Welcoming a baby is one of life’s most extraordinary milestones, and having the right support team by your side can make all the difference. For many families in San Francisco and Marin County, choosing a doula is about more than just practical help. This decision is about finding someone who brings calm, reassurance, and personalized care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
As a Sausalito-based luxury maternity and newborn photographer, I often connect with doulas and birth professionals who share my passion for creating meaningful, supportive experiences for families. I’ve curated this guide to the top 5 doulas in San Francisco and Marin County who are known for their expertise, compassion, and boutique approach to family care. It’s so important to me that the families I work with know who and where they can trust to receive the care they deserve.
1. DOULAS by the BAY – San Francisco & Marin
Why Families Love Them: This collective is one of the most established doula groups in the Bay Area, offering comprehensive, concierge-style support. Their size and reputation mean that clients have access to a broad team of highly trained professionals. Having a doula from an established group makes Doulas by the Bay in even higher demand. Like most services, if you know all of your friends are going to them, why wouldn’t you?!
Specialties: Birth doulas, postpartum care, sibling support, and newborn care specialists.
Website: doulasbythebay.com
2. Golden Gate Doula Associates (GGDA) – San Francisco
Why Families Love Them: Known for their strong network and trusted reputation among local care providers, GGDA connects families with thoroughly vetted doulas. Their team approach ensures continuity of care and a high standard of professionalism. An added level of service that I love with Golden Gate Doula is that they offer a Village Retreat Center to recover after the birth. Definitely check that out when researching doulas!
Specialties: Birth doula support, retreat center, postpartum care, classes, lactation consulting, and newborn resources.
Website: goldengatedoula.com
3. Connie Sultana – Marin & San Francisco
Why Families Love Her: With decades of experience, Connie Sultana is highly respected in the doula community. She offers premium service, including back-up support and comprehensive packages. Her calm and seasoned presence makes her especially appealing to families seeking expert guidance.
Specialties: Home birth and birth center support, childbirth education, postpartum support.
Website: conniesultana.com
4. Welcome Home Babies – Marin & Bay Area
Why Families Love Them: Specializing in the postpartum transition, Welcome Home Babies is dedicated to creating a smooth and nurturing experience once baby arrives. Their focus on the “fourth trimester” resonates deeply with families who value comfort and confidence in those first weeks at home. An emphasis on helping baby sleep and nutrition for mom makes Welcome Home Babies an especially sought after doula support.
Specialties: In-home postpartum doula support, baby care education, overnight and daytime care packages.
Website: welcomehomebabies.com
5. Hummingbird Postpartum – San Francisco Bay Area
Why Families Love Them: Founded by Kirsten Acker-Hitta, Hummingbird Postpartum offers intimate, boutique-style care. Families appreciate the warmth and attentiveness that comes with working directly with a dedicated practitioner. Kirsten offers a complimentary consultation to get to know her and her services.
Specialties: Postpartum doula care, newborn transition guidance, emotional and physical support for new parents.
Website: hummingbirdpostpartum.com
Final Thoughts
Each of these doulas brings something special to the families they serve — whether it’s decades of wisdom, the reassurance of a large team, or the intimate care of a one-on-one relationship. Choosing the right doula is a deeply personal decision, and these professionals stand out as trusted partners for families in San Francisco and Marin County.
Just as a doula helps guide you through the earliest days of parenthood, my role as a luxury maternity and newborn photographer is to preserve these fleeting moments with artistry and care. If you’re preparing to welcome your little one, I would love to create a photography experience that feels as intentional and meaningful as the support team you’ve chosen.
Explore my newborn photography portfolio or get in touch to start planning your session today.
