Hidden Gems: Meet Brenda Olsson of Birth With Brenda

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Olsson.

Hi Brenda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I became pregnant with my first son in 2015, and like so many first-time mothers, the experience changed my life. Despite choosing a doctor I trusted, taking the classes, and doing everything I thought I was supposed to do, I often felt isolated and unsupported.

By my second birth, I experienced a completely different kind of care. I worked with an incredible prenatal yoga instructor and birth doula who became a rock and a source of support throughout the entire process. I saw firsthand how much of a difference it makes to have someone consistently by your side, someone who helps you feel seen, supported, and confident as you navigate birth.

That experience really opened my eyes to the world of birth work. After my second son was born, I completed my doula training in 2019, and I haven’t looked back. Since then, I’ve supported more than 100 families through births at home and in the hospital. What started as a very personal experience has grown into work I feel deeply connected to. I know how vulnerable and transformative this time can be, and I want every family I work with to feel that they don’t have to navigate it alone.

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?
There have definitely been challenges along the way, from navigating motherhood and childcare while being on call to starting out as a new doula in the midst of COVID. Then, in 2022, we welcomed our twins, which brought an entirely new layer to balancing work and family life.

Something I’m passionate about is building a career I love while still being a present mother to my four boys. It’s not always easy, and I’ve had to learn to navigate that balance in real time. But it’s also something that has shaped the way I show up for my clients. I believe we need to normalize prioritizing our families and caring for ourselves, without feeling that we have to sacrifice our professional lives to do so. As a society, we need to make more room for women to pursue meaningful work while honoring the equally meaningful work of raising a family.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My practice is rooted in a deep respect for the natural process of birth and the belief that women are capable of more than they often realize. I provide personalized doula care for families in Los Angeles, combining years of hands-on experience with an intuitive, practical approach.

I advocate for low-intervention birth when appropriate, while understanding that birth doesn’t always go to plan. When things need to shift, how we navigate those moments matters. My goal is to help families feel informed, confident, and empowered, regardless of what their birth looks like.

My approach is calm, lighthearted, and unobtrusive. Rather than taking over a room, I help women find their own rhythm, comfort, and power. I’m deeply connected to the natural side of birth, but I also understand the importance of flexibility, advocacy, and knowing when to change course.

As a mother of four boys, including twins, and having supported more than 100 families, I bring both personal perspective and years of experience to this work. I’m proud to offer care that feels genuine and grounded, helping women feel connected to themselves and their strength as they welcome a new life.

What were you like growing up?
People have naturally turned to me for guidance for as long as I can remember. Even as the youngest sibling, I often found myself in the caregiver role. I’ve never taken myself too seriously, and one of the nicest things people have told me is that they feel comfortable around me. That means a lot to me.

I was drawn to the arts and movement early on, starting with gymnastics as a little kid and later discovering yoga at 15. Creativity and movement have remained meaningful parts of my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.birthwithbrenda.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/birthwithbrenda/