Hi, I’m Shireen (she/they), a passionate full-spectrum doula and orgasmic birth practitioner based in Oakland, CA.
My mission is to shift the narrative around birth, creating an environment that centers the birthing person and fosters positive, joyful, and empowering birth experiences.
Media and societal narratives often instill fear of childbirth pain, undermining confidence and disconnecting individuals from the natural birthing process. I believe pain can be a tool, and that we are all the experts on our own bodies. I am deeply fascinated by the human body, discovering the parallels between birth and intimacy, and learning how relaxation techniques can ease the birth process. My goal is to help you feel empowered and supported, recognizing that the perception of birth and postpartum experiences can have lasting impacts on confidence and capability in caring for your baby.
My approach is rooted in giving support for birthing parents and couples in all types of family structures. I am committed to making this work accessible to people of diverse economic backgrounds, valuing my time and energy to support my livelihood while ensuring inclusivity.
Personal passions like partner dancing, which enhances connection through breath and movement, and singing, which supports the release of tension tied to our pelvic floor, enrich my approach. I have a natural talent for reading the room and adjusting to provide comfort, paying close attention to both direct and subtle needs. Rooted in my Persian upbringing, the art and joy of hospitality are integral to my practice. By focusing on pleasure and relaxation techniques, I strive to disarm the fear and pain often associated with childbirth, helping you connect deeply with your body and your baby.
I bring a unique perspective as a queer, Iranian-American, able-bodied, bachelors-educated, femme/gender-fluid individual, living on unceded Ohlone Land. Growing up in a low-income single-parent household with my father, who came to the US during the Iranian revolution, has shaped my understanding of care and community. I honor these aspects of my identity in my work, sharing my perspectives with authenticity and respect.
My journey into birth work began with a transformative maternal and infant nutrition class. This class was an eye-opener, sparking a deep interest and excitement for this field. It was my "aha" moment, marking the beginning of my path into birth work.
After graduating, I became obsessed with learning more. I applied to a volunteer doula program and a certified lactation educator program, where I discovered the importance of baby-friendly hospital initiatives and empowering parents to feel confident in feeding and caring for their babies. I later served as a board member with the Sacramento Breastfeeding Coalition and volunteered my time participating in programs aimed at improving access to maternal support.
In 2018, I attended my first birth alongside two amazing mentor doulas. This hands-on experience solidified my calling. Reflecting on the story of my own long, challenging, and unsupported birth, I realized my drive to support others stemmed from a desire to provide the love, care, and support that I felt was missing in my mom’s birth experience. The concept of "mothering the mother" resonated deeply with me, inspiring me to equip parents with the capacity to care for their new babies.
Witnessing the transformative power of birth ignited a desire within me to support others in their own experiences. I pursued training as a doula and childbirth educator, dedicating myself to learning everything I could about pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care. Since then, I have had the honor of supporting many families, each journey enriching my practice and deepening my commitment.
My journey into birthwork
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B.S. of Clinical Nutrition
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Baby Friendly Hospital Staff
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Certified Lactation Educator/Counselor (CLE)
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Certified Doula (DONA)
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Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
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Orgasmic Birth Practitioner
My Pleasure-centered Approach
Although my orgasmic birth practitioner training has deeply influenced my approach to birth support, I consciously avoid emphasizing orgasmic experiences to prevent adding pressure to achieve a specific goal. As they say…
it's about the journey, not the end goal
My aim is to enhance your presence and cultivate feelings of pleasure and joy during your birth experience. Rather than focusing on pain levels, I encourage shifting towards experiencing and enhancing pleasure. This shift in focus can profoundly alter your mindset and the overall birth experience.
Childbirth inevitably involves intensity, and understanding the purpose of pain can transform how we approach and manage it. As childbirth educator Rhea Dempsey suggests, pain serves a purpose in childbirth, fostering greater awareness, resilience, and a deeper connection to your body's needs.
I firmly believe in the possibility and transformative power of a pleasurable birth experience. My approach prioritizes your physical and emotional well-being, creating a supportive environment where you feel safe, empowered, and uplifted.
In practice, this approach includes:
Setting the mood: Setting a supportive mood with techniques like aromatherapy, gentle lighting, and soothing music.
Embodiment of sensations: Connecting to your body and navigating discomfort through breathwork, sound, and movement.
Mindset Shifting: Cultivating a mindset that views each contraction as temporary and draws strength from your body's innate capabilities.
Emotional Support: Providing continuous emotional support and reassurance, ensuring alignment with your birth preferences and desires.
Informational support: Offering comprehensive information and choices so you can make informed decisions that align with your values and needs.
