VESSEL doula
Cardiff By The Sea, CA Service range 50 miles
Birth Fee
$2000 to $2300
Postpartum Rate
$40 to $50
Birth Fee
$2000 to $2300
Postpartum Rate
$40 to $50
Currently approved to receive payments from the following programs:
3 years
3 years and 4 families served
Type of practice: Partnership with 1 other doula
Clients per month: 0 to 4 births and 0 to 3 postpartum families
Postpartum limits/restrictions: Non smokers only please
Attends hospital births? All Hospitals
Attends birth center births? All Birth Centers
Attends home births? Any Home Birth
BA/BS
Operation Doula- free birth services to military families.
This is my current fee at this time. I am a seasoned mom of four, 2 boys, 2 girls - ages, 16, 18, 20 and 22. I have a very experienced doula partner. When you hire me, you get both of us as your team. I have taken 2 Spinning Babies courses in addition to my DONA doula training. I am a provisional Spinning Babies Parent Educator and offer the class as part of my package price.
Cardiff By The Sea, CA Service range 50 miles
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Post a testimonial for Laura Bowman
4/22/2024
Laura served as our birth doula in March 2024, and we could not have been happier with our experience with her! As we were getting closer to labor, Laura was always available to answer questions and help us to understand what was normal and what we might expect as first time parents. When I wasn't sure if I was having contractions or not, Laura helped me to understand what they might feel like and re-assure me that what was happening was common and not to worry. When I found out I needed to be induced before my due date, Laura gave me a lot of information on what types of procedures I might expect during induction and how it might make my body feel. On induction day, painful contractions started earlier than I anticipated, and Laura was quick to join us at the hospital to help with comfort measures and reassurance that all would be okay. During my 23 hour labor, Laura stayed by my side helping me to move (including rolling from side to side all night, which was critical after an epidural), answering all my questions, and re-assuring me that I was doing great and what I was feeling was all really positive. Having Laura there really helped me to feel confident that I could deliver my baby! She was so positive and shared her own birth stories to help me through. Laura also helped my husband to practice the comfort measures and let him know what to expect, which also really helped him to feel confident during the whole process. While I wasn't sure about having photos taken during the birth, Laura convinced me that I should consider it and wow am I so glad that she provided that feedback - it's really remarkable to look back at the photos. Overall, we had a great birth experience with Laura - her quiet confidence and reassurance is very motivating and we would definitely use her services for another baby!
4/11/2024
Hiring an experienced doula was the best decision we made for the birth of our second child. Laura met us at the hospital and went above and beyond every expectation we had. From protecting our birth space, to offering advice and encouragement, and also somehow taking pictures & videos that we'll cherish forever! Laura has such a wealth of knowledge when it comes to labor & birth. She instantly made us feel at ease and was consistently suggesting new laboring positions to help baby get into an optimal position for birth. We couldn't have done it without her and would hire her again in a heartbeat!
1/1/2024
I am so happy that I found Laura to support me during my pregancy, birth, and post partum. After having a traumatic first birth experience, I decided to hire a doula for the birth of my second baby. It was the best decision I could have made! I look back at the birth of my second child with such happiness. During my first birth, I was scared and felt not in control, but with Laura there for my second, I felt invincible. She helped me so confident in my birth plan. In the hardest moments, when I wanted to give up and felt I couldn't go on any longer, Laura was there for me the whole time, knowing exactly what I needed. I still can't believe how different my second experience was from my first, and I owe that to Laura!
9/20/2023
I had interviewed a few Doulas and wanted the warm fuzzies, I found them with Laura! Her and her partner Ginger were so kind, understanding, knowledgeable, reassuring and responsive. They were available via text for questions, concerns and prayers, they checked in with me often. The Friday 12noon zooms with other soon to be Mamas and new moms was/is a great way to connect, share and hear from the others.
Come 37 weeks they put my husband and me on a group text with the 2 of them. They checked in often, shared affirmations, tips etc.
Once I was in labor and was having regular contractions Laura came to help us at the house, she was so awesome and comforting. I wanted to remain at home as long as possible and was able to. We labored til contractions were pretty close together and then went to the hospital, I was 7cm!. She remained with me and my husband, offering us help laboring, lots of encouragement, help talking through healthcare options, breaks for my husband etc. She is a huge reason I was able to have the unmedicated, low intervention birth I desired. What a lovely woman and an incredible professional. Thank you Laura!!
