Dara is an absolute angel. She's knowledgeable, sweet, helpful, and meets you where you are at. I had an oversupply and overactive let down AND my baby had a shallow latch. Dara helped with all of these circumstances and made me feel so comfortable. She showed me different feeding positions that specifically would help my baby. My baby is over four months now and he has never had to take any formula Because of her guidance and expertise I am a confident breastfeeding mama ! Thankyou Dara!! read more

While my pregnancy was wonderful and healthy, it was also frequently wrought with anxiety. I lost my mother just three months before discovering we were pregnant, and I had always envisioned that she would be there by my side, along with my husband, to deliver my first baby. In addition to desiring the type of nurturing and support only a mother can provide, I also wanted to have an unmedicated labor and delivery. Enter Dara, who instantly made me feel comforted and supported just after a few video calls. When my husband and I met her in person, we felt reassured and excited to have her by our side as we approached our due date. Dara was always available and easily accessible throughout the pregnancy for questions and provided me with an incredible amount of evidence-based childbirth information to help guide my birth plan and help me feel that much more prepared. And while nothing can truly prepare you for such an intense life event, I went in with much more confidence than I would have had without Dara's help. Once we were finally in active labor and called Dara into the hospital, she jumped right in with getting me moving and changing positions to help labor progress and get the baby in a good position. She also helped my husband support me by gently guiding him and educating him throughout the process. While I ended up getting an epidural close to 9cm, she remained active in positioning my body, keeping me hydrated, and helping both my husband and me get some rest before pushing. What I will remember the most from this entire experience is how Dara seemed to embody my own mother's energy with her tenderness. It was as if she knew exactly what I needed, when I needed it the most, without me needing to say a word. We delivered our sweet baby boy with Dara by our side and will never forget what a beautiful experience we had together. -Frances If there is one thing you do to prepare for your child's birth, pick up the phone and schedule a consult with Dara. As a first-time Dad, I had no idea what to expect at the hospital, even with the childbirth classes and e-learning videos. Nothing prepares you. While I initially thought the nurses would be there to support my wife, they're busy working. They don't have the bandwidth to be fully present. Dara was there every step of the way to help her emotionally and physically. Even with our relatively healthy childbirth with no complications, Dara stepped in. To watch her in action was such a relief because I knew my wife was getting the best possible care. Dara also didn't take over the reins. She made sure I was a part of the entire process. You can't put a price on that peace of mind. If I had to sell an organ to pay for Dara's services, I would. She's the most amazing, nurturing doula in north county. -Steven read more

Dara The Doula - Doulas Near Me

Interactions with Dara feel like a warm hug. She provided my husband and I with emotional support throughout my pregnancy, from my first trimester through our first weeks at home with our newborn daughter. Dara is not only thoroughly informed on the most up-to-date medical evidence for pregnancy through postpartum (including lactation support), she is also deeply committed to helping mamas and their partners feel respected and cared for. Dara, during her initial visit to our home, taught my husband and I three simple pregnancy exercises we could do daily to help position baby and open up my pelvis. She also connected us with many amazing resources; thanks to her extensive list of local classes and contacts, I was able to take some helpful infant-safety courses through a local organization and visit a wonderful pelvic-floor therapist to help me prepare for labor and postpartum recovery. Throughout my pregnancy, I had a lot of questions about different tests and procedures, such as the gestational diabetes test. Dara helped me mentally and physically prepare for every test and procedure that came up during my pregnancy. She also gave me a really thorough understanding of what to expect during my postpartum experience, which my obstetrician and nurses didn't even touch on at all until we were already recovering in the hospital with our newborn. Additionally, Dara's advice and support was really invaluable as I was first coming up with my birth plan and deciding what was important to my husband and I when it came to decisions surrounding labor and delivery. She took my suggestions and drafted a simple and clear birth plan I could take with me to the hospital. She works closely with the doctors, nurses and midwives at the local hospitals and birth centers and was able to help me express my desires for a low-intervention birth in a way that was respectful and to the point. When my birth plan needed to change partway through my labor at the hospital, Dara supported me through those changes and helped me feel positive about my birth experience even though it wasn't how I initially envisioned. Dara really came to feel like family, and my husband and I feel honored to know her and so grateful that she is a part of our daughter's birth story. read more

I recently had the pleasure of working with Dara for my son's home birth; she is a wonderfully supportive and kind woman, and a talented birth worker. I felt cared for, but not overpowered. Dara held the space for me to follow my intuition and birth my baby, leaving me feeling empowered and exhilarated after my birth. She offered me gentle encouragement and tips leading up to the birth, and offered the same during birthing time. Her kind words and gentle hands were so appreciated, and I highly recommend her services. We especially found hiring a doula important for this birth, my second, so that my husband could be with my 3 year old daughter if needed (we wanted her to be present for the birth, though she slept for most of it) and I would still have support as well. We also utilized the second half of Dara's team, Joy, who did our placenta encapsulation. This was wonderful and convenient also, because Dara took everything with her after the birth and returned it to us in a couple days. The placenta was handled and packaged beautifully; as well as the bath herbs I received were lovely also. I highly recommend Joy as well. Overall, I couldn't be happier with these ladies and I will definitely be a return client if the need arises again! read more

Dara The Doula - Dara dropping by with our placenta a couple days postpartum. - Doulas Near Me

