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.

Sadly, I cannot speak to Kate's abilities with regard to the birthing process, since she was…read morealready booked for my due date. I am, however, able to discuss her nature, her knowledge, and her dedication. I suffer from a rare condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. It's a condition that had me hospitalized on three occasions, and on bed rest for six months. I lost my job, I was unable to connect with friends and family, I was too sick to speak, and I was on anti-nausea meds that kept me asleep or too groggy to think most of the day. To compound matters, I'm fairly new to LA and didn't have the social resources to help me through that incredibly difficult time. When I finally emerged from the fog, a friend recommended I research doulas for additional support, which is how I found Kate. When reaching out and explaining my situation, other doulas were "all business." Most let me know they were already booked, and explained that I should have researched doulas earlier (thank you for your wisdom). Kate was the exception that took note of my difficult situation and all but rushed to my rescue. While she was already booked for my due date, she reached out to her vast doula community to help me find someone who was a good fit. Because of my condition and the after-effects of being in solitary confinement for six months, my needs are high--and specific. So, helping me find another doula was no small feat. Kate also set me up with a slew of other resources to help me manage the mental and physical stress I had been going through. She also welcomed me into her new mom community, which seems to be exclusively made up of kind, cool, welcoming women. Kate has been nothing short of a Godsend to me. It's hard to express in a Yelp review just how desperate I was to feel supported. Somehow, in my six sentence inquiry email that was overlooked by a handful of other doulas, Kate saw through the fog and saw a woman in need. I am eternally grateful to her and anyone would be lucky to have her on their side.

Kate was our Doula for the birth of our second child just over a year ago and I could not have…read moreasked for more beautiful perfect support. I wasn't sure I was going to have a Doula the second time around. I felt that my husband and I already had a pretty solid birth partnership and because it was going to be a home birth we'd have lots of constant support from our midwife and her assistant. When we decided we wanted the extra love/care, we knew Kate should be that person. Perhaps what stands out most in my memory of Kate on that day is how she seemed to know exactly what was needed in each given moment. As a Doula myself, I'm aware that each birth is unique as is every couple and family. Sometimes a Doula needs to be very hands on, and sometimes not as much - more as a supportive presence in the room from a distance. Kate just totally took our cues and because of my husband and my relationship, because we'd done this before and because it was a shorter and easier labor...we did a lot of it on our own. But in the moments I needed Kate and didn't even know it, I'd look over and there she was - whispering the most perfect motivating and inspirational words in my ear, or massaging my neck and shoulders with lavender oil. I feel honored to have Kate in my life. It is clear that supporting new families is her true calling, and I can say from experience that any couple considering using her services will most definitely have a more peaceful and positive prenatal, birth and/or postpartum experience with Kate by their side.

The Family Room is truly a lifeline. I've taken every type of class they offer, and it has been one…read moreof the most supportive, comforting, and empowering parts of my motherhood journey. Parent & Me gave me community, friendships, and support that I honestly don't think I could've gotten anywhere else. Liz has been an absolute treasure--so knowledgeable, so kind, and such a steady presence through the transition from first-time mom to mom of two. I'm beyond grateful for this place and recommend it to every parent I know.

a community I didn't know I NEEDED. Made some lifelong mom…read morefriends. Mommy life is very lonely and family room was something I always looked forward to in those first few weeks

I really want to thank Debbie for being so wonderful. She is such a professional in her field, and…read moreso knowledgeable. In the crazy tumultuous times of labor and welcoming a newborn into your life, the last thing you wanna do is an extra task. But Debbie was ON IT. she was so well informed, kind and a great communicator. She worked with us, navigated all the Hospital paperwork, had the dried placenta pills delivered it so promptly!!!! I would wholeheartedly recommend this to all mamas to be. Excellent experience all around! Thank you Debbie and LA Birth Partners!

