Conversations with Priya Kalyan-Masih

Today we’d like to introduce you to Priya Kalyan-Masih.

Hi Priya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a physician by background, trained in Mexico, where I learned a deeply patient- and family-centered approach to care. When I returned to the U.S., I realized that the medical system here often didn’t allow for the same time, presence, and personalized support that I valued. I worked in research, served as a medical Spanish interpreter, and later became a health educator in a local OB/GYN office. During that time, I found myself longing to be more hands-on—at the bedside, truly supporting families through some of the most meaningful moments of their lives.
A colleague suggested I consider becoming a doula, and when I explored the role, it aligned perfectly with my values and the kind of care I wanted to provide. I founded Love Your Best Life LLC in December 2022 and became a doula in January 2023. Since then, I have had the honor of supporting more than 150 families across the Inland Empire, offering culturally responsive, bilingual, heart-centered care. My work today integrates my medical training, my lived experience, and my passion for advocating for families—especially those who have historically been overlooked or underserved.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all—there were definitely challenges along the way. One of the biggest hurdles was learning how to operate as a business owner while simultaneously defining what doula work could look like within the Medi-Cal system. I was part of one of the first groups in California navigating the process of becoming Medi-Cal-credentialed doulas in 2023, and there was no clear roadmap. Everything was new—billing, documentation requirements, contracting, advocacy—so there was a lot of trial and error.

There were moments of backtracking, financial investment, and steep learning curves. But those challenges also pushed me to develop systems, trainings, and support structures not just for myself, but for other doulas coming into the field after me. Looking back, I truly appreciate what I’ve built and what those experiences have allowed me to now offer our community.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a full-spectrum doula, providing emotional, physical, and informational support to birthing people from pregnancy through the first year postpartum. I also walk alongside families experiencing pregnancy loss, including miscarriage, abortion, and stillbirth, offering compassionate bereavement support during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

In addition to my direct client work, I lead Doula Certification Trainings in both English and Spanish. This year alone, I have trained 69 doulas. One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is developing and launching the Spanish Doula Training program. Our region has a large Spanish-speaking population, and access to culturally and linguistically aligned support is essential. Ensuring that Spanish-speaking families have doulas who truly understand their language, cultural context, and lived experiences is deeply meaningful to me.

What sets me apart is my background as a physician trained in Mexico and my fluency in both English and Spanish. I am able to bridge communication and cultural gaps between families and clinical settings, ensuring that care is evidence-based, human-centered, and empowering. My work is rooted in advocacy, dignity, and honoring every family’s unique story.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see the doula field continuing to grow, especially as more managed care plans and insurance providers recognize the value of doula support and begin to cover these services. This shift has the potential to make care more equitable, particularly for communities that have historically faced barriers in accessing respectful and culturally aligned maternal health support.

We are also witnessing a broader national conversation around maternal health outcomes, especially for Black, Brown, and Indigenous families. While the challenges are real, I remain hopeful. I believe we’ll see doulas become an integrated and respected part of the care team—working collaboratively with hospitals, clinics, and community organizations to improve birth experiences and outcomes.

The future of this field is community-driven, culturally responsive, and centered on dignity and informed choice. I’m grateful to be part of building that future.

Pricing:

• $800-$300, covered by Medi-Cal, Kaiser, Healthnet until baby turns one. This is the rate and coverage for the Inland Empire.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.loveyourbestlifellc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveyourbestlifellc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Loveyourbestlifellc/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priya-masih-md-872a8494/