I would sing Dara praise from the top of a mountain if I wasn't only 10 days postpartum. Hiking is a no no for another few weeks. I'll do my best to emulate that same feeling through this review. We had our second child 10 days ago. Thanks to Dara's support and gentle guidance throughout my whole pregnancy, labor and delivery were everything I could have hoped for. Having Dara as a resource for nine months meant we had all of our questions answered by someone we trust and access to digestible information so we could make informed decisions every step of the way. Dara's wealth of knowledge, encouragement, and kind nature gave me the confidence I needed for a peaceful pregnancy. I credit her support as the biggest reason I had such a smooth delivery. I pushed twice and my baby boy was in my arms! I came home from the hospital and told my mom and step dad about the experience still in awe of it all. I started off by saying, "Every once in a while you meet someone who is SO extraordinary, you hope to be at least a little bit like them." Dara is so attuned with her surroundings, she anticipated needs I didn't even know I had. I'll paint the picture for you - while I was in labor she messaged my temples, scalp and feet, she positioned my hips using a peanut ball to progress and prepare for delivery, she fixed my hair, put out electric candles and a defuser. She met me where I was emotionally every step of the way. Dara is a blessing and someone I will never forget. I hope I can be even half as nurturing as Dara. read more

Dara The Doula - Doulas Near Me

I bless the day that Dara and Joy came into my life. Seriously. When I first met with them, I sensed a warmth, a joy (of course) and a certain 'good-normal' vibe that I was really wanting in my doula. But these qualities were just the teaser trailer. I can't accurately explain in a Yelp review what a treasure these two women have become to our family. This was my third pregnancy, my second VBAC and I was going med-free for the first time so I had an idea of what I wanted. Or so I thought. When COVID-19 turned all of our plans upside down and doulas got the boot out of hospitals, I was nervous about how much support I could realistically expect. But let me tell you. The Joyful Roots team went A.BOVE.AND.BEYOND. They came up with virtual methods for labor support (which proved really effective), developed enormously rich online pregnancy resources, built a virtual community, invested deeply in partner education and were present in so many ways throughout the entire pregnancy and labor. Sometimes I think that if I could have designed my dream mother/sister/experts, it would be Joyful Roots, but honestly, they are better than I could have dreamed up.  Ultimately, I was able to have Dara come to my home to accompany me through most of labor and I arrived at the hospital an hour before my son was born (which was perfect). Dara transitioned to virtual support at that point and was immensely helpful as my husband became my primary support. I can say with my whole heart that this birth was deeply beautiful, I was able to achieve all my goals, and a large part of this was Dara's calm, personal presence and the assurance of her expertise.  This pandemic has brought a lot of things to light, and I was able to see clearly that Dara and Joy care so sincerely about their clients and that they have the drive to put that care into action. Even when protocols made physical presence impossible, these women pivoted to ensure that their mamas were seen, heard and cared for. Basically, they had their hands tied behind their back and they learned how to cartwheel. This team is seriously beyond. They are an absolute wealth of knowledge about pregnancy, labor, birth and post-partum...and yes they are 'good-normal' :)  TLDR: book these bad a$$ doulas read more

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From my wife: We found Joy and Dara thru friends who recommended them. We were super hesitant, as two nurses - do we really need "birth support"? We decided to give it a shot and met Dara to hear out what she and Joy had to offer. We fell in love, she immediately made us feel comfortable. We opened up to her like she was a long lost friend and she accepted us and made us feel safe. We facetimed with Joy, since the two work as a team - you've got to love them both - and trust us, you will. We booked them and waited until our first at home prenatal meeting. The first meeting, Dara came to our house and went over our birth preferences and got to know us a little better. She went over some spinning babies techniques and general birth education. Again, we loved her and felt safe and like she knew what she was talking about. We had planned and hoped for a vaginal birth - and were so excited to have either of them as part of our team. However, at 36w+ we found out our little one was breech. Joy came to our house and worked thru some spinning babies exercises with us, coached us on vaginal birth prep and pain control methods (since that was the goal), and talked through how to make us ready and comfortable for a belly birth - just in case. I was emotional and scared, and she reassured me and my husband that we could still have a beautiful birth. Just two weeks later, we were told our rainbow babe needed to be evicted at 38w. Both Joy and Dara were just a text or a phone call away, offering near constant emotional support and education. Joy was able to come to our belly birth, and stayed with us from the moment we asked until we were in recovery from our cesarian. She helped to initiate skin to skin, even helped my baby latch in the OR. She comforted me and made me feel safe, reminded me to "listen to my baby cry" which reminded me he was okay, she reminded me to breath, to trust my body and the process. She comforted my husband and encouraged him to be with our baby. I trusted her 100% and felt so much safer that she was there. In recovery, she taught us how to breastfeed, ensured we had a good latch, and even taught my husband to "babywear" with our wrap. The next couple of days were a blur, we texted frequently and again, still, they both offered constant support. We were discharged home, and then readmitted with postpartum pre eclampsia. Again - both Joy and Dara came to the rescue. Dara facetimed for lactation support through a scary medication process and encouraged us that the three of us were strong and capable and could get through anything. Hands down, Joy and Dara are worth every penny. They will forever be a blessing and a wonderful memory and part of our son's birth story. We can't wait to have either of them at our next birth. Thank you both for everything you've done for our family!! read more