As first time expecting parents, the multiday course built a solid foundation for us for the birth…read more It was awesome to do the class as a couple, each person in the relationship plays a critical role. The vibe was calm and expert. With decades of collective experience across hundreds of doula's in their network, Cheryl and Khefri taught it and you just felt their commitment to your eventual birthing experience and that this was their passion in life. They are accessible and show up for you like someone who would do this good work for free because they love sharing their superpower for the good of you and your family. And people would and should pay them millions for the service and everlasting memories they empower us to have, truly a unique and life changing experience and partnership. I got a recorded meditation that I literally listened to 100 times everytime I rested or took a bath. Come time for go time, it all fell into place. They instilled in us that we are not sick, or needing external help to give birth - I truly felt that our bodies know what to do, are built to do this, and that it's a natural and easy process - not something to fear, resist, fight, or try to make go away ie the contractions are our bodies doing a job and nothing to be afraid of. In fact, what if we embraced, allowed for, and appreciated the power of the body and our spirits to see this process through? Khefri's newborn class was incredible. We did a one on one. She gave us a literal list with links if needed, of what to buy if you are having a baby lol! What you'll need within the first 2 weeks. She showed us how to swaddle and bathe, hold and care for a newborn. I attended some of Khefri's kundalini yoga sessions for expecting mothers. It was so soothing and power inducing that I ended up playing the playlists during my 6 hours of labor. I was an over 40 first time mother. With Khefri (doula) and LA Birth Partners (class) and Birthfit (fitness) and LA Midwives as my partners - we had a successful and easy home birth as well! Though all the practices we could easily have tried at the hospital. In fact, a few months ago, I assisted my sister in her first birth as well. We did it at the hospital but was able to get contractions started naturally, used calming homeopathics and techniques (like birthplan on the door, don't ask me if I need pain meds I'll tell you, candles, cover bright machinery and lower beeping, etc). We could not have done it without Khefri! Literally, we did our last class from the hospital room. Then after the class ended, Khefri became available by text and phone to help us through the contractions! We had questions about the homeopathics, dosing etc to try to start the contractions naturally. She helped with all of it! I can't thank her enough, she went above and beyond, sharing love and support and expertise even more than any actual family members! You feel like you owe so much to these amazing doula's who believe in and know what's possible with a birthing experience. Even someone like me who'd never even seen a birth before, was able to have a homebirth when our western doctors were more than ready to receive us as geriatric mothers at the hospital. None of it was necessary. And we knew that, because we kept on top of medical visits etc leading up to the big day.

Taking Lia's 12 week Bradley Method course was the best decision I made. She was extremely…read moreknowledgable and was well prepared to give us an abundance of information from the different stages of birth to self-advocacy in a hospital setting. We took away so many positive things and I am grateful for her wisdom because I know it has prepared us for any situation that may come our way. Whether you're a first time mother or a 2nd or even 3rd, I believe all parents can benefit from taking this Bradley Method course. We are so grateful for everything you've taught us, Lia.

I cannot say enough good things about Lia and her natural birth classes. I did the 12 week in…read moreperson classes with my husband. I really wanted to know everything I possibly could and I was also looking for a little community as I was feeling very alone in those first weeks of pregnancy (and overwhelmed with what I didn't know). AND THESE CLASSES DELIVERED! My husband is also a knowledge seeker so when I told him these were the classes I wanted he was all in. We learned so much. We joke that he didn't just learn about the natural birth process he learned how to be my "daddy doula". We still enjoy talking to people about everything we learned and how to support each other and how to speak to your doctors or the hospital nurses. Even if you aren't considering a natural birth these classes should be taken by everyone expecting a baby. You learn about the body, you learn about the different stages of labor, how to prep your body and your mind. There is even a class on breastfeeding which was invaluable those first 3 days postpartum. Lia is also an amazing teacher. If I have another I would definitely also hire her as my doula. She is a person you want in your corner during birth.

