Karen is the supportive and knowledgeable person you need by your side as you go through pregnancy,…read morebirth and beyond. As a mama pregnant with my third baby who was unhappy with my first two births (first was a traumatic vaginal birth with complications and second was a cesarean) I was looking for someone to help me have a successful vbac. Karen was that someone. Karen is responsive and easy to get ahold of. She also is very open and respectful of your desires and wishes, not trying to push an agenda but also showing all of your options and providing information based on evidence. Karen directed me to several resources which were extremely helpful for me to continue to educate myself further on my own.  She is very positive and encouraging and will help keep you in the right mindset. When I had negative thoughts, she turned them into positive ones. When fear or concern crept in, she gave me the pep talk I needed. When I questioned myself if I could really accomplish what I had set out to do, Karen gently steered me right back to the path of what I really wanted.  Even though I was an experienced mama having my thrid baby, Karen still proved to be invaluable and she was an intergral part of having a postive birth experience. This was my third baby but first time having a doula and it made such a difference! If you are looking for a doula, or even considering the idea of working with one, hire Karen immediately!! You will be so glad you did!

Words cannot express how grateful I am for Karen. She is the BEES KNEES! :) Seriously, this is one…read morecompassionate, caring, insightful, fierce, get it DONE kind of lady. Karen was with me for the birth of my first baby in November 2019 (and will be with me for all future babies if I have anything to say about it). I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone having a baby (hospital or elsewhere). I didn't know too much about doulas before I got pregnant. After reading about them, I thought "that sounds like a good idea"- I had NO IDEA how detrimental she would be to helping me have the amazing birth experience that I had. Throughout the pregnancy, Karen was available to answer questions and give support. When she gave information, it was based on evidence. If I had a question that she didn't know the answer to, she would help me find it. She was (and still is) and amazing resource. When it was time to have the baby, she was the first call I made. I called her when I woke up dripping fluid at 4AM and she picked up the phone. When Karen knew I was close to my due date, she never missed one of my calls. I truly knew I could depend on her to be available. Karen has an amazing, sweet attitude. She was calm and collected- which helped me to stay calm. She was extremely attentive and present to help me through each contraction. Karen helped me breath through contractions and position my body in ways that would ease the intensity. She would offer suggestions, but always encouraged me to trust my instincts and listen to my body. I wanted to labor at home for as long as possible, and I was able to do that without fear - because I knew that Karen was watching and monitoring me, that she has done this before many times, and that she would get me to the birth center in time if it was at all possible. When it came time to push, she gave me helpful feedback to teach me how to get the baby down. She helped me get the baby latched to the breast as soon as possible. Then she held my hands as I got my stitches. I'm telling you... This woman was on her hands and knees with me in the delivery room. She goes above and BEYOND for her mamas. It's not just a job to her, She really is passionate about what she does and she is IN IT with you. I can't fully explain the confidence that gave me though out the birth. Even though my mom and my husband were there- they had no idea what the heck was going on. It was a huge relief not just for me, but for them too, to have Karen there. Since I had never had a baby before, having an experienced professional (she is DONA certified. I'm not gonna have just anyone with me in the delivery room) able to say "this is what might happen next" and "you're doing great" and "this is totally normal" made me feel like I could really have this baby, and do it well. I could trust Karen's wisdom, knowledge, and experience. I could also trust that she was dead set on doing what was best for me and helping me have the birth experience I wanted. She did just that and more. Karen also did postpartum work with us. She taught us ways to help the baby when he got gassy. She helped facilitate breast feeding after my milk came in. She helped my husband and I transition into parenthood by gIving suggestions based on her experience, but also through practical things like helping us do the laundry or watching the baby so we could take a nap. I still call her and ask for her advice when something comes up that I'm unsure about. She has seen a baby come out of me- if that's not a bonding experience I don't know what is. If you have any doubts about hiring Karen- DO IT! You will be setting yourself up for success! There is no one better to have by your side in the delivery room.

This is such a special place to have in town for new parents & a great resource for your…read morebreastfeeding journey. The staff here are super knowledgeable and Jennica is amazing. I received so many tips from her and connections to resources in the community for my baby. I did my baby registry through babylist, and was able to register for so many great items from Nest and Co. Our favorite swaddles came from here and some beautiful stuffed animals. This is the go to place in town for Earth Mama, ezpz, and so many other great brands. If you are expecting or know someone who is, this is the place to go!

