I had the most beautiful, perfect birth experience I could have imagined with My Mindful Birth…read more During pregnancy, I was always listened to closely and treated with respect and they trusted in my instincts as a mom. When delivery came, it was the same. I had so much confidence in what I could do because of how I was treated and trusted during pregnancy, and in delivery I was allowed the space and freedom to do what I felt was best for me and baby and the results were beautiful. Delivery was seamless and the aftercare was so warm and caring. They cleaned everything up, they made me food, waited to do anything with the baby until I was ready. Everything was perfect and I couldn't have asked for a better experience

Words can't describe how wonderful Isabelle is! She's delivered all three of my babies and I'm so…read moregrateful for everything she has done for us as a family! All three of my birth experiences were amazing thanks to her kind heart, knowledge, and experience. I never would have imagined I'd have a home birth, but after Isabelle delivered my first two at Rush there was no other person I would have trusted to help me bring my precious girl into the world. My home birth was the best of all three and I'd do it again in a heartbeat! Thank you, thank you, Isabelle! We love you!!

I just want to start off by saying I am so happy to have had Robin for the birth of both of my…read morechildren. She has the most calming presence and made the experiences the best that they could be. I am so honored that she shared the experience with my husband and I and wish I could just sing her praises all day long, but I will try to offer some helpful information too! I took her hypnobirthing class before the birth of my son. At the time I wasn't sure if I would use a doula but was sure about wanting to try a water birth along with hypnobirthing. Robin's class made me feel very comfortable and it was a nice size and a mix of new parents and second time or vbac parents. It was a good chance to practice and to really talk through the entire experience. She gave out recommendations for different things to help with pregnancy and birth but was never pushy or judgmental about using them. It was about doing what we thought would be best for us. There was homework and preparation, but I found that helpful since this is such a new experience to go through. Before the class was over we decided to have her be our doula and that was the best decision we have ever made. She was so supportive and was on board to whatever we wanted to do. Also, if I was embarrassed about call my midwife about something I would ask Robin who also responded to me so quickly. The birth of my son was different than my original plan, but she still helped to make it the best experience possible. My husband was so helpful to have her and later said to me that we would definitely use her when we eventually had our next child! When I did get pregnant with my second child I used Robin again and she was still above and beyond amazing! Plus, she offers post partum help, as she did with my son, and was still so quick with her responses. I had my perfect birth with my second and that is largely in part to the partnership that Robin and I had during my pregnancy and labor. Robin was meant to do this and you will be extremely happy to either take her class or to use her as your doula!

100% recommend. All I can say is WOW. This was a service I never knew I wanted or needed so…read moregreatly. Robin was an angel and a confidant. Real and trustworthy. She was there for me, my son, and my husband before, during, and after birth. Having her as part of my birth story will be something I'm forever grateful for and if I'm blessed enough to have another child, I'll want her on my team again. Ps: She offered to snap photos of when I gave birth, capturing moments I would never have had without her. What a gift.

Submitting a new review (I deleted my 2018 one because it was just a bit too lengthy and personal),…read morebut Cloud nine was the best decision I made for my birth. They were more helpful than even the actual midwives, even with an unexpected transfer to the hospital. I felt empowered, educated and cared for. My doula (Laura) was absolutely amazing with physical and emotional supports for both me and my husband, and she helped me make informed decisions throughout my labor even when we had difficulties and a very long labor. Honestly my birth was a million times better because of her, and an experience that likely would have been pretty terrifying ended up being beautiful and safe for me and my family. The class was a bit too introductory for me. I do wish they had maybe a harder class or one that covers post birth things like baby wearing, breastfeeding and postpartum anxiety and depression. But it's a good overview if you aren't familiar with birth. Overall - definitely give them a call and speak with Kelsey. I'm so glad I did.

