Birthing Basics

(43 reviews)

8.2 mi

I signed a contract with Nova Birth Services LLC in July of 2025. In order to secure the doula…read morebirth and postpartum overnight services, we paid a 50% deposit on both services totaling $3050. In November, I was diagnosed with severe preeclampsia and hospitalized. Due to my condition, I had to deliver my baby early via emergency c-section at just over 31 weeks. My baby is currently in the NICU. I wasn't able to have a prenatal in-home visit due to my hospitalization and was given very short notice of my emergency C-section due to my declining health. After my birth, I was put on magnesium, and my baby was sent to the NICU. My husband and I were both so terrified that the last thing I was thinking about was having my doula attend. I was afraid for me and my baby. I reached out to Shannon after my birth and asked if I could cancel the postpartum doula services because of the new financial strain of NICU costs/my hospitalization. She informed me that if I canceled the postpartum doula services, that both contracts would be void, and all services would be considered rendered. Remember, I did not receive a prenatal visit nor birth services due to my medical condition & hospitalization. The contract I signed stated that if the doula wasn't at your birth, you would be entitled to eight hours of postpartum services. Shannon explained that because I paid a 50% deposit on both services, none of the services were paid in full so I would receive nothing else moving forward. Although we had paid $3050 and the birth doula services were $2100, I would need to pay an additional $900 in order to receive the eight hours of postpartum services. She said I could "take it or leave it" and that she would not move money from one contract to another. I was shocked at her response. There was no solution offered where I could receive any services post-birth for the $3050 we had paid. More money had to be paid. This was literally the worst experience of my entire life, and I received no care or compassion at all from Shannon. She maintained that her responsibility was to her staff/business. During our phone call, I was talking about my hospitalization and she mentioned that all of her clients were hospitalized. I clarified that I wasn't hospitalized because I was giving birth. I was hospitalized due to severe preeclampsia and potential organ failure. Trying to work things out with her made a horrible situation even more stressful and terrible. She refuses to budge and maintains that we will not receive any postpartum services if we don't pay extra. My husband and I feel as though we have paid $3050 and have received nothing. We did not receive a prenatal appointment, doula birth services, or any postpartum care. Please see the last email I received from her.

First -- if you're on the fence about hiring a doula for your first baby, do it. And if you're…read morewondering who to choose, the answer is Shannon. As a first-time dad, I can honestly say Shannon was invaluable -- not just for my wife, but for me too. From the start, she made us feel comfortable, informed, and genuinely prepared for what was ahead. She has this calm, thoughtful, and considerate presence that immediately lowers the temperature in the room. Nothing ever felt rushed or overwhelming because she helped us understand what was happening and what our options were. During labor, Shannon was incredible. She didn't just support my wife -- she supported us as a team. She walked us through next steps, explained the choices being presented, and made sure we felt confident in our decisions. One thing that really stood out to me was how she helped me help my wife. She showed me exercises and techniques I could guide her through to ease labor and keep things progressing. That made me feel involved and useful instead of helpless, which meant a lot. After the birth, Shannon's support didn't stop. She came to our home for a postpartum visit and helped us process the entire experience. She walked us through what to expect physically and emotionally in the days and weeks ahead, what to watch out for, and answered all of our first-time parent questions without judgment. She even helped find us a pump -- such a thoughtful and practical gesture that shows how much she truly cares. Shannon doesn't just provide information -- she provides confidence. As new parents, that's everything. We felt supported, knowledgeable, and empowered every step of the way. We can't recommend her highly enough. If you're considering working with Shannon, you will not regret it.

Placenta services. Prepared in your home or out. safe and discreet service.

Andrea Proper, Founder

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Effacement with labor

NOVA Birth Partners

4.5

(54 reviews)

4.1 mi

Wife and I tried to use this service to hire a night nanny. They wouldn't give us a straight answer…read moreabout whether the providers they contract with are vaccinated. Eventually they did tell us that they don't and can't confirm that. The candidates we were connected to seemed great, but the interaction with the agency left a sour taste in our mouths. We felt like we'd be given the runaround whenever we had a hard question for them, which isn't a good way to start off. Leaving this review just so people know the agency believes they can't confirm vaccination status of its providers or require that providers be vaccinated. The founder said very few people get the flu shot anymore - big red flag! Edit: Since leaving this review, the company has contacted us implying that our negative review might come to the attention of our employers. I'm curious to see their response! What an experience. Buyer beware. Edit 2: Their reply here says they never said they'd contact our employers. Here is what they said, verbatim: that we would "receive a public response from us where it's discoverable by your employer and anyone else that may want to help your family in the future." We're smart enough to read the implication.

Faith and the NOVA team are truly first rate…read more Expertise is on pace with any doc we spoke to. The guidance and peace of mind was priceless. We cannot recommend them enough. Easily the best money we've spent in regards to the birth process. Joslyn has been a huge help with the baby at night and treats him like her own. She has offered expertise and little hacks here and there that have made a huge difference for us in getting acclimated as new parents (hello pace feeding). we only wish there were more of her! We feel so blessed to have found NOVA and confidently recommend them to anyone, even though we would selfishly like it if we could keep them for ourselves. God Bless!