It is hard to put into words how much Dara has blessed us and our family as our doula. She brings an incredible amount of knowledge, preparation, experience, and thoughtfulness to her work. We couldn't imagine going through the pregnancy and birthing experience without her. She is a patient, responsive, and expert guide for those looking to learn and find birthing resources through their doula. When you ask for her advice, she'll provide you with the latest evidence-based research as well as her own thoughts that are rooted in deep experience in helping families through pregnancies and births. For those who are first-time parents-to-be, we can't emphasize how important it is to have a doula with Dara's level of experience who can be there to tell you when things are normal vs. not in the pregnancy and birthing process. This was a great source of comfort as we navigated the many decisions that are made throughout pregnancy and birth. Another great part about having Dara as our doula is her outstanding reputation among other healthcare professionals. So many of our midwives at UCSD LOVE Dara and have worked with her many times before, so there is an immediate warmth, peace, and rapport that is felt in the delivery room that comfortingly tells you that this team has worked together before. We chose to pursue a natural birth without medication or induction, and Dara was able to help us navigate that road every step of the way. She kindly wanted to know what our preferences and values were and helped us make wise decisions accordingly. Dara brings so much compassion and empathy to her role as doula, and that was so apparent throughout the pregnancy and especially after our baby's birth. Our baby spent 12 days in the NICU after her birth due to unforeseen complications, and Dara was checking in on us frequently, letting us know that she was there for us if we needed anything. She continually told us what an honor it was to walk with us through our birthing journey, and we felt that gratitude and desire to serve every step of the way. Dara, thank you so much for how well you supported us through our first birthing experience! read more

My wife and I were pregnant with our first child when we hired Dara. Before he was even born Dara had already come to our house to help us prepare for a child. Having no idea what to expect, she taught us everything we needed to know. Even now, 6 weeks later, we find ourselves thinking "remember what Dara said about this..." The morning my wife and I decided was the right time to head to the hospital, 7 am Dara was at the door ready to send us off and help us get all the things packed in the car. When we returned home a few days later, there she was waiting to escort us in the door and get settled in. The first few days getting used to a new baby were pretty rough and I found myself thinking "I can't wait for Dara to get back so she can tell us what to do." Having Dara as our guide was a blessing. Her knowledge of infants and recovering moms was extremely reassuring. And just to have her extra hands around the house to clean dishes and cook food was something I didn't think we would need until the time came. Having a doula was helpful but Dara made the experience something we won't soon forget. read more

We hired Dara for prenatal and postpartum care. Prior to baby's arrival, she came to our home and provided support guidance on the labor and delivery process as well as some tips for nursing. For postpartum care, Dara provided more detailed support around breast feeding and knowledge of caring for baby those first few weeks after coming home from the hospital. My husband and I both felt more confident in caring for baby after her visits. Dara was professional yet warm and caring towards all of us. She has a passion for this work I'm caring for moms and babies to make those first few weeks a little easier and less stressful. I would highly recommend Dara's services. She has a great wisdom and lots of experience to share to make the transition to a family happen more smoothly. read more

We had the pleasure of working with Dara as part of our doula team and from the beginning, we felt incredibly confident and comfortable. The amount of information she and her partner Joy provided at the onset was significantly more than we expected. They are both incredibly knowledgeable and provide many resources so you can create your own birth preferences. Throughout the whole pregnancy and afterwards, they were both so kind and supportive and we never felt like we were bothering them with our questions. We also were connected with their community of clients (other parents) and experts through bi-weekly Zoom calls. There's no question the value was worth every penny. We are forever grateful to both Dara and Joy and would definitely use them again if we had more children. read more

I have had the joy of knowing Dara for many years now and the absolute privilege to refer to her professional services often. As a homebirth midwife, Dara is a go-to doula recommendation for my clients that are looking for sisterly and compassionate labor support. She is incredibly patient and kind while diligently attentive and proactive. I am always beyond satisfied with the preparation my clients have for best pregnancy, birth and postpartum outcomes. Dara is the whole package and shines tremendously in postpartum for new moms. She stays as long as needed for breastfeeding to be well-established after the birth, and remains available with remote and in-person support for breastfeeding. I am always learning something myself from listening and watching her wisdom with boobs and babies. The past couple clients we have shared have had unusually positive and successful breastfeeding experiences and I am certain it is due to Dara's care and time with them. My midwifery clients have also utilized Dara's belly binding and abdominal massage service- which is so much more than a pampering for mom. Dara is intuitive with her hands and her heart. She listens well, affirms constantly and pours out life and peace wherever she goes. Dara brings confidence and comfort into a sensitive time full of rocky transition and sleepy disorientation. Dara is a treasure to me and my homebirth practice but surely a gift to every family who is blessed to have her love and sincere care as a part of their parenting journey. Could not recommend this sweet lady enough!! read more

