Birth & Postpartum Doula

ABOUT RONIT

I’m Ronit April Varga, a birth and postpartum doula serving families across the San Francisco Bay Area.

My journey into this calling began with the lifesaving support of my own doula during both of my births, and continued through my personal healing from postpartum depression. Those experiences ignited my passion to walk alongside others through the profound transition of birth and new parenthood.

With decades of bodywork experience and as a mother of two grown sons, I bring both practical skill and deep empathy to the families I serve—offering steady, grounded guidance before, during, and after birth.

Every family’s journey is unique. I offer comprehensive doula care, including prenatal visits, birth support incorporating Spinning Babies® techniques, postpartum follow-ups, newborn care, and daytime postpartum support. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that helps you feel confident, supported, and cared for—every step of the way.

My Journey to Birthwork

My path to becoming a doula began with two life-changing experiences.

The first was the birth of my son — an experience forever shaped by my incredible birth doula, Petty Lupintski. Petty guided both my husband and me through the unknowns of first-time parenthood. Her calm, confident presence made my birth journey feel safe and empowered, helping me labor and deliver in the way I had hoped.

The second was my struggle with postpartum depression. Before giving birth, I had always known myself as grounded, capable, and ready for motherhood. Yet within months, I found myself anxious, unbalanced, and deeply unsure. Petty once again recognized what I couldn’t see, gently speaking with me and my husband and connecting us to the right support and resources. Her care during that time changed the course of my life — and planted the seed for my calling as a doula.

Today, I am a mother of two, a birth and postpartum doula, and a bodyworker/massage therapist specializing in Birth Bodywork. I’m also a Spinning Babies® Aware Practitioner and teach “The Way We Touch,” a class for doulas and couples exploring the power of touch in birth. I’m a lifelong learner, an avid traveler, and someone who believes that every family deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen in their journey to parenthood.

My Approach

Pregnancy and birth are profound, unpredictable journeys that naturally bring moments of stress and uncertainty — even for the most prepared families. This is where my two decades of bodywork experience truly make a difference.

I’ve spent thousands of hours studying the nervous system and the language of the body — learning how intentional, knowledgeable touch can calm anxiety and restore presence. During labor, when sensations are intense and emotions run high, I help you regulate your nervous system, grounding you in safety so you can stay connected to your body and your baby.

Touch is my greatest tool: grounding, present, calm, secure, safe. These aren’t just words — they’re the atmosphere I create through every moment of care. While many doulas offer emotional support and information, my unique approach combines that with skilled, embodied touch to help you feel anchored and empowered throughout your entire birth experience.

CREDENTIALS

  • Postpartum training at San Francisco Natural Resources Center, November 2021

  • Birth doula training at San Francisco Natural Resources Center, May 2023

  • Spinning Babies®️ Basics at John Muir Hospital, May 2023

  • Volunteer Birth Doula program at Berkeley Alta Bates Hospital with Hospital Friendly Doulas, September 2023–Ongoing

  • Spinning Babies®️ Aware Practitioner at John Muir Hospital, March 2024

  • Steve S | San Francisco, CA

    "I don't write reviews typically, but in this case, I wanted to pass on to readers this recommendation to definitely look to Ronit for massage and bodywork. She's professional, leverages her deep knowledge of muscle structure with massage and bodywork techniques to focus in on your own evolving needs. I first went to her when she was practicing at UCSF's wellness center and have been pleased to be able to reconnect with her at her own practice. Each session she's tune's into what's going on in-the-moment, adapts technical skill with what others have also mentioned, a caring approach and calming energy."

  • Bonnie F | San Francisco, CA

    "Ronit's massages are amazing!​ I have been seeing her regularly for about 1 year and she never disappoints. I feel very relaxed and happy after one of her sessions. She is very intuitive and also very knowledgeable about the body and remembers what areas you need which require special attention. I also love the fact that she is very open to suggestions as to what my requests are because she wants you to have a wonderful massage! AND she uses a non-oily organic gel that does not leave your skin feeling greasy.​ I have had literally hundreds of messages from many, many therapists over the past 45 years and Ronit is one of the best. I highly recommend her!"

  • Ariana G | Oakland, CA

    "If it was possible to give stars I would. Ronit is truly gifted in her craft. She is an artist and a magician and most importantly a skilled and intuitive listener. She listens to what I say I need/want as well as listening with her hands and with her heart. When I am able to visit Ronit I leave her office feeling like she has given me my life back. Thank you, Ronit for the gift of healing you bring to this world. I am truly grateful."

  • Iris C | San Francisco, CA

    "I'd like to start by saying that Ronit is an exceptional individual. There is something about her energy that is grounding and healing at the same time. I've had many massages in my life and over the years I used to enjoy the intense combination of deep tissue meets Swedish massage. Ronit's style is different yet super effective in allowing my body to let go of aches and distresses. She has a great flow and my body responds so beautifully to her caring yet very skilled hands, that I often find myself relaxing to a point of falling asleep. Her work feels holistic as if there is a shift in the energy of both my body and my mind. I've seen Ronit about a dozen times and I look forward to much more healing and nurturing sessions with her in the future!"