Placenta Encapsulation in your home or in our dedicated space. FREE Pick-up 24/7 around-the-clock!

Newborn Photography

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Childbirth Education including Newborn Care Classes

Thrive Breastfeeding

(42 reviews)

8.3 mi

I am a repeat client of Amy's and I cannot tell you enough of how valuable she is to have in your…read moreback pocket. As a second time mom, I didn't think I would need as much help this time around with Amy. I knew how to get a good latch, how to position my body and the baby, and felt confident that I only needed minimal visits, but baby #2 had other plans in mind. Baby #2 was born at 37wks and while that's considered full term, it's actually on the early side which causes a lot of complications with feeding. My baby had trouble latching and sucking because there wasn't enough time practicing these motor skills in the womb. This resulted in the baby not being able to transfer milk, even though my milk was coming in. Amy confirmed this with her before and after weighing from a 20mins feed. I was so upset and devastated, that we had to move quickly to formula feeding to get the weight up fast because baby #2 had severe jaundice and we were trying to keep from being admitted to the hospital for phototherapy. Unfortunately, we had to be readmitted and Amy coached me through protecting my milk supply, while formula feeding and getting baby's weight up. She also reassured me that this is just a blip in our breastfeeding journey and that we will get back on track when he's healthy and clear of jaundice. I ended up upgrading my package to the Luxe because of how important it was for me to get us back to the basics once baby #2 was in the clear health-wise. I not only was able to protect my milk supply while having to formula feeding for two weeks but I also needed support in making sure once I returned back to work how to maintain a sustainable stash without oversupply, as I did with my first. I am almost 3mo postpartum and baby #2 has a great latch, is thriving in all the drs appointments, and gaining weight beautifully. At my last in home visit Amy walked through our schedule to have a successful stash, pumping schedule, and ready for baby to start daycare and me to return to work. I almost cried when she as leaving because I've appreciated everything that she has done for me and my babies. Words cannot express how much she has meant to me. I am so thankful for her wisdom, support, expertise and care she brings with her to every visit. If you are considering a lactation consultant, get on her books!! She's your go-to-guru.

I had a baby less than two weeks ago, and I can already say that the most important decision I've…read moremade postpartum is hiring Amy. I found her through a friend who had an amazing experience, and I reached out in a panic on a Sunday when my milk came in and I had no idea what to do. Her insanely fast response time was much needed; I found out the next day that our son had lost more than 10% of his birth weight and to say that I was freaking out is an understatement. Amy came that afternoon and I immediately felt like I was in great hands. She taught me how to breastfeed comfortably, got me set up with my pump, did a weight measurement to see how much he was getting with each feed, and also helped get a plan in place to get my son back to his birth weight. After the appointment she has been incredible over text/Voxer and answers questions so quickly. Feeding a baby is so stressful but with Amy's knowledge and confident demeanor, she demystifies it. I immediately signed up for the luxe package and truly wish I did this before I delivered so I would have had a plan in place and didn't have to play catch up. Still I'm so glad that I reached out to Amy and probably would have stopped breastfeeding if I hadn't. She is truly the best and I'm so grateful to have her guidance for one of the most important pieces of my life!

Service at your doorstep!

Amy Tanzillo, IBCLC

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You'll feel like a breastfeeding natural!

Our Village Circle

(14 reviews)

4.5 mi

I was initially suspicious whether I need a second birth class in addition to the one provided by…read morethe hospital. But it turns out that Jaely's comfort coping class is so worth it. It dives deep into the mindset, the comfort measures, the birthing positions, and everything you can do to prepare yourself for a smoother birth. I found myself benefiting a great deal from this class. It was also a intimiate in-person class that you can practice different techniques and ask all the questions you have in mind. Jaely is a great lecturer and I feel a lot more prepared after the birth class.

I am so grateful Jaely was part of the birth team for my daughter. I did a home birth, unmedicated…read moreand natural, and could not have had better emotional support from her throughout my pregnancy, and especially during the birth. Her energy is calming and her guidance was especially helpful during one of the most intense and most beautiful moments of my life. She's got an abundance of knowledge, information, and techniques to make your experience (pregnancy and birth) so much easier and feel so much more confident. Also, she took incredible photos and videos throughout my labor, during the birth, and during the golden hour that I will cherish forever. I am definitely going to use Jaely during my next pregnancy and I highly recommend her if you are looking for a doula who will take good care of you!

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Lamaze International - DC Chapter Pam Rinn

(1 review)

7.3 mi

Childbirth, Breast feeding and baby care classes! You'll get informative, balanced valuable…read moreinformation.

