Hi! I’m Payton, a Perinatal doula based in Philadelphia and the heart behind Forest Fern Doula Care.

Forest Fern Doula Care was created from a deep belief that every birthing person deserves to feel supported, heard, and respected throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. My care is rooted in presence and steady support, helping you feel connected to yourself and your voice through a time that can feel overwhelming and deeply transformative.

I became a doula because I care deeply about maternal health and the way people are treated within it. I want to help create a space where every birthing person feels safe, respected, informed, and truly listened to, with care centered on your needs, choices, and autonomy throughout your journey.

My passion for this work is also rooted in the barriers many birthing people face when navigating pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Too often, individuals encounter misinformation, limited access to resources, a lack of support, or concerns that are dismissed or overlooked. I believe everyone deserves access to accurate information, compassionate care, and support that honors their experiences, values, and decisions.

As a doula, my goal is to provide evidence-based education, emotional support, and a nonjudgmental presence so you can feel confident, informed, and empowered throughout your experience.

The name Forest Fern Doula holds a lot of meaning for me. Ferns symbolize growth, new life, fertility, protection, and indestructibility. They are among the oldest plants on Earth, known for surviving and thriving even in difficult conditions. Like the fern, I see birthwork as something that calls for resilience, growth, protection, and the ability to grow and adapt through every season.

Outside of birth work, I’m a recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and a certificate in horticultural therapy. During college, I explored postpartum depression and how nature-based practices can support healing, which continues to shape how I think about care, restoration, and community. My background has strengthened my belief in holistic, person-centered support and has taught me the importance of understanding that every birthing person is unique. Each individual brings their own experiences, values, needs, and goals to their journey, and I believe those differences deserve to be respected and honored. This perspective continues to influence the way I support families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.