I found Labor of Love by doing some of my own research online. And thank God I did! My doula,…read moreKaren, was my rock throughout my labor and was 100,000 percent amazing--I'll definitely be working with her for my second! A little backstory: I was overwhelmed and so nervous about finding "the one" person to be a part of the most important event of my life. After doing my research and reading through all these bios, I honestly was left feeling overwhelmed, especially knowing how indecisive I can be. I knew I just had to trust my intuition and my gut on this one! After looking at Karen's bio on their website, I had such a good feeling. Staci (the owner), who was super friendly and professional, helped me get connected with Karen, and I booked an interview right away! Karen was so sweet and asked me about my pregnancy experience so far. We discussed how I wanted my birth to go and any concerns I had. There wasn't any pressure to hire her, and it just felt like she was already invested in me, like I was already family. I even had her video chat with my husband to make sure we both felt comfortable and vibed well together--and we sure did! Overall, Karen ended up being the perfect balance of knowledge, experience, and professionalism. It was the most perfect amount of care I could have asked for. She was also such an advocate for my birth plan to work out. Before, during, and after my labor and birth, she was always naturally in tune with what I needed. She was never overbearing, worked so well with my husband, and gave him space to be a part of my support team as well. I am so grateful to have come across Labor of Love

The business owner is quite the opposite of the type of person any vulnerable new mom should have…read moreto work with. My experience with Labor of Love was almost two years ago now but continues to upset me when thinking back on my experience. We hired Lauren as our doula, who made it clear she expected us to go far past my due date as a first time mom. While it's possible for that to happen, it didn't in my case. At 39 weeks and at 5am while in active labor and getting ready to head to the hospital, she let us know she had Covid. Her backup was Karen, who I wish we hired to begin with as she is far more caring and professional. Though unfortunately our experience still fell short and we ultimately delivered without Karen present. We were left feeling like we invested a lot of emotion and money into this process with ultimately no help. Staci has been incredibly rude to us since then and even revoked our access to watch her training videos, sending me a link to pay her once again when wanting to rewatch for our now second baby on the way. Karen herself even recommended we ask for a partial refund due to our experience, but Staci lacks the professionalism and courtesy to her clients. Truly mindblowing that she revoked access to the training videos after we had already paid for them. I would stay far away and recommend a more experienced and caring doula group.

I decided to hire a birth doula because I knew I was going to need the emotional and physical…read moresupport for an unmedicated labor/birth (I can imagine having a doula even medicated is just as important with first baby). I labored for 18 hours and Francesca was a huge support from the moment I started to feel my contractions. She really listened to my needs, was hands on, and so helpful the entire time. Looking back I wish I even hired her for the postpartum care. I love Francesca. Thank you for doing what you do to support us mamas. You are amazing!

My very first prenatal yoga class I was 4 months and I got lucky! I met Francesca and immediately…read morefelt I'd met a genuine spirit. Not only were her prenatal classes amazing but I find out she's a doula I attended a few of Francesca's classes but sadly my schedule changed and there was a conflict of time. So I stoped attending and wouldn't you know Francesca reached out to me. Asked me how I was doing and that she missed seeing me in class. I can't tell you how special that made me feel. So I tried my best to make it to her classes .... But then in walks Covid with all its stay at home quarantine SAS! At this point I'm 7 months. And I now feel my pregnancy plan to stay active is going down the drain. But wait... there's a rainbow at the end of this freak show. Francesca to the rescue ... she starts offering online prenatal classes and I'm so happy I cry. *all those hormones* talk about hot mess. I now attend her classes just about every day AND I ask her to be my Doula She and her classes helped me get through a lot of anxiety. Being pregnant and so close to giving birth during a pandemic..... it got pretty dark there for a min. But Francesca is very informative and has this calmness about her.... She's all the good things you need/ want from a prenatal yoga teacher/ doula While she could not be with me in the delivery room she was with me through phone and text guiding me through. My husband and I couldn't have been more grateful. So in conclusion Francesca is a Unicorn! And I love her... but you'll find that out once you take her classes or have her as your doula