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Birth In Bloom Doulas

(7 reviews)

4.1 mi

I was one of those moms-to-Be who adamantly wanted her Birth Plan to be honored: I especially did…read morenot want a c-section or drugs! Yet I learned from my wedding day that not everything would go as planned so I'd best learn to let go and live in the moment, accepting things outside of my control. Upon meeting Kerry in person, we knew she would be great! She rolled with all of our questions with patience, and she had a tattoo in Sanskrit meaning we connected on a spiritual level both being yoginis. Yet my husband and I could not have anticipated just how awesome Kerry is as a doula until labor got real at the hospital! I had a complex labor lasting nearly 48 hours. She arrived 20 hours before delivery and thus stayed awake the entire time. She was calm throughout and answered questions about the labor process that couldn't be answered in the labor papers she or the hospital had given us-even the "dirty/gross woman" stuff! When labor advanced, she helped my husband and I make informed decisions when the midwives and doctors came into my room to give me news (more than once) that I did not want to hear (hint: things that needed to be considered that were not in my Birth Plan). Because the labor was so long and I had not slept, I opted for the epidural after 36 hours of labor so I could sleep through contractions and have the energy to push. She never judged me for this and instead supported that decision which was not on my Birth Plan to get me through the labor to delivery. She also gave me the best massages in my lower back so I didn't feel the back labor contractions (they were very uncomfortable without her massages!) She did this often like a champ without complaint and little sleep. She was a coach too encouraging me throughout it all, reminding me of all the positive to keep my energy levels up and believe in myself. For all these reasons and more, without reservation, my husband and I recommend Kerry.

This is the place to go. My two cents here first and my wife's follow. We felt so confident with…read moreKerry and Cara from the moment we met them, and that feeling carried through the long labor and birth. are true godsends. My wife's labor was very long and Kerry handled her morale, the mood of the room, and the family situation with aplomb. She came to our house after the birth and showed us how to wrap and carry our new daughter and gave my wife indispensable advice on her recovery. Can't say enough good things about her.

Placenta ready for encapsulation and a Heart cord keepsake!

Placenta Art, made by Kerry Reynolds Birth Doula

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Kerry Reynolds, Birth Doula

Tiny Wishes Birth Services

(2 reviews)

24.8 mi

*Disclosure: I am a fair Yelp grader. 3 stars to me means the company/product met my expectations…read more It is rare for me to give 5 stars. 5 stars is given if absolute excellence was shown (product AND customer service) AND continued to receive amazing service. 4 stars is given to a business for those that showed they went out of their way to provide better than adequate (expected) service. 3 stars is they did what the goal was with little to no fuss or foul. 2 stars there were some issues but not a horrible experience. 1 star is rarely given as I do not want to discredit a business for 1 initial instance. I would only give 1 star if I continually receive bad service and have lots of frustration that is not met with sincerity or resolution. I HIGHLY recommend Brittany as a doula! I had hired another doula for my second son's birth and Brittany was my doula's backup person to allow for breaks/etc. At my birth, it was the first time I had met Brittany. At first, I was uneasy because you want your doula there and although I was okay to have my doula switch with her backup - I was at my most vulnerable state. But the thing is, when you meet Brittany - she is the most caring, supportive, loving, kind, and respectful person. I know why my doula chose her to be her backup and I am thankful she was there at my birth. She's just as amazing as my doula. I instantly felt a connection, felt loved and supported and I couldn't imagine my birth with her or my other doula. I was so thankful to have both doulas present during my births. She made it extra special for being there by my side, even though we just met at the hospital. I LOVE Brittany and all of the support she gave me and my doula. Having her by your side is the best decision you can make for you and your baby. She's incredibly intelligent, knowledgable in all things maternal care and she is the absolute sweetest. you will not be disappointed in choosing her. From the bottom of my heart, I am so thankful my doula introduced me to Brittany because she's part of my and my son's story and I will forever be thankful and remember her for being by my side.

Words cannot describe how truly grateful my husband and I were to have Brittany assist us in the…read moredelivery of our baby girl. This was my first child and Brittany supported all of us before, during labor and months after our delivery. To begin with she took the time to truly get to know my husband and I (and even our shy dog). She never made us feel rushed during our appointments and was constantly available to answer questions and concerns. During labor (30 hours) Brittany made the experience truly enjoyable. She gave my husband the guidance and confidence to assist me through labor as a team. Brittany also helped dramatically with pain relief through massage and relaxation techniques. She helped us to make informed decisions throughout what could have seemed like a somewhat complicated labor. Because of Brittany my husband and I worked through labor together and felt very happy with our decisions. Brittany also took some incredible photos during labor that I will cherish forever. After birth she has continued to be a pillar of support for our new family. She continues to check in on me and makes sure that I have everything that I need to be a happy, healthy mama. Moving forward she will be at all of our births, I cannot imagine delivering a baby without her.

Brittany is so attentive, caring, loving and supportive. She constantly focused on me drinking enough water, eating, feeling comfortable

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Chesapeake Birth and Baby

4.4

(7 reviews)

48.1 mi

Would have loved to use them... until I saw "chest feeding" on their homepage. A provider that is…read moreconfused about biology - about what gender breastfeeds, is a provider I want no where near me or my baby. I am looking for women who see the dignity in WOMEN, and live in reality.

We came across these ladies at a Holistic Health Fair where I learned what a Doula was and what…read morethey do. Fast forward about a year later, we were expecting our first child! The ladies gave us such a good lesson that we didn't hesitate to call them and get a contract in place for Labor and Delivery and Post Partum support. Best decision ever! From the time they take you on as a client, they were very responsive and support in a truly non-judgy way. Unlike pushy family members and in-laws, they offered all the advice and options you want and they coach you into deciding for yourself what is best for you and your baby. They coached me as well as my husband on the various options (and there are LOTS!) and while they were in the delivery room, they reminded me of what I wanted and prevented the hospital from pushing me around. If you are on the fence about getting a Doula, I highly recommend meeting with them and finding out what they do. They anticipated needs that I needed before I even knew I needed them, and were there to provide them to when WHEN I needed it. They do so much more than you would expect.