9/14/2023
So say it was wonderful having Laura by my side as I gave birth to my first child is an understatement. I was in the hospital for THREE DAYS before I eventually delivered my baby, and Laura was available every step of the way, helping guide me through challenging decisions and reassure me that everything was going to be OK. I am not sure how to quantify the value that she brought my husband and myself, but it was close to priceless.
In this day-in-age, hospital births involve cycling through doc after doc after doc and nurse after nurse after nurse. Some are amazing, and some less so (to put it mildly). My family wasn't available during the time of my birth; and let's face it, even if they were, their presence would have been more stressful than anything. This means, Laura was the only constant, stable, positive presence throughout this time.
She has a calming way about her, a healing touch, and a maternal instinct. She fed me honey sticks and beef jerky when I felt weak, she prayed with me when my spirit sank low. She captured photos that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I remember looking over at her when I was close to pushing out my baby. The smile on her face reassured me that everything was going to be OK.
Birth is the most intimate and vulnearable moment I have experienced in this lifetime. The stakes felt so high -- I so desperately wanted to meet my son and I wanted a guarantee that he would be healthy. Of course there are no guarantees. Navigating this experience was a test of physical endurance and faith. I don't know how women like Laura work in this profession. It takes an incredible amount of selflessness and strength to offer other women the support she is able to offer. I am eternally grateful.
9/10/2023
Laura was THE best I could've ever asked for to have as a Doula. Not only did she make me feel so comfortable while in a 28 hour labor but she traveled to NY from California to be with us! She was very professional and always vouched for us, to the nurses and doctors, when needed. The exercises she provides to help labor more comfortable took my mind off of my contractions. I can't wait for her to help me with my second!
9/4/2023
My husband and I worked with Laura during the pregnancy and labor/birth of our first child. Laura has such a calming presence that made me and my husband very comfortable and confident working with her. She provided excellent education about comfort measures (including Spinning Babies stretches) and breathing during our prenatal meetings. Laura was also very responsive by phone/text during my pregnancy when we had questions come up about symptoms. She was wonderful during early labor and worked seamlessly with my husband to help guide us and supported us at home before we went to the hospital. Laura was such a grounding force during my hospital labor, which had some twists and turns, and she helped us feel so much more at ease throughout the process. She provided me with hands-on support (including massage, labor positioning techniques, and breathing) as well as emotional support (affirmations, encouragement, and loving words). I credit her expertise and empathy to facilitating a positive birth experience that helped me feel empowered and confident. We will always be incredibly thankful for Laura's guidance that helped bring our baby girl into the world!
8/21/2023
I truly don’t know how I (and my husband and mom) could’ve gotten through labor without Laura by our side. She was there every second of my 76 hour labor and more. Advocating for me, keeping myself and my family informed and helping to comfort me as best she could. She truly cares and loves her clients as if they are family.
This was my first pregnancy and was very unexpected. I experienced many waves of emotions and overwhelm throughout my pregnancy journey. Having Laura as a constant support provided so much comfort and reassurance. My husband wasn’t sure if a doula was necessary at first but after this experience he couldn’t imagine my labor without her. We’re so thankful for Laura and the love she provided during such a sacred time.
3/15/2023
We loved our experience with Laura and couldn't imagine labor/birth without her support! We connected with Laura right away the first time we met. She was dedicated to ensuring my needs were met before and during labor. She is knowledgeable and experienced. I gained access to great resources, including a mother support group through Laura and her doula partner, Ginger. I am grateful I chose Laura to be my doula!
1/4/2023
I am so grateful to have met and gotten to be cared for by Laura! She is warm, caring, knowledgeable, and her presence is incredibly peaceful. My husband and I hired her for our planned homebirth. She always made herself available whenever I had questions or needed to talk. Laura came and supported me while I labored at home (for a LONG time!) and continued to support us as I had to transfer to the hospital. She stayed overnight and helped keep me calm & comfortable. Not only is she an amazing doula, but I can also say she has become an amazing friend. Laura, you are such a blessing and it's so special to see you fulfilling God's purpose for you!
9/4/2022
When I was pregnant with my first baby I wanted to pursue a natural birth. To accomplish my goal I knew I needed an experienced team to guide me through this endeavour mentally and phyiscally. When I met Laura I was immediately at ease, her sense of calm gave me confidence. She reviewed my personal goals, what to expect at home, in the hospital and and at home. She even went through my postpartum box with me!:)
At my 34 week check-up our son was frank breech and my obgyn scheduled me for a c-section. Laura helped me research spinning babies, chiropractic care, natural breech births, positive affirmations, youtube videos and much more to try and get my son to turn. At 38 weeks, I chose to move forward with my scheduled c-section when our son was still frank breech. Laura was always postitive and supported me in whatever decision made me feel most comfortable. Day or night I knew Laura was there to support me!