I would highly recommend Joyful Roots Doula (both Joy and Dara) to any pregnant mama out there! As a first-time mom, I had no idea what to expect from the entire pregnancy and birth experience. Because several of my close friends labored and delivered unmedicated and had positive experiences doing so, I wanted to give it a try too. I knew that having the additional support, care, and knowledge of a doula would be enormously helpful, not only to me, but also to my husband in his effort to support me. Dara blew my expectations out of the water, especially given the additional challenges that COVID-19 posed (only one support person was allowed at our hospital when we delivered). She was an absolute godsend during my labor and delivery experience; words cannot express how grateful I am for her. Once I went into labor at home, Dara came over and helped me cope with the intensity of my contractions until it was time to go to the hospital. Once we arrived at the hospital, she switched over to virtual support, guiding my husband via FaceTime through different exercises to help cope with the pain and to help position our baby, and encouraging and affirming me along the way. I recall telling my husband multiple times during my labor that Dara was an angel to me. She absolutely was. Because of Dara, I was able to achieve my goal of an unmedicated labor and delivery, and we gave birth to our beautiful baby boy in September 2020. I could not have done it without her, and I cannot thank her enough. Throughout the entire experience, she was a source of peace, comfort, and warmth. Both in-person at home and virtually at the hospital, Dara provided a calm and nurturing atmosphere for my husband and me as we went through this challenging yet rewarding experience. Thank you Joy and Dara for supporting me through one of the most difficult yet beautiful experiences of my life! read more

There are simply no words that will ever begin to fully express the gratitude, love, and respect for the wonderful women behind Joyful Roots Doulas. Our sweet girl was delivered on June 27th and we could not have done it without their virtual support. My husband and I honestly didn't know much about doulas before embarking on our pregnancy journey and after some searching, we landed on Joy & Dara. From the moment we did our first zoom, I instantly knew they were the perfect fit for our family. As a first-time mom, I felt nervous and unsure about how to best navigate pregnancy, labor & delivery, and the postpartum period. Shortly after teaming up with Joyful Roots, COVID 19 really ramped up which added an extra layer of stress and uncertainty. We originally had envisioned all our services being provided in person and the thought of changing course was overwhelming. Joy & Dara didn't even skip a beat and seamlessly transitioned all of their services to virtual with so much grace. Their client portal shared an abundance of materials, professional recommendations, and knowledge which helped put us at ease in what otherwise was a frightening path ahead. Their noon zooms helped connect us during what otherwise has been a very isolating time. Meeting and sharing with women both pre and postpartum has been such a tremendous resource and gave me a sense of community that would have otherwise been lacking. We had planned, prepped, and felt more ready than ever for labor, delivery, and postpartum. We opted for in home labor support but, unfortunately, nothing went as planned when the time came. The comfort and reassurance I got from knowing that I had Joy & Dara walking with us as we headed into induction was the only thing keeping me sane and feeling safe. These amazing ladies were available for any questions, recommendations, reminders, and most importantly emotional support and encouragement throughout the entire 30+ hour labor and delivery. We made it out the other side and after a long stay in the hospital due to jaundice, they were the first people I wanted to be surrounded by upon returning home. Their services and support did not end after delivery and we opted to take advantage of their postpartum services as well. Dara's support was critical in helping us work through our breastfeeding challenges and her continued support beyond our in person sessions has helped us continue to work towards our breastfeeding goals. I can't thank Joy & Dara enough and will always have a special place in our hearts for them. If you're at all thinking about adding a doula to your pregnancy journey, don't think twice, do it! This was by far the best investment I have made in myself and for our family. The level of care and support these wonderful women provide is genuine and unmatched. read more

Dara The Doula - Doulas Near Me

Dara was really helpful throughout our journey to parenthood. She was a wealth of knowledge and went above and beyond to help my wife and I with all of our questions and needs. We were on the fence initially about needing a doula and in hindsight it was absolutely the best decision. I cannot recommend Dara more! read more

Hiring Dara as my postpartum doula for our second daughter was our best decision. The moment we met, I felt cared for because Dara is such a warm, kind, and highly knowledgeable woman. Thank you so much for your MotherBaby wellness support and all you have done for us. I genuinely believe every mom deserves the extra emotional and physical support Dara offers. Invest in your well-being and postpartum journey by hiring Dara! We will always be grateful for Dara's support! read more

My family and I had the good fortune of having Dara's loving support in the birth and the postpartum period of my second child. My birth was fast and intense. When Dara arrived I felt a huge sense of relief. She helped to instruct my husband on how to care for me during my son's whirlwind birth. Her presence at the birth helped to ground me in the moment and helped relieve my anxious mind. Dara is calm and extremely kind. In postpartum, she was focused on empowering me and truly serving the needs of our growing family. She is incredibly informed about breastfeeding and was able to help me with engorgement, baby's latch and making the experience more enjoyable for me, my baby, and my 3 year old daughter. She encouraged me to lean into all the things I had accomplished and was "doing beautifully", in her words, and gave me tips on things that I needed help with or just wanted to talk through. She did all of this with a loving and non-judgemental presence that continued to put me at ease and make me feel confident as a mother of two. Throughout my whole experience she made me feel seen, well taken care of and so loved. read more

Dara supported my family and I in the early postpartum days with lactation and general mother and baby wellness. even though this was my second baby , I needed support around feeding as mt daughter was unable to properly latch and transfer milk Dara patiently offered information related to weight gain for babies , how to use a pump. And of course focus on what positions work well for feeding. What I appreciated most about Dara is that she was able to adjust and I for her recommendations to align w my needs and my style. I highly recommend working w Dara if you need a calm, empathetic, and experienced doula on your team! read more

