Doula Keelia

Oakland, California

About Me

(I use she/her/hers or they/them/their pronouns)

Hi! I'm Keelia.

I've always loved birth. My mom was a childbirth educator, so I was lucky enough to grow up with expectant parents practicing breathing techniques and birthing positions in our living room every Tuesday night. Becoming a doula was the most natural thing in the world for me, and I've loved every sweaty, beautiful second of it since I became a certified birth and postpartum doula in 2015.

As part of the birth justice movement, I believe that all parents deserve an empowering and celebrated birth experience regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, body type, or religion, and I am over-the-moon excited to work with you towards the birth & postpartum experience you're hoping for.

Learn More

What is a doula, and do I really need one?

What is birth justice?

Why should I use a Roots of Labor certified doula?

Testimonials

"Her aura, presence, demeanor, whatever you want to call it is immediately and palpably calming. It's the same way a puppy makes you smile without even thinking about it. She's like a walking cup of chamomile tea."

Sarah, Zev's mom

"Her hands-on comfort techniques, gentle affirmations, and calming presence were invaluable to me and I truly don't know I could have had the birth experience I hoped for without her."

Erin, Tessa and Bridget's mom

"She made me feel safe and relaxed. She laughed with me and cheered us on. My mom told her, 'You are part of the family now,' and it's true."

Courtney, Connor's mom

I had difficulties finding a doula who was familiar with the LGBTQ scene enough to feel comfortable in my home. Keelia acquainted herself with everyone (and their pronouns) so she really felt like part of the family.

Zipporah, Sojourner's mom

"Keelia's presence in the room and her counsel and good-nature kept us feeling empowered and focused. I cannot imagine the experience without her."

April, Arlo's mom

Virtual Doula Services

If you’re looking for the knowledge, expertise and relationship that comes with having a doula but you cannot have another person present in the birth room because of the COVID-19 pandemic, or because you prefer to keep your birth space more intimate, this option is for you. It’s also for you if you want someone to call at any time, day or night, during those first few weeks with your newborn. I’ll be there to address your questions (“My baby hasn’t pooped for two days-- is that normal?” “I’m starving and sweating constantly-- is that normal?” “I just cried for no reason, and I’d like to do it again on the phone with you right now. Is that normal?”), and a listening ear as you make this transition into parenthood. No matter the time, you’ll have someone a phone call or a text away who knows you and your story and is eager to help.

How does virtual doula support work?

Virtual services differ from traditional in that all of our communication will happen via Skype, Whatsapp, GoogleDuo, or a similar platform. There is no hands-on support (at least until the lockdown lifts) but you will get the benefit of having one-on-one emotional support to answer questions/walk you through what you're experiencing and what you can expect moving forward.

What will doula support include?

All support will be tailored to your specific needs, but here are some examples of topics most parents appreciate covering.

During your pregnancy and birth:

Discussing your birth options (including birthing location, care provider, birth team, and an overview of all potential medical interventions including induction, pain medications, or cesarean birth)
Comfort measures
Preparing a birth preferences sheet (often referred to as a birth plan)
How to receive support from your partner (if you have one), and how the two of you can prepare to navigate labor, then care for the baby together
How to set up your home for a newborn
Support breastfeeding/chestfeeding

After your baby arrives:

Breastfeeding/chestfeeding support
Strategizing how to nourish the birthing parent as they recover, including easy, healthy, healing postpartum recipes & meal plans
Baby wearing
Infant sleep
Cloth diapering
Paced feedings
Referral to further resources as needed (parent groups, lactation consultants, sleep trainers)

See below for more information on what support from me looks like.

Services Overview

Prenatal

I will provide emotional, educational, and physical support to ease your pregnancy and empower you as you develop an evidence-based birth plan and prepare for parenthood.

Birth

I will be present for your entire birth, supporting you emotionally, mentally, and physically while advocating on your behalf to ensure you have an empowering and beautiful birth experience.

Postpartum

Becoming a parent is wonderful, exciting, and challenging. I will be there to support you as you heal and reflect on your birth experience, and settle into life with your newborn.

Standard Birth Package

3 prenatal visits, unlimited text & email support, 24/7 on-call period from 38 weeks, continuous support during labor, 1 postpartum home visit, referrals to parenting and breastfeeding/chestfeeding support groups.

Resources

Anytime you need something but don't want to become mired in the Google rabbit hole, I'll provide you with personalized recommendations for lactation support, childbirth ed, new parents groups, or anything else you're looking for.

Photography

I offer you the option of documenting your birth experience and the first few moments after your little one is born at no additional charge. This can be done using my camera or one that you provide, though I always bring a polaroid along to provide you with a couple keepsakes.

Doula Stories Podcast

Listen

Affordability

My standard birth package is $1500-$2000 total, and my standard postpartum hourly rate is $45/hr. I also offer postpartum overnights at $50/hr.

Final rates are based on a sliding scale.

Your personalized fee will be determined by individual circumstances and the services you select.

Everyone deserves a doula, so don't let financial concerns stop you from reaching out.

Payment plans, trades, and barters are also available upon request.

Contact me with any questions you may have, or to set up your free consultation so we can find a plan that works for you and your budget.