My wife and I had our third baby at home through Thrive in November, and again, I can do nothing…read morebut sing their praises. I had complete confidence that Thrive had our best interests at heart every moment my wife and son were in their care. As usual, they practiced informed consent, validation of experiences, and love to a degree that I have never seen or even dreamed of previously in health care settings. The highlight of this birth experience was (of course) the birth itself. This time we were graced with three of the midwives through good fortune. Again, immediately after birth, our newborn struggled to take his first breaths. We waited about 8 minutes for him to take that first breath, and yet, my wife, daughter, son and I were all calm and felt immensely supported in that moment by the three women in our presence who absolutely knew what their calling was and what their roles were in that moment. It is hard to comprehend how different that experience could have felt from a sterile, medical, environment of a hospital, and how different our newborn's first few minutes, hours, and days after birth could have been. Not to mention how the perception and feelings surrounding births could have been malformed for our young son and daughter. We are so immensely thankful to have this collective of women in Sonoma County who are such a breath of fresh air!

We had our baby at Thrive in July and it was the best experience! This was our first baby and we…read moreare so happy we decided to transfer our care from Kaiser to Thrive. The midwives are amazing; supportive, loving and really helpful. I had pregnancy insomnia and Tracy turned me onto a sleep tincture that she sells and it was like magic. I was finally able to sleep!!! The appointments were an hour long and the post partum appointments are at your home! We had trouble with breastfeeding and received so much support through text and having them come to our house. We cannot say enough good things about Thrive and Taya, Tracy, Morgan and Hannah.

Caitlyn is an incredible lactation consultant. She approaches the situation with a calming and…read morereassuring attitude, which is what I very much needed in my postpartum haze. I struggled with understanding whether my baby's latch was correct and whether she was getting enough milk. Caitlyn visited several times and each time was able to resolve my needs, especially with weighing baby before and after feeds. I would highly recommend using Caitlyn for lactation services!

From the owner: Your consultation is all about providing education and support. My goal is to teach you the skills…read moreand techniques to feel confident about feeding your baby.  Together we will address  any discomforts and create a care plan that will resolve any maternal or infant feeding issues.

I can highly recommend Aly as both a delivery AND postpartum doula!…read more Two of my friends had worked with Aly. One had her as their postpartum night doula, and the other to help with delivery. So I didn't think twice about hiring her, based on their recommendations. Our whole experience with her from start to finish was wonderful. To prep us for delivery, Aly shared some great resources and sat with us patiently and calmly asking questions, educating us about options, and helping us figure out what we wanted (which was a natural as possible and very intentional birth experience, but in a hospital setting). Aly arrived at the perfect time, right as things were ramping up, and coached me beautifully through the end of my delivery. After a few sleepless nights, we decided to bring her in for nighttime help 2x/week and her support helped us get through those first few weeks feeling pretty good! She is also a total sweetheart, thoughtful, warm, and just a joy to be around. Thank you again Aly!

Aly is a peaceful and strong force, exactly the energy you want by your side during child birth. As…read morea first time mom I was nervous, uneducated and unsure what was best for me and baby. Aly put me at ease and guided me through the entire journey from pregnancy, child birth and postpartum. It is such an intimate time and I felt completely comfortable and supported every step of the way. Aly was by our side from laboring at home to the hospital birth. I don't know what me and my husband would have done without her. Eternally grateful for her wisdom, dedication and advocacy. Thank you Aly!!

I was welcomed by Tricia, she was super helpful and kind. She helped me get the forms filled out…read moreand took my vitals. She talked with me while I waited to see midwife Jennifer. She told me not to let anyone's opinion bother me about my decisions on how I want to deliver my daughter. I am so glad I am back here to have my 2nd baby with these amazing women. I feel confident and safe here. They truly are the kindest medical staff I have been around since delivering my son here, 10 years ago. They feel like sisters. Next, I met with midwife Jennifer. She went over a lot of info and answered my questions throughly. She was very informative! Very kind and helpful.

