At the heart of my work is a simple belief: every parent deserves to feel seen, understood, and supported during their birth journey. I proudly serve Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and hearing families, meeting each person where they are and honoring their unique communication needs.
I’m Salerno RL Salerno Martinez—a Deaf doula, apprentice midwife, and USAF Veteran—and my lived experience shapes how I show up in birth spaces. I understand how easily voices can be missed or decisions misunderstood when communication isn’t clear. That awareness guides my commitment to accessible, respectful care rooted in trust and advocacy.
Support is offered alongside you, not over you. Whether during pregnancy, birth, or postpartum, my role is to help bridge communication, navigate decisions, and ensure your voice is honored—so you can feel confident, informed, and supported during one of the most meaningful times of your life.
Every family is different, and your care should reflect that. I approach birth support with flexibility, curiosity, and deep respect for your needs, questions, and hopes for your experience.
From prenatal conversations and birth planning to labor support and postpartum care, I offer guidance that is thoughtful, practical, and grounded. I take the time to listen—really listen—so the care you receive aligns with your values and priorities.
In birth spaces, my presence is calm, attentive, and visually responsive. Whether this is your first birth or you’re growing your family in a new season of life, you don’t have to navigate it alone. We move through this journey together, one informed decision at a time.
At Deaf Birth Services, inclusivity isn’t a slogan—it’s how care is practiced, moment by moment. I support families with care that is accessible, culturally respectful, and rooted in clear communication.
I work directly in American Sign Language (ASL) and use thoughtful visual and written communication tools as needed. Whether I’m serving as a doula, birth assistant, or apprentice midwife, my focus is on helping birthing people feel understood, supported, and never overlooked.
My goal is to help create a birth environment where families feel safe, respected, and empowered—from pregnancy through postpartum—with care that honors each person’s dignity, choices, and communication preferences.
Deaf Birth Services didn’t happen overnight. This work has grown through lived experience, training, mentorship, and a deep commitment to providing accessible, inclusive care for families across North Texas. Each step reflects a continued dedication to learning, accountability, and community-centered birth support.
Dare 2 Doula
Originally established to provide specialized doula services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community by bridging communication gaps and ensuring accessible and empowering care during life's most precious moments. These roots in inclusivity and support set the stage for the growth and evolution of our company today.
Earned Childbirth International (CBI) certification, further solidifying expertise and dedication to quality care.
Deaf Birth Services, LLC
Formation of Deaf Birth Services LLC and DBA Dare 2 Doula by Salerno, expanding services to reach a broader community.
Learn, Earn and Serve Academy
Attended a Birth Assistant training course and began supporting midwives in the out-of-hospital birth space, honing skills to align with the mission of Deaf Birth Services—ensuring accessible, inclusive, and empowering care for all families.
PEP Phase I documentation and submission.
Began an apprenticeship with For The People Birth Equity as an apprentice midwife, working through phase II in the PEP process to become a licensed and certified professional midwife in the State of Texas under the NARM Certified Preceptor Jennifer Mozeke, BSM, LM.
PEP Phase II Documentation
Began an apprenticeship with Always BirthCentered as an apprentice midwife, working through phase III-IV in the PEP process to become a licensed and certified professional midwife in the State of Texas under the NARM Certified Preceptor Asia Jones LM, CPM
PEP Phase II Submission and Phase II/IV Documentation and Submission
Hi, I’m Salerno RL Salerno Martinez—a Deaf USAF Veteran, doula, and student midwife. I’m honored to support families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and I care deeply about creating spaces where you feel safe, supported, and truly heard.
My experience as a Deaf woman shapes how I move through birth spaces. I prioritize clear, inclusive communication and intentional support, so you don’t have to wonder whether your voice or choices are being respected. I want you to feel confident and cared for every step of the way.
My military background taught me the importance of trust, advocacy, and staying grounded when things feel big or uncertain. Those values guide how I support families—with calm presence, respect, and compassion.
Whether you’re Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or hearing with a Deaf Heart, you are welcome here. If this approach feels aligned, I would be honored to walk alongside you during your birth journey.
