This class was amazing. Emilie is one of the most caring people. She taught me so many necessary…read morethings to prepare for child birth. She is funny and made me feel seen and heard.

I have known Emilie for a couple of years through church. She was an extremely trusted and…read morerecommended birth educator and doula from my friends. I had read the Hynobirthing book before the labor for my first child. I did not connect with techniques, they felt too "heady" and like they were trying to ignore the immense amount of pressure I was feeling in my body during labor. Those methods lasted about 1 hour in my labor, then I was like, "If you ask me to envision another ocean wave I will slap you!" ... Needless to say, I knew going into labor #2 with our next babe I needed to do something different. Emilie taught Bradley Method (I think she is teaching something slightly different now?) at the time (2017). My husband and I decided to attend her class in Kearny Mesa for many weeks (was it 10? 12? It's all blurry now haha!). What I LOOOOOOOVED about Emilie is she is confident in her birth knowledge, so she swayed slightly from the 90's Bradley Method book that desperately needed some updates. AND she also combined some of the more natural techniques that swung closer to hypnobirthing, included some labor videos, and brought in previous clients, midwives, and nurses for questions. She acknowledged the immense amount of pressure/pain during labor, and didn't call it something else. I NEEDED that acknowledgment. YES, labor is SO HARD. And Emilie knows that. Yet she so brilliantly taught us techniques to labor well. I think the best shift for me was the practice of the techniques in and out of her class. She made sure we practiced at least 10 minutes a day. Doing that from week 28 of pregnancy till labor-- I felt equipped. My second labor was AMAZING. I knew how to labor without exhausting myself. I was equipped with a rebozo that felt right for my height- which I only knew because I had so much time to practice with different ones during Emilie's course. I learned how to communicate to my husband without making him feel like a failure. My husband learned how to be hands on when I wanted him to, and how to serve hands off when I needed to be in my head. He learned methods like head squeezing, gentle squeezes on a wet wash cloth consistently running down my back during contractions, how to position himself to hold my full body weight on the rebozo and not hurt his back, he learned how to track my labor progress by sight without asking me any questions of where I was at, and so much more. I highly recommend Emilie's services, in whatever capacity you desire. Doula, birth educator, advice, etc.

Would 100% recommend. My doulas were Kim & Ella and I felt that they provided some a good…read morecombination. I had such a wonderful birthing experience and largely attribute it to them and the birth 101 class that we had. I was so informed and felt confident in the decisions I was making throughout the process. I would 1000% recommend going with this co. The other thing is that there are several different doulas that work under this agency so if one doesn't fit your vibe, there are more that they could pair you up with. Thank you BB for being part of our birthing experience.

We are so grateful to have had the dream team of Louise and Emry…read more At the prenatal visit, they kind, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. They took their time to carefully understand our previous pregnancy and birth experience and supported us in forming the birth plan we were most comfortable with. During labor, Louise's steady presence and calm, reassuring energy made all the difference. She knew exactly when to step in to offer guidance or helpful suggestions, advocate for our needs, and even when to lighten the mood with her wonderful sense of humor. At the postpartum visit, Louise continued to show her sweet, supportive, thoughtful nature. She checked-in on all of us, answered questions, and made sure we were adjusting well to a new family member. We couldn't have asked for a better team to support us through such an important time in our lives. We would absolutely recommend Louise and Emry to anyone looking for a doula.

As a dad-to-be, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect going into a hypnobirthing class. If I'm being…read morehonest, I was a little skeptical at first--"hypno" anything sounded a bit out there to me. But I signed up to support my wife, and I'm really glad I did. This class completely changed how I see birth and my role in it. Instead of feeling like a bystander, I walked away feeling informed, useful, and actually confident in how I can support my wife during labor. The techniques we learned--breathing, relaxation, visualization--aren't just for moms. I found myself using them too, and they've already helped us both stay calmer leading up to the big day. What stood out most was how much emphasis was placed on teamwork. I learned specific, practical ways to advocate for my wife, help her stay relaxed, and create a positive environment no matter how the birth unfolds. It made me feel like an active participant instead of just "the guy in the room." The instructor, Care, was very knowledgeable, approachable, and never made any question feel silly. She made the classes very comfortable and even pretty funny at times. The class also struck a great balance between education and hands-on practice, so it didn't feel like we were just sitting through lectures. If you're a partner on the fence about taking a hypnobirthing class--do it. Even if you're skeptical like I was, you'll come away with tools, confidence, and a much deeper understanding of what your partner is going through. Honestly, it's one of the best things we've done together to prepare for becoming parents.

