Inspiring Conversations with Los Angeles-Based Birth Doula, Claire Potter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Potter.

Hi Claire, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I spent the first chapter of my working life at a cultural marketing agency in the entertainment space. There was a certain excitement to it – fast-paced rooms, high-pressure deadlines, and a constant flurry of motion. I got to meet some incredible people and be part of some cool projects, but I often didn’t feel myself in that environment. Anxiety was a constant companion, and despite being surrounded by stories, I felt a deep sense of disconnection. At the same time, one of my best friends, Lena Perenchio, was working in the birth and maternal health space, and I found myself endlessly fascinated by the work she was doing.

Then in 2022, I became pregnant myself, and everything shifted. I became completely obsessed with learning about pregnancy and birth, devouring everything I could about the topic. I was mind-blown that most of us are never really taught about the epic transformation that is childbirth in Western culture. I was also fortunate to be supported through my pregnancy in a collaborative model of care, working with both an OB and an amazing Midwife, Hayley Oakes, who taught me so much.

After giving birth, becoming a mother felt like permission to finally listen to what I truly needed and wanted to do in the fringe hours around caring for my son. Birth and motherhood, in all its messy, beautiful chaos, opened a new door for me, and I decided to take the leap and complete my doula training.

For the first time, I found myself in rooms filled with women working alongside each other; supporting, encouraging, and sometimes just sharing knowing looks that said, “Yeah, this is hard, but we’ve got this.” There was no pretense. I realized I’d been craving that kind of connection for a long time, even if I didn’t know it.

I was extremely lucky that the first birth I attended as a doula happened to be with the iconic Midwife Davi Khalsa and her assistant Amie Ray. After that birth, Davi invited me to join her team at TLC Midwifery and train as a Midwife Assistant. Amie Ray continues to be my biggest champion and mentor – as well as an incredible doula in her own right.

I view becoming a doula less as a “career change” and more of a leap into authenticity and connection. It wasn’t a pivot as much as it was a return to myself – to presence, to intuition, to storytelling of the most embodied kind. Birth work is not about controlling the outcome. It’s about showing up fully, over and over again, for the process, and honoring each person’s unique preferences and experiences. Now, I get to witness some of the most profound, messy, joyful moments in people’s lives – what could be more fulfilling than that?!

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?
Honestly, yes, in a way I didn’t expect. Because I feel deeply aligned and true to myself in this work, it has made the journey feel natural and meaningful. Birth and motherhood have both softened me and strengthened me, teaching me to trust my intuition even when things feel uncertain. That said, there have of course been tricky moments and flickers of doubt. Transitioning to a new path always comes with its challenges; learning to navigate a different kind of emotional labor, balancing my own needs with those I support, and stepping into vulnerability in a whole new way. I often think about Britta Bushnell’s metaphor of the labyrinth in her book Transformed by Birth, and how it invites us to move forward, even when the path twists and turns unpredictably. In many ways, feeling so connected to this path has made even the challenging parts feel like important growth – a way to show up more fully, both for myself and for the people I’m honored to support.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your services?
Whether you’re planning to give birth in a hospital, at home, or in a birth center, doula support is for everyone. What matters most is finding the doula who feels right for you. The cornerstone of my work is continuous care, beginning prenatally, through your birth, and into the postpartum period. Whatever your birth intentions, and however they unfold, I’m there to provide steady emotional, physical, and informational support. I believe deeply in mother-centered care, and that the way a woman is nurtured during this time can shape the way she steps into motherhood. Birth is not only about bringing babies into the world, it is also about how mothers are born. My hope is to hold space for you in a way that honors your body, your choices, and your experiences, as you grow your family.

I offer flexible support packages tailored to your needs, including prenatal and postpartum home visits, with the option for virtual support depending on your location. If you’d like to learn more about me or my offerings I invite you to schedule a complimentary call through my website.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
I am the eldest of three sisters which provided a pretty constant source of entertainment growing up, and so naturally they feature in a lot of my favorite childhood memories. I would say that our musical theatre reenactments still bring me immeasurable joy to this day – most memorably our performance of Billy Elliot. Our parents and our cat were our most devoted supporters.

Contact Info:

• Website: Clairepotterbirth.com
• Instagram: @clairemckinleypotter
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits
1 – Louise Samuelson 2 – Samantha Okazaki 3 – Claire Potter