Dara is the most amazing person and doula providing the most amount of assistance, knowledge, and love possible. Her price could be triple and it'd still be a no brainer. As a husband and first time father, Dara was reassuring and helpful in every way possible. From the early visits, to discussing a birthing plan, to literally being on the phone with her as my wife went into labor at home, Dara was there to help every step of the way. If there is ever a question in our home, it's simply, "why don't we ask Dara, she'll know." She always responds quickly AND always knows what's best. When we decided to go the route of finding a doula, my wife and I never thought we'd find someone as knowledgeable, helpful, and loving as Dara. I highly recommend Dara's services as a doula, you will not regret it. read more

We were lucky to have Dara support us for the birth of our second baby. Dara gave us nurturing, knowledgeable and hands on support during my pregnancy, birth and postpartum. She's the family member that we wish we had! From the time of our first visit, she made us feel so comfortable, like we were already close friends. She makes you feel like she's truly happy to be there with you, even in your hardest moments. Ironically, Dara wasn't there for the actual birth, because I delivered within minutes of getting to the hospital. But she was the first one I called at 2 in the morning, before I even woke my husband, and she thankfully coached me to get going to the hospital. If we hadn't had her there to coach us, we may have taken our time and had our baby at home or in the car! Because my baby went to the NICU for monitoring, and my husband went with my baby, I would have been alone if it weren't for Dara. She stayed with me for the couple hours while I waited to be cleared so I could see my son. I can't express how meaningful this was because I was upset and emotional, wanting to join my baby. Dara dimmed the lights, diffused essential oils and gave me a foot/leg massage to help ease my emotions. I don't know what I would have done without her. At our first prenatal home visit, Dara put me on the couch, made me a snack plate and entertained my toddler, all while chatting with me about how breastfeeding and postpartum was going, offering tips and showing me a better nursing position. I was almost in tears because I felt so cared for. She truly is the family member that you wish you had. read more

Joyful Roots Joy and Dara are truly remarkable women. They've supported me through both of my pregnancies and I honestly don't know how I would have done it without them. Dara was present for the birth of my daughter. Her calming presence brought a sense of peace to the delivery room. Her encouraging words and relaxation techniques helped me earn the title of "Mama." I became pregnant a second time, just prior to the start of the covid pandemic. This was a surrogacy pregnancy and, knowing i would only be allowed one support person in the delivery room, I knew I only wanted my doula present for the birth of this baby. For this delivery, I had the privilege of Joy's serenity to keep me calm and focused. She also gracefully accepted the responsibility of communicating with my family and the baby's Dad. The warmth, knowledge, adaptability, availability, support, and presence of Joy and Dara was crucial in helping me to bridle my inner strength, maintain my focus, and bring these two happy and healthy children into the world. I'll be forever grateful to them both for their love and support. read more

I knew from day one that I wanted to hire a doula for my pregnancy and birth. After our first in home meeting with Dara, I was 100% sure it was the best decision I had made. I loved Dara's warm and caring energy from the moment I met her! Although my birth didn't go as I had hoped and I had to have a scheduled c-section, I was so thankful to have Dara there to be a calming presence and a wealth of knowledge. But above all, Dara was instrumental in my breastfeeding journey with my daughter. I'm confident we wouldn't be breastfeeding today (3 months later) if it weren't for Dara! During those blurry and confusing first few weeks Dara was so helpful and supportive with my breastfeeding and newborn questions. Just typing this makes me want to give her a giant hug and thank her for all her support. You won't find anyone better than, Dara! read more

I LOVE DARA. Five stars is not enough for her. I did some back and forth with whether or not I needed a doula, since it seemed like a big expense. My husband actually pushed for it because he wanted someone else at my labor that I could rely on besides just him. I HAVE NO REGRETS ABOUT GETTING DARA. My husband and I agreed that it was one of the best decisions we'd made... EVER. Without her I don't want to think how different my birthing experience would've been... I definitely would've had an epidural--which is fine--but it would've probably resulted in a longer labor and who knows what complications to my already existing back pain and pelvic problems. I definitely would've been completely freaked out at the involuntary pushing and the nurse who told me I'd hurt the baby if I didn't stop pushing (how do people like that keep their jobs in labor/delivery?!). I wouldn't have had any idea what was going on with the labor because I wouldn't have had Dara there to explain to me what I needed to know. My husband would've been freaked out, and I would've been super annoyed by him. We had Dara visit us a couple times post partum and both times she provided me with such relief, as well. She has always been extremely responsive and supportive and guided us in positive directions when I felt I had no idea what I was doing! Let's be honest. Labor is not fun, and having a newborn can be overwhelming and scary. Hiring Dara will be one of the best decisions you make for yourself as you start your parenting journey. I will be seeking her out if I have a second! read more

Dara has helped me welcome two beautiful boys into this world and I truly can't imagine going through pregnancy, birth or postpartum without her! She listens intently to each clients needs and gives the most intentional support and advice. Throughout both of my pregnancies she reassured me of myself and my goals and helped me reach all my goals for my birth and postpartum journey. Her postpartum lactation support was also incredibly helpful since my breastfeeding experience has been very different with each baby. At this point I consider Dara family and know that I can reach out to her at any point in my life and she would be there. I feel so lucky to have had her be a part of our biggest moments in life and would recommend her for families of all different needs. read more