I can't say enough great things about cloud nine! We worked with the Kelsey/Valerie team and their…read moresupport was unmatched. Valerie came to our house first to talk about physical support and labor prep. She could not have been more kind, understanding and knowledgable about birth prep. Both continued to check in weekly towards the end and we're always willing to answer questions. When it got to be birth day, Kelsey knew exactly when to come before I had to ask and was the best support. She was intuitive, comforting and even in the midst of the unexpected kept things calm and gave me exactly what I needed. I cannot recommend this team enough! They truly care about making sure clients have the birth they desire and are able to support both the birthing person and support person.

Money EXTREMELY well spent in preparing for birth and parenthood!…read more Long overdue review of the wonderful team and services at Family Picnic! My husband and I took the Power of Birth class, along with Breastfeeding 101 this past winter before my son was born. Best thing we did. To say we learned a lot is putting it mildly and more importantly it helped us to frame what was important to us for the birth. It empowered us knowing what we could change and affect - and of course what you cannot, which is a lot with birth! By having the knowledge to make choices as they arose I felt more at ease with the loss of control that comes along. One of the most valuable support systems I had post baby was Sue and Rebecca with their knowledge and support around breastfeeding. Sue came for a visit when my son was just three days old to make sure he was latching and things were looking good and let us know what we should be looking for, how long he should feed for etc etc. It was so reassuring to have her in our home for the visit to see how things were going. In the months after she and Rebecca were always available via text or email when I had a question about breastfeeding or pumping. I credit Sue with keeping me calm and encouraging me to trust my motherly instincts when it came to feeding. And as an added bonus they are both just such great people!

When I was on the Bowmanville Garden Walk last year, before I even got pregnant, I noticed Family…read morePicnic in the neighborhood as I was walking around. I made note of it in hopes that I'd successfully achieve a pregnancy and might check out the programs here, and once I was pregnant signed up for their mailing list. They offer a variety of services from doula and lactation support, childbirth and early childhood classes, to various parent & baby groups. I was here because I attended a music program for babies that was held here and hosted by a partner organization. The space is really lovely and welcoming to parents and children; there are gathering spaces, chairs, pillows, and whatnot. You'll need to take your shoes off when you enter so don't wear lace up thigh high boots! There are great east facing windows that let in enough light that I think when I was here we didn't even have the lights on. I'd like to attend a group that they have here (and as of September 2023 they have a check-in offer for just that, so I hope to use it soon!). The other two parent/baby groups at the music class we went to have been in attendance here because they knew one another, and it would be great to have a community closer to my neighborhood. Parking is ample--it's not a permit zone on Damen itself, though I'm not sure about the side streets. I'd encourage any new parent to see what they have to offer.

We worked with Victoria and Heather as first time parents. We can't imagine our birth without…read morethem--and we don't want to! We started with them around 36 weeks and they immediately provided immense support and great service. (I only wish we found them sooner!) When we first interviewed Victoria to see if we'd like to go with 312Doulas I loved that they utilized the Evidence Based Birth resources, had an educational component built into the price, and saw Victoria as someone that would support the type of birth I wanted with absolutely no agenda, just a depth of experience, knowledge, and care. Immediately after ending the Zoom call we emailed that we'd love to work with her and it was truly the best decision we made around labor/birth. We felt the same way about Heather when meeting with her! Working with them leading up to the birth made my husband and I feel so much more confident and empowered going into such a new and intense experience. We both became much more equipped advocates for ourselves and felt like true partners with the doulas and our medical team instead of just participants in the birth. When it was time to give birth Victoria was an immense physical, mental, and emotional support during labor. One of the nurses recognized Victoria from her + Heather's work with other patients and said they're the best, even adding when fellow nurses want to work with doulas they go with 312Doulas. Heather joined us at the hospital when it was time to push. Heather was an amazing support--suggesting new positions and techniques to help me progress. This was especially important when the doctors started bringing up more intense interventions like forceps, Vaccuum or C-section despite baby and me coping well. Only Heather gave actionable ideas that led to progress. I credit the evidence-based knowledge 312Doulas gave us + Heather's active support with why we were able to have the birth we wanted and everyone stayed safe and healthy. We can't thank them enough and are so grateful for our time together. I could go on and on, but suffice it so say we HIGHLY recommend them to any expecting parents.