I gave birth a couple months ago, and decided to go through Care's Hypnobirthing class, and also…read moreuse her for my placenta encapsulation, and I can't recommend her highly enough! From the very first class, it was clear that Care is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about empowering expectant parents. Her approach to hypnobirthing and breathing techniques was not only informative but also calming and reassuring for both me and my partner. We completed it feeling much more prepared and confident for the birth experience ahead. Care provided a wealth of resources, ensuring we had everything we needed to make informed decisions about our birthing plan. She was always responsive to our questions, both during the classes and even after the birth, which made a world of difference in our journey. It's rare to find someone who continues to support you even after the classes are over. Overall, the entire experience with Care was amazing. Her warmth, expertise, and dedication to her clients truly set her apart. If you're looking for guidance and support in your birth preparation, look no further than Care Messer at the Birth Education Center!

Having a doula by your side during the journey of childbirth can be an incredibly supportive…read moreexperience. They provide not just emotional support, but also physical comfort and advocacy, ensuring that your voice is heard during labor and delivery. We were so fortunate to have found Tanesha to guide us through this experience and be our advocate. After interviewing a handful of other doulas, we knew immediately that she was the one for us. The first time she came over to meet in person only solidified our choice to hire her. Not only did we click with her personality immediately, she was incredibly thorough and informative while educating us on what to prepare for pre birth, in the delivery room, and post birth. I know myself and I knew I needed someone that was going to be confident, yet respectful, and that's exactly how Tanesha is. From the moment I started having contractions she was in contact with my husband and when I was ready for the additional support she was there. I was so happy to see her when she showed up at our house that morning. For the first few hours she was having me rotate through different positions, massaged my lower back, talked me through breathing techniques, and provided the emotional support I needed in addition to from my husband. When it was go time, we all left for the hospital and she was with us for the rest of the day. There was a lot of downtime once I got my epidural, but her spunky positive spirit was so great to be around as we waited for our baby girl to arrive. I cannot recommend Tanesha's services enough!! Our birthing experience was incredible all thanks to her!

We were blessed to have a HEALTHY BABY BOY late in August 2021…read more We worked with Tanesha of Divine Design Doula Services and were incredibly happy with the return on our investment. Technically gifted from her past as a classically trained chef, she is really talented at integrating herself into the loving lens of your family outlook and decision making process during an energized if not anxious time. She has very strong boundary setting abilities as it related to her relationship with our family and how we as a 3 person group would project a message forward to the rest of the world especially those involved in our birth process. She is not afraid to speak up for the team. She, my partner and I met as a group on several occasions. Sometimes by zoom. Sometimes in our home. Sometimes at our birth center with the midwives. She really understands team dynamics and never lost sight of the goal of a healthy birth for mom and junior. She lead us to explore some personal reflections that helped clarify our mentality as parents. We even did some "forgiveness in advance" exercises that really focused our family mentality as one team pulling in the same direction. When "game-time" finally arrived (at 1:30 am on a Monday!) she was immediately responsive by text, did some basic over the phone diagnosis of the contraction data I had been compiling and correctly diagnosed that labor was imminent... 14 minutes later she knocked on our door. She was a 3rd (and seemingly 4th!) set of hands once at the brith center. Carrying bags of clothes and protein packs - massaging my partner and even snapping photographs/video at the moment of truth. I didn't even really know what a Doula was 10 months ago. I cannot imagine going through this process without one. Tanesha and Divine Design Doula were great and now feel like family. HIGHLY RECOMMEND especially for 1st time parents. Our Thanks - M & A

Updating my review to include Julie's service for placenta encapsulation! I recently had my second…read morechild and had Julie encapsulate my placenta. She was an open ear to give advice when I was pregnant, and came to the hospital first thing after we delivered our son. She had our placenta pills returned to us in about 28 Hours and brought them back to the hospital. Julie is awesome and I'd highly recommend her!!

Although the name "hypnobirthing" conjures up images of David Bowie from Labyrinth performing a…read morefreaky-mystical birth while looking into a crystal ball, I think a more accurate name might be "focusing your energy through breathing and concentration - birthing". My wife and I first met Julie as our hypnobirthing instructor and felt very comfortable with her and decided that she would be a perfect fit as our doula. We were looking for someone who was familiar with natural child birth but wasn't named "Rainbow" and lived in a VW bus. Julie is that perfect mix of knowledge, experience & assertiveness while still having a calming presence. We had a beautiful 100% natural birth and don't think we could have done it without the support of Julie. She exceeded our exceptations in every way. If you are looking to do the whole natural thing you should definitely give her a call.