Dara was actually my original doula's back up. As it turns out, when you're in labor for 3 days, you're support team starts to get deliriously tired. So my initial panic and sadness subsided, when my doula assured me that Dara was going to step in and that she was amazing. She was right. Dara is incredible. I had initially wanted a birth at a birthing center without any interventions using hypnobabies. But when all was said and done, I ended up having a lot of interventions, birthing in a hospital. It was all so devastating. It was nothing like we had dreamed, planned, or worked for our baby's birth. I cannot tell you how amazing Dara was. She arrived the last few hours of my labor and jumped right into help. She kept me hydrated, constantly. She kept a cooling cloth on me. She supported me and encouraged me with kind words. She helped my husband keep it together (since he had reached his max multiple times). She soothed me when I was scared. After the birth, she gave me a sponge bath (hello! working hard for days, here!), literally spoon fed me, taught me how to nurse, and offered her support after the hospital. She was literally my angel at my shoulder through the toughest time in my life. In fact, I didn't even know what she looked like until everything had calmed down! Finally I looked into her eyes and was so thankful for her being there for me. Especially when your plans go out the window completely, and you're in a hospital where people have their own interests in mind, it's necessary to have someone by your side who is calm, experienced, and has only your best interests at heart. Dara was strong and supportive at my most vulnerable time. She was such a stark contrast to many of the healthcare workers I had been dealing with. I am so thankful that I chose to have a doula overall. I am also thankful that when my doula needed help, she called upon someone who she knew could jump in and take care of me. Both of them will hold a very, very special place in my heart. read more

Dara was my amazing Doula for the birth of my first baby. Not only was she my angel and guiding light through the labor and delivery of my baby girl, but she helped me through the journey of pregnancy in a way that made me feel calm, supported, and confident. I truly could not have had such an amazing birthing experience if it weren't for her loving physical and mental support and wisdom. She challenged me in all the right ways that made me really dig deep inside to find the true warrior that would help me bring this human into our world. My husband felt at ease in her presence as she allowed him to support me in the best ways during the labor and birthing time. Her continued support guided us through the challenges and beautiful experience of breastfeeding. I will forever be grateful for Dara and would love to have her by my side for my future births. read more

Dara is a life saver! We hired her for 12 hours of postpartum and lactation support. We used 2 of the hours before birth for a detailed breastfeeding session to help us learn the basics before our son's arrival. After birth, she was available to help us right away. She made us great meals, did laundry, helped us restock baby supplies and gave me a wonderful abdominal and foot massage. Since then, we have hired her for one off additional lactation support sessions to keep us on a good breastfeeding path. Anytime we have a question, she is just a text, email or call away. Knowing she is here for us has made this newborn period as new parents significantly less scary. read more

Inviting Dara to be apart of our birth team was our best decision surrounding the birth of our first baby. It is frequently warned that birth rarely goes according to plan and that was 100% the case for my family, yet the only thing that did remain constant was Dara and her never ending support. Dara will transform your birth in a powerful way with her words, touch, and energy. She mothers the mother in ways you didn't know you needed all while protecting your birth space and family throughout the process. I am so grateful for her presence during our journey. If you're on the fence about hiring a doula, run (don't walk) to get on her schedule, you will not regret it! We love you, Dara! read more

Dara was more than i could have ever asked for! She is kind, passionate, and extremely knowledgeable. We met twice prior to my birth to discuss our wishes for the day and what was important to us. Dara came armed with endless knowledge to help us. We learned about pain med options, what birth was "really" like, and many tips for early labor. This opened my eyes to so many things I didn't know prior to having my first baby. Dara always had my (and the baby)'s best interest at heart and she provided information, but most importantly 110% supported whatever decision my husband and I made. After my due date, Dara prepared information on induction for me to help me communicate with the doctors. On day 41+4 I went into labor. I called Dara at 3:30am and she was right there with me the rest of the journey. She offered positions and exercises for me to do in this early stage of labor to help me progress & deal with the pain. Once I was ready to go to the hospital 8 hours later I was already 5.5cm dilated! Dara met us there (she will meet you whenever you are ready). Dara massaged me thru the contraction pain, recommended positions to help my labor progress, and made sure I stayed hydrated and as comfortable as possible. Thru all the pain and work, she was right there by my side. Baby was positioning perfectly and things were moving! When it came time to push, it only lasted for 45 minutes which I think is a direct coorolation to Dara's work to get that baby ready! We delivered a heathly baby boy at 12:49am! Dara 100% supported us the entire process. The nurses at Mary birch were in awe of how great Dara was and there was a buzz around the labor and delivery floor of this "amazing doula". We never felt alone. I can't imagine my birth story any other way! Thank you Dara! Afterwards she comes for a post partum visit to help with breastfeeding and steal some baby snuggles! I would 100% recommend Dara! read more

