In recent years, the demand for doulas has increased as more and more families recognize the value of having personalized support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. San Francisco, being a bustling city with a diverse population, is no exception to this trend.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the top doula agencies as well as independent doulas in San Francisco. With their help, expecting parents in San Francisco can receive the personalized support and care they need during one of life’s most special moments.
1. The San Francisco Doula Group
Directory of Doulas
Address: San Francisco County, California
Scope of Support: depends on the doula you choose.
Website: https://www.sfdoulagroup.com/
Social Media:
Facebook
Services Offered:
- Birth Doula
- Postpartum Doula
- Virtual Doula
How to Register:
1. From the site given, select the type of doula support you would like to receive, i.e. “Birth Doula”, “Postpartum Doula”
2. All the doulas matching your search will appear, along with their contact information.
3. Select the doula you would like and review their profile to know if they match your needs and preferences.
4. Contact the doula directly for consultation or interview.
2. Golden Gate Doula Associates (GGDA)
Address: 2192 3rd Street, San Francisco, California
Phone Number: +1.415.400.4680
Email: operations@goldengatedoula.com; info@goldengatedoula.com
Website: https://goldengatedoula.com/
Social Media:
Instagram
Services Offered:
Birth Doula Services – Price: $1,900 – $3,200
Postpartum Doula
Placenta Packages – Price: $290 – $350
Postpartum Doula Services:
Hour for day support (4 hour minimum) – Price: $55 – $70
Hour for night support (8 hour minimum) – Price: $55 – $70
Additional per hour for twin or multiples – Price: $10 – $15
Postpartum Add-on Visit (2-3 hour visit) – Price: 250 – $300
Prenatal or Postpartum Add-on Visit (2-3 hour visit) – Price: 250 – $300
Classes:
Hypnobirthing Series
Spinning Babies Workshop
New Parent / New Babies Group
Private Pelvic Floor Therapy Session
Services and Education (Hypnobirthing Series Packages):
Prenatal Bonding (BA) Program (Individual & Private) – Price: $200
Private Hypnobirthing Classes – Price: 845
Professional Doula Services Including Hypnobirthing Classes – Price: $2,049.00
Hypnobirthing Small Group Classes – Price: $645
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://goldengatedoula.com/contact
Notes:
Low Fee Labor Doula Package to 2 clients per month are offered to those who are experiencing financial difficulties.
3. Doulas by the Bay
Scope of Support: Servicing throughout San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles Metro Area
Phone Number: +1 415-510-9736
Email: info@doulasbythebay.com
Website: https://www.doulasbythebay.com/
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram
Services Offered:
- Birth Doula
- Postpartum Doula
- Sibling Support
- Virtual Support
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://www.doulasbythebay.com/contact/
3. Born Collective
Website: https://www.borncollectivesf.com/
Social Media:
Instagram
Services Offered:
- Birth Doula
- Postpartum Doula
- Full Spectrum Doula
- Placenta Encapsulation – Price: from $350
Packages:
Birth Doula: Service fees are on sliding scale based on family income. Use San Francisco AMI (Area Median Income):
Under 80% AMI – Price: $2000
80%-140% AMI – Price: $2500
Above 140% AMI – Price: $3000
Postpartum Doula:
Hourly Day Rate: 3-4 hours per visit – Price: $50-70 / hour sliding scale
Night Package: 8 hours per visit – Price: $450-560 / night sliding scale
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://www.borncollectivesf.com/contact
4. Natural Resources
Address: 1051 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA, United States, California
Phone Number: +1.415.550.2611
Email: info@naturalresources-sf.com
Website: https://www.naturalresources-sf.com/
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Office Hours:
Monday – Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Services Offered:
Birth Doula
Postpartum Doula
Equipment Rentals: Birth Tubs, TENs machine, Breast pump Baby Scale
Classes include (but not limited to):
Childbirth Prep 6 week series (In-person): Price: $536
Childbirth Prep Intensive 3-day (In-person): Price: $429
Newborn Care & Parenting (In-person): $154
Pregnant Together – A Special Pregnancy Support Circle (Virtual) – Price: $200
Lactation Classes:
Lactation Support Circle (In-person / Virtual): $15
Breastfeeding / Chest feeding Class (In-person): $109
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://www.naturalresources-sf.com/pages/doula-inquiry-form. You can also search their doula directory as below.