Owners Danielle and Megan

Danielle our postpartum specialist.

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Located in the heart of Annapolis. Helping Families Thrive

Bellies to Babies - Birth Services by Elizabeth

(11 reviews)

10.6 mi

This is my first time having a baby as well as having a doula. Elizabeth was great from the very…read morefirst time we spoke on the phone; she seemed very professional, authentic, and confident. When we met up with her, she definitely proved me right! She was all that and more. My experience with her during the 36hr labor was incredible. Even though it was a pretty intense experience without medication at first; she was there every second of the way and I knew she had my back no matter what. I will forever love this woman! Just when I felt like I wanted to give up; she was right there next to me holding my hand, giving me whatever I needed, cheering me on, putting wet towels on my forehead, reminding me & helping me to breath, keeping me focused, supporting me emotionally, mentally and physically in every way shape and form. And ultimately, as the outstanding coach that she is, we brought into this world the most precious gift my partner and I could ever have, our baby girl Audriana Rose. Thank you Elizabeth for your love, commitment, amazing support, and having my back all the way to the end.

If there is one thing I can say, hire Elizabeth. Honestly. Even if it isn't your first child, hire…read moreher. She's truly a blessing and I like to think, she became a friend. Honestly, I cannot describe how incredible and amazing Elizabeth is. My husband and I, being type A people, we needed support! Elizabeth was that support and more. She talked to me on the phone for a few hours a couple times, explained my really silly questions to me, and even made a couple made several hour house visits before the baby came. Once it was time for baby, Elizabeth was our superstar!! At first, my labor presented as awkward and advanced for the timing but, through the entire 26 hour labor process she was a gem! She kept me calm, kept my husband calm, helped me/us feel like I/we could do this. If it hadn't been for Elizabeth, her knowledge and skills, plus her ability to work with my midwife,I could have had an undesirable birthing/delivery experience. She visited us at the hospital afterwards and held our perfect little angel and even made a home visit the week after. Oh, we also did her birthing class which, helped us learn some things that we didn't know!

Feeling safe and secure, she melted into him. His strength and support allowed her to just be as the waves of labor rushed over her.

Meet the doula!

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DC Birth Doulas

We cannot say enough wonderful things about DCBD. This was my/our first pregnancy, and we truly…read morefelt supported every step of the way by their team. Especially in those last 1-2 months, we leaned so heavily on the birth doulas and they responded to all of our questions and concerns immediately. We learned the most about how to care for our daughter and what was happening in my body from DCBD. I went into labor and the birth experience feeling ready and excited, and that's because of the experience, information, and kindness that were shared with us ahead of time. The birth - nearly 4 months later, and we are still talking about Camille! We are going to remember her forever - she was such a wonderful presence during my entire labor and after, and we don't know what we would have done without her. She made sure my husband and I knew what was happening, she advocated for us, she ensured I was comfortable (well, as comfortable as you can be in labor), and she really rooted for us the whole time. I felt safe because she was with us. And Ella - we were shocked that someone who didn't *have* to be there, stayed for the entire labor, participated, and stayed after when we were transferred to the postpartum room! She will be (or already is) a phenomenal birth doula. We felt so lucky to have Camille and Ella. Post birth - Lolonyo came to our house the very first night we were back from the hospital, and what a gift she is. She taught us how to soothe a baby, how to change a diaper (I'm sure they showed us in the hospital... but I could not remember haha). We had her for several nights during those first 2 months and we were so, so grateful to wake up the next morning refreshed, rested, and with the knowledge that our daughter had been held in loving arms all night long. She was never judgmental and was always supportive as we navigated breastfeeding, safe cosleeping, and everything else. We also had Joanna for several daytime visits. She always made sure to check in on my mental and physical health, which was so appreciated, and she was so helpful. We always felt like we were able to reset a bit after her visits, because she'd leave behind clean bottles and pump parts and a rested (and sometimes still sleeping) baby, and we would have had time to ourselves to shower and get a little more organized. She made our chaotic lives feel lighter, and we loved her for that. As a DCBD member you'll also have the opportunity to be part of a postpartum circle of other parents going through what you did. Shaleen and Elizabeth gave us space to talk through birth and everything that comes after, while feeling supported and safe. I'm still friends with some of the parents from my circle. In closing - DCBD is worth every single penny. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!

Rebecca from DC Birth Doulas was absolutely incredible. From the moment we first connected, I…read moreimmediately felt comfortable with her and the entire team. She has such a warm, genuine presence that made it easy to ask questions and talk through everything honestly. She was always responsive and gave thoughtful, real answers that helped me feel informed and confident throughout the process. I was hoping for a VBAC, and with Rebecca's support we were able to have a successful one. She provided amazing support not only for me, but also for my husband. During labor she was calm, encouraging, and incredibly knowledgeable, helping us both feel grounded and supported every step of the way. Having Rebecca there made such a difference in our birth experience. I'm so grateful for her care and for the support of the entire DC Birth Doulas team. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable, and truly supportive doula

Sometimes the most important thing we can do is step back and let you enjoy your moment!