Such a huge help!!! Jackai and Steven are true experts in this field. They balance gentleness, your…read morehopes/preferences for your birth and help guide you all from a medically grounded place. They helped me to be emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually ready for the birth of my son. And even when our birth did not go according to plan they were quick to help me readjust and educate me/prep me for a planned c-section. They have a very personal and educational approach which gave me so much peace. They also put an huge emphasis on both partners readiness - getting us ready to handle different situations as a team. HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Well worth the investment!

My husband and I truly cannot recommend Jackai and Steven highly enough. They were incredible…read morecoaches: helpful, informative, and empowering. When it came time to make medical decisions during labor, we knew we were informed and able to make the best choices for our baby - without confusion or fear. That sense of clarity was essential to our positive birth experience. The online videos were interesting, well-organized, and high quality. We met regularly with Jackai and Steven on Zoom throughout our third trimester. Their guidance didn't stop after birth; they continued to check in and offer support, which meant so much to us. They are a lovely couple with four kind, beautiful children, and their experience and warmth shine through in everything they do. We left the course not only feeling prepared for birth, but also confident that the knowledge and connection we gained will help us for years to come as we continue to grow our family. Highly, highly recommend!

Juliana was a major help during a very vulnerable time. I booked multiple at-home lactation…read moreconsultations when I was freshly postpartum, and she provided personalized and thorough after-visit reports to support my breastfeeding journey. I was dealing with blood blisters, a poor latch, doubts and fears about supply, and a baby that was temporarily not gaining enough weight. As a first-time mom, it was extremely stressful, and there were many tears. However, Juliana's visits always left me feeling more informed, reassured, and capable. We also did a weighted feed during every visit, which confirmed that my baby was indeed getting enough to eat. I still remember the relief I felt when I learned that. Juliana is a big reason why I decided to stay the course with breastfeeding. (Thank goodness, because now I LOVE it.) My insurance covered the cost of the visits, so I just paid the $60 travel fee. I also attended her breastfeeding class with my husband before giving birth. This was super helpful, but I recommend taking the class within 1 month of your due date. We took it a bit too early in my pregnancy, and forgot a couple things by the time I gave birth. Overall, I would highly recommend booking a lactation consultation with Juliana if you're in need of support!

I wouldn't be breastfeeding today but for Rochelle. As a second-time breastfeeding mom, I didn't…read morethink I needed a LC, but was humbled when my baby wouldn't feed properly and failed to hit weight milestones. After many weeks of troubleshooting and anxiety, we finally saw Rochelle who correctly identified the issue immediately, referred us to other fantastic providers, and provided incredible, kind support throughout the process. I went from mostly pumping for 3 months to exclusive breastfeeding. My daughter is 5 months old and BF now feels easy, my baby is healthy, and all is well. I owe this happy ending to Rochelle and only wish I'd booked an appointment with her earlier!

Amazing, invaluable, kind, caring, patient, knowledgeable, experienced, supportive... These are…read morejust a few words to describe Jennifer Cole's Doula Services. As a dad-to-be, I watched videos on hypnobirthing, attended child birthing classes, and read books on how to guide my wife through labor when the big day comes. Well, the big day came (3 weeks early), and all of that valuable information became scrambled and fragmented. My wife was in the hospital for 15-hours before the baby arrived. I was running out of ideas on how to comfort her. Luckily, Jennifer came to the rescue. She arrived at 9am and was with us every step of the way up until our evening delivery. She was constantly massaging the right pressure points to ease pain, assisting with more comfortable positioning options, and was extremely helpful during the pushing process (among millions of other things she did)! She even emailed us a birthing timeline a few days after. Pretty cool when you don't remember much because everything became a blur. From a SO's point of view a doula is worth everything! Especially if you're having your first child and don't quite know what to expect. And trust me when I say it, Jennifer's one of the best. Thank you Jennifer!

After consulting with a various doulas, I loved the genuine feeling I got from Jennifer and the…read morelove for her work as a doula. At the time my husband and I were taking hypno babies classes and Jennifer became certified as a hypno doula during that time to gain more understanding and assist us as best as possible. During our meet ups I definitely felt supported and all the motherly support that came with her personality. She also, helped my husband understand how he could best support me which really helped us connect better. The days following, the birth of our pregnancy took a different and unexpected turn. After my water broke, I called Jennifer that the time was getting close. I did my best to relax on my own when surges came through. When she finally arrived I truly felt a different level of peace. At one point I could say the surges felt blissful. Unfortunately, we ended up in the hospital for other reasons. Even after the birth Jennifer checked up on us to make sure we were doing good. I know she is just the right person for this job. I was going through emotional swings after birth and she is equipped the so many amazing resources that she shared with us. I would love for any mamas out there to get in touch with this lovely lady and experience the best birthing experience possible no matter what. I am forever grateful.

