Helping expanding families in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and nearby areas in Florida. As an experienced and postpartum doula since 2009, I offer services such as childbirth education, placenta encapsulation, and community support for new mothers. Proudly supporting over 300 families and counting.
Meet Your Doula
​Warm welcome and congratulations as you embark on your journey. I am so happy you are here! My name is Shira Sharifi. I am a birth and postpartum doula, Lactation counselor and Placenta Specialists. I am based in Jacksonville, Florida and offer services in and surrounding areas of Jacksonville. ​I started in 2009 as a postpartum doula and Newborn Care Specialist. In 2016, I became a certified birth doula with DONA. Shortly after, I became a Certified Lactation Educator and Counselor (ALPP) as well.
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My journey to becoming a birth and postpartum doula is deeply personal. My mother struggled silently through postpartum depression, without the support or understanding she needed. That experience planted a seed in me early on — a knowing that no one should have to face such a vulnerable time alone or unseen.
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Years later, I walked my own path to motherhood through IVF, to welcome my rainbow baby after heartbreak and healing. That process taught me how layered and emotional the journey to parenthood can be — from hope to loss, from strength to surrender.
I became a doula to stand in the gap for others — especially for women and birthing people of color, who are disproportionately mistreated in hospitals, with 1 in 3 reporting disrespect or neglect during labor and delivery. We deserve better. We deserve support, information, advocacy, and joy in our birth experiences.
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Evidence shows that having a doula improves outcomes: birthing people supported by doulas are 39% less likely to need a C-section, and are more likely to report positive, empowered births. But for me, it’s not just about numbers — it’s about presence. I’m here to hold space for your choices, your voice, and your healing — before, during, and after birth.
I proudly serve all families — regardless of race, gender identity, sexuality, religion, or path to parenthood. Whether you’re preparing for your first birth, navigating postpartum recovery, or welcoming your baby through surrogacy, IVF, or adoption — you are welcome here. You are worthy of care.
My Philosophy
The name A Birth Connection reflects my core belief: that birth is an opportunity for deep connection—between a woman and her body, her instincts, her strength, and most importantly, her baby. This sacred connection begins long before labor and continues well into the postpartum months. It is the invisible thread that ties together body, mind, and soul during this vulnerable and powerful time.
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I honor every woman’s unique path to motherhood. Whether it’s your first baby or third, my approach supports informed choice, inner trust, and gentle guidance. I am here to hold space, to nurture, and to remind every mother that she already carries the wisdom she needs within her.
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My mission is to reconnect women to that wisdom—to themselves and to their babies—so they can step into motherhood feeling empowered, supported, and whole.
What Is A Doula?
As a birth and postpartum doula, I dedicate myself to supporting mothers throughout their journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. During labor, offer emotional and physical support, advocate for their wishes, provide essential education to help them navigate the birthing process confidently. After the baby arrives, I assist families adjusting to their new life, offering guidance on care, breastfeeding, and even household tasks. Additionally, I focus on supporting moms with nutrition by preparing meals, allowing them to prioritize healing bonding with their newborn.