Maribel Orellana

Accept insurances
Birth & Postpartum Doula
Irvine, California
5.0
About me

Hi, I'm Maribel. A DONA International certified birth doula and birth photographer based in Southern California. My work lives at the intersection of stewardship and artistry—offering both grounded support and honest, meaningful images that reflect the real story of your birth. Whether I’m holding space at your side or quietly documenting the moment, my intention is the same: that you feel safe, seen, and empowered throughout the journey. Clients often tell me I bring a calm, reassuring energy and photographs that help them remember not just what it looked like, but what it felt like to bring their baby into the world. This calling lights me up like no other profession ever has, and I’m honored to walk alongside you—offering heart, skill, and presence every step of the way.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (2005)

Certification and training

Birth Doula Certification, DONA International (2024)

Birth Becomes You, Birth Photography (2022)

Spinning Babies (2025)

Bereavement Support (2025)

Infant 1st Aid & CPR (2025)

Memberships and affiliations

DONA International

Credentials
CD (DONA)
Specialties
Acculturation and Immigration Birth and Lactation Birth Doula Birth Photographer Birth Support Breastfeeding Photography Breastfeeding Support Childbirth Education Evidence-Based Care Exclusive Pumping/Bottle Feeding Fresh 48 Photography Grief and Loss Home Birth Hospital Birth Infertility In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Labor Doula Maternity and Family Photography Maternity and Newborn Photographer Maternity Photography Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Newborn, Baby, & Birth Photography Newborn Care Newborn Photography Nipple and Breast Pain Overnight Newborn Care Parenting Parenting Support Postpartum Life Postpartum Photography Preconception Prenatal Care Prenatal Lactation Education Prenatal Life Relaxation Techniques Reproductive and Parenting Returning to work (pumping, breastmilk storage, etc) Sibling Preparation Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Support in Pregnancy Loss Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Water birth
Languages

English, French, Spanish

Accepted insurances
Medi-Cal
Service introduction

Doula care will include various prenatal meetings, text and call support for any questions that come up between meetings, my Pregnancy, Labor and Postpartum Workbook, and additional material that should help make your life easier as you plan and prepare for birth and the postpartum phase, in-person labor and delivery support, and a postpartum follow-up visit. The photography portion includes documenting during labor, delivery, and the immediate postpartum.

Ratings and reviews
Average
5.0
# of Reviews
1
5.0

I cannot recommend Maribel enough. From our very first conversation, she was incredibly warm, knowledgeable, and supportive. She has a way of holding space that immediately puts you at ease, and she takes the time to understand what matters to you and helps you navigate your options with compassion and clarity. Her insights helped us feel much more prepared and grounded overall. Her photography is just as thoughtful. Her pictures capture emotion in such a beautiful, honest way, that you can feel the story behind them. It's rare to find someone who brings so much heart to both the practical and emotional sides of birth, and I'm so grateful we found her!

- Pamela M.

Frequently asked questions
WHAT IF I'M NOT SURE ABOUT HAVING PHOTOS TAKEN?
DO YOU SUPPORT HOSPITAL BIRTHS?
WHAT IF I WANT AN EPIDURAL?
CAN MY PARTNER STILL BE INVOLVED IF YOU'RE THERE?
HOW FAR DO YOU TRAVEL?
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
Social media
Instagram