breathe.be.believe

Whether you're preparing to welcome new life or finding your footing after birth, I'll walk beside you every step of the way.

An expecting mother resting outdoors with a warm cup of tea

Hello, and welcome.

I'm so glad you're here. I keep this part short and sweet, because the truth is simple: having someone hold space for you can change everything.

I support families through birth, through postpartum, and through placenta medicine. Wherever you are in it, there's a place for you here.

There are only two ways to live your life. As though nothing is a miracle, or as though everything is a miracle.
Albert Einstein

at the doorways of life

Services

The work spans the full arc: preparing for birth, the birth itself, the postpartum season, and placenta medicine. Wherever you are in it, having a doula beside you can change everything.

Expecting parent resting against a birch tree

Birth & Labor Support

Designed to hold every phase: pregnancy, birth, and the days right after. Together we combine:

  • evidence-based birth education
  • a holistic, whole-person approach
  • nourishing food
  • creative ritual and art
  • 15+ years of parenting wisdom and experience
  • a real passion for empowering your family
A calm postpartum moment

Postpartum Support

Holding space and closure are my focus here. Whatever your birth looked like, I care for you and your family after it. This includes:

  • newborn care and techniques
  • nutrition and nourishing meals
  • birth closure and creative ritual
  • the Dear Doula Postpartum Hierarchy of Needs Kit
  • returning-to-work guidance and support
  • continuous support, as much as you need
Placenta medicine and keepsakes

Placenta Services

There's more than one way to honor what your body made. Your placenta has more uses than you might know:

  • placenta capsules (Traditional Chinese and Raw methods)
  • placenta tincture
  • healing salve
  • art and keepsakes
  • closure ceremony

Charisse, founder of Dear Doula

breathe.be.believe

I'm Charisse, and I hold space at the doorways of life.

I'm a birth, postpartum, and placenta doula. I've spent more than fifteen years parenting, learning, and walking with families through the most tender moments they will ever live. I combine evidence-based care with a holistic approach, good food, creative ritual, and a deep belief that you are the one giving birth, healing, and grieving in your own way. My job is to hold the space while you do.

I've sat with new life. I've sat with loss. I've learned that the world keeps turning even when yours has stopped, and that having one steady person beside you in those hours matters more than almost anything.

I don't believe in shrinking to fit. Not for you, and not for me. I'll meet you exactly where you are.

the signature class

Birth by a Doula

A six-week experience that goes beyond breathing.

A small circle of families, six Wednesday evenings together, learning what your body is doing, how to make decisions when birth changes the plan, and how to stay yourself through all of it. Designed and led by me, with real guides and resources you keep.

  • pregnancy and your changing body
  • labor and birth
  • comfort, movement, and coping techniques
  • partners and support
  • advocacy and informed decision-making
  • birth preferences and common interventions
  • preparing for postpartum
  • newborn care
  • helpful products (and the ones you can probably skip)
  • California leave and EDD
  • and more...

Six weeks, Wednesday evenings, small groups of six to eight families. $555 per family, reserved with a $150 deposit.

breathe.be.believe

Let's connect.

Tell me where you are in your journey, and we'll find the right way for me to support you. The easiest place to start is a free Virtual Tea, just a gentle conversation, no pressure.