I truly don't have words for how much Elizabeth and Tricia helped me in my breastfeeding and…read morepostpartum journey. I first called the center a few days after giving birth and they got me in right away (that day) and helped my baby latch! They not only helped us a ton with breastfeeding but also made me feel so cared for and supported. We also took birth and infant care classes here while I was pregnant that were SO HELPFUL and prepared us for our first baby perfectly. Can't recommend this place enough

We cannot say enough wonderful things about Jackie and Sarah at Birth Realm--they have been an…read moreabsolute blessing to our family. This review is a long-overdue follow-up thank-you for the incredible care and support they gave us during the birth and early days with our second child. We also worked with them for our first, and having them back for baby #2 felt like welcoming dear friends into our home again. Jackie is the heart and soul of this agency--her warmth, wisdom, and steady presence make you feel safe, seen, and truly cared for. Sarah was equally amazing, and especially crucial in helping us navigate feeding challenges with our daughter, who had reflux. She patiently worked with us through a combination of different feeding options, never making us feel rushed or overwhelmed. Her calm, knowledgeable guidance made all the difference, and we are so grateful. Sarah also has this beautiful ability to anticipate needs before you even voice them. She noticed how hard it was for me to feed myself in the mornings, and without ever being asked, she started bringing me delicious, (and mostly nutritious ;)) baked goods each week--just so I'd have something nourishing and easy to grab. That level of thoughtfulness and care meant so much more than I can express. Both Jackie and Sarah went above and beyond for our family. Their support, not just physically but emotionally, meant the world to us during such a tender and transformative time. Their love, encouragement, and expertise have left a lasting imprint on our parenting journey, and we feel so lucky to have had them by our side. If you're considering doula support in Northern California, look no further. Jackie and Sarah (and all of the doulas at Birth Realm) are truly the dream team. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Jackie from Birth Realm is the worst. I tried to book a doula from her on several occasions and she…read morebooked the doula with other people out from under me both times without offering the professional courtesy of letting me know she wasn't holding the doula or that other people could book with her first or even that other people were interested. I had zero idea there was any sense of urgency whatsoever. I was pretty frustrated after the first time but gave it another shot given the good reviews. so then I was on a waiting list for several months and responded immediately to let her know I was interested but I had to wait till I was back in the country to chat with the doula. Again, nothing was said about other people waiting or that there was any urgency. Had I known there was some amount of urgency I would have scrambled to take a call during vacation in Japan. Anyway, I waited until after vacation. IMMEDIATELY after I chatted with the doula I sent Jackie an email to let her know I was interested and to please lock her in. But oh I guess that somehow the doula I just talked to was already booked and she no longer has any available. I have no idea why she even allowed that call to happen if the doula was already booked but she not only disrespected and wasted my time she clearly has no respect for the people who work for her as the doula's time was wasted too. At this point I'm glad it didn't work out as I have no desire to support a business who operates like this. Her prices are like 40-35% higher than everyone else's too but it clearly isn't merited. Pregnancy is already stressful enough, thanks Jackie for making this already hard time significantly worse.

Meg, of Root & Blossom Wellness, was my postpartum doula beginning just days after my birth through…read morethe first three months. I knew from our first interview that I felt comfortable inviting her into my home during what would be a very vulnerable and hectic time and I was so right! She fit right into our family and helped take care of my newborn teaching me everything from how to swaddle and improve my latch to how to make sure my needs were also being met. She showed so much gentleness toward my little one and checked in with my needs all the time. In such an intimate environment, Meg held the delicate balance of being both professional and laid back. I recommend her doula care to any mommies that know they will need extra support. She also attends births as a doula and imagine she would be amazing at that too.

I can't explain in words how caring, loving, and empowering Meleah is--she is truly a beautiful…read moreperson inside and out. I was extremely nervous about the whole birthing process, including the pain, the challenges of birth, and whether I would be able to get through it without major anxiety. Meleah was there every step of the way. She met with us before the birth, talked through my anxiety with me both in person and over the phone, and was available 24/7 for any questions I had. When I went into labor, she was with me every step of the way, and I truly feel like I couldn't have gotten through it without her. She was my rock and made me feel truly loved and supported. She also knows the ins and outs of MarinHealth and was able to advocate for me throughout the entire process. After the birth, she continued to check in on me, give me advice, and help me with breastfeeding. I can't recommend her enough as a birth doula. She is the kind of person who supports you not just through birth, but for a lifetime. I am so incredibly grateful for her!

