Hidden Gems: Meet Denise Curtis, CLD, CPD, HBCE of Denise Curtis Doula Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Curtis, CLD, CPD, HBCE.

Hi Denise, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to caring for families. My earliest work was as a nanny, where I spent countless hours supporting parents and nurturing children. Later, I shifted into working in elementary schools, guiding children as they grew and learned. Those years gave me such a deep appreciation for the power of family, connection, and support. Still, I found myself missing the intimacy of working with parents during those very first, fragile days of welcoming a child into their lives.

That pull brought me back to my roots, back to babies and brand-new families. I decided to certify as a Postpartum Doula, offering care, comfort, and practical guidance during one of life’s biggest transitions. Over time, I certified as a Labor Doula as well, walking with families through pregnancy and birth. What began as a return to something familiar quickly turned into a calling I couldn’t ignore.

As my practice grew, so did my vision. I expanded my work to include childbirth classes and lactation education, creating a space where families could learn, prepare, and feel empowered. I’ve always believed there’s no single “right” way to be a parent, and part of my passion lies in helping each family discover what works best for them. Whether it’s navigating feeding choices, adjusting to sleepless nights, or building confidence in the birth process, I aim to meet parents exactly where they are.

Doula work has been so much more than a career for me. It has shaped who I am. Supporting women and parents through such profound moments has given me a deeper sense of purpose and a stronger connection to my community. Every family I meet teaches me something new about resilience, love, and the many ways people find their rhythm in parenthood. Being a Doula has allowed me to step into my own motherhood journey with a deeper sense of confidence and a clearer understanding of what mattered most for my own family.

This journey has shown me that my passion has always been the same: to walk alongside families, offering knowledge, compassion, and reassurance as they begin their story together. Being a doula isn’t just what I do, it’s who I am.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
At first, my journey felt almost effortless. I was so thrilled to be doing something I genuinely loved that it just came naturally. The biggest challenge came during the Covid-19 pandemic, when hospitals restricted Doulas and many families weren’t comfortable inviting extra support into their homes. I had to quickly pivot, offering education and guidance virtually through phone calls, texts, and video sessions. Even though it looked different, my priority was still the same: making sure families felt seen, supported, and reminded that they weren’t alone.

Since that time, I’ve grown in how I blend both in-person and virtual support. Now, I continue to offer follow-up guidance after in-person sessions through video calls and messaging, which gives families a way to reach out as questions or challenges arise. This flexibility has allowed me to provide even more consistent support, tailored to each family’s needs, and has strengthened the trust and connection I share with my clients.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business is built on walking alongside families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, offering the kind of support that helps them feel prepared, cared for, and confident. As a doula, I provide informational support, resources, and guidance throughout pregnancy, so families know what to expect and can make decisions that feel right for them. During birth, I offer both virtual and in-person support, which can look like coaching parents through each stage of labor, helping partners get involved and feel empowered, and creating a calming, encouraging presence in the room.

Postpartum, my focus shifts to promoting rest and healing for the birthing parent while helping the family settle into life with their newborn. I provide infant care guidance, breastfeeding support, and gentle reassurance as parents find their rhythm. I also step in with practical help, whether it’s preparing meals, tidying the home, or simply creating space so parents can rest.

What sets my work apart is the combination of emotional support, evidence-based education, and hands-on care. I’m not there to take over, I’m there to give families the tools, confidence, and peace of mind to thrive in those early days. At the heart of my brand is education. I believe that when families understand how to care for themselves while caring for their baby, they feel more confident and less overwhelmed during this huge transition. Knowledge doesn’t just answer questions, it eases anxiety, builds trust in their own instincts, and helps parents step into this new chapter feeling prepared and supported. Whether it’s through childbirth education, postpartum doula support, or ongoing virtual check-ins, my goal is to equip families with the tools and understanding they need to thrive.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I make it a priority to stay up-to-date on the latest evidence-based information so I can provide families with the most current and relevant guidance. That means I’m often diving into medical journals and research papers on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. I also love resources that translate research into practical tools for parents. Podcasts like “Evidence Based Birth” and “Down to Birth” are some of my favorites. On the book side, I often recommend titles like “Cribsheet” and “Expecting Better” by Emily Oster, which give families clear, research-backed information to help them feel more confident in their choices.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://denisetheladoula.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisetheladoula/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisetheladoula
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deniselahiji/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@denisetheladoula
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/denise-curtis-doula-services-torrance-2?osq=denise+curtis

Image Credits
Rivkah Leah Gelb