I am so grateful to have had 312 Doulas be a part of 2 of my 3 births. The knowledge and resources…read morethey possess are priceless. I leaned on them through every step of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They were a huge asset to our birth team and even helped my husband feel more confident in supporting my labor. We can't say enough good things about them!

We love Heather and Victoria. We worked with 312Doulas as we prepared for the arrival of our first…read morechild. They were fantastic. We engaged them at about 18/20 weeks in the pregnancy and were able to take advantage of the pregnant person weekly zoom meeting (which provided a wonderful support system through the pregnancy), the birth classes (which were more evidence-based and intimate than what my hospital offered), and they were available for any questions (which gave us another opinion outside of our OB). On the day of our birth, my husband was able to engage with them via text and let them know how things were going. Heather arrived at the hospital and was able to offer comfort measures, support, and coaching that helped both my husband and I feel that we could do THIS! :) In addition, they were able to relieve my husband and let him get some sleep and they got me ice and food, etc. Just so kind. Once I started to push, Heather was there to coach us and encourage us and then take pictures of our new family when our baby girl came. Heather had to leave (they work 12-hour shifts) and Victoria slid in, so quickly I didn't realize it was happening and never felt alone. Victoria then stayed to help us breastfeed and get settled in. After our birth, we had a postpartum call to ask any questions and now participate in the new parents' weekly zoom which already has been super valuable. We'd highly recommend working with 312Doulas.

312 Doulas was recommended by a friend, and I'm so glad I listened! My review focuses on my doula…read more(Marie Weiss) and a course my partner and I took as part of our doula package. I delivered 12/19/21, and our little one is just over 2 weeks old. My doula was supportive, knowledgeable, and responsive. I expected a slow labor (first child) but had the opposite. My water broke around 4pm, and contractions came on quick and strong. All Marie needed to see was a screenshot of the app I was using to time my contractions to say, "time to go to the hospital" (my partner and I would have probably held off--so glad we listened!). I arrived 6cm dilated, and she helped me navigate an unmedicated birth (consistent with my birth plan). She offered excellent labor support (breathing reminders, holding my leg, walking me through decisions) and advocating (e.g., anytime someone walked in the room, she immediately approached them and asked who they were, why they were there, etc.). As part of our package, we took the 6-week Evidenced Based Birth course (founder: Rebecca Dekker; teacher: Heather McCullough), and we both loved it. The course meets weekly for 2 hours to discuss material presented in asynchronous modules. The material is informative, clear, and helped us make many perinatal decisions. There were many topics my partner and I would not have discussed if it wasn't for the course, and they were so important. Thank you so much 312!

Mary has been our lactation consultant for 1 year. She had been part of my support network since we…read moresaw her during an at-home visit when my daughter was 1 month old. I'd count her as one of the women that I've most leaned on as a first-time mother. She is a walking book of knowledge on everything child related. She is kind and passionate and always available. I'm not sure where we'd be without her. We are so grateful to have her in our lives.

Leah Lemelin helped me trust my body more, feel calmer, and more present with what I was…read moreexperiencing. I felt more in command and confident throughout. I thought I wanted a doula just for the day of delivery but what I found was that the work we did together before delivery is what altered the whole experience. It was deeply supportive and prepared me in a way I didn't even know I needed or was possible. So, even if you are an experienced mom, you are having a traditional medical birth, having Leah as your doula will deepen your experience and give it back to you as truly yours in a profound way. I can't thank her enough for walking with me through it and guiding me into myself so I could remember my own agency and power and strength in it all.

I had a tough pregnancy so I decided to get a doula. Sarah and Erika were amazing the whole way…read morethrough. They were quick to respond, informative, and provided actionable steps to make pregnancy manageable. They have complementary styles and I appreciated having their expertise. When I changed my birth plan, they gave me information, support and they advocated for me. Even after I had my beautiful daughter, they checked in with me. They're both such kind, caring individuals. I highly recommend them! Birth was the most vulnerable and empowering experience of my life and I'm so glad I had them on my team!

