You can find my service offerings outlined in the section below

Sydney Pepper

Founder/Birth Worker/Doula Educator/Lactation Education Specialist

Hi! I’m Sydney, the founder of The Village Doula Collective, LLC. My journey into birth work began nearly a decade ago while working as a nanny. What started as childcare evolved into something deeper—I found myself supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and I realized how much I loved being part of that transformative time.

That experience led me to become a doula, and since then, I’ve dedicated my career to providing compassionate, informed, and inclusive care. I am a certified full-spectrum doula, trained through the Somatic Arts & Sciences Institute, with additional education from organizations such as Cornerstone Doula Trainings, and Birth Advocacy Doula Training. I also received my Lactation Education Specialist training from Santiago Canyon College. I’ve had the honor of attending births and supporting families through postpartum recovery, and my passion for this work continues to grow.

With a bachelor’s degree in sociology, I understand that birth support is not just about physical care—it’s about addressing the systemic disparities that impact birthing people, particularly in BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. My mission is to make doula care accessible and equitable, ensuring that every family—regardless of income, background, or identity—has the support they need.

At The Village Doula Collective, we believe in the power of community. Whether through direct support, education, or advocacy, we’re here to uplift birthing people and the doulas who serve them.

Why I Created The Village Doula Certification Course

As a doula, I quickly realized that my community lacked the support it truly needed—specifically, there were too few doulas, even fewer BIPOC doulas, and almost none who were committed to an accessible care model through accepting insurance. I knew that families in my area deserved better.

Beyond supporting birthing people, I believe deeply in the power of community. We thrive when we feel supported, and that includes doulas, too. I wanted to create a collective of doulas who work well together, share aligned values, and are dedicated to serving our community in a way that is both culturally competent and financially accessible.

While I’ve been fortunate to connect with some incredible doulas whose training aligned with my vision, I also encountered many who lacked the well-rounded, self-aware, culturally competent approach I believe is essential. That’s when I had a realization—if I wanted to work alongside doulas who shared my standards of care, why not train them myself?

In developing this course, I also reflected on my own doula training experiences and found that many existing programs either skipped over or barely touched on critical topics that I consider essential. Issues like navigating racism within healthcare, implicit bias, supporting physically disabled birthing people, comprehensive C-section support, trauma-informed care, and the role socioeconomic status plays in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum were often missing from the conversation. These are not just side topics—they are fundamental to providing equitable, informed, and effective doula support.

This course is my way of filling those gaps, ensuring that doulas receive the training they need to serve a diverse range of clients with confidence, competence, and care.

This course was born from a desire to cultivate a strong, skilled, and compassionate doula community—one that not only uplifts birthing people but also supports doulas in their own professional growth. It’s more than just training; it’s about creating a movement of doulas who are prepared, connected, and ready to make real change.

Fun facts about me-

  • I was a traveling nanny/newborn care specialist for 8 years.

  • I am former foster youth.

  • My previous occupations have included: Market Research Interviewer for NBCUniversal Studios, ABA therapist in schools in South Central Los Angeles, Photographer, Case Worker, Executive Assistant, and Marketing Coordinator. I am currently still a Grant Writer for nonprofit organizations with missions benefiting at-risk youth.

  • I am a Gemini (which might explain the previous bullet point).

  • I am a mother to a toddler and twins, and I have a wonderful partner!

Sydney’s Doula Service Offerings

  • Medi cal package

    Medi-Cal & Partnership Health Plan Doula Support Package

    Comprehensive care for birthing families at no cost to you!

    If you have Medi-Cal, you may qualify for free doula support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Click here to read more about doula services covered by medi-cal. Our Medi-Cal Doula Support Package is designed to meet state-covered benefits, ensuring you receive the highest level of care at no out-of-pocket cost.

    What’s Included:

    Prenatal Support (2 visits) – Birth education, comfort measures, and emotional guidance to help you feel confident and prepared.
    Continuous Labor & Birth Support – In-person care from early labor through delivery, offering hands-on comfort, advocacy, and reassurance.
    Postpartum Support (2 visits) – Personalized recovery support, newborn care education, and lactation guidance to help ease your transition into parenthood.