We cannot say enough amazing things about our experience with Sandra from…read moreOC Newborn Quality Care! As first-time parents, we were completely overwhelmed by all the conflicting advice on the internet about sleep training. Our 4-month-old daughter was struggling with sleep, and we felt lost--until Sandra came into the picture. Sandra guided us for four consecutive nights and transformed the way we approached sleep training. From the very beginning, she impressed us with her professionalism, deep knowledge, and endless patience. She explained each step in a way that made us feel comfortable and confident, and she was so easy to communicate with--always calm, reassuring, and supportive. To our surprise, we began to see real results by the second night. By the end of the fourth night, our daughter was not only sleeping so much better at night but also learning to self-soothe. This has been life-changing for us as parents--finally getting solid rest ourselves has made such a difference, especially since we both have demanding jobs and long workdays. Sandra gave us the tools and guidance we truly needed, and we feel so grateful for her expertise. If you are a new parent in need of support, especially with sleep training, we wholeheartedly recommend Sandra. She was exactly what our family needed, and we couldn't be happier with the results!

I can't say enough wonderful things about Sandra and Helen! As a second-time mom, I knew how…read morechallenging those early days could be--especially the sleep deprivation and postpartum anxiety I experienced the first time around. I was very hesitant and anxious about having someone come into our home when our baby was just three days old, but choosing to work with Sandra and Helen was truly the best decision we could have made. They were not only professional and reliable but also incredibly kind, nurturing, and respectful of our space and parenting style. From the first night, they brought a sense of calm and reassurance that allowed me to rest and heal, knowing our baby was in the most capable and loving hands. Thanks to them, I was able to be more present for both my newborn and older child during the day. I also attribute the fact that I did not struggle with postpartum anxiety the second time around to this team. If you're a parent considering night support and feeling unsure, I completely understand--but I can wholeheartedly recommend Sandra and Helen. They made a world of difference for our family during a time when we needed it most.

This review is long overdue but that's happens when you've got kids because time flies!…read more With this being our second birth, we felt comfortable hiring Florencia for day of doula support and we are so happy we did! Doulas are truly invaluable people and if you're thinking about whether you really need one, you absolutely do!! From the start, she provided excellent guidance and was a steady, reassuring presence throughout the entire process. During labor, her constant affirmations helped me stay calm and focused, reminding me to breathe most of all! Her words of encouragement were exactly what I needed to stay centered and trust my body. With the birth of my first child being slightly traumatic, Florencia was there to guide me through a truly healing and unmedicated vbac second delivery! We truly felt supported every step of the way, and I can't recommend her enough!

Florencia is ABSOLUTELY awesome !!!! Highly highly recommend her to anyone and everyone. From the…read morecommunication, patients, desire to teach, just be there for me and my wife with whatever we needed for our first child, was an absolutely great experience with her.

I took Lia's childbirth class during my first pregnancy in 2023. I live in South Orange County, so…read morethe drive was a bit of a commitment, but it was absolutely worth it. Being in class with other expectant couples created such a supportive environment, and the course was incredibly comprehensive. It gave me the knowledge and confidence to navigate a hospital birth and make informed decisions about the many interventions that are commonly offered. At 38 weeks, my water broke unexpectedly while I was riding a stationary bike. I immediately reached out to Lia for guidance. Since I wasn't experiencing a fever or any signs of infection, she explained that I had options: I could either go to the hospital right away or stay home and wait for labor to begin naturally. She also educated me about the fact that the body continues producing amniotic fluid and that, in some cases, a small rupture in the membranes may even reseal. Knowing that going to the hospital before labor started would likely lead to an induction (which wasn't aligned with my goal of having an unmedicated birth) I chose to stay home and monitor myself. The night before my 39-week OB appointment, I was feeling anxious. I knew that if my provider confirmed my water had broken before labor had started, induction would almost certainly be recommended. I reached out to Lia again, and she suggested trying the Miles Circuit. I followed the stretches that evening, and to my surprise, I went into early labor around 1:00 a.m. Whether it was the Miles Circuit, my body simply being ready, or a combination of both, it gave me the confidence to keep trusting the process. In January 2024, I welcomed a healthy baby girl through the unmedicated birth I had hoped for. While my hospital experience was unfortunately traumatic, the education Lia provided made all the difference. There were many moments when my husband, my doula, and I had to advocate for my birth preferences, and it wasn't always met with respect. Without the knowledge and confidence I gained from Lia's class, I truly believe my birth could have unfolded very differently. I'm now pregnant with my second baby, and one of the first things I did was sign up to retake Lia's class. One of the biggest perks is that once you've taken her course, you can retake it as many times as you'd like for free. Childbirth education isn't something you only benefit from once, and I love having the opportunity to refresh everything I've learned before welcoming another baby. I'm incredibly grateful for everything Lia taught us. Her class empowered me to make informed decisions, advocate for myself, and approach birth with confidence. I wholeheartedly recommend her course to any expecting parents, especially those hoping for an evidence-based, physiologic birth. Even if you have to drive a little farther to attend like I did, it's worth every mile.

