Yael is the best! My wife was having our first baby at home and we knew that we needed some extra…read moresupport. Yael came over twice during the pregnancy to talk to us and answer any questions we had. She assisted us not only with preparing for the birth, but also with newborn care basics. During my wife's labor she was a calm spirit, who helped my wife feel comfortable and helped support me in knowing how I could help best. She was the best decision we made. In fact one of the first things my wife and I said the day after our daughter was born was that we didn't pay Yael enough. She is worth every penny! My wife is pregnant with our second child due this Winter and we are thrilled that Yael will be part of our birth team again.

Yael lives, breathes, dreams, and loves all things babies and mamas. She's insanely knowledgeable…read moreabout everything from pregnancy to birth to nursing and early babyhood. Her demeanor is calm, sober, empathetic, supportive, and pretty silly if that's what you're in to. She anticipated my needs before I knew I needed them and made me feel like I was the only person who mattered in life - and of course, my son too :). I recommend Yael to anybody looking to have the best, most authentic birth possible. And even if breastfeeding is going fine, it can always go better with Yael's help and attention. I love her. My little family and our birth experience wouldn't have been the same without her.

I highly recommend Karla and Narchi as an amazing team of doulas! I really wanted an all natural…read morebirth with no interventions, and they were essential in helping me successfully achieve my goal. They are both extremely warm and understanding people, and I immediately felt comfortable sharing everything with them. They are also very communicative and respond quickly and with very useful information. My husband and I learned many extremely useful tricks from our pre- and post-birth classes, such as the best breastfeeding and bathing techniques and how to correctly use a Boba wrap. My labor was long and drawn out - 4 days of start and stop contractions which didn't get closer together at the end! Therefore, all the usual sign posts didn't apply to us. If we hadn't had Karla to check in with and ask questions, not only would have been very hard to have the mental fortitude to be patient and let my body progress naturally, but we would have had no idea when to go to the hospital. Also, at a point when we were really stuck and exhausted, Karla was brilliant and essential in coaching me and my husband through to the next phase. And this was all done virtually, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and quarantine! I was very skeptical and disappointed when I had found out they wouldn't be able to attend in person. But it turns out Karla was still able to provide amazing and necessary service. When I went to the hospital, Karla was on the phone with me with earbuds the entire time. Turns out I was fully dilated when I arrived, much to everyone's surprise because my contractions were still on average 5 mins apart! Karla helped coach me through the pushing stage with great encouragement and my baby arrived completely naturally about 2 hours after arriving at the hospital. I couldn't have asked for better education, coaching and encouragement. Thank you Karla and Narchi!

I highly recommend Rachel and Sherraine! Rachel attended our birth but it was lovely meeting…read moreSherraine beforehand. Writing this review almost 6 months after giving birth so I had time to process everything. Rachel has this calming yet confident presence. She helped me tremendously during labor and worked well with my husband. It felt like she knew exactly what I needed without me saying much. She also knew when to hive us the time to be by ourselves and helped with food and drinks (birthing center). I am grateful she was part of this special day and she also took amazing pictures

