Dear Doula
Let's Have Tea

childbirth education, designed by a doula

Birth by a Doula

Preparing you for birth, postpartum, and everything no one else thinks to tell you. A gathering of growing families, held by a doula.

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overview

A space to prepare for birth and beyond.

Most birth classes hand you a few breaths and a binder. Birth by a Doula is something deeper: a small, steady group learning what your body is doing, how to make decisions when the plan changes, and how to stay yourself through all of it.

next gathering

Applications are now open for our August Gathering.

  • Planned start: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
  • Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM
  • Concord, California
  • Ideal for families due approximately October – December
  • Limited to 6 – 8 families
Reserve My Spot Let's Have Tea

two ways to gather

Choose the experience that's right for you.

Group Gathering

Learn in community

  • Six weekly gatherings
  • Wednesday evenings
  • Small, intimate groups
  • Community-centered

Perfect for families who love learning alongside other growing families.

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Private Birth by a Doula

Need more flexibility?

  • Begins anytime
  • Designed around your pregnancy and schedule
  • Virtual, in-home, or hybrid
  • One-on-one support

Perfect for families later in pregnancy, with unique schedules, or who simply prefer one-on-one support.

Let's Have Tea

what we explore together

A flow & a vibe.

No two Birth by a Doula groups are exactly the same. Whether this is your first baby or your fourth, whether you are the one giving birth or the partner holding the space, every cohort is shaped by the families in the room. There is a thoughtful progression, and I always leave room for the questions and conversations that matter most to your group.

Pregnancy

Preparing for birth, understanding each trimester, prenatal visits, building your support team, and knowing the questions to ask.

Birth

Labor, pain management, comfort techniques, induction, cesarean birth, advocacy, and navigating unexpected changes.

Life After Birth

Postpartum recovery, partner support, baby care, the products I genuinely recommend, parental leave, EDD paperwork, and the things no one else thinks to tell you.

And every gathering makes room for more.Ask Anything conversations, anonymous questions, real-life stories, and resources tailored to the needs of the group.

Because birth is personal. Your education should be too.

Charisse Fontes, Bay Area birth doula and childbirth educator, smiling in a plant-filled room

hello, I'm Charisse

I love being a doula, and holding space.

I have attended births that unfolded exactly as planned and births that changed in an instant. I have supported first-time parents, growing families, moments of joy, and moments of unimaginable grief. I have also raised six children of my own.

Birth by a Doula isn't built from a textbook. It's built from experience.

My goal isn't to tell families what kind of birth to have. It's to help them feel informed, supported, and confident enough to make the decisions that are right for them.

along the way

Your experience includes

  • Welcoming Virtual Tea
  • Six Weeks Together
  • Your Birth Companion Guide
  • How to’s and what to do’s
  • Resources and reflections
  • Ask Anything
  • 9th Inning App Access for Partners
  • A Keepsake From Our Time Together

investment

One price, everything included.

$555
per family

Reserve your place with a $150 deposit. The remaining balance is due before our first gathering. Payment plans are available, just ask.

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accessibility

If cost is the only thing in the way, reach out.

Accessibility is one of the values at the heart of Dear Doula. Everyone deserves compassionate education and support, whatever their circumstances.

A limited number of sliding-scale spaces are held for both Birth by a Doula and every Dear Doula service. If cost is a barrier, simply reach out. No explanation necessary. No questions asked.

If I have the capacity to support you, we'll find a way to make it work.

questions

Good things to ask.

Most families join in the second or early third trimester, so you finish with room to spare before baby comes. If your timing is tight, reach out and we'll sort it.

Life happens. If you truly can't make one, you can join that gathering on Zoom, and the follow-up resources keep you with us.

Bring your partner, a support person, or come solo. Pricing is per family, however your family is shaped.

The first gathering is on Zoom; the rest are in person in the Concord and East Bay area. The exact location is shared with your group once you reserve.

A $150 deposit holds your spot, with the balance due before our first gathering. The deposit is non-refundable, since it reserves a place in a small group.

come have tea with me first

Let's start with a conversation.

Not sure if Birth by a Doula is the right fit? Let's start with a Virtual Tea. We'll get to know each other, answer your questions, and see if this feels like the right next step for your family.

Let's Have Tea Reserve My Spot

hold your spot

Reserve your space.

Ready to join us? Share a few details below. As soon as you send this, I'll email you everything you need to register and hold your spot, including how to make your $150 deposit. Spaces are small, six to eight families, so reserving early is the way to go.

No payment is needed on this form. Once you reserve, I'll follow up by email with your registration details and your deposit link.