Lamaze Childbirth Class

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Comfort Measures Lamaze Childbirth Class

Ladybug Academy

4.6

(38 reviews)

8.2 mi

We've really enjoyed our experience so far with Ladybug Academy this past year. The teachers and…read moremanagement are very nice and friendly. Our infant has received the best of care and they are really communicative. They do lots of fun arts and activities and we feel right at ease whenever we drop off our child here. Highly recommend Ladybug Academy! Looking forward to having my child under their care for years to come! It's a great value as well!

We have enjoyed our experience at Lady Bug! They take great care of our baby, and we all love Miss…read moreLemlem in the infant room. The price is pretty comparable to other daycare centers in the area, and the hours are great for working parents. Any minor issues have been quickly addressed by the administration and teachers. We look forward to continuing to send our baby to Lady Bug Academy!

Outdoor time

Santa at Ladybug Academy

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Beautiful classrooms

Tysons Corner Children's Center

4.9

(24 reviews)

10.8 mi

Both of my kids have come to TCCC (my older one from pre toddler class through graduation last year…read moreand younger one mid-way through) and the staff has been here for a long time, which speaks to the leadership team's effective management. Highly recommended to anyone looking for trustworthy, caring staff, rigorous curriculum, and reasonable pricing.

We've been part of the TCCC community since our first of three was a baby, and they have been our…read moreextended family. It is clear that the teachers love the kids so much, and are so caring and attentive. Our oldest is now in kindergarten and TCCC was a huge part of setting him up to thrive. By the end of his last year he was doing math worksheets and writing short sentences, and that was all due to TCCC. Every day has new lessons and activities and art projects, and we are always surprised at how much they learn. I'm so glad we found TCCC and highly recommend it to everyone!

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Rise And Shine Preschool

4.5

(21 reviews)

4.6 mi

We have been a Rise and Shine family since October 2022 when our oldest started at just 3 months…read moreold. We happily sent our second a couple years later. We have only had positive experiences. And our boys have thrived socially and reached so many big milestones with the help of their teachers. Our favorite part is hands down how evident it is that all the teachers and staff truly love the kids in their care. We couldn't have asked for a better childcare option for our kids during these early, most formative years.

We had two children in Rise & Shine for a few years. The staff is amazing and so friendly! Our kids…read moreloved going! The teachers are so caring and prepare students for Kindergarten and all that Littles need to know! Ms. Destiny, Ms. Synthia, Ms. Vanessa and more were so sweet and caring for our Littles. We couldn't get enough of the Disney party Ms. Destiny planned and other fun activities for the kids!

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The Goddard School of Fairfax

(4 reviews)

3.7 mi

oddard Review At 8…read moremonths pregnant I toured 5 daycares in Fairfax before landing on Goddard for my then almost two year-old and yet to be born baby. Our first was in a home daycare where she loved her teacher but wasn't getting as much interaction with other kids or following a standardized curriculum. I knew we needed to find another daycare where both kids could learn, be loved on and thrive. Fast forward to almost a year later and it's been the best decision. From the daily reports and photos we get in the app, to the curriculum that focuses on developing the kids mentally, physically and emotionally to the teachers and staff who love each of the kiddos so much. Now they havent figured out how to cure daycare germs but they do have a pretty awesome sanitation machine and cleaning protocol . But truly the best school!

The staff and teachers at the Goddard School of Fairfax are fantastic - we visited multiple places…read morebefore settling on a place for our son. The facility is clean and welcoming, and all the teachers/staff that we have interacted with are friendly and responsive. We appreciate the class structure and updates that we get each day on what our child is doing and have seen improvements in our son's development.

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Fairfax KinderCare

3.8

(14 reviews)

5.1 mi

We have been attending KinderCare Main Street for nearly four years now, and we absolutely love the…read morecenter. My kids have always had a personal relationship with each of their teachers, including Ms. Seble who is fantastic with the infants, and Ms. Siham who works with the toddlers. It is a very safe and loving environment, where everyone knows the names of my children. The center's directors, Hina and Saafia, run a very tight ship. This center is a special place with a wonderful staff. As a parent, I completely trust them with my children.

I have two children who attend KinderCare. They have attended the infant, toddler, preschool and…read moreschool age programs. My husband and I could not be happier. We are a military family so we have gone to many different types of child care and we both agree KinderCare has been the best. Our children are well cared for, they are provided with great educational opportunities and experiences. I love how the center keeps us in the loop with how their days are going and all the photos are amazing. During this whole Covid-19's business they have kept their doors open when safe (as my husband and I are both frontline workers), they have kept a clean center and have done a great job at fallowing all CDC guidelines. 5 stars is not enough! Thank you

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68 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Samantha D.

