There are times in your life that are undeniably epic. Milestones that leave indelible marks on your mind and heart. Becoming pregnant, growing a child in your womb, giving birth and adjusting to motherhood is a phase in my life that has been exactly that. With this journey, aside from faith in God and the support of my husband, what I needed most was courage. Courage to trust that I everything my baby needed resided in me. That I could do it, become a mom- a great mom. A mom that was informed, knew her options, and knew holistic and scientifically-backed medical approaches for prenatal and newborn care. Thankfully, with a heart full of gratitude, I can write I believe I am that mom. I know I have a lifetime of learning how to best serve my child in every season of her life, but when I look back on how this beautiful chaos began there is one constant person (again, aside from my partner) who I can honestly say helped me EVERY step of the way: my doula- Joanna Guzman. Brave Birth perfectly captures what mommas most need- courage. And let me tell you: Joanna helps you tap into reserves of strength women often are unaware they even have. Please keep reading to better understand why Joanna is an excellent doula and even better person. The journey to motherhood is deeply personal. She gets that. Never pushy, but always available- she is a knowledgeable professional who isn't a mere sterile presence, but a warm, soothing, clear and gracious birth coach. And what does a coach do? Train, prepare, encourage, guide, plan and cheer you on. Joanna did just that from the moment she saw my first sonogram, where all that could be seen was my baby's gestational sac, to following up with me after each doctor's visit, periodic check-ins on my mental health and so on, all the way to holding my precious baby girl and visiting me at home during those hectic and at times nerve-wrecking first weeks with my baby. She was always just a text or call away. This meant everything to me since my husband and I experienced a miscarriage just before this pregnancy and I was drenched in anxiety at times. Even in my most vulnerable moments, she didn't shy away from any of my concerns- she would calmly let me know when to reach out to my doctor or when to just exhale and trust the process. As you can see, I can go on and on about Joanna. I am forever grateful for all she has done for my husband and I. Joanna helped give us the tools we needed to march into parenthood aware and feeling capable. She is also one of the greatest reasons I am a confident mom. I know I won't always have the answers, but I am empowered to seek them and weigh my options because of Joanna. Enjoying time with my baby and trusting my vital role in her development is a more peaceful experience because of Joanna. Looking back on my initiation into the wonderful sisterhood of motherhood was full of encouragement and wise counsel All.Because. Of. Joanna. She is a true gift to the soul of whoever she is working with and an intellectual treasure that will equip a woman to have the birth experience she desires. But not just any birth- a brave one, ushering that bundle of joy into a world with a momma who will have a heart full of courage. Thank you Joanna and Brave Birth! Love always, The King Family read more

I usually don't write reviews but this was a must! I always pictured myself having a baby but when the day actually came, I was in shock, partially because I knew nothing of the journey that was up ahead.  I knew I needed guidance but didn't know where to start.  When I met with Joanna at Brave Birth, I was surprised at how much information she offered me.  My labor was painful yet she was there for me every step of the way helping me cope with the pain and soothing my every need.  Now I cant imagine going through another pregnancy without a doula.  She was knowledgeable, gave me advice and gave me so much physical and emotional support.  She really was outstanding! I'm so grateful she was by my side. I mean from aroma oils to massages to Tens machine, etc, just everything was so helpful.  I would've gone crazy without any of it! Thinking back, I seriously would've been so lost if she didn't coach me through everything even simply understanding what the nurses were telling me.  Joanna not only assisted me, she also helped calm my mother's nerves.  My mom tends to be erratic when anxious and she knew the right things to do and say to help my mom, which then again helped me calm down.  She also taught my partner massages, which he didn't do as well as she did but it was good enough to soothe the pain.  Lol  I even fell asleep in between my contractions which I thought was merely impossible! It really was such a great experience because of her and I recommend using a doula especially Joanna to anyone and everyone.   It is definitely worth it! read more

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My gosh where do I start?? Sometimes there are just no words for how amazing this doula is. Joanna Guzman was my doula and she was absolutely incredible. She was the exact support I needed throughout my entire pregnancy. She cared for me like family. Any question of concern I had she handled it with the upmost care and kept me well informed so I can make the best decision for myself and baby. She answered every call and was by my side whenever I needed her. Shes funny, caring, loving, and tough. I was in labor for 45 hours and she was there every step of the way and didn't sleep. She was there before I even went I to the hospital, at my house helping me through every contraction, timing them, keeping me comfortable and confident. Then she drove me to the hospital and never left my side. Every intense contraction she was so supportive and comforting..from massaging me to throwing me in the shower lol telling to not think negative, this is was my body is suppose to do this is a healthy pain and her breathing techniques were a huge help. Then when it came to pushing she was comforting and tough when I needed it. She told me to look her in the eyes and focus on her and made me breath with her while holding my hands. She was so incredible it makes me emotional. She helped make my pregnancy and labor go smoothly. I would have had such a hard time without her because this was my first child and I certainly hahad no idea how to go about anything or what to expect. She even helps me now and my baby is now 5 months old. If I have questions about myself or the baby she again keeps me well informed. Having Joanna as my doula was the decision I could have ever made for myself and my baby. read more

I had a great experience with the brave birth doulas. I worked with Joanna and she was very patient. She was very attentive to our needs, before, during and after our labor. she was well prepared and helped me a lot with the pain management. I recommend her to anyone trying to have a natural birth. read more

Joanna was literally heaven sent. A friend of mine had hired her as their doula and raved about how beneficial it was having her part of their labor team. Prior to my friend telling me about Joanna, I had no idea what a doula was. So my friend told me all about it and when we found out we were pregnant, I knew I wanted to have a meeting with Joanna. As soon as we finished our first meeting, I knew we needed to hire her. She asked us questions like, "if it's a boy, are you getting him circumcised?... what pain management options would you like to use? Etc." Questions that I never thought of before so I knew from the first meeting, I needed her by my side. Throughout our meetings, she offered us advice, support, and guidance. But most importantly, she empowered us to have the birth story we wanted for our daughter. Anytime I had a worry or question, she was always a call or text away. When I called her saying we were being induced, she meet us at the hospital that very night and stayed by our side. I felt like she was my bigger sister there ready to fight on my behalf. Once she came in, I was at peace. I felt like superwomen every time she helped me breathe through a contraction. Even after we gave birth, she stayed with us to make sure we were okay. My family and I are grateful. Thank you, Joanna read more

Joanna was definitely the best doula anyone can ever ask for. Although we only met once before I gave birth, in that one meeting I learned so much from her that I hadn't knew before. When my water broke she helped me stay calm and helped me be ready to give birth. We did different exercises, home remedies and other stuff that helped reduce the pain of child birth and help take my mind off of everything. She was at the hospital with me the whole time without getting any sleep and encouraged me throughout the whole process. Every time I said "I can't do this!" Joanna was right there in my ear telling me that I was doing great and etc. She really made this experience a lot easier for me with all the information she was giving and encouragement and she is very genuine, nothing felt forced or fake, I was very comfortable with her and if I twas to go through this experience again I would definitely pick her as my doula. read more