Birth & Postpartum Doula

Support for the sweet hours of welcoming new life.

Calm, steady care from late pregnancy through labor and into those hazy first weeks at home, for you and your partner.

Book a free consultation See pricing

Placer · Sacramento · El Dorado · Nevada Counties

Sweet Hour Birth Services logo: a line drawing of a mother holding her newborn inside an oval, with a peach flower
Alexandra Marsden, smiling
Alexandra Marsden

Meet your doula

Hi, I’m Alexandra.

As a mom to three energetic boys, I know firsthand just how transformative, intense, and beautiful the journey into parenthood can be. That personal experience, combined with a deep passion for supporting growing families, led me to found Sweet Hour Birth Services.

As a birth and postpartum doula, my heart is in helping expectant parents navigate pregnancy, labor, and early parenthood with confidence and peace of mind. Whether we are preparing a birth plan together, working through labor support techniques, or easing into those precious, hazy postpartum weeks, my goal is to make sure both you and your partner feel fully supported, heard, and empowered every step of the way.

Based in Northern California, I proudly serve families across Placer, Sacramento, El Dorado, and Nevada Counties. I would be honored to walk alongside you during your sweet hours of welcoming new life.

Start here

Let’s connect & share your vision

Complimentary · 60 minutes

Choosing a doula is a deeply personal decision, and it starts with finding someone who feels like the right fit for your family. In this relaxed hour, held virtually or over coffee, we’ll get acquainted, talk through your hopes for your birth, and discuss how I can support you and your partner.

There is zero pressure or obligation to book. It’s an open conversation to help you feel supported from step one.

Schedule your consultation

Services & pricing

Choose the support that fits your family

My birth packages are offered at a special introductory rate for a limited time. Book a free consultation to lock yours in.

Birth

Birth Doula

Special · Save $600
$1,200
  • 2 prenatal sessions
  • 24/7 on call around your due date
  • Continuous labor & birth support
  • 1 postpartum debrief visit
See what’s included
Prenatal sessions
Shaping your birth preferences, hands-on practice with comfort measures and positions, and plain-language answers about your options.
On-call support
I’m on call for you day and night in the weeks surrounding your due date.
Labor & birth
Physical, emotional, and informational support through your entire labor, for you and your birth partner.
Postpartum debrief
Time to process your birth story, check in on your healing and well-being, and see how baby is settling in.

Best value

Birth & Postpartum

Special · Save $850
$1,750
  • Everything in Birth Doula
  • 16 hours of in-home postpartum care
  • Feeding, newborn & household support
See what’s included
Full birth support
2 prenatal visits, on-call support, continuous labor support, and a postpartum debrief.
16 postpartum hours
Two 8-hour or four 4-hour shifts, daytime or overnight, spread across 2 to 4 weeks.
In-home care
Feeding support and infant care, protected rest for mom, light housework, and nourishing meals.

Postpartum

Postpartum Care

from$40/hr
  • 16, 32, or 48-hour packages
  • 4 or 8-hour shifts, day or overnight
  • $40/hr weekdays · $45/hr weekends
See packages & details
PackageWeekdayWeekend
Two-Week
16 hours		$640$720
Four-Week
32 hours		$1,280$1,440
Six-Week
48 hours		$1,920$2,160
Every shift can include
Rest and recovery for mom, breastfeeding and bottle help, newborn care (soothing, bathing, diapering), light tidying and meal prep, sibling support, and referrals to local resources.

Packages that mix weekdays and weekends are priced by the days scheduled. Extra hours can be added to any package at the same rates.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Don’t see your question here? Ask me anything during your free consultation.

What does a doula do?

A doula gives continuous physical, emotional, and informational support before, during, and after birth. That can mean comfort measures and positioning in labor, helping you understand your options, encouraging your partner, and caring for your family in the weeks after baby arrives.

How is a doula different from a midwife or doctor?

Midwives and doctors provide medical care: exams, monitoring, and delivering your baby. A doula provides non-medical support. I don’t perform clinical tasks or make medical decisions. I’m there to help you feel informed, comfortable, and supported while your care team handles the medical side.

Will a doula replace my partner?

Not at all. I work alongside your partner, not in their place. I can suggest ways for them to help, give them a break when they need one, and make sure they feel supported too.

Is a doula only for unmedicated births?

No. Doula support helps whether you’re hoping for an unmedicated birth, planning an epidural, or end up with a cesarean. My role is to support your choices and help you feel confident in them.

When should I book a doula?

Many families reach out during the second trimester, which leaves plenty of time for prenatal sessions. It’s never too late to ask, though, and reaching out early gives us the best chance of holding your dates.

Where do you attend births?

Wherever you plan to give birth. I support families at hospital births, birth center births, and home births.

What if you’re unavailable when I go into labor?

I work with a trusted backup doula. If I’m ever unable to be there because of illness or another birth, you’ll still have a doula by your side.

What areas do you serve?

I serve families throughout Placer, Sacramento, El Dorado, and Nevada Counties, including:

Roseville · Rocklin · Lincoln · Loomis · Auburn · Grass Valley · Nevada City · Folsom · El Dorado Hills · Cameron Park · Placerville · Citrus Heights · Sacramento · Elk Grove

Not sure if you’re in my area? Just ask.

How do payments work?

A retainer is due when you sign your contract, which reserves your dates. The remaining balance is due when you reach 38 weeks of pregnancy. I’ll walk you through everything during your free consultation.

How do I get started?

Call or text me to set up your free 60-minute consultation. We’ll get to know each other, talk through your birth vision, and see if we’re the right fit. There’s no pressure or obligation to book.

Book your free consultation

Call or text Alexandra

916-307-8014

Call Text

When you reach out, share your due date, your city, and where you’re planning to give birth.