    Covered by Medi-Cal | $0 Cost to You

    Want Additional Support?

    Medi-Cal & Partnership also covers additional visits available depending on our doula availability. Extra prenatal or postpartum visits can be covered with additional recommendation from your primary care provider if needed. Ask us about adding more sessions to your care plan or for the Doula Recommendation form.

    Serving Butte, Glenn, Sutter, & Tehama Counties.

    Contact us today to book your free consultation and verify your coverage!

  • Essential Support Package

    Essential Support Package

    Perfect for families who want essential guidance and care during pregnancy and postpartum.

    1 prenatal visit (90 min)

    Continuous active labor & birth support

    1 postpartum visit (90 min)

    Unlimited Text & email support throughout pregnancy & early postpartum

    Investment: $1,500

    Payment Plan Available:
    $500 deposit + 2 monthly payments of $500

  • Comprehensive Care Package

    Comprehensive Care Package

    Ideal for those wanting in-depth, continuous support throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey.

    2 prenatal visits (90 min each)

    Continuous labor & birth support

    2 postpartum visits (90 min each)

    1 lactation support session (60 min)

    Unlimited text & email support

    Investment: $2,000

    Payment Plan Available:
    $700 deposit + 3 monthly payments of $500

  • Ultimate Support Package

    Deluxe Doula Package

    The ultimate package for families who want full-spectrum care, from pregnancy through early postpartum.

    3 prenatal visits (90 min each)

    Continuous labor & birth support

    3 postpartum visits (90 min each)

    2 lactation support sessions (60 min each)

    Unlimited text & email support

    1 postpartum planning session

    Investment: $3,000

    Payment Plan Available:
    $1000 deposit + 4 monthly payments of $500

  • Virtual Doula Support Package

    Virtual doula care improves outcomes on par with in-person care, Maven study finds. Click here to learn more!

    What is Virtual Doula Support?

    Virtual doula services bring expert, compassionate care directly to you through phone or video. Whether you’re in a rural area, have limited transportation, or prefer care from the comfort of your home, virtual support ensures you’re not alone throughout your perinatal journey.

    We proudly serve Medi-Cal and Partnership HealthPlan of California clients at no cost to you. Private-pay options are also available.

    What’s Included:

    Prenatal Support

    Initial Consultation (90 minutes)
    We’ll review your birth preferences, discuss your goals, answer questions, and offer personalized resources.
    Covered by Medi-Cal

    Virtual Prenatal Visits (1–4 visits, 60 minutes each) Covered by Medi-Cal — up to 4 prenatal visits available
    Topics can include:

    Birth plan preparation

    Partner and support person coaching

    C-section or VBAC planning

    Feeding preparation (breast/chest or formula)

    High-risk pregnancy support

    Pregnancy after loss

    Birth Support

    On-Call Access Starting at 37 Weeks
    You're supported and not alone, day or night.

    Virtual Labor Support (via phone, text, or video call)

    Step-by-step support during early and active labor

    Breathing, positioning, and comfort techniques

    Emotional encouragement

    Support for your birth partner

    Covered by Medi-Cal — virtual support is eligible for reimbursement.

    Postpartum Support

    Extended Virtual Postpartum Visit (3 hours)
    Comprehensive guidance for newborn care, emotional processing, and recovery.
    Covered by Medi-Cal — up to two extended visits available

    Standard Postpartum Visits (up to 4 available, 60 minutes each) Covered by Medi-Cal — up to 4 visits available
    Customized to your needs, topics may include:

    Breast/chestfeeding and formula feeding support

    Sleep routines

    Healing and emotional wellness

    Processing your birth experience

    Transitioning into parenthood

    Private Pay Investment: $500 (save $300 by bundling services!)

  • Rest & Recover: Newborn Night Care Package

    Rest & Recover: Newborn Night Care Package

    For parents who need overnight support to rest and recover while ensuring their newborn is cared for. This package provides dedicated nighttime postpartum care, allowing families to get the sleep they need while their baby receives expert support. These packages make a great gift for expecting/new parents!

