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Laura Woodlander  - Birth Doula

 Where every birth is beautiful and every moment held with care.                                                                                                                                            ​

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Welcome!

Hello, I’m Laura. I am a mom of three, a full-spectrum doula, massage therapist, and naturalist living in Sonoma County. I am passionate about birth and motherhood and believe these experiences deserve to be honored and held with careThe birth of my children and my journey through motherhood are the highlights of my life and impassion me to help others experience bith and motherhood with confidence and joy. Birth holds the possibility to awaken inner strength and resiliency and other resources you never even knew you had. It’s a rite of passage and a life long memory that will serve you in motherhood and beyond. All this is possible and it is my hope for you and I would be honored to be your guide!

         


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My ineterest in birth started 30 years ago while studying birth cross-culturally as a medical anthropology student at UCSC. Soon after graduating, I met midwife Nan Koehler and began an apprenticeship with her. My time with Nan taught me  about holistic birth support, breastfeeding and attachment parenting practices and instilled in me a deep trust in birth and the innate wisdom that every woman holds.

 

Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most profound moments of life, and it is an incredible honor to help families during this time. I cherish every aspect of my work and bring my whole heart to every family I work with. My approach is nurturing, encouraging, and informative. I value building close connections with my clients so I may help them feel safe, confident and relaxed to trust their intuition and birth.

 

When I am not immersed in the birth world, you may find me in my garden making flower bouquets, or on the trails of Sonoma county, driving my 14 year old to his 101 after school activities, or letting loose on the dance floor. Hope to join you on this crazy and beautiful ride of life we're on!

Education

DONA International Doula Training 2022

Lactation Specialist Program Better Beginnings 2024

Body Ready Method 2025-2026

Spinning Babies Foundations 2026

Physiological Birth- Rachel Reed 2026

Preventing Trauma level 1&2- Krysta Dancy 2025

Enriching Your Prenatals- Birthing From Within 2025

Building a Coping Mindset- Birthing From Within 2025

Taming Fear- Birthing From Within 2025

Cesarean Birth: A Gentle Approach- Birthing From Within 2025

Navigating Induction: A Guide for Birth Workers- Birthing From Within 2026

Somatic Practitioner Program- Heartwood Inst. 1996-1997

Swedish Massage- Twin Lakes College of Healing Arts 1996

Deep Tissue Massage- Heartwood Inst.1997

Infant Massage- Kalena Babeshoff 2000

Prenatal Massage- Osmosis Day Spa 2000

BA UC Santa Cruz- 1994

Basic Life Support- American Heart Association 2024

Neonatal Resuscitation Program- American Academy of Pediatrics 2025        Basic Life Support in Obstetrics- American Academy of Family Physicians 2025

In Process: Nurture Neuroscience Practitioner Program 2026

Services

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Prenatal Support

In our prenatal work, we will prepare

your mind, body, and spirit for birth and motherhood. We will review the physiology of birth and develop your birth preferences. We will build your confidence in birth and in meeting its unknowns. We will practice pain coping strategies and develop individualized, simple exercises to prepare your body and baby for the most efficient labor possible.

Birth Support

During your labor, I will be a calm, encouraging, caring presence. I will keep you informed and advocate for your birthing preferences and offer guidance to support labor progression. I will protect your birthing rhythm and reflect your strength back to you every step of the way. 

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Postpartum Care

Bringing home a newborn can be an all-consuming transition. My role is to ease this transition with compassionate connection, breastfeeding support, infant care education, and practical hands-on help. Having a little support helps the family get off to a good start!

" I cannot recommend Laura enough as a Doula—she was an absolute guiding light in helping me experience the birth of my dreams.

From the moment we met, I felt deeply seen and heard. Laura listened with such genuine care, holding space for my fears, hopes, and desires. I immediately knew I was in compassionate, capable hands.

As I moved through the final stages of pregnancy, Laura's steady support helped ease so much of my stress. I felt reassured knowing she was there to answer questions, offer guidance, and remind me that I wasn’t alone.

When it came time to give birth at the hospital, Laura truly shined. By the time I arrived, I was already deep in labor and unable to speak—but Laura intuitively stepped in and knew exactly what I needed. She guided me through every contraction, applied counter pressure, coached my breath, kept me grounded, and worked seamlessly with the hospital staff to advocate for my care.

Because of Laura, I was able to fulfill my dream of having a natural, unmedicated birth. Her presence was a gift I will never forget.

I will forever be grateful for her support, strength, and heart. If you’re considering hiring a doula, know that with Laura, you are truly in the very best hands. "

 

                                                                                                                                     -Jenna, Justin and Oliver

Randall Johns, NY

~ Contact me ~

Laura Woodlander 

(707) 479-6070
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