So much gratitude to this amazing doula duo!!…read more From the first time we met with April and Joy we felt comfortable and confident in our decision to work together. We are from out of town and I came down to San Diego first as my husband had to finish work and it was very reassuring to have April and Joy as part of our birth team in case I went into labor earlier than expected. Throughout my pregnancy all the resources, check ins, and words of encouragement that April and Joy provided were much appreciated. They were also very quick to respond to any questions/concerns that I had. The morning of my delivery my surges came in very quickly. I contacted Joy and April right away and shortly after had a phone conversation with Joy to confirm it was time to head to the hospital. She met my husband and I there and it was such a relief to see and have her support during the most challenging part of my labor. Her calming presence, hands on comfort measures were invaluable and she worked so harmoniously with the hospital staff. The photos she captured of our first moments with our second born are truly priceless. After delivery I had unexpected bleeding and I'm so thankful to have Joy's knowledge on the different types of medications. She helped slowed things down and explained the benefits of them for my case and I felt confident in my decision making. I am incredibly thankful for April's belly binding offering postpartum. The foot bath and belly massage was such a treat and it was a lovely way to wrap up our time together with her. There isn't a single thing I would have changed with my birth experience. April and Joy are a fantastic team, highly highly recommend them!

Working with Joyful Roots was truly one of the best decisions we made, and I can honestly say that…read moreJoy and April are the number one thing I credit for helping me have such a beautiful, positive birth experience. Before giving birth, I was someone who felt really nervous and unsure about the whole experience. But after going through it, I genuinely tell everyone that I loved giving birth, which is something I never thought I would say! That is such a testament to the incredible support and care Joy and April provided throughout my pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience. My hope going into birth was to labor naturally at home as long as possible and remain open to getting an epidural once I was at the hospital and further along in active labor. They helped me achieve exactly that. While we were laboring at home, April was the one on the phone coaching my husband and me through contractions, helping us feel safe and calm. She offered different suggestions for positions and comfort measures that made such a difference. My husband shared after that he would have been freaking out much more and probably would have pushed going to the hospital earlier if it was not for her guidance. When Joy met us at the hospital, I instantly felt a huge sense of comfort and relief the moment I saw her. She was tremendously helpful supporting me through contractions with her touch through different comfort measures. After I got the epidural, she continued to be so knowledgeable and helped position me in ways that encouraged baby to be in the best possible position for birth. He was more to the side before but she made such a difference in getting him in a great position. What stood out most to me was how deeply seen and understood I felt by her. She was so in tune with my needs, emotions, and what I needed in each moment in a way that felt different from anyone else present in the room at my birth. Her presence was grounding and incredibly reassuring. Even after I gave birth, when I was feeling overwhelmed by all the emotions and hormones, she noticed immediately and supported me so thoughtfully and gently. That care meant so much to me. I know hiring a doula is an investment, but truly, it was one of the greatest gifts I could have given myself, my family, and my birth experience. If you are considering working with Joyful Roots, I cannot recommend Joy and April enough.

We are working with night and day for their lactation consultant services, and they've been…read morefantastic. We opted for home visits, which are covered by insurance other than a travel fee. The team has been very kind, helpful, flexible, and supportive of our goals without being pushy. Highly recommend!

I cannot say enough good things about Night & Day! I've worked with Rachael twice now (both times…read morefor lactation support), and this past birth had the pleasure of working with Sarah (for lactation support) and Katie (as our Postpartum Doula). Rachael and Sarah are the dream team - incredibly knowledgeable, empathetic and genuine. I opted for in-home visits so it was incredibly convenient to welcome them to my home and know that they had me and my sons' best interests at heart. It was always great having the option to text for quick questions or do a video call if needed. Also, I love how they would send me a recap of our visit so I could reference at any time (because those first few weeks are a fog). Katie was also a dream - I honestly have no idea how I would've survived postpartum without her. Thanks to an employer benefit, I was able to have her services for 3 night shifts and 3 day shifts and she was instrumental to helping us juggle newborn life with a toddler at home. Katie went above and beyond to check-in with me before my baby was born as my last few weeks were a roller coaster. She made the space for us when he was born 3 weeks early, providing me with the emotional and physical support I needed after my c-section. My toddler son looked forward to her visits every time - she was incredibly sweet and took the time to bake with him, read with him and make sure I was able to spend 1:1 time with my newborn. Our family would be lost without her!