A Postpartum Doula Birth Story
Better Because Birth: OriginsHi there, my name is Maria!
I am a mom of three with a goal of bridging the gap between pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. I am passionate about helping families feel supported and heard so they can adjust to life with their new baby feeling prepared and confident.
Wherever you are right now in your pregnancy, and parenting journey… I’ve been there! My arms are here to hold you, your baby and the space needed to get you through those first precious weeks after baby is born.
I can be found supporting new families, exploring all the playgrounds in Richmond, Virginia, making chocolate chip pancakes, and reading endless novels.
My approach to motherhood, parenting and postpartum in 3 words would be: Warm, Perceptive, Nurturing. I’m inspired by beautiful things – Color. Flowers. Texture. Sunlight. Most of my inspiration comes from within… holding my baby. Feeling her warmth on my chest. Listening to the rise and fall of her breath. Smelling her delicious milk smell. Kissing her cheeks and holding her just a bit longer.
These moments are so important.
The constant laundry list of things to do in your head: dishes, switching the laundry, replying to that email, figuring out what to give the kids for whatever holiday is coming up next, and preparing dinner…. All of that can wait. I am here to help you find and savor these special moments too.
I fell in love with birth the moment I watched my nephew enter the world 14 years ago. But it wasn’t until after the birth of my second son that I truly understood how essential postpartum care is—and how deeply lacking it can be in America.
After my first son was born, I sent my mom home, only to call her back moments later saying, “He just won’t stop crying, and now I’m crying too.” She told me he probably needed a burp—and of course, she was right. Five days postpartum, I took a long walk through my hilly neighborhood pushing a stroller, not realizing the toll it would take. Months later, I dealt with pelvic floor issues that were completely preventable. The hardest part? I didn’t know any better. No one told me what true postpartum rest should look like. I adored my baby, but I was emotional, overwhelmed, and trying to figure it all out alone.
After my second son arrived, everything was different. I stayed in bed. I ate warm, nourishing meals. I gave my body the rest it needed—and my baby and I thrived because of it.
So many people take great care during pregnancy, thoughtfully plan their birth, and then go home to navigate the postpartum period with little to no support. How are we expected to know how to feed our baby, manage our own nutritional needs, and cope with bleeding, leaking, crying, and discovering a new version of ourselves—all without guidance?
I believe that postpartum care isn’t just a luxury—it’s foundational. When we prepare for the fourth trimester with the same intention we give to pregnancy and birth, families don’t just survive, they thrive. When parents are cared for, confident, and truly seen in postpartum, the ripple effect touches their baby, their relationships, and their future for years to come.
Every family deserves to be supported during one of the most transformative periods of their life.
After years working as a hair stylist, leaving the salon to pursue this work full time wasn’t an easy decision. However, the more I stepped into supporting families during pregnancy and postpartum, the more I felt pulled toward this work in a way I couldn’t ignore. I realized I wanted to give it my full heart and energy. So I chose to walk away from the chair and step fully into serving families during one of the most transformative seasons of their lives. It felt less like quitting a job and more like answering a calling.
It’s never lost on me what a privilege it is to step into your postpartum world. I’d be honored to walk alongside you and your family as you begin this new chapter.
Additionally, as a doula, I am passionate about bringing mothers together within our community. There is a unique comfort in knowing you’re not alone—that other mothers are right where you are, and that your baby is doing exactly what other babies do, too. Time with a newborn should not feel isolating, yet for many it does.
My goal is to help new mothers feel grounded, supported, and connected through my postpartum circles. You will be welcomed warmly and met exactly where you are. We often explore topics such as infant sleep challenges, adjusting to the postpartum body and mind, traveling with a baby for the first time, returning to work, sharing birth stories (and realizing how much we all have in common), and so much more.