Hi! I’m Sienna Dear (she/they).

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I’ve always had an interest in supporting people. After studying psychology in undergrad at Harvard, I took the opportunity to serve with AmeriCorps in Boston in an elementary classroom. Although I loved working with young people and the world of education, I was tired (if you know, you know); I looked for more “behind the scenes” work. I spent a few years doing administrative and operational work at an education nonprofit, and then a few more years at a different nonprofit. Although I enjoyed seeing my support facilitate ease and systems for others, something was missing: a depth of work based in relationships.

The original seed of practicing birthwork was planted in me over a decade ago attending the birth of my second niece. Around the time I was considering a career shift, several of my friends had begun their own unique experiences through pregnancy and transitioning into parenthood, and thus the seed started ~germinating~. I witnessed challenges (and joys!) my friends faced, and I also reflected on my sister’s invitation to provide her support all those years ago and I decided to start exploring the birthwork world more. As I’ve deepened my own understanding of reproductive experiences, my passion and call to do this work has only continued to grow. And now, as a full spectrum doula, I feel I am blooming into a role where I can be a positive and grounding support to people and families in these transitions.

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My approach is rooted in the belief that you know what’s best for you. I’m here to support your exploration that informs those choices, affirm and be an advocate to help you uphold those choices you make, and remind you of your strength to get through. I am honored by the ability to witness people move through this transition and do not take it lightly.

My goal is to make sure you feel supported in each decision you make, and empowered by knowledge about all the options available to you. With me, you will feel seen, held, heard, and as grounded as you can be for whatever comes in your labor and birth.

I am committed to serving all people and families, and I am especially committed to affirming those with queer/LGBTQIA+ identities, those that are neurodivergent, those in nontraditional family structures and those in polyamorous relationships. If you’re feeling called to work with me, I’d love to meet you.

My Trainings & Learning

I’m committed to ongoing learning so that I can better support people and families like you and yours.

Certifications

Certification in progress with Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings, Spring 2025
I’m happy to share more about my stage of certification if you have any questions.
Certified from the American Red Cross until June 22, 2027. Certificate available upon request.

Classes & Workshops

In this workshop from Birthing from Within, I learned ways to introduce and explore cesarean birth with parents, from those who are actively planning cesarean births to those who are resistant to even thinking about it.
With the EMA Fund and Doula Association for Reproductive Loss and Abortion (DARLA) I learned how to support people seeking abortions. DARLA is a project of the Abortions Rights Fund of Western Massachusetts.
With Holistic Abortions I deepening my understanding of the historical context of abortions, the current landscape, and expanding the ways I’m able to provide care to those seeking abortions.
Fall 2025
With ND Birth I learned more about experiences of neurodivergent people perinatally and how to better support both birthing people and their partners.
November 2025

My Approach & Values

Evidence based.

For you to be able to make informed decisions, you need and deserve to be equipped with evidence-based information. I’ll equip you with the known benefits, risks, and alternatives, (and research them alongside you when I don’t readily know!) and with your own understanding of yourself, I know you’ll make the best choices you can for yourself and your family. I will support your informed choices entirely.

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Collaboration.

With you, with your partner or loved support people, with your providers.

As your doula, I am committed to you having a positive and empowering birth experience. I will work with you to ensure that I show up in the ways you most need me and be your thought partner for whatever questions or concerns may come up. I will also work with your partner and family to both support them and help them better show up for you in the ways you need. Lastly, you can expect me to be professional and collaborative with your providers to ensure that we are working as a team to create the best and safest birth environment for you.

Trauma informed.

I aim to create a safe, supported, and trusting environment for all people I work with because I know that trauma does not manifest in any one way or only for certain people. Especially in the space of reproductive care, I know that trauma can be experienced firsthand and trigger past experiences. I want all people that I work with, and especially those who have experienced trauma, to navigate this space with empowerment and support.

Advancing Reproductive Justice.

We do not live in a society that allows all people (particularly, but not only, people who are Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Queer and Trans people, and Disabled people) to decide if or when they want to be a parent - and this extends beyond abortion rights!

SisterSong defines Reproductive Justice as the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities. I strongly believe in the need for Reproductive Justice in our communities and commit to rooting my practice, learning, and advocacy toward a world where Reproductive Justice is a realized human right.

A bit more about me

I grew up in a rural town in Western New York (my graduating class was less than 100!) and came out to Boston for college in 2010 and here I have stayed. At home, I recharge by snuggling up with our two cats, Peri and Nova, crocheting, playing video games or Magic the Gathering with my partner, and experimenting with some sort of fermentation project. I’ve also stayed in touch with my inner jock and play recreational field hockey when I can!