Birth is personal, and feeling understood matters.
Home birth midwifery from a Texas Licensed Midwife, plus doula support for hospital, birth center and home births. Care happens in ASL and written English, so you always know what is happening and why.
Salerno RL Salerno Martinez, LM, CPM is the first Deaf Licensed Midwife in the United States. Now booking 2027 families.
Comprehensive Support for Every Stage of Your Birth Journey
Support is offered in different roles depending on your needs. You can explore each option below to learn what type of care may be the best fit for you.
Home birth midwifery from a Texas Licensed Midwife, plus hospital-birth and postpartum-only options.
Birth assistant support and 72-hour visit coverage within 50 miles of 76133.
Getting started is simple, and every step happens in ASL or written English.
Pick a time on my calendar and we'll meet in person, with no pressure.
We talk through your hopes, your health history and which care option fits your family.
From pregnancy through postpartum, you always know what is happening and why.
I believe safe care includes accessible communication. From ASL-friendly visits to thoughtful birth support, our work centers respect, autonomy, and culturally aware care — whether I’m your midwife, your doula, or the birth assistant beside your midwife.
Deaf-led care brings a different level of attentiveness to birth spaces. Support here is visual-first, communication-aware, and grounded in calm presence, informed choice, and respect for each family’s autonomy.
Previous Doula Client
“Last month, my OBGYN said I would take a diabetic test and explained the procedures. I received the information through an interpreter. She wasn’t terrible. I understood it could affect the baby and place the baby at risk. Still, the information was through a third person. However, my very own doula who speaks my language, she and I had a direct conversation about this test. She gave me the formal name of this diabetes, gestational diabetes which was not visible to me during the appointment. Then, she proceeded to explaining that it’s also to discover if the mom developed diabetes during pregnancy. I never got that message. I never knew it could affect me as well until my DEAF Doula gave me direct access to the information. So, if I received a positive test via email, I would have never known to change my diet as well.”
Previous Apprentice Midwife Client
Salerno we were talking about you the other day. You did amazing and going to be a GREAT midwife. I look forward to hearing about the first Deaf Midwife. Keep up the great work!
Previous Apprentice Midwife Client
“I started having contractions on October 31st, but Ignatius didn’t come until November 2nd at 9:17 am. I can’t tell you how empowering it was to have an all natural at home birth. I was in active labor for over 7 almost 8 hours before this amazing doula came and it was the final piece we needed. He came shortly after she arrived. It’s amazing how God puts people in your path throughout life.”
Previous Doula Client
“I know if I could sign, I absolutely would (maybe one day I’ll learn!), but Salerno could literally read my movements before I even realized what I was doing. There was something so beautiful about the way she was able to connect with me without needing words. She was so attuned to my movements and cues, and I felt completely understood without having to explain myself.”
“Even watching y’all sign back and forth was so peaceful.”
Birth Assistant Client
“I felt safe, strong, supported, and confident.”
Previous Client
“Being encouraged both verbally and visually was such a gift.”
Previous Doula Client
“My OBGYN explained the test through an interpreter… but my very own doula who speaks my language had a direct conversation with me about it. I never knew it could affect me as well until my DEAF Doula gave me direct access to the information.”
Previous Doula Client
“She calmed my fears, talked me through everything, massaged my back and shoulders, and even ran her calming hands through my hair. When Rayleigh came into the world she came into a calm environment with so much love. If you hire her, you will never regret your decision!”
Previous Doula Client
“During the whole pregnancy she sent us really helpful topics, links and exercises… she keeps checking on us during postpartum and has even guided us in breastfeeding. Having Salerno as a doula was worth every single dollar. We recommend 1000% her services.”
Previous Doula Client
[Salerno] was super understanding and supportive regardless, she calmed my fears knowing I had lost a child many years before and just needed reassurance. I ended up going into labor a couple hours before midnight, [Salerno] was available for me, and as excited as I was I think! I had no epidural because of a bad experience with my first. I was so scared and worried I couldn’t do it. [Salerno] talked me through everything, massaged my back, shoulders, and even ran her calming hands through my hair. My labor lasted twelve hours [Salerno] talked to the nurses and asked questions, she was very thorough and I trusted her completely. (Still do!) When Rayleigh came into the world she came into a calm environment with so much love. Two months later we found out that Rayleigh had a heart defect and needed open heart surgery. It was the scariest thing I’ve ever gone through, but guess who was at the hospital brining me nursing cookies and calming reassurances…[Salerno]. She is a true miracle and blessing to me and my family. This is something she has an unbelievable amount of passion for, if you hire her, you will never regret your decision!
Previous Apprentice Midwife Client
Salerno, was also wonderful.
She was so kind and supportive and really added to the experience.
Previous Apprentice Midwife Client
Salerno was just as wonderful-together they are an amazing duo and made every interaction feel calm and comforting.
My 6-week postpartum checkup was the best l’ve ever experienced. Asia and Salerno took her time and actually did a full physical exam, making sure I was truly okay, not just checking a box and sending me on my way.
Previous Apprentice Midwife Client
Asia and Salerno are an incredible duo. After initially choosing hospital care for my 6th pregnancy, I realized how much I missed midwifery care and reached out to Asia late in my second trimester. She responded quickly, answered my concerns, and immediately brought me peace.
After my OB scheduled a C-section due to a transverse baby, Asia supported me through my fears, recommended Spinning Babies and inversions, and by my next appointment baby was head down and engaged. Having access to Asia’s birth pool allowed me to have a water birth again, which gave me so much comfort and peace.
They are incredibly family-oriented and included my children who were present at the birth, taking time to explain the process and even the placenta as questions came up. They also went above and beyond by ensuring newborn visits were completed the next day before an incoming winter storm so all mamas and babies were cared for.
I am so grateful for their care and would absolutely choose them again. Highly recommend.
Previous Apprentice Midwife Client
Her assistant Salerno was just as wonderful—together they are an amazing duo and made every interaction feel calm and comforting. My 6-week postpartum checkup was the best I’ve ever experienced. Asia and Salerno took her time and actually did a full physical exam, making sure I was truly okay, not just checking a box and sending me on my way.
If you are considering a natural home birth and want someone you can completely trust with you and your baby, GET YOU A ASIA! She is truly one of a kind, and I will forever be thankful for her care.
Previous Doula Client
Choosing birth support is deeply personal, and feeling safe, understood, and respected matters. At Deaf Birth Services, care is shaped around your communication needs, your values, and your vision for birth.
Led by Salerno RL Salerno Martinez, LM, CPM—a Deaf Licensed Midwife, Certified Birth Doula, and USAF Veteran—this work is grounded in clear communication, informed choice, and steady presence.
This is support that adapts to you, not the other way around.
Serving Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield, Burleson, Benbrook, Weatherford, Granbury, Cleburne, Keller, Hurst, Grand Prairie, Dallas and all of North Texas, with virtual doula support anywhere. Pregnancy, birth and postpartum care in ASL and English.
