Valerie Godbout is a birth and postpartum doula and sleep trainer serving families in Los Angeles and Orange County.
““Valerie is a wealth of information & resources for all that is pregnancy & parenting.””
Happy Clients
Valerie was amazing. She was the perfect doula for us. She was super supportive (even in these weird Covid times) and available by text/call at all hours. During the actual labor she was very comforting to have in the room, and had a lot of creative and helpful ideas and solutions when things didn't go to plan. She especially supported my husband as he supported me -- which was really awesome. She didn't overstep, and helped him be the best partner I could have asked for in the delivery room. She was present, but not over-present. It was just the right amount. It was great for us to work with someone who was so responsive to our specific needs, and it is very clear that for other people she would have a different amount of presence as needed and desired. She took a lot of pictures for us as well, including at the exact moment the baby was born. She is knowledgeable and I couldn't recommend her enough.
— hila & Scott
Valerie was instrumental to me having a successful VBAC. I was so stressed out and unsupported through my labor and delivery with my older son, that I made no progress in my labor and had to have an emergency c-section. With this labor, I went about it differently. I hired a birth center instead of a hospital and I got a doula! Best decision I've ever made. Valerie really helped me stay calm and trust my body. She made sure I stayed hydrated. Most importantly, she paid close attention to when I would tense up (which was often!) and reminded me to relax my face and my shoulders and my posture. Releasing that tension would take my pain from a 10 to a manageable 7. There was a point where I didn't think I could make it. I was so close to asking for a transfer so I could get an epidural. She encouraged me and reminded me of how much progress I had already made. She also advocated for the midwives at the birth center to offer me natural pain relief like heat. She did counter pressure which helped a lot.
In the end, I had a successful VBAC and a peaceful, unmedicated birth like I always wanted!
— Carolyn
Valerie was such a blessing for my birth experience! She was so kind, attentive and made me feel safe and cared for the whole time. She was always checking up on me and sending me good resources to have under my belt. When I went into labor she was ready the second I needed her. She was encouraging, soothing and her overall presence was supportive. She made sure to know beforehand what my vision was for my birth and she was accommodating to that in the way she held space for me and in her techniques to support me. She never made me feel wrong for anything I wanted. had a magical birthing experience at a birthing center that actually Valerie was kind enough to find for me. I am so happy she was there to join me on such a beautiful experience. This was my first baby and I will certainly recommend having a doula to everyone, and I certainly recommend Valerie!
—Sarai J.
My review is long due. Valerie is a godsend. Prior to pregnancy, I knew I wanted the aid of a doula with similar beliefs & morals as myself- a natural approach to life with the least unnecessary medical interventions. January 2019 my partner & I found out we were expecting! We were lucky to meet with Valerie. As first time parents, we did not know what to expect. Valerie is a wealth of information & resources for all that is pregnancy & parenting. Any questions I had were answered. (I had plenty to ask). On the big day, Valerie arrived to the hospital ready! She even brought copies of my birth plan- I was so unready because the kid wanted to arrive 3 weeks before his "due date". I am so incredibly thankful Valerie was there to coach me through my contractions & help alleviate the pain, carry out the birth as close to my plan as possible, & direct eager family/friends away when I was becoming overwhelmed. I would not want to do it without her. She loves what she does & cares! Thank you so much for making our transition to parenthood amazing!!!
— Amber
Everyone should have a doula for their pregnancies. A doula is like having an angel with you, they are so much more than a “birth coach”. They are there for you mentally, physically, and emotionally during a very important time in your life. Finding Valerie for my pregnancy, labor, and postpartum was such a blessing. I really don’t know what I would have done without her. During my pregnancy, she consistently checked in with me and sent me advice. Still to this day (6 weeks post baby) she checks in with me! I had a rough delivery and she was able to keep my husband and I calm during a very stressful time, she kept us informed so we would make the right decisions. I also had pretty bad back labor and she was the only one that could help give me relief. She really does have the magic touch! I highly recommend Valerie. You won’t regret having her a part of your birth team!
— megan u.
Having Valerie to be part of our birth experience was the single best decision my partner and I could have made in bringing our baby into this world. From the moment of meeting with Valerie, we knew she would be the right doula for us. She instantly brought the presence of peace and warm-fullness that made us feel comfortable I'm trusting her for the part. Throughout the pregnancy, Valerie visited with us, carefully helped create and revise our birth plan, and covered all questions that we help soothe any worries or expectations. Additionally she was always available at any hour to answer any question big or small. She even helped us prepare for postpartum recovery. The day of our birth, she was extremely responsive and was at the hospital early morning to begin assisting. She came prepared and helped guide us with answering any questions from the hospital. She was loving throughout the labor and helped assure my partner was feeling comfortable and soothes her physically and verbally. She is a soldier. I could not have had a better doula and she will forever be a part of our family. Our baby is lucky to have her in our life! We truly appreciate her.
— ivan d.
Valerie came to our family at great timing. 4 weeks before delivery, when most things got to go around the pregnancy and delivery. I was looking for a support person that would care for my birth plan and for me and my husband's well being. Valerie did that with care, a smile on her face, a mindful presence when with us and with excellent bedside manner. She engaged with my mom and toddler, making them feel valued as well. She was available for contact and was prompt when called for my overnight hospital vaginal birth. She came to my prenatal appointment as well. I had back labor and needed A LOT of back massage / pressure and she was great at it! She cared to be near, to keep me hydrated and to take pictures when appropriate. She was devoted to have me mobile and that helped with my labor progress. We had an excellent birthing experience and I am happy we had Valerie as our doula! Thank you.
— elena
Valerie was my doula for my firstborn. I was anxious about giving birth since it was my first child. I decided I wanted to hire a doula. Having Valerie as my doula was the best decision I could’ve made throughout my pregnancy. We talked about a birth plan and made sure I knew the signs of labor. I was 10 days past my due date and had to be induced with Pitocin. I wanted to give birth without any pain medication and Valerie made sure I stuck with that plan. She helped me stay calm throughout my 15 hours of labor. She massaged my back, neck and head as well as leading me in breathing exercises. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect natural labor and delivery experience. I highly recommend having Valarie as your doula, you won't regret it!