This Bradley Method preparation class is amazing! I chose Bradley Method over hypno birthing or…read moreLamaze because as a long-distance runner it's approach to pain made more sense to me. Also, it seemed like a method that fully incorporated the partner and I wanted the birth experience to be for both of us, and for my partner to not simply be a mildly supportive by-stander. I chose Mary Esther's class based on the recommendation of the midwifery practice we are with and signed up months before it started. By the time it started I was sorry I'd chosen such an intensive class. 8 weeks instead of the couple of hours one session that most people I know had chosen for their birthing class! I was worried it was a waste of time and money, a rookie mistake from being a little too gung-ho at the beginning of the pregnancy. Those fears were gone by the end of the first class. We'd chosen the Sunday afternoon class since the weekday evening classes seemed too hard for this early bird (how does dinner work?) Our group was a a great and diverse mix of hospital/birthing center/home birth going with midwife/ob. We were surprised by just how diverse it was in terms of childbirth choices. The classes themselves were tremendously enjoyable. Mary Esther keeps a relaxed energy going through the class and from the beginning mentioned we should eat, drink and go to the bathroom as we wanted. With so many pregnant ladies in the room, we all did! I was worried about having to sit for so long, but though the main seats are uncomfortable, there are plenty of props to make yourself comfortable on the mat, and there are these little chairs that don't look very comfortable but are surprisingly comfy pregnant ladies. (I'm actually trying to figure out where I could get one for home. They're adorable and could double as kid's seats for later.) Plenty of people simply would simply lie down on the mat when they felt like it. But the main reason I recommend this class is for the effect it has had on me, my partner, and our relationship through this pregnancy. We've learned so much, and we're approaching this birth with a sense of joyful calm excitement I don't see in others who have not taken this class. As a type A, make the list and check it twice, and boss everyone around kind of person, it's been hard to get used to not being able to do everything I used to do before my pregnancy. But it seems like pregnancy and birth go much better when you learn that you can't control everything. You have to trust your body, and trust those around you. Learning to lean on my partner more has helped deepen our bond, and having my partner be so involved and so knowledgeable about what helps and what doesn't and giving me nightly massages (it's part of the homework! true story!) has helped me relax and go into this knowing I've done all I can, and that I'm in the best hands.

I hated this class with Mary Esther Malloy. Hated. I actually threw up from how much stress this…read moreclass caused me, not once but TWICE. So we quit after 4 sessions even though it meant forfeiting the $450 fee (although ME said she would refund it if I took down my review...). I had heard great things about this class before enrolling. This review is my opinion and you should feel free to trust other people as you see fit. I am having a hard time organizing in my head all of my issues with this class and with ME so I will just try to make a list. Some things might not be that carefully explained though so send me a message if you want more information on anything I say. 1) ME spends a lot of time telling stories from births where she has been the doula. She does not spend enough time with the students on preparing for their own birth experience. She spends a short period of time going over labor positions and a short period of time on techniques to deal with pain. She never in any way ties in the Bradley Method with the stories she tells. 2) The Bradley Method is very partner oriented. AKA, I felt fairly unimportant in the class. I felt like my husband could have gone to the class without me and when he got home asked me to hold ice for a minute while deep breathing. That sounds super useful in labor. Wait, no it doesn't. 3) ME is really condescending. She showed scientific pictures to the class and asked the class to guess how dilated the cervix was in those pictures. In one picture my husband guessed "5" and she laughed. Actually laughed. Then a doctor and a midwife also taking the class said they thought 5 or maybe 6. And she let it go. There was no answer on the picture but if a doctor and a midwife agrees, I think you should apologize to my husband for laughing at him. Twice in the first class I felt like it was better to keep my mouth shut than to offer an answer. And so I really did become mute. Oh, then after the class I cried. At least it wasn't on the first day of class when I threw up. 4) Everyone in the class is expecting a different birth experience. Some were using a birth center, some a hospital and just me and my husband were planning a home birth. I felt like she taught the class for those using a hospital and glossed over the other options. She would teach something oriented to being in a hospital and then as an after thought say how it would differ in a birth center or at home. So I felt really confused taking in all of this unnecessary information and trying to identify what actually applied to me. 5) ME is entirely unreachable by email or phone. She might reply a week later - Depends what her three kids have going on that week, you know? The contract for the class states that she would be accessible by email or phone throughout the class but that's laughable. 6) ME ignores the needs of pregnant women taking the class. I was signed up for the summer intensive course which is 8 classes that are each 3 hours long. She would take a break where people would gobble down some dinner at around 8:15pm. She didn't take any other breaks. The chairs are super uncomfortable but so is sitting on the floor. No pregnant woman can really sit still for 3 hours. By the end of the classes my back and stomach would be killing me. There was nothing I could do to make sitting for 3 hours comfortable. 7) ME never told us to bring the binder she handed out to every class. In fact, looking through it it seems like extra information (which it for the most part is) so I was never even sure what pages from it she might want us to bring to the next class. Stating that to the class would be really useful. Again, ignoring the needs of pregnant women (to not carry around an unnecessary binder of articles that barely matter). 8) The materials are very outdated. The creators of the Bradley Method should be embarrassed to show videos from the 1970s and videos where the words "civilized people" are uttered. 9) It is hard to wrap my own head around why this class caused me such extreme stress so bear with me. If you are a Type A person like myself, you like to feel in control. Now, with labor, there is a lot you can't control. I get that. But the idea that I have to hand over control to my husband or I will fail at my natural childbirth is really disarming. It caused me to feel physically ill to think that the success of my birth plan really has very little to do with me and a lot to do with how well my husband interprets my needs. 10) After quitting this class we decided to purchase Hypnobabies. Hypnobabies puts me squarely in control of my ability to completely relax and treats my husband like the support person that he is. It is a way better fit and apparently what ME used herself!