We took Lia's virtual Bradley method class, and would highly recommend it for any expecting…read moreparents. First off, it can be hard to find time to take a birth class, and Lia chooses convenient times, with multiple options to choose from. It's a very comfortable classroom atmosphere where I felt good to ask any question, or add any comment. Lia keeps it fun and interesting, and is a great teacher. Lia is also available outside of class for questions, and she is super responsive. It shouldn't really matter if a doula has been pregnant herself.... But it was really helpful to hear about her first hand experiences and to know that she has gone through it all before. I just wish we in lived in LA so that we could have Lia as our Doula.

Having Jessie as a midwife enabled me to have the most beautiful pregnancy and birth experience. I…read morefeel so grateful that I had the ability to have a home birth because it was a life changing and transformative experience, and that was in no small part due to who Jessie is and how she works. Contrasting from OB care where every appointment is hurried and routine, Jessie invests in you as a person. Appointments are up to one hour and explore all aspects of health: physical, emotional, mental, etc. Jessie has a magical way about her in the way she advises you and listens that's non-judgmental but supportive. I felt so empowered and supported through it all. During the birth, I'll never forget when Jessie looked me in the eye as I neared the end and told me the only way out was through and I took a big breath and powered through. We did a home, water birth and it was the most special experience. I hope more and more women are able to navigate pregnancy and birth with Jessie or midwives like her. And overall I left this experience wiser about my own body and health, prepared to care for our baby, more confident and more.

This review is long over due. First and foremost the quality of care you will receive from Jessie…read moreprenatally and postpartum is like nothing you will ever experience from a traditional OB/ Provider. She is genuinely caring, compassionate, nurturing and responsive. We had a few scares during our pregnancy that of course had to happen later at night and she was quick to answer and respond in a calm but urgent way. The same has been true postpartum. She ALWAYS has you & your babies health and best interests in mind when discussing options and care. She is informative and relays the perfect mix of holistic/ evidence based medicine and western medicine if needed. Once you have a conversation with her you'll understand why she is the best. Jessie, We love you so much and we are so grateful that you were with us every step of the way to bring our baby girl into the world happy and healthy.

Choosing Valerie to be my doula was without a doubt the best decision I made for my pregnancy and…read morebirth journey. Going through pregnancy and labor for the very first time was incredibly scary, but having Valerie by my side made all the difference. She was a truly essential support system for me--from the early stages straight through every single contraction. When the pain felt overwhelming, she stayed grounded with me, helped me find my inner strength, and refused to let me feel alone. Beyond her incredible physical and emotional support during labor, Valerie showed an extraordinary level of professionalism and dedication. She calmly handled challenging and unusual circumstances--including mediating sensitive marital communications with my husband--with complete grace, tact, and composure. She never shyed away from difficult moments or complex dynamics; instead, she stepped up as a reassuring, balanced mediator when I needed it most. Valerie was truly always there when I needed her. Her strength, unwavering presence, and deep compassion made a profound impact on my birth experience, and I am so deeply grateful to have had her support. If you are looking for a doula who is compassionate, fearless, and reliable through every step of the process, I cannot recommend Valerie highly enough!