Notes:
1. To visit doula directory, go to https://www.naturalresources-sf.com/pages/doulas-info-for-parents
2. Select the type of support you would like to receive, i.e. “Birth Doula”, “Postpartum Doula”, “Low Fee Doulas”
3. The doulas servicing the support you selected will be visible.
4. Review the doula’s profile to see if they match your preferences and needs.
5. Contact the doula directly for consultation or interview.
Free doula/ parent virtual meet up.
5. Birth Flower
Independent Doula
Emma Reyes: Birth and Postpartum Doula
Address: Servicing:
- Oakland
- Berkeley
- San Francisco
- Walnut Creek
- Albany
- El Cerrito
- Lafayette
- Richmond
- Hayward
- Alameda
- San Leandro
- East Bay Area
Scope of Support: hospital birth, birth center birth, home birth
Phone Number: +1.628.268.4029
Email: hello@birthflowerdoula.com
Website: https://www.birthflowerdoula.com/
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram
Services Offered:
Birth Doula – Package Price: from $2200
Postpartum Doula (09:00 AM to 6:00 PM) – Price: $60 / hour ; minimum 3 hours
Virtual Doula – Package Price: $1100
Childbirth and Parenting Class:
Intuitive Hospital Birth – Price: $525 for 3 session (2 hours each)
Home Birth Wisdom – Price: $525 for 3 session (2 hours each)
A Natured Postpartum – Price: $525 for 3 session (2 hours each)
Birth in the Bay Area (60 minutes via Zoom) – Price: $95
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://www.birthflowerdoula.com/contact
Notes: No overnight doula services.
6. Bay City Doulas
Full Spectrum Doula Agency
Address: San Jose, CA, United States, California
Scope of Support: Postpartum doula & live-in care services available:
- Santa Cruz
- San Francisco Bay Area
- San Jose
- San Francisco
- Marin
- Los Altos
- Morgan Hill
- Santa Clara,
- Cupertino
- Los Gatos
- Mountain View
- Palo Alto
- Menlo Park
- Atherton
- Redwood City
- San Carlos
- Burlingame and the surrounding areas
Phone Number: +1.831.334.6064
Email: yourteam@baycitydoulas.com
Website: https://baycitydoulas.com/
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram
Services Offered:
Postpartum Support Day
Postpartum Support Night
Postpartum Support Live-In
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://baycitydoulas.com/contact-us/
Notes: Free initial consultation.
7. SisterWeb
The San Francisco doulas of SisterWeb are supporting and empowering pregnant individuals, families, and communities of Black, Latinx, and Pacific Islander backgrounds throughout their reproductive experiences.
Address: 1912 Keith Street, San Francisco, CA 94124
Phone Number: 1.415.470.6207
Email: info@sisterweb.org
Website: https://www.sisterweb.org/
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Services Offered:
Community Birth Doulas
How to Register: From the site given, click on “Get a Community Doula” from the top navigation bar.
8. SF Birth Doula and Placenta Encapsulation Services
Scope of Support: San Francisco and Southern Marin
Website: https://sfbirthdoulaandplacentaencapsulationservices.com/
Services Offered:
Birth Doula Support – Package Price: $2585
Postpartum Doula Support – $60 / hour
Placenta Encapsulation – Package Prices: $210, $230, $285
Birth Photos – Price: $500 for 2 hours ; $1000 for 5 hours
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://sfbirthdoulaandplacentaencapsulationservices.com/contact
Notes: Free consultation.
9. Bay Area Night Doulas
Phone Number: 510.949.6128
Email: info@bayareanightdoulas.com
Website: https://bayareanightdoulas.com/
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram
Services Offered:
Day Doula Support
Night Doula Support
24-Hour Live-In Support
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://bayareanightdoulas.com/contact/
Notes: HSA / FSA, Insurance, Fertility Payments (Carrot, etc.) are accepted.