11 years ago

My husband and I took the all-day birthing class with Lisa. We are expecting twins so registered for the high-risk and multiples class, which is given along with the general classes when needed. As it turned out we were the only high risk/multiples present. Nevertheless, Lisa made sure to incorporate relevant and tailored information for us throughout the entire class. For instance, she'd say what is typical for x element of childbirth, and then quickly add 'but for twins, it's like this...' We were engaged the entire time and got a lot out of it, and took so many notes! Speaking of, we also love the workbook she gave out and it's such a handy take-away! It's like an illustrated textbook with spaces to take notes or fill in your own personalized information during and after class. My husband and I also loved that the class was engaging not just in terms of pace and dynamic coverage of a LOT of information (backed up with lots of real life examples and anecdotes) ranging from pregnancy to childbirth to post-delivery/newborn care, but it was also hands-on in a lot of ways. She had us practice things on each other or even with dolls (for newborn care items). We are both so glad we got that experience. I'm sure the hospital will walk us through some of it but the extra time and explanation was really great- and reassuring because we will have to do it all twice over! I should also add that we brought extra snacks and water as her instructions suggested but the cheese and fruit platters were plenty (and delicious). After the class, because we were the high-risk couple, she stayed behind with us for an extra half hour to walk through additional items that are truly specific not just to twin pregnancies, but to my pregnancy in particular. I was so impressed that she had really read the information we shared on the registration form and remembered it all. I've had visits with doctor's that didn't have that good an attention to detail to my case! The time flew by and when we left we realized she had actually stayed a full hour extra with us to make sure she answered all of our questions- not once did we feel rushed or like she was impatient or anything. Before we left she offered sincerely for us to reach out with any additional questions that come up. At first I was surprised by the price of the class- after all we are saving for twins!- but I mean it when I say my husband and I both agree Lisa's class was worth every penny. We're also glad she works at the hospital we will be going to so we are looking forward to seeing her there when the time comes! read more

Ann S.

12 years ago

I looked around for an alternative option to the birthing courses offered at the hospital after reading lukewarm reviews. Lisa's Birthing Basics one-day course seemed to be the best and most comprehensive option for us. We were not disappointed. My husband and I were one of four couples in attendance, which we liked because Lisa was able to tailor the discussions to address our questions, needs and concerns. The class covers everything from the stages of labor, to recognizing the signs and symptoms of when it is time to go to the hospital (what's normal and what's not), to understanding the medical terminology that we'd be hearing once we arrived and the pain management options available, to natural techniques for pain management like massage and breathing exercises. It can be a lot of information for first time parents to digest, but we left feeling much more prepared with the information we needed to create a birth plan that suited us. Our course ran a bit long, but Lisa didn't leave anything out in order to wrap up on time, which we appreciated. In the last hour we covered basic "how tos" for when we brought the baby home, like swaddling and bathing. Our son is 7 weeks old, and we still reference the workbook that Lisa gave us. I would and already have recommended this course to my friends (whether they were pregnant or not). Lisa's insights and experience working at local hospitals was also very valuable. Five Stars! Thanks Lisa! read more

Rachael S.

105

8 years ago

My husband and I took Lisa's birthing basics class yesterday, June 2nd and we couldn't be happier! As first time parents, Lisa prepared us for success on what to expect in the final weeks of pregnancy, labor and delivery, through how to survive the first few days of being home with baby. It was a small class of four couples, set in her super comfy basement so it felt cozy. My husband was dreading sitting in a class for 6 hours until we found out how relaxed and laid back it was. The class was super interactive, couples talked to each other, everyone asked questions and got informative answers. We learned labor and breathing techniques that I truly believe will be useful for labor and delivery. It wasn't just focused on what moms should be doing, I think my husband gained a wealth of knowledge on what his roles will be on the big day too. By chance, there was a post-delivery nurse in the class and the expertise of the two was stellar. Our class got lucky! The only recommendation I could possibly have is to continue to have both perspectives, because it was so informative, especially for anxious first time moms and dads. Be sure to bring snacks and lots of questions. The class is worth every penny! read more

Yazmin G.

11 years ago

My hubby and I attended the birthing basics class with Lisa-Marie. From the first time we contacted her to enroll in the class the service was excellent. Since both of us have doctoral degrees, we loved that the class has a syllabus and the curriculum is well organized. At the beginning we thought the six hours were more than enough but once you are there you realize that the time flies. Lisa-Marie is very experienced and an excellent speaker: She keeps you alert and interested in all the information you need for your labor and first weeks of taking care of your baby. We enjoyed learning in detail what medicated and un-medicated births involve. Lisa-Marie also taught all the partners what type of massages to give to the women during labor and how to make things more comfortable for us before even starting labor. We used an exercise ball, yoga positions, etc. One of the many things that Lisa-Marie told us that stayed with us was that just as when you prepare your body for a marathon, you also need to be disciplined to prepare your body for birth. Again, we enjoyed taking the class and whenever a friend mentions that she is thinking about having a baby, we immediately recommend Lisa-Marie's class. read more

B T.

