Asking Keely to be our Doula was the best decision we could have made for ourselves as new parents…read more Not only is Keely well versed and educated in what she does, she has a very calming and kind presence too. Even our anti-social cat loved being around her! She helped us to feel confident in our decisions and prepared for labor in a way no birth class could. During labor she helped me to stay focused and calmed me down when I thought I couldn't handle it anymore. I definitely underestimated how much reassurance and help I would need postpartum, but Keely's visit was much needed. Plus, she makes a mean vegetarian chili! Should we have another baby, we'll be enlisting Keely's support again.

I have taken over a year and a half to write this review to make absolutely sure what I say is fair…read moreand level headed. I DO NOT recommend Keely as a doula. She's is a wonderful speaker and extremely eloquent but her involvement and skill set unfortunately ends there. Keely abandoned me and my husband during an emergency c section. One I think would have been completely avoided with a more experienced, empathetic and advocacy minded doula. I have a long list of reasons I regret hiring Keely but all I think that really matters is that I'm certain my birth experience was made considerably worse as a direct result of her involvement. I highly recommend a doula, just not this one. Good luck mamas!!!

I honestly don't even know where to begin because words don't feel big enough to capture what Julia…read moredid for me and my family. After having two previous hospital births that were traumatic and going through 4 miscarriages, I came into this pregnancy at 40 years old with a lot of emotions. I knew I wanted something different this time--and I found it at the SCV Birth Center with Julia. From the start, Julia made me feel heard, seen, and supported in a way I hadn't experienced before. She listened to my story without judgment, made space for my fears, and helped me build back the trust I had lost in my body. Her calm, grounded presence throughout my pregnancy was everything I needed. When it came time to give birth, I can honestly say this experience was nothing short of redemptive. It was empowering, peaceful, and healing in ways I didn't think were possible. Julia was right there with me--encouraging me, believing in me, and holding space in the most beautiful, respectful way. My entire family, including my two older children watched as I delivered my third baby surrounded by love, safety, and strength. It was my redemption birth, and I'll never forget it. If you're looking for a midwife who truly cares, who takes the time to know you, and who shows up with heart and wisdom every step of the way--Julia is the one. I couldn't be more grateful for her!

Julia was our midwife for both of our children - our daughter's birth at SCV Birth Center and our…read moreson's home birth and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. She is so calm, kind, and supportive, and she made both my husband and me feel completely comfortable and cared for every step of the way. Julia's gentle presence and expertise brought such peace and confidence to both of our births. We would choose her again and again - she's truly a blessing to the families she supports! We miss her dearly!

I cannot say enough about Emilee Benner. Nine months ago, I had never even heard the word "doula"…read moremuch less knew what it meant. Today, as my wife and I are proud parents of a beautiful three-week-old girl, I couldn't imagine either of us getting through it without her. She was enthusiastic, supportive, nurturing, responsive, and 100 percent committed to shepherding us through the final, difficult months of pregnancy, and beyond. She guided us through a 26-hour labor and was by our side and actively assisting for the last 10 hours. She advised us when to go to the hospital, and was our advocate the entire time we were at the hospital. We wanted a natural birth, and if it wasn't for Emilee we wouldn't have known how to navigate around the hospital's standard operating procedure (IVs, Pitocin, pain medications, epidurals) in order to have the birth that we wanted. For guys who are reading this, the biggest question you will have is "is my wife in labor." Unless you've been through it, you have no idea what a "real" contraction is versus a Braxton-Hicks contraction, especially toward the end when the Braxton-Hicks start coming more often and more intensely. Also, there are other things that can happen toward the end that are a bit scary and even if you've taken all the classes (which we did) you will not know what is normal and what is not. I ended up texting and calling Emilee way more than my wife did, and to her great credit she always responded within minutes. The other big question is "when should we go to the hospital." There is no way that we would have been comfortable doing most of the labor at home if Emilee was not there with us. We would have gone immediately after labor started and our experience would have been much different. But a good doula will "know" when it's time. Emilee also didn't stop helping us after my wife gave birth. She has helped immensely with putting us in touch with milk donors and has checked in on us multiple times. She shows her passion with everything she does. We were lucky to have her.