Leigh was an incredible birthing coach for us, and she kept things fun and peppy the whole time…read more We're expecting our first kid, and while we're very comfortable with babies and excited about what's to come, it turned out there was so much we had no idea we didn't know! We're so glad we had these sessions with Leigh because now we have a confidence and awareness about what to expect with the stages of labor, the processes at the hospital (especially how much agency parents have with respect to them), and the first couple of weeks at home. Leigh came highly recommended to us and now we see why. We would enthusiastically recommend her to every family expecting a new addition!

As first time parents, we were so thankful to have taken Leigh's 5-week childbirth education…read moreseries! We found the course invaluable - Leigh is extremely knowledgeable, engaging, personable, and passionate about all things birth. Her warmth and openness fostered an environment where we felt comfortable asking any question and felt supported with numerous online resources, book recommendations, and community connections. We were also able to connect with other couples expecting around the same time which has been great! Under normal circumstances, we couldn't recommend Leigh's class enough, but with covid-19 and ever-changing hospital policies/ uncertainty, Leigh really went above and beyond to keep us focused on and confident about how to navigate our birth during this stressful time. We were lucky to have completed the class in person but have since engaged with Leigh a few times virtually as well. She has been an incredible resource as we welcomed our baby boy into the world. We highly recommend Leigh!!

We are first-time parents who were set up with Kathy and Kim through this service, and had a truly…read moreincredible experience working with them. It meant so much to have such kind and capable hands around as we transition into life with a baby. I could tell they both really care about the mom and especially the baby's wellbeing, which means so much as a mom. Both Kathy and Kim are such kind people and are so easy to be around, and I really enjoyed having them as part of our family for these last few weeks. Ruth, You are lucky to have them on your team, and I highly recommend Ruth's service to anyone looking for a doula.

We had a phenomenal experience working with Tishara as a night doula. Tishara was incredibly…read moreprofessional, knowledgeable, and a huge help in learning how to understand and care for our newborn. We are incredibly grateful for her assistance!

Megan Davidson was a life-changing partner in my husband and I's journey during pregnancy and…read morepost-partum. As a 42-year-old woman trying to have her first baby, my husband and I knew we needed support through our journey. My OB/GYN practice, Spring OB/GYN in Soho, has a list of recommended doulas, and we called every single one, including Megan. After speaking with Megan, we knew immediately she was the doula we wanted to work with because of who she is and how she works. She is kind, committed, and warm, while also being clear, transparent, approachable and available. She loves what she does, she cares deeply about her clients, and you see that first hand as she goes above and beyond to support their success. The more we met and spoke with Megan, the more we experienced first-hand how deeply experienced, knowledgeable, and helpful she was. We attended every virtual workshop she offered and both my husband and I found them invaluable in preparing and educating us for the big day. The day I went into labor, (January 12, 2024) we texted with Megan right away and through the entire time leading up to leaving our apartment 18 hours later. When it was time to head to NYU (our hospital), we felt ready because of all her coaching. She offered to meet us at our apartment in Boerum Hill or the hospital, and we opted for the latter. Meghan was there waiting for us when the uber dropped us off and as we walked into the hospital together, we knew we had a true champion on our team. Over the next 24 hours, she supported me, guided me, supported and guided my husband, helped us advocate for ourselves and advocated for us. She was extraordinary. I had gone into the hospital with my birth plan, thanks to Megan, and I really wanted to have a vaginal birth if possible. After nearly 24 hours in labor, I was working towards a deadline. If I didn't hit a progress mark, I would have to have a c-section, but then I went into involuntary labor. We asked for the doctor, and were told that someone else could check-in with us. We knew we wanted to see the OB and Meghan helped get the doctor sent to our room - 16 minutes later we had a beautiful little boy. Not only did Megan get us prepared for a successful labor and delivery, she has been with us ever since. She responded to some frantic questions early in our parenthood, and has always been happy to text or hop on the phone to talk us through any topics or concerns. We hope to have another baby in a year or two, and she will be the first person we call to work with her again. We could not recommend her any more highly. She is the best in her field.

