Holistic Guide to Birthing in Pasadena, CA

What’s the difference between a midwife and a doula?

A midwife is a licensed medical provider trained to monitor the health and safety of both the birthing person and the baby throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. A doula is a non-medical support person who offers emotional, physical, and informational care — helping families feel confident, calm, and supported before, during, and after birth.

Midwives manage the clinical aspects of care, including monitoring vital signs, assisting with the delivery, and providing medical assessments. Doulas focus on comfort, advocacy, and emotional presence — offering guidance, reassurance, and continuity of support wherever you give birth.

You can read more about how these roles complement each other in my post, What’s the Difference Between a Midwife and a Doula?

How do I find the right provider for me?

Finding the right provider begins with understanding what matters most to you. Take some quiet time to reflect on your values, your hopes for birth, and the kind of care that helps you feel safe and respected. For some, that means choosing a hospital-based OB who values clear communication and shared decision-making. For others, it might be a midwife who offers continuity of care and a slower, more relational approach.

In all my years as a doula, one of the best things you can do is: Ask questions early — about communication, availability, and how they handle the kinds of scenarios that are important to you. Notice how you feel during each interaction. Do you feel heard? Do they make space for your questions? Those small details can tell you a lot.

You might find it helpful to visit multiple providers or birth settings before deciding. Whether you choose a midwife, OB, or family physician, the most important thing is that your care feels aligned with your body, your values, and your sense of trust. I don’t like my doctor. When is it too late to change?

It’s never too late to seek care that feels aligned and supportive. You deserve a provider who listens to you, respects your choices, and helps you feel safe in your body and decisions. Sometimes it takes a while to realize that the relationship isn’t the right fit — and that’s okay.

Even late in pregnancy, you can switch to another OB, midwife, or care team. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, reach out to a new provider or birth center to ask whether they’re accepting clients. Many families find that changing care, even in the third trimester, brings a sense of relief and renewed confidence heading into birth.

You don’t have to stay in a care model that doesn’t feel right. Finding the right fit — someone who hears you and honors your vision for birth — can make all the difference.

How can I prepare emotionally for birth?

Emotional preparation for birth begins with slowing down and creating space to connect — with your body, your partner, and your intentions for this experience. Reading stories and evidence-based books about labor and postpartum can help you feel informed and grounded; you can find some of my favorites in my Books for Labor and Books for Postpartum posts. Building a gentle movement or meditation practice can help regulate the nervous system and cultivate trust in your body’s rhythms.

It’s also valuable to have open, ongoing conversations with your partner or support team about what feels most important to you — things like communication, advocacy, and how you’d like to be cared for. These moments of connection can be as powerful as any birth class, setting the tone for a supported and confident transition into parenthood.

How can a Doula support me in Pregnancy and Postpartum?

A doula offers steady, non-medical support for both body and mind — guiding families through the unknowns of pregnancy and birth with presence, knowledge, and care. Working with a doula means having someone in your corner who listens, advocates, and helps you feel grounded through every stage of the process.

At Los Angeles Birth, I provide birth and postpartum doula services for families across Pasadena and South Pasadena. Whether planning a home birth, a hospital delivery, or a birth center experience, my approach centers on personalized care, evidence-based information, and deep respect for each family’s choices.

Alongside continuous labor support, I help parents prepare for postpartum recovery through realistic planning, lactation guidance, and self-care tools. My goal is to ensure that families don’t just make it through this transition — they feel connected, supported, and seen in it.