11 years ago

Lisa was recommended to us by our OB at GW and we are so glad we took this class. We had also already taken hypnobirthing since we are hopeful for a natural birth. However, I have diabetes and we recognize that a birth with no interventions when we are high risk just may not be realistic and we wanted to be prepared for all possibilities. Despite being pretty worn out on baby classes already, we had no problems at all sitting through Lisa's class. Both my husband and I really appreciated her to the point, unbiased style of providing information while really keeping the class engaged. We also stayed after for the private high risk consultation, which is included with the high risk class. I cannot say enough about how helpful it was to have someone who is actually a nurse at where we plan to deliver to be able to give us the facts about what we should expect. We feel so much more prepared for labor than we did before taking this class. We both highly recommend this class, especially for anyone delivering at GW who wants a comprehensive class that presents a medically objective view about what your options are for delivery. It is well worth the time and cost. read more

Laura P.

8 years ago

I agree with all of the glowing reviews of Lisa's birth and newborn class, which my husband and I attended this past weekend. The course is very comprehensive and goes over stages of labor, pain management and breathing techniques, labor positions, interventions, preparing for the hospital, new born care, and much more. The instruction is supplemented with a detailed workbook, charts, examples of medical devices, videos, models, and practice exercises. I was worried initially because 6 hours seemed like a long time (I am 34 wks pregnant), but the time flew by! Lisa is a great teacher and a seasoned L&D nurse, who is engaging, enthusiastic, and passionate about sharing her knowledge. The class takes place in the basement of her home with easy access to water and bathroom. Healthy and fresh snacks are provided halfway through. Seating is on very comfy leather couches with pillows/ottomans. Both my husband and I can confidently say that attending her class was one of the best things we have done to prepare for childbirth. Thank you, Lisa! read more

Tracy M.

9 years ago

My husband and I recently took the Birthing Basics class with Lisa and we loved it. Lisa was energetic and engaging the entire duration of the class. We learned about the basic stages of labor, general information about pre-during-post pregnancy, potential interventions that may need to be made and were even able to practice changing, bathing and swaddling the baby. This is our first child so we were pretty in the dark on the general info and this was so helpful. I feel educated on what my options are, when to advocate for myself and what I can potentially expect. I truly feel energized and excited for the birth. Lisa, as I said, was fantastic. She has so much experience and really appreciated her examples. I would highly recommend this ever expecting family with their first child. Also, the space the class was held was incredibly comfortable and Lisa provided everything you could need. We are delivering at GW Hospital where Lisa is an RN/Midwife and we hope she is there when we go into labor! Thank you Lisa, we are so thankful for you. read more

Bj C.

11 years ago

My husband and I attended Lisa's high risk pregnancy class with only about 5 weeks left to go until our due date. We had taken a couple of other prep classes in DC, but Lisa's class blew those out of the water. She has a great personality for keeping her audience engaged (especially for a 6 hour class!) and I'm so, so glad that we decided to take this class. Lisa is a wealth of knowledge and had an answer for every single question (but not in a know-it-all kind of way). The syllabi for the classes are all online so we had a good idea of what to expect. I really like the fact that she's associated with GW, which is where we'll be delivering our baby. I definitely prefer Lisa's class to any book that I've read, and she told all of us that she's available to answer questions after the class as well. This class was well worth the time and money - both my husband and I feel much more prepared than we were for our impending arrival, not just for the birth itself but for the bringing home baby part as well. Thank you Lisa! read more

Willow P.

11 years ago

My husband and I attended the Birthing Basics and Birthing Basics Comfort classes with Lisa-Marie Cook and they were fabulous. Taking both classes does give a little overlap of course material, but I found the little bit of overlap helpful to reinforce some key points. Mostly, however, each class went into two different topics, with Birthing Basics covering what you can expect throughout pregnancy and the birth process, as well as early newborn care. Lisa-Marie briefly covers breathing techniques and positions but goes into details on these topics in the Birthing Basics Comfort class, where you learn more in-depth techniques on managing labor pain up through delivery. Lisa-Marie's sense of humor and candor about real-world examples made both classes fun and interesting. I also loved learning about the subject through the eyes of a registered nurse who has had tons of experience in the labor and delivery room. You can be sure that all of your questions will be answered. read more

Kislia M.

11 years ago

I attended this class as a nursing student, and I was very impressed with the way Lisa presented all the information! Everything was factual and accurate, yet presented and taught in a way that was relaxing and totally understandable!! Not only did she go over what happens in labor, there was interaction so it didn't feel like we were being lectured! There were even times when the participants moved around and were able to try things out!! My favorite was that Lisa went above and beyond to make everyone comfortable and to ease all the worries. It was very nice that the fathers/male partners were also included and encourage to actively participate (I know that during pregnancy, sometimes the fathers feel as if they are left behind). It was helpful that Lisa also took the time to go over what happens after the baby is born, both at the hospital and at home. Loved it!! I plan on taking Lisa's class again when I am pregnant and not a student!!! read more

Deanna R.

11 years ago

Lisa's recent instruction to my husband & I was invaluable in her Private High Risk class. We cannot thank her enough for our feeling of being as prepared as much as possible before our little blessing arrives into this world! She is not only incredibly knowledgeable, she imparts realistic expectations on what can go good or not so good during L&D, what happens to a woman in anticipation of birth, comfort techniques, medical interventions that may/may not be necessary & postpartum basics w/r to newborn care. Her sense of humor made the time fly by - she even sacrificed a portion of a special family day so that we could have our course in full & even went over on time to ensure we are best prepared. Friends recommended her to us & we are extremely PLEASED to have received instruction from her! Lisa deserves an even higher rating if there were above 5-stars! read more

Navin N.

