Alysa St. Charles

Boston area birth doula, lactation counselor, & childbirth educator

My specialty is evidence-based everything.

Hi, I’m Alysa, a full-spectrum doula, lactation consultant, and Lamaze-certified childbirth educator. I’m originally from rural Michigan but have been at home in Massachusetts since 2016, where I’ve been supporting families across the Boston area for the past few years. I love city living in Cambridge; I enjoy the energy, the community, and being close to the many families I serve. This isn’t just a job to me; being a doula is my way of life. Giving birth myself reaffirmed everything I believe about the power of this work.

Alongside being a doula, I worked in clinical research focused on high-risk pregnancy. I have published work in clinical journals and presented at medical conferences, which has deepened my knowledge and commitment to evidence-based care. I also hold a joint master’s degree in Women’s and Gender Studies and Anthropology, which gives me an understanding of how culture, identity, and power shape birth experiences and care. This background helps me blend evidence-based practice with a respectful, personalized approach. I support birth in ALL its forms and am here to help you preplan interventions or become familiar with them if they were to become necessary, while always keeping your unique needs and choices at the center.

Advocacy is at the core of how I support you. I’m open, honest, and unafraid to ask questions of care providers when plans shift or new information arises. I’m also willing to learn and listen. My goal is to make sure your voice is heard and your preferences are respected, especially during times of change or uncertainty. I’m here to help you navigate hospital systems and empower you to be an active participant in your care.

    • Childbirth International, Certified Birth Doula

    • Childbirth International, Certified Postpartum Doula (in progress)

    • Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice, Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)

    • Lamaze International, Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE)

    • Joint Master of Arts (MA), Brandeis University

      • Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality Studies

      • Cultural Anthropology

    • Bachelor of Arts (BA), Michigan State University

      • Women’s and Gender Studies

    • Associate of Business (AB), Lansing Community College

      • Legal Studies

    • Level II Reiki Practitioner

    • Spinning Babies workshops

    • Babywearing safety enthusiast

    • Clinical research in Obstetrics and Gynecology

    • Co-author on OBGYN research publications and conference posters (samples linked below)

    • Proud mom of 1

    • Married to high school sweetheart

    • Owner of 2 Golden Retrievers

    • Lives in Cambridge, MA

Former clients say

Contact me

Cloverleaf Doula

alysa@cloverleafdoula.com
Serving all of Greater Boston