Dara The Doula - Doulas Near Me

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Elizabeth Brink My wife and I (husband writing) interviewed a few doulas, but when we met Dara we knew we found the right one to help bring our beautiful Kaylin into the world. Our spiritual views aligned, but it was her soft, kind-loving heart that really won us over. Her experience was reassuring as well. Up to labor, Dara was always a phone call or text away to help us with any questions/concerns we had. Every conversation, whether it be a phone call or face to face, she was so encouraging. Labor can be unpredictable, and although I felt prepared and somewhat confident from taking the Bradley Method course, Dara was the helping hand and support that both my wife and I needed during labor. Our labor nurse at the hospital said in her 7 yrs of deliveries, Dara was the greatest Doula she has ever worked with. She also stated that our birth was the most inspirational one she has been part of. Looking back, my wife and I feel so blessed to have had Dara as part of our birth team. We weren't sure what labor/birth was gonna look like, but the experience was so much better with Daras love and support. Thank you Dara! read more

Dara The Doula - Doulas Near Me

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My husband and I went into our second pregnancy knowing that we wanted to hire a doula. We began our search and were immediately impressed with Joy and Dara. We had the opportunity to meet with Dara in person before the COVID pandemic hit. She entered our home with such a sense of peace and warmth, it was so easy talking to her and sharing in our hopes and dreams for our upcoming birth. Once the lockdowns began to happen, Joy and Dara didn't waste any time before figuring out ways to keep in touch and rally around their clients in such a confusing and uncertain time. In addition to their already robust supply of resources available through their client portal, they also created a much-needed sense of community by hosting Zoom prenatal and postpartum group discussions. It was wonderful to see other faces and to have an extended resource of knowledge and shared experiences.We had originally planned to have Joy or Dara come to our home the day of labor before heading to the hospital. We were sad that they couldn't accompany us to the hospital, but figured that they could help us gauge the best time to leave and to help with comfort measures. However, thanks to all the amazing tips and tricks that Joy and Dara provided in relation to exercises, stretches, and baby positioning, our labor was extremely efficient and we ended up not having time for them to come to our house. Instead, they were a constant presence and aid to my husband, making suggestions and providing reminders of how to best help me cope and conquer labor with a sense of power and strength (all virtually through phone contact). Our birth experience was more than I could have ever hoped for in a labor and delivery. An absolutely beautiful and amazing birth that I can't help but credit to the awesome support, guidance and knowledge provided by the Joyful Roots Doulas. Even in this season of unknowns, having them as virtual support provided an experience that I will treasure forever! read more

Dara The Doula - Moments after our little guy made his fast and furious debut! - Doulas Near Me

I'm still in awe/shock on my recent birthing experience. I'm beyond cloud nine! All thanks to God and my supportive, loving birthing team: my husband and Dara. I'm truly blessed to have been able to have Dara by my side. I honestly believe that if it wasn't for her, I would have ended up with a 3rd c-section. She helped me accomplish a successful VBA2C! It was the most intense and incredible birth journey. I would have never imagined having a 46 hour labor and delivery with my 3rd child. 39 of those hours all natural, as that was the goal. I have never been so vulnerable and tired, which resulted in giving in to an epidural. I know right? So close yet so far. I look back and have no regrets. With Dara by my side, I would do it all over again. Her soothing, calm voice, gentle, comforting touch and knowledge reassured me I can do it. She helped me stay focused during the most difficult moments. If we decide to go for round 4, there's no doubt I'll be calling Dara asap. I'd like to share my experience from the perspective of a supportive husband. To all the dads out there who are hesitant about supporting your wife/girlfriend in making the investment of hiring Dara as your doula, let me assure you don't listen to your doubts, you will not be disappointed in having Dara be a part of your child's birth journey. My wife & I are truly grateful for having Dara by our side. To me, some of the things that stood out about her and impressed me was not just her professionalism, but as a person how gracious and passionate she is about what she does as a doula. She did an amazing job of giving us nothing but positive energy and encouragement the entire time. She also helped create a comfortable, peaceful environment while my wife labored at home. Not only was she a crucial role in my wife's support system, but she provided support to both of us by working with me as team to help my wife. She kept me in consideration and even helped me stay calm during moments of frustration after a 39+ hour labor. We credit Dara for getting us to the finish line and helping my wife accomplish her goal of having a successful VBAC after 2 C-Sections. We definitely recommend Dara to anyone looking for a doula and we will be referring her to our family & friends. read more

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It's hard for me to put into words how much Dara meant to my husband and I during my pregnancy and birth of my son. From the moment I spoke with her on the phone early on, I knew she was extremely knowledgable in her practice as a birth Doula. I was having concerns about things my care provider was telling me and she comforted me right off the bat and made me feel so much better. She educated me which in turn helped me navigate my pregnancy and labor with my doctor the way I wanted. Dara's advice and recommendations are always unbiased and when you ask her about anything, she will always gives a well-educated and easy to understand answer. It helped making the best decisions for myself and my baby so easy! I experienced an almost 40 hour pre-labor and Dara created a soothing and comforting environment in my home that made each contraction more manageable. She knew all of the best positions to lay in, where to massage me to help ease my discomfort and how to help me move through each pain. She also helped my husband to get involved and help comfort me as well. She was truly an angel! During my actual labor, she coached me (and my husband) through each push and made sure I was comfortable, hydrated and satiated. I can't even begin to imagine what my labor would've been without Dara!! read more

Dara The Doula - So happy we selected Dara as our birth doula! It was the best decision for my pregnancy. - Doulas Near Me