10. Brilliant Births
Address: 1809 Fourth Street. Suite D, Berkeley, CA, United States, California
Scope of Support: Serving the counties of:
- Alameda
- Contra Costa
- San Francisco
- Marin
- San Mateo
- covering much of the San Francisco Bay Area
Email: info@brilliantbirths.com
Website: https://www.brilliantbirths.com/
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram
Services Offered:
- Birth Doula
- Postpartum Doula
- Birth Tub Rentals
- Placenta Encapsulation
- Workshops
- Hypnobirthing Classes
- Lamaze Technique Classes
- Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga Classes – $35 / 1.15 hours
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://www.brilliantbirths.com/contact
The Cost of Hiring a Doula in San Francisco
The cost of hiring a doula in San Francisco can vary significantly depending on various factors such as experience, services offered, and the overall cost of living in the area.
In San Francisco, a doula’s fee can range from $800 to $3,000 or more, depending on several factors:
1. Experience: The level of experience of the doula is a significant factor affecting the cost. A newly trained doula may charge lower fees, while a highly experienced doula with many years of experience and additional certifications may charge higher fees.
2. Services Offered: The scope of services provided by the doula also influences the cost. Some doulas offer comprehensive packages that include prenatal visits, continuous labor support, and postpartum visits, while others may offer individual services at different rates. Additional services, such as childbirth education classes, lactation support, or postpartum meal preparation, may also increase the cost.
3. Location: The cost of living in San Francisco is relatively high compared to other cities, which can result in higher fees for doulas in the area. However, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of having a doula’s support against the cost, as many families find the investment worthwhile.
When considering hiring a doula in San Francisco, it’s crucial to research and interview multiple doulas to find the right fit for your family’s needs and budget. Many doulas offer a free initial consultation, which can provide an opportunity to discuss fees, services, and any other concerns.
Some doulas may also offer sliding scale fees or payment plans for families with financial constraints, while others may accept health insurance or Health Savings Account (HSA) payments. It’s essential to discuss these options during the initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a doula?
A doula is a trained professional who offers emotional, physical, and educational support to expectant mothers and their families throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. Doulas do not provide medical care but focus on ensuring the mother feels supported, informed, and empowered during her pregnancy and birthing journey.
2. How much does it cost to hire a doula in San Francisco?
The cost of hiring a doula in San Francisco can range from $800 to $3,000 or more, depending on factors such as the doula’s experience, services offered, and the overall cost of living in the area. Some doulas may offer sliding scale fees, payment plans, or accept health insurance to help make their services more accessible.
3. What services do doulas provide?
Doulas offer a variety of services, including prenatal visits, continuous labor support, postpartum visits, childbirth education, and breastfeeding support. Some doulas may also offer additional services like sibling support, postpartum meal preparation, or placenta encapsulation. It’s essential to discuss your specific needs and expectations with potential doulas during the interview process.
4. How do I find a doula in San Francisco?
You can find a doula in San Francisco through various channels, including online directories, local parenting groups, childbirth education classes, or recommendations from friends, family, or healthcare providers. It’s essential to interview multiple doulas to find the one that best fits your needs, values, and budget.
5. When should I start looking for a doula?
It’s recommended to start searching for a doula early in your pregnancy, ideally during the second trimester. This allows time to research, interview, and hire the right doula for you and build a trusting relationship before labor and delivery.
6. Can a doula replace my healthcare provider or partner?
No, a doula does not replace your healthcare provider or your partner. Doulas work alongside medical professionals to ensure that you receive the best care possible during your pregnancy and birth. They also complement the support provided by your partner or other family members by offering additional emotional, physical, and informational support.
7. Will my insurance cover the cost of hiring a doula?
While some insurance companies may cover doula services, it’s not guaranteed. It’s essential to check with your insurance provider to determine if they offer coverage for doula services. Some doulas may also accept Health Savings Account (HSA), Carrot (Fertility) as payments.
8. How do I know if a doula is the right fit for me?
Finding the right doula involves considering factors like their experience, training, personality, and communication style. During the interview process, ask questions about their background, philosophy on childbirth, and how they handle various situations during labor and delivery.
It’s essential to find a doula who aligns with your values, needs, and preferences and with whom you feel comfortable and supported.
Final Thoughts
The cost of hiring a doula in San Francisco can vary widely depending on experience, services offered, and location. However, the support and guidance provided by a doula can be invaluable for expectant mothers and their families during this critical time.
It is important to consider the benefits of having a doula’s support against the cost and find a professional who aligns with your values, needs, and budget.
Note: Please contact the establishments / doulas directly through their website for up-to-date information. If you are a parent looking for a doula, please consult your physician or other healthcare professional before hiring a doula.