This review was a long time coming. My little angel came three weeks early and we have been rocking…read moreat life ever since. He is a happy and healthy baby boy. Sharon is such a wonderful person. My husband and I found her through Yelp and had a great time in her Lamaze class and early infant class. Sharon was so welcoming and made the experience as first time parents so special for us and eased a lot of our anxiety. I don't think I would have been as mentally prepared as I was if I did not take her classes. I would even say emotionally too because I had to do a lot of healing with losing my first angel. Thank you so much Sharon. Our little Rami is doing wonderful. You were such a great impact on our journey as first time parents and have our upmost respect. Please keep doing what you're doing because first time parents really need you!

I don't know where to begin except stating Sharon is the best. My husband and I both enjoyed her…read moreLamaze Class. We are first time parents and had so many questions about the birthing process. At one point, I had even considered hiring a doula! But guess what... after attending Sharon's Lamaze class, my husband became more comfortable and stepped up to be my birthing partner! So no need for a doula after all. Sharon also made the class fun by having us doing hands-on learning activities. And most importantly, she serves amazing snacks. So for all pregnant women out there, who get hungry easily like me, you are well taken care of when attending her class. :-)

Ana Paula is a wealth of knowledge and compassion. She's a beautiful mix of warm and calming with a…read morefun energy and the utmost professionalism.

Normally I'd be very reluctant to be apart of a non in person training. ANA is truly a gem. Some…read morepeople give you feelings of love within. Some people give you a genuine feel like whatever they say they mean and that is exactly what I feel with Ana Paula Markel. I spent 3 days with not only fellow woman who share the similar passions and career goals but also a leader and guide. I've been working as a doula for a year now and really trying to find a place to call home for guidance and connections and I truly have found it. I feel motivated and filled with such gratitude to have been apart of this experience. I feel more than well informed and ready to further my mission.

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!!!

Keely was an amazing doula for my partner and I. In preparation for my delivery and labor she…read moresensed my anxiety and soothed me with positive words. During my labor and delivery she was amazing ! She kept me motivated and encouraged me again with positivity. At our two week postpartum visit she remained consistent with her affirmations and assured me that I was doing everything just fine. Back to labor and delivery. She advocated for me, making sure I knew what was going on at all times. I was empowered in all of my decisions because she made sure I was in the loop. She helped me with different labor positions and kept me company while I was having contractions. She's an amazing doula and I'm so happy that she was mine.

I can't express how thankful my husband and I are to have Jana as our doula. My husband was…read moreoriginally doubtful about spending the extra money but was so impressed with her at our delivery that he told me after that "she was worth her weight in gold. From our first initial consultation, Jana provided a wealth of information and lent me books. Due to some complications, my Drs recommended inducing me early and Jana was flexible in being there for us. During my labor, Jana helped me with the excruciating back labor. She braided my hair, gave me back pressure and helped my husband in supporting me. Because of Jana, we were able to have the best birth experience possible.

We were expecting our first child and I knew I wanted a natural childbirth experience. Both my…read morehusband and I agreed that we would be more comfortable with having a doula present, who could help us navigate through these unchartered waters. After researching and speaking with many doulas, we decided to go with Jana. She was extremely professional, organized, knowledgeable, and most importantly, listened to what we wanted and even asked us questions that made us think about aspects of the birth we had not considered. At our first visit, she gave us a very comprehensive overview of what to expect and how to best prepare for the big day. When my contractions started, we were in constant communication via text and phone. She immediately recognized that the baby was not in a favorable position and was causing me immense pain. She suggested exercises and positions to try and get baby to turn. At the hospital, Jana worked very well with our nurse and was our advocate and spokesperson when we needed her to be. She was prepared with snacks (juice can only go so far) and other comfort items like a vaporizer with essential oils. Throughout the almost 12 hours at the hospital, Jana struck a balance between knowing when to step in and suggest positions to my husband and I, when to back off and let me do my thing, and when to push me to drink or rest. Having someone we trusted there to help guide us was invaluable, especially in allowing my husband time to get food or rest. Without Jana, I wouldn't have had the natural childbirth experience I wanted. The week after my son was born, Jana followed up to check in on us and also stopped by for a visit. It was re-assuring to have her there to answer any questions and be a resource for us first time parents. I strongly recommend her doula services and she will be my first call if we decide to add to our family!

