Hi there! I'm Elyse, The Top Knot Doula.

Once upon a time, I was a nanny, a farmhand, and even a flying trapeze instructor (yes, you read that right). From soaring through the air to planting roots in the earth, my journey has always been about connection—whether through movement, caregiving, or community building efforts. That path eventually led me to urban gardening, a deep obsession with The Great British Bake Off, and then birthwork.

My birthwork journey began in 2016 and have since supported hundreds of families through education, life transitions, and new beginnings. At the heart of it all, I believe in the power of relationships—facilitating meaningful conversations, creating safe spaces for sharing, and contributing to a ripple effect of care and support in the East Bay.

A Small (But Important) Note From Me to You

One thing I hear often from new parents is: Why didn’t anyone tell me?!

My answer is always the same: No one can tell you what it’s going to be like. Because your journey? It’s a one-in-8-billion experience. As helpful as books and classes are, nothing can completely prepare you for the full journey ahead of you. But what I can tell you is this: Feeling seen, heard, and supported through the journey can make all the difference.

This is why community matters.

When I’m not postpartum doula-ing in people’s homes, you can find me at East Bay Birth Collective, where I teach, facilitate, and share. From classes to support groups to drop-in circles, we’ve created a space where parents and families can come as they are, be witnessed in both their struggles and joys, and feel a deep sense of belonging.

So when I meet a pregnant parent and say, “I can’t tell you exactly what’s on the other side of this,” I can confidently follow it up with, “but I can promise you won’t have to go through it alone.”

When we truly listen to each other—when we hold space for the vast spectrum of lived experiences—something shifts. Healing happens. Strength builds. And that ripple effect moves outward into our partnerships, our parenting, our friendships, and our communities.

This is how we change the world, friends.

One intentional choice ; one vulnerable share; one moment of being truly seen at a time, and I invite you to build your community for this incredible new chapter with me here.

You’ve got this. We’ve got this.

- Your Top Knot Doula, Elyse