Going with Breezy Doula was my favorite decision during pregnancy! Wanted to update my previous…read morereview, post delivery. Long story short, I labored at home starting at 6am, got to triage at 1pm (5cm dilated 80% effaced), got to our room at 2pm, and our baby was here by 4:08pm! Because I was SO SO terrified of the epidural needle, catheter, and the whole epidural process, my birth preference from the first trimester was to not get it. Truly believe this was not possible without all the skills and tips I learned from Bree's Hypnobirthing course, Spinning Babies course, partner support or support from my doula, Carla. For months, my husband and I religiously listened to the Hypnobirthing tracks at bedtime and did the readings provided randomly throughout the day. We really learned it is not about pain tolerance but mostly mental prep. During early labor, the poses we learned during our Spinning Babies class really helped! -- Carla (birth doula): Exactly the energy, support and vibe we were going for! We really loved how we were able to communicate with her as soon as we booked. She would regularly check in on us and send us links to free events / classes and other resources. Carla was always SO warm, responsive, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend including her in your doula interview process :) Kalista (placenta encapsulation): We had so many questions about the whole process, Kalista was very patient and great at explaining everything in a way that was easy to understand! We received our kit prior to birth without any issues. Post birth, we loved the care, info, and packaging! Definitely worth a call with Kalista if you're interested in learning more or encapsulating. -- If you're on the fence about any of this, definitely check out one of the free events hosted by Breezy Doula! You'll definitely see and feel the community and passion Bree and her team pour into their work.

Harley has the biggest heart and it's definitely someone you want in your corner in such a…read moretransformative experience as pregnancy, birth and postpartum. When I had moments during my pregnancy where I would start to doubt myself or feel unsure of my choices, Harleyann was right there to walk me through it and help me remember how capable I am. During my labor she was super communicative with my husband and not only supported me emotionally but supported him supporting me. Harleyann really cares that you feel safe and confident during your birth experience. Her understanding support and care was a huge part of having a positive pregnancy and birth experience. Would absolutely recommended her. She is amazingly knowledgeable and compassionate.

Harley was extremely helpful during my birth process! She was very knowledgeable and guided me…read morealong the way into making my decisions! She wouldn't let my doctor fear monger me and she was my voice when I needed one!

I didn't know where to start in searching for a doula, and I'm so glad I came across this marching…read moreservice. It was an easy and quick process that helped me find a doula with some pretty specific preferences I had in mind. They gave me several great options and matched me with my doula who I absolutely love!

The Doulas of Orange County is a wonderful service that helped my wife and me out tremendously in…read moreour search for a birth doula. With so many doulas available, it was overwhelming knowing where to start our search. Doulas of Orange County simplified everything by first gathering a list of what we wanted and matching us with the perfect doulas who aligned with our vision and our budget. The process was easy to understand, and they consistently informed us every step along the way to keep us in the loop. Thank you, Doulas of Orange County!

Lauren is an exceptional doula and we feel incredibly grateful to have had her as part of our birth…read moreexperience. She is extremely knowledgeable about all things labor and delivery, works seamlessly with the staff at Hoag Newport, and is fantastic at collaborating with the husband (me) both leading up to and during labor and delivery. Lauren even came to our home ahead of time to see our space and provide education, which was such a thoughtful and comforting touch. She truly has a gift for bringing calm, clarity, and confidence to the birth process. She was texting us consistently leading up to going to the hospital, which made us feel deeply supported, cared for, and never alone. We would absolutely recommend Lauren to anyone looking for a doula who is skilled, compassionate, and genuinely invested in your experience.

Lauren was my doula for the birth of both of my children. Like many first time parents, we had…read moreabsolutely no idea what to expect for birth or the post partum period. She had very helpful info on the birth process, options for birth plans etc. we were so thankful for her guidance with our first. I had to be induced both times and labored with pitocin. For my first birth Lauren really stepped up to help me meditate through the contractions when I started to panic. During my recent second birth, she helped me stretch and move around to reposition my baby and help him move down. She also can take photos/videos of the birth if you want and took the most beautiful photos for both of my children! Overall she's super knowledgeable, wants to advocate for you at whatever level you're comfortable with, and just generally helps everything go more smoothly. Highly recommended Lauren as a birth doula!