Absolutely amazing! 1st time parents for both husband & I and husband wanted to feel more involved…read morew/feeding, but I didn't want to start 3 day old baby on bottle yet. Jenica took her time w/us & not only educated me on my spectra pump, but also introduced the 5/4 French finger feeding tube to husband. Will be returning closer to my leave ending to go over my portable pumps as she didn't want to overwhelm us w/everything in 1 appt which I appreciated!!

The location of this studio has changed but I've taken classes from Deb, the instructor, for years…read more She teaches high quality classes such as yoga, Pilates and full body workouts for a fraction of the price it would cost anywhere else. I like that the classes are small and personal. Check out her class schedule at bakersfieldmindbody.com!!!

Great mind body boot camp. Easy place to give it your all. Great group. Its not fancy and its a…read moresamll old building but the hour of time you spend on yourself gives you the best start to the day. Prices are good and the instructor is a real person who is trying to share what she knows to work for mind and body. Give it a couple visits. I cant live with out it.

Does this place still exist? I called the number and it "doesn't connect" Please update with…read morecurrent post-pandemic information please!

My son is homeschooled through Inspire Charter so obviously it's important to me that he is able to…read moremake friends. Mix It Up Kids Club's twice a month "TK Time" has been so perfect for this. Beyond that, they do lots of reading, science projects, and cooking. They have gone above and beyond to cater to our vegan family, as well, which is truly amazing. I'm so thankful for such an accommodating group of educators!

I recently moved to Bakersfield and I wanted to find a Toastmasters Club to join. The first time I…read morewent to Gift of Gab every member introduced their selves and made me feel welcome. There is a wide range of levels in the club from brand new to very experienced members. They meet in the Brookdale Living Center, Bldg A, just take the elevator to the 3rd floor. I will be back to this club and I think I will join. If you are interested in improving yourself through leadership and improving public speaking Toastmasters is the best place. There are dues (every 6 months) but I feel I get a lot out of my membership.

This theatre is a wonderful thing for kids that need a place to belong in some way. I've seen kids…read moreblossom here and do wonderful things. They build friendships, gain confidence, learn how to work together, learn responsibility and so much more... I've seen kids that have had behavioral problems change participating here. I've seen shy kids become bigger than life. I really can't describe how awesome this is. It may not be perfect as nothing is in life but it is a place that many need or love. Encourage your kids to try things they show interest in whatever they may be, they might shine! This theatre is about the kids

Our children have tremendously enjoyed being a part of AOTCB's theater "framly". They have grown in…read moreto their own little shells and have learned so much about theater and made so many friends in the process.

Was looking for unique child birthday party ideas and came across this business. It was amazing!!…read moreGreat for children of all ages and gender. The options are customized to your preferences. The girls gravitated to the culinary arts while the boys were interested in building the super fun robot options, both girls and boys were into the fun of making "slime". There was no down time for the kids as there was always something to do to keep their attention. Rigatoni and Robots was super clean (sanitary), super organized, the staff was amazing and friendly - great for all guests, young and old. Highly recommend and look forward to signing my daughter up for the monthly membership.

Although this is a wonderful program for children, there have been many issues within the workplace…read morethat I personally have experienced. I think it's fair to share with all past/current members that the you've been fed false information... These issues include: * Promises that cannot be made * Workers have to ensure no projects are broken as there are no backups * Inventory leaves no space or time for errors * Inventory is almost never sufficient, so workers are frantic * The children are rushed through lessons, instead of a 45min rotation as parents are told * Most of the time, teachers are completing the projects for the student * Overall unpreparedness/unorganization on the owner's part * Literally a sweatshop * The owner displays inappropriate behavior in front of members' children * Each of her employees are NOT background checked (this, I know to be true). I can confirm that 8 of her employees were never fingerprinted, myself included * She denied her employees 10min breaks (which is required by CA law) when asked * Her payroll has failed to be paid out to her emloyees as a business owner. When 7/8 of your employees refused to work under these conditions, you have to question what/who the real problem is. * When payroll is delayed, we (the workers) are made to feel guilty about the ownerms financial issues, yet she's out on vacations and throwing the responsibilities on the employees. * When problems arise and need to call, she does not pick up the phone

I have driven by this place for years and never paid it much attention. Walked in one day and was…read moresurprised at the space. One of the owners was there to greet me and answered all my questions. Signed our kids up for one of the classes and they are having the best time! They do after school as well as day time classes for charter and homeschool kids. Our kids are always so excited to go. Going to register them for another month!