Vast in her knowledge, intuitive in her wisdom, healing with her touch, fiercely protective of a mother's birth space, pure love and compassion in her heart, Dara embodies all of these and more. I will be forever grateful for her support on our birthing journey. My highest hopes were for an unmedicated VBAC with our daughter (our son was breech and required a cesarean birth). From prenatal visits, positioning and preparation tips, to lovely and helpful client ebooks, I felt supported and encouraged each step of the way. And when labor began, progressed more quickly than anyone realized, and we had to deliver in the OR (no other rooms were available), Dara supported me in the most heart-centered, beautiful way I could ever have imagined. My birth experience was healing, full of love, and I have so much gratitude to Dara for guiding me along the way. read more

If I could put more stars down for Dara, I would! My husband and I had an incredible birth assisted by Dara! My husband was deployed through about 8 months of the pregnancy, so having Dara's support was an absolute necessity. She provided me with a wealth of information and resources from the start, and offered objective guidance throughout my pregnancy whenever I provided her with updates or presented her with questions. I appreciated being able to talk with Dara about different birthing scenarios (with my husband present or not, vaginal vs. cesarian vs. emergency/urgent c-section), and she eased my worries in making sure my husband wouldn't feel left out of the birth experience. Dara was/is also experienced in attending births at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, which made a world of a difference as she helped guide me toward the most amazing OB/GYN care provider on deck! On the actual day-of, my husband and I put our trust completely in Dara's care. Dara made sure we were both comfortable and safe throughout L&D, kept us hydrated, helped us make progress during L&D, and continued taking care of us postpartum. I followed through on all of Dara's recommendations prior to and during L&D, and found all of her recommendations to be helpful/valuable in maintaining my and the baby's health. We used Hypnobabies for our birth, and Dara was/is amazing in providing the type of support necessary to maintain the optimal environments at home and in the hospital to maintain focus from start to finish. I also appreciated how attentive she was to my nutrition throughout labor - making sure I was hydrated, and my energy levels were maintained throughout this intense time. After our baby arrived, she needed some minor medical attention; my husband said the decision to leave me and go with the baby was made very easy since he saw Dara by my side and trusted I would be taken care of by her until he could be with me again. Having Dara present eased my husband's nerves during a critical time, and that alone has all the value in the world! My husband was so very well supported by Dara; he loved how active we all were, constantly moving and trying different positions while making great progress. Though I've only experienced one birth (and our first), I have no doubt that Dara is as great as they come! We absolutely love Dara, and are extremely blessed to have her in our lives! There is no way our future births with not include Dara! read more

Dara The Doula - Just a few days back from the hospital, holding our little girl who arrived with Dara's invaluable help! - Doulas Near Me

Joy and Dara are absolutely amazing. Their overall support and knowledge were incredibly helpful throughout our first pregnancy and birth. We also encapsulated our placenta through Joyful Roots and the process was seamless and quick. I would highly recommend their doula services to anyone! read more

Not only did I have Dara as my birth doula I hired her as my lactation consultant as well. SHE IS THE BEST! I recommend her to all my friends. The reason she's so good at what she does is because she cares DEEPLY about her clients. She's also extremely educated about lactation and birth. She becomes a family member and makes it easy to just be yourself in a very vulnerable time. My baby was born by induction & c-section and I struggled for a few days for my milk to come in. The hospital LC & staff really freaked us out that he was dropping weight and would have to eat formula. Dara was a text or phone call away and was always ALWAYS available for us to ask questions. She came to our house and taught me about my breasts and how to feed my baby. She has continued to check in with me over the past two weeks on his progress and how I'm feeling. Becoming a mom is quite an adventure and it's extremely important to have the right people on your team- Dara is supportive, non-judgmental, genuine, so kind, and responsive. I followed all of her instructions to a T and now I am now exclusively breastfeeding! My son has even grown past his birth weight in just 2 weeks! I am so grateful to have found such a special woman to be apart of my birth team. Thank you Dara, you are an angel on earth! read more

Dara The Doula - Doulas Near Me

Dara is absolutely amazing. My husband and I could not have asked for a better support and help through the labor of our first child. She is positive, encouraging, and kind, and she KNOWS HER STUFF. The resources and help she provided to me during my pregnancy were every bit as valuable as her support during labor, and I can confidently say that having her as a member of our birth team was a big part of why it ended up being such an amazing experience. Aside from just being my doula, Dara has become a friend to me and I would absolutely hire her again in a heartbeat. read more

Dara The Doula - dara the doula doing what she does best!! - Doulas Near Me

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Dara was such a valuable asset in our postpartum period. She has a positive energy, is encouraging, and kind, and was wonderful to have in our home. She was proactive, identifying ways to pitch in and make our lives easier and just doing them. Her postpartum doula visits allowed us to relax, and have time to rest, shower, etc. we loved having Dara as our family's postpartum doula read more

The loving supportive service that Dara provides is truly invaluable. For me (now a Grammy), was a wonderful way to support my daughter's initiation into mama-hood from afar. My daughter and I, unfortunately, live at opposite ends of the state so finding a doula to help, support, care and educate on all things postpartum & new-baby was such a blessing for her and me. Dara gave this Mom/Grammy such a peace of mind ... just knowing an experienced and caring soul is there at a time that is so much needed. So grateful! Dara was highly recommended to me by a midwife and I am forever thankful for it. Her love for what she does is a true gift. read more