Birth &
Postpartum
Doula Support
in the SF Bay Area

Support for the early days of parenthood.


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Hi, I'm Chelsea Matthews!

Chelsea Matthews - Doula

I'm a birth and postpartum doula serving individuals and families in the San Francisco Bay Area. I believe everyone deserves to feel empowered throughout their birth journey. My approach blends evidence-based expertise and warm, non-judgmental care, so you feel informed and truly supported during this transformative time.

I came to doula work after 12+ years as a climate justice advocate, driven to do more hands-on, community-based work. Helping loved ones with their newborns brought me so much joy, and made it clear that supporting new families was where I wanted to be. My advocacy work still shows up in how I hold space: calm, intentional, and grounded in compassion and justice.

I support all birthing people and specialize in LGBTQ families. I'm here to help you navigate choices with confidence, hold space for your emotions, and offer physical support. Whether you need hands-on help, a steady presence, or someone to listen, I’m here for you. I would be honored to help make your early days of parenthood feel a little lighter.

I live in San Francisco with my partner and two cuddly cats. In my free time, I play congas in a community Cuban ensemble, dance salsa with friends, and cheer on the Valkyries.

Services Offered

Birth Doula

Support from pregnancy through birth, including personalized prenatal visits, on-call from 37 weeks, and continuous labor support.

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Postpartum Doula

In-home assistance after birth, including newborn guidance, lactation support, and aid with physical recovery.

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Full Spectrum Doula

Customizable support for all pregnancy outcomes, including abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, surrogacy, and adoption.

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LGBTQ+ and Gender-Affirming Support

I understand the barriers to inclusive care in healthcare settings. I offer affirming, respectful support for queer, trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse families of all identities, constellations, and lived experiences. My work is grounded in a commitment to queer and gender justice, and I believe that protecting LGBTQ reproductive autonomy is both a direct action and a pathway to cultivating queer joy. If you're seeking a safe space, guidance on LGBTQ-friendly perinatal providers, or resources for gender-affirming birth and postpartum care, I'm here to support you. Every family deserves to feel seen, heard, and celebrated in their reproductive journey.

Chelsea providing gentle newborn care

Education & Training

UCSF Doula ProgramZSFG Birth Center
Birth Doula TrainingNatural Resources
Postpartum Doula TrainingNatural Resources
Lactation Education CounselorUC San Diego
Racism and Privilege in Birth WorkBirthing Advocacy Doula Training
Perinatal Loss: The Invisible Grief Heart Bridge Training
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AEDAmerican Red Cross
Bloodborne PathogensAmerican Red Cross
BA International StudiesUniversity of San Francisco

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Me

I'd love to hear from you! Reach out to schedule a free consultation or ask any questions.

Email

earlydayswithchelsea@gmail.com

Service Area

San Francisco, and parts of the East Bay, Marin, and the Peninsula.

Availability

Currently accepting clients with EDDs in December and beyond.