well. That's just one reason doula support can be helpful. Following an epidural there are still a number of important things we can do - such as helping mom understand and manage side effects, and support during the pushing phase. Further, many women who plan on having an epidural find that they didn't require one after all. These women are very grateful for the presence of a doula! Keep in mind, we have no judgments or agenda regarding medication - it's there if you need it and we're there to support you, whatever your needs might be. We are always mindful that this is your birth experience!

How Do I Use Your Services?

It's easy. There are a few ways to sign up. One is to join us at our monthly meeting where you can meet us and register in person to receive a free gift! Click here for more on meetings: Contact Us.
Another is to register by fax or mail. Here are the documents you'll need:
  1)  Registration Form
  2)  Guidelines and Fees
  3)  Getting to Know You Better

Simply print these few pages, fill in and fax or mail to us. Once we've received these, plus your mailed check for the deposit, you will be on our list and fully registered.

What do they say about Birth Doulas of Marin?

" I strongly recommend Birth Doulas of Marin to any woman having a baby. They provide mature, experienced, calm support during Labor. The partner is gently guided to be an effective coach. The couple's intimacy is respected. The cost is minimal compared to the value of the birth experience." Dr. Stephen Bearg, OB,GYN

"Birth Doulas of Marin advocate for women to actively participate in their own unique labor and birth experience. The doulas form a positive, supportive link between their clients and the hospital staff and environment. I commend both the professionalism and empathy offered by this dedicated group of doulas." Maureen Brown, R.N.

(for more testimonials, click on Who We Are)

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