I had the most beautiful, positive birthing experience with my first child in large part thanks to…read moreMegan - hiring her was the best investment I could have made. She provided so many useful classes and personal calls throughout my pregnancy, and during the birth she helped me labor at home and leave for the hospital at the best time. She was a huge advocate throughout the birth, providing such a calming yet confident presence that helped my husband and me feel incredibly at ease and taken care of. She even took photos the moment my daughter was born that I'll cherish forever. I was so fearful of birth and left with such happy memories of the entire experience. She has also provided invaluable advice and support postpartum as well. I cannot recommend Megan enough for anyone expecting!

I just realized that I started this review back when I was pregnant in 2014, but never ended up…read moreposting it... so here we go! I said it once, and I'll say it again... Dhay is AWESOME! I can't imagine in what shape this preggo body would be in if it wasn't for her treatments. I started experiencing a lot of back pain during my second trimester and a friend referred me to Dhay who came to my rescue. I made an appointment and she was able to see me right away and was super flexible with scheduling. She has after-work hours and the location was easy and convenient to get to. The only thing that was a bit frustrating is dealing with my insurance company. Dhay was considered an out-of-network provider which means they do not cover any of the cost of treatments, but Dhay diligently followed up with them to try and make things work for me so I could pay less for the treatments.. at the end of the day, the insurance company didn't cover any of the costs, but it was still SOO worth it paying out of pocket. Highly recommended! I wish I was still in NY so I can use her again with my next pregnancy!

I agree with all of the previous positive comments here. I started with Dhay in my third trimester…read moreof pregnancy and must say it was worth all of the time and effort to trek into the city from Brooklyn to see Dhay. I was reluctant at first to get prenatal massage because a friend who was pregnant had once said "What's the point? you immediately go back to being achy and creaky again". Boy was she wrong and I was sorry I had waited until my third trimester to talk to my doctor and get referred to Dhay. After a 90 minute massage (always coupled with a mini-session to discuss how I was feeling and at home exercises and remedies) I left her office feeling great for the day and was sure to get a good night's rest, which when you are coming down to the end days is priceless. And sure my friend was right in the sense that within 24 hours my body had assumed most of its tightness, but to have that tightness be relived for an entire day was wonderful and more importantly only allow it to build up for a week, prevented further pain and aches. I also worked with a personal trainer and would share my progress with Dhay, she had great advice that also helped inform my work in the gym. I truly have to say that because of my work with Dhay, I had a very happy and healthy third trimester and an incredibly easy labor, even for a second child.

Kasia is a breath of fresh air - much needed - when you're getting ready to bring a baby into the…read moreworld. I especially appreciated her Theta healing. I had a toddler while pregnant with my second and my work with Kasia created space for self care. Additionally Kasia provides guidance on nutrition and anything else you might need both prior to birth and afterwards. She's a wonderful resource. Birth is one of life's greatest transformations of energy. Having Kasia in the room made me feel supported on all levels. Her genuine presence made me feel safe and relaxed. I cannot recommend her enough.

Kasia epitomizes the name of her company- Honor Nature. She has facilitated me in having the most…read morebeautiful natural birthing experience with confidence. She is very knowledgeable, caring, warm and is there to truly assist you in any way possible. I also had a Theta Healing session with Kasia, her calming presence and genuine intentions will help you ground and reconnect you to your higher self. Being an expectant mother can feel overwhelming and scattered at times, she has helped me to restore myself and paved a way for the big day. During my vulnerable moments, I know that I can always count on her. I don't know how I would've been able to endure the entire labor process without her, seriously! She is a godsend to me!!!