My husband was skeptical of getting a doula at first. After not being able to have nurse practitioner midwives (SSM Health didn't offer them at the time) like I did with my first due to insurance, he agreed to give it a shot and meet with Lumos. He thought Doulas were going to push us to have the birth they envisioned for us or would push him out of the supportive birthing companion role during the birth. After we met the Lumos ladies my husband (who is an analytical programmer type) agreed to move forward. One of the saddest things to him about our baby arriving/him going back to work was there would be no more monthly meetings and no more Lumos for us (she is our last baby). They helped my husband support me. They did not step in and take his place but provided addition, much needed support. They are not there to make your decisions for you but rather help provide valuable information when you need it and provide you support and guidance along the way as needed. I cannot speak highly enough of this team of wonderful ladies. They were there for me every step of the pregnancy (well not the first part ) and during the first year postnatal. Their monthly prenatal meetings were a great opportunity to meet other families, get to know our Doulas better, discuss the monthly topic, and to have a safe space to get information/opinions of topics that might be on our minds or other families going through pregnancy as well. Prenatal yoga with Kristin was one of my favorite things during pregnancy. I never was a "yogi" before and did it on a whim but it was amazing. It helped center me physically, mentally and emotionally. I looked forward to it every week. I started only a few months into the pregnancy and I feel it genuinely helped birth my daughter. I used several poses and breathing techniques during the birth. Some of the music even made it into my birthing playlist. Kristin provided a safe space where we could laugh, cry, de stress, or just be. I really needed that during a pregnancy I felt a lack of support in other areas of my life (not my husband but from other family and many friends). They introduced me to my prenatal chiropractor Amy Anderson (who also worked on my newborn baby and I still see her. I cannot recommend her enough as well). During the birth, my husband and I delayed calling our Doulas because we thought we were fine and it might be weird having them there. This is the only thing we regret in the process and our recommendation is to call them. When they entered it was like a warm hug just wrapped around us (metaphorically speaking). They helped bring a sense of calm to a chaotic point. They had ideas we didn't think of and helped my husband and I every step of the way. I ended up having the best and most empowering birthing experience I've had (this was my second birth) and that was due to these amazing women. After birth I'd highly recommend joining Moonbeams. It truly is a unique, highly supportive, much needed space. I've never met a more nonjudgemental mom group. If nothing else it gives me a safe comfortable space to be with my daughter and helps me get out of the house 1-2x a week to be around other adults. As the babies get older it is fun to see them interact with one another. Also, it is a great way to meet fellow moms. Lumos gave me the support I needed and made me feel embraced into a community I didn't know existed before. I am so thankful for everything they did for us. They will always hold a special place in our hearts. Love you ladies! read more

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Lumos is incredible. They are kind, strong, and respectful, and have become an important part of our birth and postpartum community! They are truly advocates for their families and the most amazing birth partners, helping us understand our options and impact every step of the way, and helping me recognize my power as a woman giving birth. Their knowledge and presence leading into our birth and postpartum are valuable in ways that we had never imagined prior to going through the experience with them, and that are different from many doula models in the Madison area. Their innovative partnership model allowed us to build a relationship with the full team and meant that no matter what we needed, and when, we had the experience and expertise available to us. We recommend Lumos without hesitation - talk with them once. You'll get it. read more

I can't imagine Lumos not being a part of my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum! They helped me navigate through the most confusing and intense parts of my pregnancy, and offered kindness and empathy with every step. I felt I always had a support system whenever I needed it-day or night. For the birth, the presence of a Lumos doula was priceless...they helped me have the experience I wanted that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I can't recommend their services and support enough! read more