About Me

You Deserve a Birth Experience Filled with Loving Support and Continuous Care – and that’s what I’m here to do for you.

I’m Sandy Blackwood, a certified birth doula here in San Diego.  It is my honor and privilege to support families through one of life’s most profound journeys with compassion, confidence, knowledge and love for whole process.  From finding out you’re pregnant to holding your newborn and bonding with all the love your heart can hold, I would love to be there for you and hold space for every new moment and feeling.   

With hands-on experience, extensive training, and a true passion for empowering birthing families, I am dedicated to providing you with the emotional, physical, and informational support you need to feel confident, secure, and fully prepared for every step of your birthing journey. 

Whether you choose to meet your baby at home, in a birth center or at the hospital of your choice, I have attended birth in all the ways and places babies make their earthside debut!  

My journey to becoming a doula

Program Coordinator for UCSD’s Hearts and Hands Volunteer Doula Program as well as being a Volunteer Doula myself

Before becoming a volunteer doula at UCSD’s Hearts and Hands Volunteer Doula Program, my journey into birth-work actually began attending my friend’s births for many years. As a volunteer, I provided continuous support and advocacy for birthing people during labor. I assisted so many families from all walks of life.  

As the Program Coordinator at UCSD, I helped to run and maintain the Volunteer Doula program and trained so many wonderful, new volunteer doulas.

Even now, I stay connected to my community, offering guidance and back up support whenever someone needs it, day or night.

Military Service in the U.S. Navy
Before becoming a doula and many years ago, I myself served in the U.S. Navy, where I developed the discipline, resilience, and dedication that now guides me when I’m supporting families through their pregnancies and during the intensity of labor and birth.

Motherhood
As a mother myself, I understand firsthand the challenges, joys, and emotions that come with pregnancy, birth, and parenting. This personal experience helps me connect deeply with the families I serve, offering empathy and understanding at every stage of the journey.

My Certifications

I am committed to providing the highest level of support for the families I work with.  My certification, the courses I have taken and the continuing education I pursue even now, reflects my dedication to excellence in care:

• Certified Birth Doula – International Doula Institute: I have been professionally trained and certified to offer emotional, physical and informational support throughout pregnancy, during labor and delivery, as well as postpartum support, ensuring you have a calm, knowledgeable presence by your side throughout every step of your birthing journey.
• Postpartum support – my postpartum care and appointments allow me to support families after birth, helping with newborn care, breastfeeding, and emotional adjustment
• Lactation support – while I am not a certified lactation specialist, I have attended numerous courses and classes at UCSD, through DONA International and with For the Village so that I may provide guidance on breastfeeding, helping mothers and babies build a strong breastfeeding relationship.