Hey, hi, hello, I’m

Marissa Rae Tunstall

Atlanta Doula photo headshot. Atlanta abortion doula, Atlanta birth doula, Atlanta postpartum doula

I’m a full-spectrum doula & nanny providing support, resources, and fellowship for women and their families.

I offer compassionate, evidence-based support for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum - meeting you where you are with care, resources, and community!

Currently in: Atlanta

About Me

Reproductive support should be accessible, not exclusive

I believe everyone deserves doula care, regardless of income. While I put deep care and intention into my work, I never want cost to be the reason someone goes without support.

That’s why I offer a pay-what-you-can model, along with flexible options like payment plans, bartering, or labor trades. This might look like exchanging meals, art, skills, services, or whatever feels fair and aligned for both of us. I’ve had the joy of trading support for things like acupuncture treatments, yoga classes, and more. I think there's something really magical about mutual exchange, especially between fellow care providers!

Curious about how payment plans can work for you? Click here to learn more.

  • "Marissa was an absolute pleasure to work with. She is a really calming and supportive person to invite in your birth space. She was always available when I needed her. She definitely went above and beyond for myself and my family. From an initial zoom meeting, joining me at one of my doctor’s appointments, and the many visits to my home and the hospital throughout my labour she was there when I needed her. I would recommend her over and over again."

    Elizabeth P.

  • "Marissa was such a blessing! She made my postpartum experience so much easier. I utilized her services for overnight newborn care and she was absolutely amazing with my daughter. I woke up to a fed and changed baby, and laundry and dishes done every day. It was the best decision for our family so I could focus on healing! We love Marissa you will too!"

    Morgan W.

  • "Marissa did an amazing job listening to my patient's desires and supporting her and her partner as their decisions changed throughout the day. It was such a pleasure!"

    - Nurse Ana

  • “It was such a blessing to know that we could absolutely count on Marissa to be our rock during this whole process.”

    Kelly P.

  • "Marissa was amazing, I can't recommend her enough! She was so well organized, compassionate, and knowledgeable. She knew what we needed without us even telling her. She far exceeded my expectations for a doula and we feel grateful to have met her."

    - Adrienne A.

  • "I've been working with ​Marissa throughout my pregnancy journey and she has been nothing but a light for our family during this season of change. She is so insightful and has such a caring touch. Can't recommend her enough for any mamas-to-be!"

    Lindsay B.

  • "Would highly recommend Marissa to any birthing mother!"

    - Alison B

FAQ

FAQ

  • Benefits of a birth doula

    There’s tons of research showing how powerful doula support can be during birth. A review in 2017 looked at over 15,000 births and found that having a doula or continuous support during labor led to:

    • 25% lower chance of having a C-section

    • 8% more likely to have a vaginal birth without needing interventions

    • 10% less use of pain meds

    • Labor that was about 40 minutes shorter on average

    • 38% lower chance of baby having a low Apgar score at 5 minutes

    • 31% fewer people feeling unhappy with their birth experience

    Since I started attending births, I’ve seen firsthand how true these numbers are. Birth is deeply personal and incredibly vulnerable. Every person deserves to feel safe, supported, and empowered in that space. I'm honored to be a part of creating that environment.

    Benefits of a postpartum doula:

    The support doesn’t stop after birth…it’s just as important in those early weeks of new parenthood. Here’s how a postpartum doula can help:

    • Decreased rates of postpartum depression and anxiety: Studies have shown that postpartum doulas can help lower the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety.

    • Improved breastfeeding experiences: Studies show that doulas offer critical support and education on breastfeeding, which can lead to longer breastfeeding duration and higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding.

    • More restful sleep (for baby and you): Evidence suggests that postpartum doulas can help establish better sleep patterns for infants.

    • Increased Parental Confidence: Postpartum doulas can boost parents' confidence in their caregiving abilities. This increased confidence can be crucial in managing the demands of a newborn and in making informed decisions about infant care.

    • Lower Rates of Maternal Physical Complications: Postpartum doulas can help with physical recovery by providing guidance on managing common postpartum issues such as perineal care and cesarean section recovery.

    • Support for Family Dynamics: Postpartum doulas can aid in smoother transitions for families, including adjusting older siblings to a new baby.

  • Absolutely! My care doesn’t end at the 6 weeks mark. I support families for as long as they need, whether that’s a few extra weeks or ongoing care through nannying. Parenthood doesn’t have an expiration date, and neither does support.

  • You’ll receive knowledgeable, evidence-based care with a doula who is committed to continuous learning and growth. My unique experience and training allow me to provide unbiased, reliable support no matter where you’re located. Though my work has expanded globally, my flexibility means I can be available for you whether you’re welcoming a baby in your home, hospital, or birth center.

    Being a traveling doula also means you’ll have access to the best referrals and resources from across the country and around the world. You can rest assured that I’m always just a call away, whether in-person or virtually.

  • My sweet spot is attending births within 20 miles of my home in Fourth Ward neighborhood. But, if you're convinced I'm the one for you, I'm happy to hit the road and travel even farther. Please note that some additional travel fees may apply.