We interviewed more than 10 doulas before meeting Emilee. The moment she walked into our apartment,…read morewe knew she was the one. She has a great down-to-earth energy, but is also very frank. She was the only doula who actually asked us more questions than we asked her. She seemed genuinely interested in our birth and we were as excited to work with her as she with us. Emilee is very knowledgeable. I consider myself a bit of a research junky, but I always learn something new after a meeting with Emilee. Her meetings with us before and after the birth were very informative and helpful. During the birth, she followed our lead beautifully and added bits of her own that really made our day run smoothly. From aromatherapy to massage to different positions and breathing, I always felt like Emilee would have 5 more ideas if something wasn't working. In the end I had a very short (10 hour) first labor and I know Emilee was a big part of that. She helped give me the confidence to let my body and my baby do what they needed to do. Thank you Emilee. You're amazing!

Teresa is a miracle worker!!! 24 hours after she came to our home for one session I went from…read morepumping 1 miniscule drop of breast milk to almost being able to pump a full 1 fl oz in just one pumping session and finally getting baby to stay on the boob for much longer periods of time! All thanks to Teresa's great patience, experience, and genuine care.

Giving only 3 stars because I was ghosted post our initial visit... I reached out to schedule an…read moreappointment and heard back and was able to be fit in the same week. Christina was nice and helpful and we parted ways and potentially was going to do a follow up appointment to see how things were progressing. She also mentioned sending me a super bill so that I can send to my insurance to be reimbursed. A week later I followed up with a few questions and requested the super bill which I never got. No response... I followed up 3 additional times in the course of the next 2 weeks and never heard back again. It's unfortunate because I am still looking for support on breastfeeding and have to look elsewhere now.

Today my daughter turns 6 months old and she is a Moxie baby thru and thru so today is the perfect…read moretime to write Moxie a review. As a "geriatric" first time mother and woman of color, it was important to me not to be another statistic. I didn't want an unnecessary episitomy, I didn't want a forced cesarean and I didn't want to be forced to endure more pain than I could handle. After doing a lot of research into hospital births, home births, and birth center births, I decided on a birth center. From my first visit to my last, the woman of Moxie hold your hand and never let go. I had a my daughter thru IVF, so after 10 weeks of pregnancy I was discharged to Moxie and I met with the team of midwives from January until my birth in September. At every meeting I was never rushed, every single one of my questions (and since I aggregate data for a living, I had a lot of questions) was answered and I never felt like they spoke down to me (if a doctor of medical professional has ever done it to you, it's not pleasant). From Inez being the only person on the planet to get my blood without leaving me bruises, to sharing a list of resources like where I found our birth doula, Moxie was my partner in my daughter's birth. Cut to week 39 and I'm showing signs of high blood pressure. Bente and the team go thru every option with me and check on me every other day. On one of the days of my check ins, I get up, start having contractions and then go to CVS to get my covid shot because she was going to have all the immunities! We had a meeting at 2 PM and after the normal BP and hooking up baby to a monitor they ask if I want a cervical check just in case. Turns out I'm 7 cm dilated! They text our doula (because they have her number) before we can. From that check to birth, it was only 5 hours. I got to spend that time in the water and on the "dilation station (toilet) and I almost had to go to the hospital because the baby was in distress. The ambulance came but Dr. Bente was able to let me try with her help and after three pushes, my daughter was born. I devleoped a hematoma and we had to go to the hospital for a repair but Dr. Bente has privileges at Huntington and she was able to do the repair there and then checked on me before I was discharged the next day. Having been in a hospital so close to giving birth in the birth center, for me at least the birth center was amazing. Giving birth on a bed, with a tub, not in a sterile room where the bed is maybe the size of a twin bed was amazing. Kate came and was our lactation consultant and she was amazing! She invites you to a monthly Mommmy & Me group around food so that you get a community. After birth, doing our checkups, because these women knew me so well they knew something was wrong and diagnosed me with postpartum anxiety in Week 3, and after that I was able to find a 3 month program. Everyone was so impressed that I was there in week 3 since most people start at 6 months! 6 months of not feeling like yourself for your partner, your baby, for yourself, I can't imagine. It was hard enough for only 3 weeks. And, if that wasn't enough, Maria can help you turn in your superbill to see if you can get any reimbursements because you pay for everything out of pocket first. I can't imagine a better way to bring a child into this world, Moxie woman truly are the most caring, diligent, amazing woman who help you during one of the most vulnerable times of your life.

Everyone at Moxie is so knowledgeable and kind. I always felt supported by everyone. All the…read moremidwives are amazing and Dr Bente is the best.

