Empowering Birth Journeys:
Accessible, Compassionate Care
for Deaf, Hard of Hearing & Hearing Families
Birth is personal—and feeling understood matters.
Deaf Birth Services provides inclusive, relationship-centered birth support rooted in access, advocacy, and respect, so you can move through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum feeling confident and supported.
2025 Year in Review
Services
Comprehensive Support for Every Stage of Your Birth Journey
Support is offered in different roles depending on your needs. You can explore each option below to learn what type of care may be the best fit for you.
Doula Services
Non-medical, continuous support through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, focused on comfort, education, advocacy, and emotional grounding.
Apprentice Midwifery Services
Clinical midwifery care provided by an apprentice midwife under the direct supervision of a licensed midwife, with transparency, collaboration, and informed consent at the center.
happy clients
We've supported over 100 families
We believe safe care includes accessible communication. From ASL-friendly visits to thoughtful birth support, our work centers respect, autonomy, and culturally aware care — whether as a doula, birth assistant, or supervised student midwife
Deaf-led care brings a different level of attentiveness to birth spaces. Support here is visual-first, communication-aware, and grounded in calm presence, informed choice, and respect for each family’s autonomy.
Rebekah Covington
Previous Doula Client
“Last month, my OBGYN said I would take a diabetic test and explained the procedures. I received the information through an interpreter. She wasn’t terrible. I understood it could affect the baby and place the baby at risk. Still, the information was through a third person. However, my very own doula who speaks my language, she and I had a direct conversation about this test. She gave me the formal name of this diabetes, gestational diabetes which was not visible to me during the appointment. Then, she proceeded to explaining that it’s also to discover if the mom developed diabetes during pregnancy. I never got that message. I never knew it could affect me as well until my DEAF Doula gave me direct access to the information. So, if I received a positive test via email, I would have never known to change my diet as well.”
Anonymous Client
Previous Apprentice Midwife Client
Salerno we were talking about you the other day. You did amazing and going to be a GREAT midwife. I look forward to hearing about the first Deaf Midwife. Keep up the great work!
Theophana Meddres and Terrence Paul Medders
Previous Apprentice Midwife Client
“I started having contractions on October 31st, but Ignatius didn’t come until November 2nd at 9:17 am. I can’t tell you how empowering it was to have an all natural at home birth. I was in active labor for over 7 almost 8 hours before this amazing doula came and it was the final piece we needed. He came shortly after she arrived. It’s amazing how God puts people in your path throughout life.”
Lauren White Chester
Previous Doula Client
[Salerno] was super understanding and supportive regardless, she calmed my fears knowing I had lost a child many years before and just needed reassurance. I ended up going into labor a couple hours before midnight, [Salerno] was available for me, and as excited as I was I think! I had no epidural because of a bad experience with my first. I was so scared and worried I couldn’t do it. [Salerno] talked me through everything, massaged my back, shoulders, and even ran her calming hands through my hair. My labor lasted twelve hours [Salerno] talked to the nurses and asked questions, she was very thorough and I trusted her completely. (Still do!) When Rayleigh came into the world she came into a calm environment with so much love. Two months later we found out that Rayleigh had a heart defect and needed open heart surgery. It was the scariest thing I’ve ever gone through, but guess who was at the hospital brining me nursing cookies and calming reassurances…[Salerno]. She is a true miracle and blessing to me and my family. This is something she has an unbelievable amount of passion for, if you hire her, you will never regret your decision!
About Us
What Makes Us the Right Choice for Your Birth Journey
Choosing birth support is deeply personal, and feeling safe, understood, and respected matters. At Deaf Birth Services, care is shaped around your communication needs, your values, and your vision for birth.
Led by Salerno RL Salerno Martinez—a Deaf doula, apprentice midwife, and USAF Veteran—this work is grounded in access, advocacy, and steady presence. Whether you’re Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or hearing, you’ll be met with care that prioritizes clarity, consent, and collaboration.
This is support that adapts to you, not the other way around.