11 years ago

We did the Comfort Measures class...and it was very comforting! Seriously, we are preparing for our 2nd child and the class was both a great refresher but also provided us with a lot of great tools that we wish we had had the first time around. Lisa is a great presenter--she's knowledgeable, warm, and engaging. The private class really allowed Lisa to tailor things to our needs and enabled us to cover a lot of ground in an afternoon--way more valuable than taking several weeks to cover the same amount of information. We both left the class feeling much more prepared for the birth, and she also gave us a lot of resources and tools to practice and prepare as we wait. We'd highly recommend this for any prospective parents! read more

Shajena E.

5 years ago

Lisa Marie's Birthing Basics Course was informative, relevant, and perfectly paced over the course of a weekend. As educators, we really appreciated the workbook and course materials, and we appreciated being able to go through the videos at our own pace. We also really appreciated that we had a chance to do a Zoom chat on Sunday evening and share our specific birthing circumstance where she provided helpful insight. Best of all, we got to meet Lisa Maria in person on the day of our c-section. She is so warm, knowledgeable, and kind. Highly recommend this course for anyone wanting to prepare for the Labor and Delivery process, and especially if you live in DC and are delivering at GW. Thank you, Lisa Marie! read more

Amy M.

4 years ago

Highest marks for Birthing Basics in every way. From the clear and helpful website and communications leading up to the course, to the informative and engaging online course (no small feat, given the asynchronous format!) - all top notch. As first time parents, my husband and I appreciated that while Lisa-Marie clearly has a wealth of experience, she used it to perfect effect - making us feel as prepared as we could be for the birth experience while not overwhelming us with information. We were fortunate to meet Lisa-Marie upon hospital intake and she was just as warm in person, ensuring we were cared for and checking in on us following the birth of our daughter. Thank you, Lisa! read more

Jill B.

12 years ago

I highly recommend taking classes with Lisa! My husband and I took the birthing basics and comfort measure classes this past weekend. She was full of information and energy. We feel much more prepared to attempt natural childbirth, but will be ready for whatever comes our way. Since Lisa is an experienced labor and delivery nurse, she is up-to-date on all the newest research and has a ton of real life examples. Practicing poses, massage, and breathing techniques with her coaching was so much more valuable than reading about it from a book. We are also very glad to have thorough take-home materials we can refer to once labor begins through taking care of our new baby. read more

Chris T.

7 years ago

My wife and I took Lisa's Birthing Basics Class in SEP 2019 and our first-born daughter was born in NOV 2019. Having gone through the birthing experience, we can say that this class was fantastic at preparing us for many of the possibilities and choices that might arise during labor (many of which DID). She was able to relay a large amount of information in a time-efficient and energetic manner and kept us engaged the whole way through. Lisa was extremely friendly and open to all of the group's questions Had we not taken the class, we definitely would have been lost when it came to making important decisions throughout. Thank you, Lisa! read more

Mark P.

8 years ago

My wife and I took Lisa's birthing basics class at about week 29 and it was fantastic. The class took place in her home in her very cozy basement. The class truly gave us a glimpse into everything we need to prepare and plan for from now until we bring the baby home. It was around 6.5 hours but it never felt tedious and always felt valuable. Lisa is incredibly engaging, funny, and easy to talk to. There wasn't a question she couldn't answer -- she's seen it all and gave awesome practical advice that left us feeling prepared for the journey ahead. We honestly couldn't recommend this class enough for first time parents -- thanks Lisa! read more

S B.

11 years ago

My husband and I took Lisa-Marie's class with our first, and just took a private comfort measures class to prepare for our second child. Lisa-Marie is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate and makes the classes very worthwhile. The comfort measures was a great refresher, and if you are delivering at GW, you'll also learn great information about the hospital/procedures, though her classes are invaluable regardless of where you are delivering. I love that Lisa-Marie's approach is good for whatever "approach" you take - medicated, unmedicated or somewhere in between! I highly recommend her classes - you won't be disappointed! read more

Elizabeth S.

10 years ago

My husband and I took the high risk class with one other couple. We also had ASL interpreters with us to understand everything. Lisa was very easy for all of us to understand and open to any questions we had. Even ones that may seem silly! But we both left in confidence and understanding of what to expect in the coming weeks and months in terms of labor, birth and how to provide basic care for our little one. We even had a few hands on activities (which we both learn best from). We are both so grateful for Lisa. I loved the home atmosphere as well, it made it much more relaxing. I recommend this class to anyone! read more

Vihao P.

8 years ago

Lisa packed in a lot of great information into 6-hours, but her enthusiasm and energy made it entertaining as well. It was like having a friend with 30+ years experience of being a labor and delivery nurse share her knowledge and stories with you instead of being given a lecture by Ben Stein. The information was well organized and comprehensive, but more importantly Lisa made it easy to understand when things happen and why, as well as the pros and cons to different options without being biased or judgmental. My wife and I both learned a lot and that put us at ease about a few things we had questions about. read more

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