The Philly Doula Co-Op (PDC) is a group of diverse, certified birth professionals — some fully credentialed, some in the process of becoming. Each of us works as an independent contractor and every member is an equal voice in the co-op. Our shared values include inclusivity, advocacy, equal access to quality care, empowerment through education, and respect for the individual regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, language, physical ability, religion, family, citizenship status, socioeconomic circumstances, education, and life experiences. It is our mission to make every client and every member feel valued, heard, and welcome.

PDC is a network of birth professionals committed to providing quality services that support optimal pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum experiences across the greater Philadelphia area. Our co-op includes seasoned doulas and those new to the profession, and we emphasize professionalism, education, mentoring, and community.

Every doula in the co-op has completed training through DONA International, CAPPA, BirthArts, Birthing From Within, or a comparable program. Before joining, a doula's candidacy is carefully reviewed and voted upon by all current members. Our doulas benefit from ongoing mentoring and professional support — seasoned mentor doulas inform our standards of practice and serve as resources for those newer to the work. We offer a range of fees commensurate with experience, which lets prospective clients choose the doula who best matches their needs while keeping consistency of care across the collective.

Many of our doulas carry additional professional qualifications: certifications for lactation support and childbirth education, licensure for counseling and therapy, yoga teacher training, herbalism, and more. Visit each doula's page for their individual practice details.

What is a birth doula?

A birth doula is a trained professional who offers emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the first hours and weeks of parenthood. A doula supports birthing people and their families by providing evidence-based, non-judgemental care and advocating for families to make informed, consensual choices throughout labor.

Birth doulas offer comfort measures including massage and counter-pressure, movement and position suggestions, breath techniques, a calm experienced presence, and invaluable words of comfort and encouragement. Working with a doula means you have continuous support for the duration of labor, regardless of your place of birth. Studies show that families who work with doulas experience improved physical and psychological outcomes for both birthing person and baby.

What is a postpartum doula?

A postpartum doula provides personalized, practical support during the three months following a baby's birth — the "fourth trimester." Research shows that families with a good support team in place have an easier and more positive transition. Postpartum doulas help with sleep support for parents and baby, feeding support, basic baby care, managing the home environment, errands, sibling support, and resources for ongoing care — during the day, overnight, or both, depending on what the family needs.

The Selma Brothman Access Fund

In Fall 2017 we launched the Access Fund, a grant initiative meeting the needs of families across Philadelphia. In early 2023 we renamed it the Selma Brothman Access Fund in honor of one of our founding doulas. One percent of each doula's support fees goes toward $400 grants for clients who qualify for federal health assistance, regardless of immigration status. Grants are available on a rolling basis while funds allow, and can be applied to either birth or postpartum support. To inquire, mention the Access Fund during your intake call.

Advisors and Honorary Members

Former members of the PDC who continue to advise, mentor, and support our current members: Ellen Felley, Maria Brooks, Tammy Arbiter, Elizabeth Varaso, Courtney Stern, Christa Aikens, Hannah Slipikoff, Heather Renee Noren, Dara Belcher, Cathy McCormick, Elizabeth Weinstein, Leah Welsh, and Paloma Irizarry.

Upcoming Events

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