I love Erika! I called many doulas to help me get through my first birthing experience before I…read morefound her and she was special. She combines intelligence with sensitivity, genuine care and support with medical knowledge. She is both gentle and tough when she has to - gave me the feeling of strength and security during the whole long night. She didn't leave my bedside except to get us beverages, didn't sleep at all for more than 24 hours straight and was alert and actively assisting us all the time. We were changing positions often, used fragrant oils for relaxation, she was massaging me and constantly checking if I or my husband needed anything. She's so amazing - I'd want to give birth just because she'd be by my side I contacted her postpartum numerous times with various baby care, self care and nursing questions and she helped me - and continues helping me even now - almost a year after our contract expired. She genuinely cares and I'm so glad I found her! Amazing doula!

Holly's birth prep class is absolutely outstanding. This is my second pregnancy, and my only regret…read moreis not finding her the first time around! She's engaging, funny, knowledgable, honest, and her main focus goes far, far beyond facts and information (which are also rich and helpful). The exercises in pain coping were excellent. They became even more powerful when paired with the exercises for couples to help us to understand our fears, expectations, hopes, etc. Yeah, I think couples therapists may learn a thing or two sitting in on Holly's classes! Discussing the smells, sights, sounds and other details about childbirth are not a regular part of mainstream Midwestern culture. Somehow, Holly made the information and exercises approachable and not at all weird to do in front of a group of other people. Holly is a great facilitator. A lot of great ideas and discussion came from members in the class because she made space for participation, thought, and sharing. This class involves making art. Normally I think that kind of stuff is total hippy BS, but I really enjoyed it. Maybe I had some pent up stuff from my previous birth experience, but whatever it was, it was awesome. I totally surprised myself with that. I uniquely appreciated Holly's class because she was totally welcoming despite the fact that I was the only one in the room that already had given birth once (emergency c-section not at all what was in my "plan"), and also the only one without a partner in class. Holly made it easy for me to be there, and to participate even though there was a lot of partner work. I really looked forward to coming home to share and practice with my partner. Holly also shared information and guided discussions in such a way to help the couples to manage their expectations and understand all of the possibilities and interventions that can occur, including c-section. She also spent time helping folks in the class to understand their emotions and expectations of themselves and each other. I'm paraphrasing, but she focused on helping us to prepare for the birth that gives us our babies, versus the 3-page plan of stuff that we "want." One thing is not "better" than another, only different, and understanding how to navigate it will make for the most positive birth experience. Holly has spent time at all of the area hospitals, so her tips on productive communication with staff and doctors at the hospital, as well as what to remember to ask for ( eg. squat bars, fresh batteries for the fetal heart monitor) were totally awesome. I'm so happy I took this class with Holly. I'm due in a few weeks, and my partner and I both feel far more prepared for how to navigate our way through the labyrinth, whatever path that may be.

My husband and I took Holly's Birthing From Within Childbirth class and really enjoyed it. We both…read morehad read and connected with the book Birthing From Within so the class seemed like a natural extension. We went to Holly's house for 3 Saturdays and covered what to expect physically and emotionally in labor. I was impressed with Holly's overall knowledge and passion and how she was able to get all of the couples to participate so thoughtfully. I recently gave birth to our first child and throughout my labor I was able to connect with things that Holly had said and so was my husband. Even though she constantly told us that labor is unpredictable, I had some mile markers in my head from what I had learned and it was very helpful. I highly recommend this class! Thank you Holly :)

I'm 62 yrs. old and hate going to the dentist. I went today to the Hammond clinic. The assistants…read morename was "Qual". She was absolutely WONDERFUL !!! Very bubbly, personable and helped me feel at ease. She definitely needs a big raise or ur gonna lose a GREAT employee!! She make my visit fantastic!( I left actually smiling) Thank you young lady , I will never forget ur kindness!

We have only been here once our appointment was at 11am we arrived at 10:45 and checked in…read more Needless to say we were not called in till 11:45. People who came in after us were called before us. Not looking to good at this point, but everyone has a bad day so let's see what happens next time.