I don't know how I would have survived my pregnancy or birth without Jaquelin's help!! From the…read morebeginning of our relationship (while I was still pregnant), she was very supportive and helped me learn more about what I was going through via personal meetings, phone calls, email & web articles. She has a very calm and attentive nature (and I love her South African accent!) During my labor & delivery (32.5 hours!) her assistance was invaluable, since my husband did not want to be in the room at all - since he was afraid of passing out...lol! She knows what she is doing to keep you and your family comfortable and to move the process along. I don't remember a lot about that weekend as I was exhuasted, in pain, & eventually took some drugs to help with the pain, so it was great to have Jaquelin's story of my birth, with all of her notes! She also took some still photos with my camera, so I would remember this important moment in my life! If you are even thinking of hiring a doula, look no further! Her postpartum visit was also very nice & I can honestly say that she was much more than just another body in the delivery room...I now consider her a family friend and we stay in touch often. She is well worth the money that she charges for her services...I only wished that insurance would cover it. Either way, if I did it again, I would still use her. She made the whole experience as comfortable as it could be! :)

I was newly sober and pregnant!! I was warned about the dangers to my sobriety that could come from…read morebeing given prescription pain relievers after giving birth. Especially when C sections and medical interventions are at their highest. I was told to do some research on how to avoid unnecessary C sections and this eventually led me to a doula. I was planning to move back home to California from Florida. I looked up doulas in the area. When Jaquilin returned my phone call I was a mess and nervous over becoming a new mom & screwing it up! She brought peace to my heart answered ALL my questions which brought hope for what was about to come. I was not sure if I could even hire a doula and still living in Florida at the time. I can remember standing in one the isles of a grocery store in Florida. I was so concerned over fish oil in DHA inside the prenatal vitamins. I called Jaquilin, feeling silly because she hadn't been hired yet, but she returned my phone call over such a silly question like that or, "I ran out of my prenatal vitamins and it's only been 2 days. I'm worried about the baby!" She was there and helped bring peace to me! I knew then, standing in the middle of the store that she was the doula for me! I moved back to California, finally at 7 months. When I hired Jaquilin and started the lamaze classes with her they were intimate, small and fun. Very "homie". As well as extremely informative. I felt free to ask any questions. Any! Our choice for birth was for it to be all natural, but in a hospital (we chose the UCLA midwives Westwood. Also an A+ experience) As I'm writing, I'm thinking there is just too many wonderful things and experiences with jacqueline to to say! So I'm writing a list of the 1st ten things hat come to mind below!! My experience far superseded what I paid for and what I expected. I have the most memorable, REAL and intentional birth to thank from her support! 1. She was there for me after the birth, more than she "should" have. In regards to me being at risk for post Partum depression. Supported me all the way through & called in to check up on and make sure I made the phone calls I needed. 2. Jaquilin came over at exactly the right time during my labor. Supported me in all the ways I wanted and needed in order to move into active labor and through the pain. 3. Helped me with my birth plan and met me For walks in the park. 4. Helped me find organic and holistic approaches to many things. 5. The birth!!!! The birth was exactly what I asked for. Exactly!!!! She believed in me the whole time and I in turn believed in my bodies ability to do exactly what it needed to do. 6. I used her experience and knowledge with birth as my guide. I needed her to know when I was ready to go the hospital (I know I would have gone way to soon if I didn't have her!) and because of that there was no need for the hospital to do "hospital things" I was ready! 7. I showed up at 7 centimeters. (All the nurses and the midwives were impressed) I couldn't have done that without the support from my doula Jaquilin. 8. An hour after arriving I gave birth to Liam! Beautiful, all natural, healthy and strong! 9. She was there the whole way through, to the end & then some. 10. I didn't receive any narcotics or epidural. No medical interventions. I was aware. My birth was intentional and I was empowered. Thank you Jaquilin for helping me achieve the birth I was meant to have