From the owner: At Engineering for Kids, our camps are carefully structured to provide your child with the…read moreenrichment he or she needs to grow and thrive. We offer classes in the areas of Engineering, Robotics and Technology/Coding. Registration is open now!

Polga Fitness is a combination of Pole fitness and Yoga…read more I had my first experience with Polga Fitness when my friend bid on a Polga party at a silent auction and won. She invited me (a swing dancer) and a group of her ballroom dancing friends to join her. I initially said no, as I assumed that Polga Fitness was secret code for stripper pole dancing, but knowing the group that was going (very conservative) I reluctantly agreed. My pre-first impressions couldn't have been more wrong! Here was a group of married ballroom dancing females laughing and giggling and having fun as we learned a few simple spins to contemporary/hip music. This was a group of women feeling empowered in their own feminine abilities, not a group of women pandering to the tastes of leering men. I talked to the instructor, Diana, after the class and told her about some self-confidence issues I was dealing with. I am a nationally competitive swing dancer and dance instructor whose shyness around men was holding me back from reaching the next level in my competitions. Diana shared with me her vision for Polga Fitness and how she wanted to empower women, help them get physically fit, increase their strength and flexibility, increase their self-confidence, and show them how to have a lot of fun. She challenged me to try a few private lessons and see what a difference it made. I started taking private lessons (way too chicken to actually do this in a group) and was 'flipping' upside down on the pole in no time (only a couple of weeks)! I couldn't believe that I was doing it, and looking good, too! (Diana takes pictures to help us remember and celebrate our accomplishments). And the difference it made in my self-confidence was amazing. I can now look anyone directly in the eyes with no shyness whatsoever!! I have now started taking some group lessons and they are sooooo much fun! Can you imagine the adrenaline rush of hanging upside down or spinning on a 15' tall spinning pole?!? It is not at all intimidating to do our spins and tricks in a group setting, and the girls in your class quickly begin to feel like your closest friends! There's usually someone better than you to give you a feel for what you can do if you keep working at it, and someone at or below your own level so you can see where you've come from and share the journey. The group classes are kept small (no more than 5 people in each class, I believe) so you never get lost in the crowd. Diana gives everyone personal attention and encouragement. She's a perky little thing - kind of like a permanent ray of sunshine. There are classes geared more towards beginners, classes for more experienced dancers, and classes emphasizing stretching and strength building, too. Workshops are held periodically in other related fitness fields. Polga Fitness allows you to schedule private parties for you and your friends. Or you can try out the private lessons or group classes. This business is A+ and as classy as you can get! http://www.polgafitnessbasba.com/

I'm 31, a happy wife and mother of a 1 1/2 year old. If you…read moreare a woman looking for a creative strength-building workout, you've found it. If you are willing to try something new, you're about to be surprised by your own body. Polga offers pole fitness, fly gym, and hula hoop classes on a weekly basis, and has held women's empowerment and self defense workshops. You can easily register online each week for the classes you choose. You can vary your schedule from week to week depending on what style of workout you want. The difference I've experienced at Polga is that the classes (Pole, in particular) are not about learning a sexy pole dance routine -- it's about using the pole as a piece of fitness equipment in order to build strength, flexibility, and balance. Not to say that it doesn't make you feel sexy when you start to realize just how strong your body is becoming! It is certainly fun as well as challenging. The atmosphere I have experienced there is encouraging, positive, and accepting. I've noticed that the instructors make it a point to walk each person to the door as they leave after class and share a personal word or two. Looking back on my own personal story, I felt a bit lost after I had my son. Life was good, but the majority of my time and energy went into caring for others and my priorities didn't include myself. Don't get me wrong -- I LOVE WHAT I DO (staying home with my son)... but when I started working out at Polga Studio, it brought back a renewed sense of achievement in myself. My body isn't in shape like it used to be before I had a child. It's easy to feel frustrated and defeated when you are used to your body looking better than it does now. But fitness is a process! I'm enjoying every bead of sweat and every time my muscles burn at Polga. There are all different ages and sizes of women there working out and it has become a wonderful place for me to go 2 times a week -- I can get focused, share some laughs, learn something new, and continue to get fit.