    What's Included:

    Overnight postpartum support (7 hours per night)

    Newborn care – Feeding, diaper changes, soothing, and sleep guidance

    Parental rest support – Assistance with feedings or bottle prep to maximize sleep

    Light household support – Bottle cleaning, nursery organization, and light laundry

    Infant sleep guidance – Gentle techniques to support healthy sleep habits

    Pricing Options:

    Full Support Package (First 8 Weeks Postpartum)

    2 Nights per Week for 8 Weeks (16 nights total): $6,800 ($425 per night)

    3 Nights per Week for 8 Weeks (24 nights total): $9,600 ($400 per night)

    À La Carte Pricing

    Single Overnight Visit (8 hours): $450

    Bundle of 5 Nights: $2,000 ($400 per night)

    Bundle of 10 Nights: $3,750 ($375 per night)

    Medi-Cal Coverage

    Medi-Cal does not currently cover overnight postpartum care. Flexible payment plans and sliding scale options are available.

    For more information or to book overnight support, contact us today.

  • A La Carte Services

    Individual Services

    Prenatal Visit (90 min)$250

    Labor & Birth Support$850 (Best for experienced parents who only need birth support.)

    Immediate Postpartum Support (2 hrs)$200

    Extended Postpartum Visit (90 min)$200

    Lactation Consultation (60 min)$100

    Overnight Postpartum Doula Support (7 hrs)$500

    Sibling Support (During Birth/Postpartum, 4 hrs)$250

    Cesarean Support Visit (Emotional & Physical Recovery Focus, 60 min)$200

    Virtual Services:

    Prenatal Support

    Initial Consultation (90 minutes)– $125

    Virtual Prenatal Visit (60 minutes) – $100 each
    Bundle of 3 visits: $275

    Virtual Birth Support

    On-call access + Continuous virtual labor support – $400
    Includes phone/text/video support during labor and up to 2 hours after birth

    Virtual Postpartum Support

    Extended Virtual Postpartum Visit (3 hours) – $300

    Standard Virtual Postpartum Visit (60 minutes) – $100
    Bundle of 3 visits: $275

    Loss or Abortion Support(miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth)

    Single 90-minute Support Session – $125

    Follow-up Support Call (60 minutes) – $75

    Fertility Support Sessions

    Initial Session (60 minutes) – $100

    Follow-up (30 minutes) – $60

    Bundle & Save!

    Postpartum Recovery Bundle$500
    (3 postpartum visits + unlimited text support for 1 month)

    (A wonderful gift for new parents!)

    Lactation Support Bundle$300
    (2 lactation consultations + follow-up support for 2 weeks)

    Complete Virtual Care Package

    (For clients seeking full prenatal, birth, and postpartum support)

    Includes:

    Initial consultation, 2 prenatal visits, On-call access and virtual birth support, 2 postpartum visits

    Total package price: $500 (save $300)

Sliding Scale Options for Doula Services

I understand that birth and postpartum support should be accessible to all families, regardless of financial circumstances. To accommodate different budgets, I offer a sliding scale pricing model based on income and need.

How It Works:

  1. Standard Rate – The full cost of services, supporting sustainable doula care.

  2. Reduced Rate (25% Off) – For families with financial limitations who need some assistance.

  3. Community-Supported Rate (50% Off) – For low-income families who are not Medi-Cal beneficiaries and could not otherwise afford care.

Families who pay at the Standard Rate help subsidize care for those needing reduced pricing!

Sliding Scale Pricing for Packages

Essential Support Package

  • Standard Rate: $850

  • Reduced Rate: $637

  • Community-Supported Rate: $425

Comprehensive Care Package

  • Standard Rate: $1,400

  • Reduced Rate: $1,050

  • Community-Supported Rate: $700

Deluxe Doula Package

  • Standard Rate: $2,000

  • Reduced Rate: $1,500

  • Community-Supported Rate: $1,000

Sliding Scale for A La Carte Services

A pricing chart displaying services related to prenatal and postpartum support with standard, reduced, and community rates. Services include prenatal visits, labor and support, postpartum support, lactation consultation, and overnight support.

Flexible Payment Plans:

  • Available for all packages.

  • Deposits can be adjusted based on financial need.

Pay-It-Forward Option:
If you are in a position to contribute more, you can help fund care for a family in need. Donations go directly toward providing support for underserved families.