About Me

Hi, I'm Tonia Rivera, a Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula! My journey into birth work began with my own experiences: four births, including two as a gestational surrogate. Those powerful journeys opened my eyes to the deep need for compassionate, evidence-based support, and to the disparities that too often exist in maternal care. Supporting families through this transformative time is truly my calling.

With over 7 years in fertility, surrogacy, and reproductive health, I bring a unique understanding of both the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy, IVF, and postpartum recovery. My approach is rooted in advocacy, education, and respect for every family's values, background, and birth preferences.

I proudly serve families across Southern California—supporting births virtually, in homes, hospitals, and birth centers, and providing postpartum care that nurtures confidence, healing, and connection. My mission is simple: to make sure every family feels informed, supported, and truly cherished through one of life's most transformative moments.

Practice Philosophy

My philosophy is rooted in the belief that birth is both a physiological process and a deeply transformative life experience, one that deserves to be supported with respect, knowledge, and compassion. I believe the body is designed for birth, and when supported with balance, movement, and informed care, it can work in harmony with the baby.

At the same time, I honor that every birth unfolds differently, and that safety, autonomy, and individualized care must always remain at the center. I hold a deep respect for medicine, while also recognizing that interventions are often overused in the U.S.—there is room for improvement on all fronts.

With a background in fertility, surrogacy, and diverse family building, I hold deep respect for the many paths that lead to pregnancy. I approach every birth understanding that it carries unique emotional weight, whether it comes after loss, medical intervention, or years of intention.

My role is not to direct birth, but to support it through evidence-based education, emotional grounding, physical comfort, and advocacy, so families feel informed, respected, and empowered in their own choices (not mine). I believe birth should never be something that happens to someone, but something they are supported through. And no matter how a baby arrives, every parent deserves to feel held, every experience deserves to be honored, and every beginning deserves care.

Specialties

‍

• IVF (7+ Years Experience in a Fertility Clinic)
• Surrogacy (Surrogates & Intended Parents)
• Fertility & Reproductive Health Support
• Pregnancy & Infant Loss
• Virtual Doula Support
• Postpartum Recovery
• Birth Advocacy & Education
• Teen & Young Parents
• VBAC
• High-Risk Pregnancies
• Plus-Size Pregnancy
• LGBTQ+ Families

Services Offered

‍

• Virtual Labor & Birth Support
• Pregnancy Loss Support
• Postpartum Care
• IVF Support
• In-Person Labor & Birth Support
• Prenatal Care