Postpartum, Laura was amazing at following up and ensuring mama and baby had everything they needed. From sleep, food, breastfeeding, diaper rashes, you name it...Laura was willing to help!
Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum are each very personal experiences. Make sure you have the right team supporting YOU! I can't say enough good things about Laura and her team!
9/2/2022
Laura is a very understanding and empathetic doula. My labor and delivery story had a lot of changes along the way that needed quick desicion-making; it was helpful to have her to bounce ideas off of. She listens well and helped me feel empowered throughout the process. She also has a good sence of humor and lightens up even hard/scary moments. She was also able to provide us with some postpartum care as well that was really helpful especially in those early days. Thank you Laura, we are so glad to have you as part of our story!
8/7/2022
Laura is fantastic! I have nothing bad to say about her. She helped out tremendously & answered any and all questions we had from start to finish. Even now after having our daughter, she still stays in contact to see how we're doing and loves getting updates. Laura was there for us from the start of contractions (she was here at 1am to help) until the end. She offered, massages, words of encouragement, and a lot more. Laura has many years of experience and kids of her own so that definitely helped ease any worries I had through out the process. If I could have her travel with me when we have more kids in the future to be there to help deliver, I totally would! Such a supportive, loving & caring doula! Thank you Laura for everything!
9/14/2021
I want to give our sincere thanks to Laura for doing such an outstanding job. She arrived the day of labor in the hospital and from the get-go, she was so helpful, from offering advice when we reached crucial junctures, to moral support when it was time to push or make other decisions during labor. When our labor period was extended, she stayed with us throughout the night to ensure that we weren't alone and that we had someone experienced and poised in our corner. After the baby was delivered healthy and safe, Laura continued to maintain contact in the days afterward to make sure everything was OK. We would definitely recommend Laura to any parent looking for an experienced, personable doula—especially for those giving birth for the very first time like we were.
8/4/2021
When I was 7 months pregnant, I decided I wanted to give natural birth a go; I came to this website since I knew I wanted a private Doula for both home laboring and the hospital delivery. When I called Laura the first time she answered right away and spent over 30 minutes getting to know me and asking all the right questions. After that conversation, I knew I didn't need to interview anyone else - I felt so comfortable.
On our first visit, Laura brought another Doula from her cohort to make sure if she wasn't available for our delivery, that someone would be and we would also get along with them. We went over our birth plan, packing our hospital bags, and preparing for postpartum recovery. In the weeks following the first visit, Laura kept in close contact and sent so many resources to me.
I ended up being induced instead of going into labor naturally so I did not labor at home at all. Before the induction, Laura discussed the emotions around the process with me and made sure I was comfortable with everything. When the day came, she was there at the hospital with us supporting the whole time. She helped support me and my husband through 15.5 hours of unmedicated labor. She was amazing with the support, suggesting different laboring positions and coaching my husband through supporting me. When I did ultimately decide to go with the epidural (after making only 2cm of progress with no breaks between contractions) she was fully supportive. She made me feel confident that I could get through anything, but also supported when I made a decision that I was trying to avoid.
After I delivered, having Laura there was a true godsend. I had a rough time with meds and was unable to hold my new baby. While my husband was being rushed into packing, Laura took the wheel and helped with caring for our babe. I'm so thankful she was there for us! I will have her again at our next child's birth in a heartbeat!
6/30/2021
We feel so fortunate to have found Laura to help us with the birth of our second child. Before the birth we met with Laura and her partner Kari, and they talked through with us our goals and expectations of the birth including all questions and concerns we had. We connected with both Laura and Kari right away and felt very supported. It was a comfort to know that if Laura wasn’t available for any reason that Kari would be available. Before the birth they were both in contact with me to answer my questions and they checked in with me frequently, which I greatly appreciated.
I don’t know what I would have done without Laura the day of the birth. She helped me through a long labor with intense back pain using massage and oils. She was the positive, encouraging, and calm presence that I needed to get through it. She helped me and my husband by talking through with us the many decisions to be made during a hospital birth.
Now postpartum Laura has continued to be a great resource and help to our family. As a mom herself I appreciate Laura’s knowledge and experience. She’s helped us with many things since we’ve been home including breastfeeding, baby wearing, with meals and nutrition advice, and in helping our first child with the changes a new baby brings. I highly recommend Laura’s Doula services to anyone!
= Available. Calendar last updated: 06-11-2024
= Available. Calendar last updated: 06-11-2024