We could not have had the birth experience we had without Meleah! She was absolutely invaluable - I…read moredon't know what we would have done without her. She is incredibly knowledgeable, kind and really helped me listen to my instincts and guide me through birth. My husband and I can't recommend her enough!

Sarah provided me with compassionate and expert support in my journey feeding my kiddo. I greatly…read moreappreciated her warm, non-judgmental approach and her wise advice. She was able to meet with me on short notice, followed up via text to check in on me after our first appointment, and has fielded several questions via email, even while she was traveling. I am very grateful for her support and would highly recommend her!

At 5 days postpartum, I was feeling incredibly stressed and overwhelmed, but Sarah came to our home…read moreimmediately to help. She spent several hours with my husband and me, teaching us everything from the basics of breastfeeding and milk supply to the specifics of breast anatomy. Her calm demeanor was exactly what we needed; she completely eased my anxiety and gave us the confidence we were lacking. This was truly the most helpful support we've received since coming home from the hospital. If you are looking for an expert who is both knowledgeable and deeply compassionate, look no further.

I was debating doing a home birth or birthing center. I interviewed a few different lovely people…read morewho I knew were perfectly capable of delivering my baby but there wasn't that magic. Then my doula recommended Sheila and everything clicked. My husband and I went to go meet her in her in her Yurt and just talked for a little over an hour. She was totally open and listened to us. Very non judgmental. I am a bit of a control freak and planner. Letting go and putting so much trust in someone else isn't easy for me, but my birth team made the experience wonderful. Other than not having to drive to the hospital while having contractions, the best part of the home birth for me was getting to recover in bed and have Sheila come to you for postpartum checkups. When I first learned I would basically be in bed recovering for a couple of weeks I didn't think I could be cooped up that long. After having the baby there was nothing better than laying in bed with him. Having her come to you and not having to get you and the baby dressed and deal with car seats and doctors offices is so wonderful. It's also amazing to have the breastfeeding/lactation support. For something that is seemingly so natural it can be pretty difficult. When we have our next baby Sheila will be one of our first phone calls.

The care I received prenatally, postnatally and randomly when I've had emergencies from Shiela &…read moreHannah was/is extraordinary. Every visit leading up to my birth was filled with introspection opportunities, support, friendly conversation, holistic (body/mind/spirit) exercises, etc. I looked forward to each and every visit with them. All the appointments after birth were even MORE IMPORTANT (I needed help with swelling, hemorrhaging, finding a comfortable position to co-sleep with baby, pregnancy Carpal Tunnel, etc). They also referred me to INCREDIBLE THERAPISTS (acupuncture, massage, etc). Long after my care was over with them I would still reach out, in emergency cases, and they were always swift & so generous with help/advice and support. They are who I turn to when I need expert advice. I am eternally grateful to have them as my support team.

We have a 5-week old and, despite COVID-19 calling for isolation, we were in need of customized…read morelactation support which is usually delivered in person. Farrell sprang into action and made it work VIRTUALLY. We had a thorough video session as well as great follow-up where I sent her additional videos and she was able to observe and offer useful info and solutions. She even mailed us a crucial piece of equipment that isn't sold online!! During uncertain times, Farrell was a breath of reassurance. She was able to instruct, troubleshoot, and create a plan that worked for our family. If you are looking for a lactation consultant, IN-PERSON or VIRTUALLY, do not hesitate to hire Farrell, she's an expert, a deep listener, and super adaptable who, to top it all off, is a JOY to work with!

This is a long overdue review for Farrell. She is an amazing teacher, newborn care specialist, and…read morelactation consultant. She is the best of the best. She helped us on our journey by helping our son recover from weight loss after birth (10%) and helped us navigate through many issues such as undersupply, oversupply, latching, eczema, and swaddling. Whenever we had questions and we certainly had quite a bit as first time parents, she was very responsive and made sure that we felt confident with a plan moving forward and connected us with many resources. We felt very comfortable working with her due to her knowledge but also due to her warm, friendly, and engaging personality that the baby seemed to really enjoy responding towards especially when she did her unique slow swaying which we call the Farrell method! :)