
I’m Doula Jeanne-Marie, dedicated to assisting, guiding, and supporting you in making a gentle, confident, and peaceful transition into parenthood. I believe that Knowledge is the most powerful deterrent to fear and that with preparation, support, and love, birth can be a blissful experience.

Jeanne-Marie Paynel, M.Ed., is a bilingual (French-English), Montessori-trained (AMI 0–6) parenting and childbirth educator and full-spectrum doula, helping families prepare not only for birth, but for the three most crucial years of parenting. This work is truly her calling.
Her in-person sessions are warm, practical, and rooted in evidence-based care, designed to inform and empower at every step, from pregnancy through postpartum and early parenthood. With a background in Montessori education, infant massage, and doula support, she offers a holistic approach that honors both the science and the soul of parenting.
Based in San Diego, Jeanne-Marie brings over two decades of experience supporting diverse families in both English and French. She's also the host of The Art of Parenting podcast, where she shares thoughtful conversations on parenting, child development, and the realities of raising children in today's world.
I believe that the more knowledgeable you are about your body and the birthing process, the better prepared you are to advocate for what you want. Knowledge is the foundation of confidence, and my role is to inform and empower you every step of the way, from pregnancy through postpartum and early parenthood.
My approach is holistic, honoring both the science and the soul of parenting. I blend evidence-based care with warm, practical guidance, because I believe that when parents feel truly supported and informed, they can trust their instincts and step into their new roles with strength and grace.
Overall, my goal is to help you feel prepared not only for birth, but for the journey of parenting that follows, grounded in knowledge, confident in your choices, and trusting in yourself every step of the way.
Explore services and find support for every stage of pregnancy and beyond.