Where do we even begin... having her by our side during our first 8 weeks was one of the greatest…read moregifts we could have given ourselves as new parents. She created such a peaceful, supportive environment in our home during a time that can feel overwhelming and emotional. Her presence alone brought ease--but beyond that, her knowledge and guidance across postpartum recovery, breastfeeding, nutrition, and overall healing made a world of difference for our entire family. She didn't just "help"--she truly cared. About me, about my husband, and about our son. Every visit is intentional, thoughtful, and full of love. She also made us the most nourishing meals- that were delicious and so nourishing! Because of her, we felt more confident stepping into parenthood, more supported in the process, and more connected as a family. That kind of impact is something you don't forget. We feel incredibly lucky to have had her during such a meaningful chapter of our lives, and we'll always be grateful.

I took Leanna's baby and me class at Wilshire Blvd Temple and am just so impressed by her. She was…read moreso kind and understanding, supporting each mom though we may have differed in our views on some of the different parts of raising our babies. She did a great job of helping us find connection with each other, making us feel supported and nourished- even bringing us homemade broth or lactation cookies!

I can't recommend Village Birth enough. So many amazing practitioners, so much helpful information…read moreall in one place, and a great community to boot. My husband and I took several classes at Village Birth leading up the birth of our baby, and I found my amazing lactation consultant, Hideko, after taking a very informative breastfeeding class with Yvonne. Hideko was an invaluable resource to me after the baby was born and continued to be for many months afterward. There was no way I would be able to breastfeed as long as I have if it weren't for her. Separately, I worked with prenatal chiropractor Dr. Jenny Stofer as well, who is also part of the Village Birth group now. I had experienced quite a bit of discomfort in my back during my pregnancy and she always made me feel at ease, listened to my concerns, and took care of any issues I had quickly and gently. I always left my sessions with her feeling energized, supported and like my baby had more room in there! It was incredible. Village Birth is made up of such a thoughtful, supportive and kind group of individuals who are talented and passionate about their work. If you're nearby and having a baby, it is the best place for top notch care and information!

I went to village birth in their bundle it was well worth the money. My husband and I did our birth…read moreeducation classes, newborn essentials, feeding and getting ready for the fourth trimester. Thru their doula match we found an amazing postpartum doula. I also did some of their prenatal circles and will be doing their post partum circle soon. Always a fun mix of women who go there, and I know the business can't control who signs up for classes but I wish more POC women and couples went. My first circle it was very intimidating being the only POC there.

Emilee was a DREAM with her placenta medicine services. From the moment we signed her on she was…read morereliable, communicative, and professional. She was also a valuable resource for myself and my husband for questions, support and general education and information. Her capsules and tincture packaging were very high quality and came with detailed and valuable instructions. I can't stress enough how grateful we were!! As for consuming my placenta, I felt a distinctive difference the days I took the capsules vs. the days I forgot to take them. I also never had any postpartum depression and I truly believe it was the placenta medicine that saved me. I would HIGHLY recommend this (and Emilee!) to anyone having a baby!

I had the pleasure of working with Sada as my doula during my pregnancy, and home birth this fall…read more Sada was amazing! I personally really enjoyed taking her yoga classes at Golden Sol in Los Feliz, she has an extensive array of knowledge - from pregnancy to birth and the journey onward into motherhood. I felt supported and empowered by the information Sada supplied me with. My husband and I also took private childbirth ed classes with her. Sada seemed to be especially passionate about home-birth, but when I would see her interact with women having hospital births she had SO MUCH information to share with them about the hospitals and doctors they'd be working with. It was amazing really, and part of the reason I was so drawn to working with her. My labor was about 33.5 hours total, and at the first sign of labor (my labor started hard and fast) Sada came over and sat with me so my husband could get some rest since we had a big day ahead. When she came back the next afternoon, I was still laboring, and completely exhausted. She helped me (and my team) stay focused, and was the strong energy I needed to get through my slow labor. Leading up to my labor Sada was a continuous support system for my husband and I. She checked in with me, counseled me, hugged me when I needed a hug and really took the time to dive in deep so that she could help me have the experience I wanted. After my baby was born, we had a lovely visit a few days later sharing fruit, gawking at all the hair on my sweet babes head, and discussed the happenings of my birth. : ) I ended up making smoothies with my placenta, so i did not need to utilize LABK's placenta medicine services, but Emiliee did teach me how to make a tincture just incase I wanted to make one with any left over placenta (which I ended up doing). Sada was lovely to work with, and I just wish she did postpartum classes because I miss her! :)