I’m Stephanie Drake, a Doula and mother of two school age children calling Santa Barbara County home. I met my husband during graduate school at UCSB and we are grateful to raise our children here.
I started Goodland Doula after spending 20 years in the child development and non-profit world improving young children’s developmental outcomes. As my children grew I began supporting friends and family during their births and postpartum. It was then that I began to visualize how my years of parenting, professional care giving, and formal education could be re-imagined in a way that would truly support and empower the family. A way that would allow me to guide and nurture new parents through birth into parenthood.
I am wildly passionate about parents being nurtured and empowered during their unique journey. I believe that every birth (medicated, unmedicated, cesarean) deserves support. I know you have the strength needed and as a Birth Doula I am here to remind you of that and more.
I believe that just as your birth deserves to be supported, so does your postpartum healing. Returning home may be one of the most challenging and sacred times of your life. I specialize in “Mothering the Mother” designed to support the resiliency of the growing family with rest, nourishment, and love. I also bring an expertise in infant development and caregiving to assist you as your embrace your new role as parents.
Please feel free to read more about my philosophy and services or send me an email to get connected.
Thank you,
Stephanie Drake, Ph.D
Training and Education
- DONA trained Birth Doula
- DONA trained Postpartum Doula
- ICEA trained Childbirth Educator
- RIE Level 1 Infant Caregiving
- Breastfeeding Educator
- BA Psychology, UC Berkeley
- MA Education, UC Santa Barbara
- PhD Education, UC Santa Barbara
Goodland Doula 