I cannot stress enough how important this class is!…read more I researched quite a few birthing classes before I decided on Birthing Empowered with Lara. I did not really know what to expect and will admit I was somewhat skeptical at the thought of hypnosis. But, once I started taking Lara's classes I felt more comfortable with what hypnosis meant. For me, it was about my ability to focus and remain present which I was able to do. The book is definitely a must read, but I do not believe it would have been as effective without the guidance of Lara's class. Though I did not have the birth I envisioned, I truly believe the tools I learned in Hypnobirthing helped me to remain calm, present & centered during my birth. It also gave me the confidence and courage in my abilities that I would not have otherwise had. I wholeheartedly believe Hypnobirthing was the best choice for me and for those who believe they can have a safe, natural, and beautiful birth.

My husband and I attended hypnobirthing with Lara. Lara is kind-hearted, down-to-earth,…read morecompassionate and well-organized. She was wonderful from start to finish and made herself accessible between and after classes via email. Furthermore, she is well-versed in hypnobirthing and has experienced 2 natural births using this method herself. She is also a wealth of great resources for first-time parents. The information we learned through the classes and by reading the hypnobirthing book were very empowering. Taking this class really helped my husband and I feel prepared for our big day. Unfortunately, our plans to deliver naturally at a birthing center did not work out, due to complications with the pregnancy, but I'm sure our daughter benefited from the relaxing sessions that we learned and practiced nonetheless.

I joined the newborn class with my baby at 3 weeks and found such an amazing community of women…read more I'm so grateful to new mom school for providing me support during this early period of motherhood.

I absolutely loved the second time moms class at New Mom School. Being postpartum and on maternity…read moreleave can be really lonely at times and having a group of moms in the same boat is invaluable. I looked forward to class every week as a fun place I could take my new baby and listen to topics that were relevant to my family. What I love about NMS most is the consistency you get with having the same group of moms at class every week. I tried feeding groups in my first maternity leave but found it hard to make friends with different people showing up every week. I've made great friends in the process and gotten connected with really good resources as I navigate second time motherhood. New Mom School is full of amazing moms who get what you're going through and provide a safe space for you to let it all out.

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!

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.

We took Rachel's class as second time parents after a difficult birth of our first child. She took…read moreextra time to talk with me about my previous birth and helped me understand what happened. I cannot thank her enough for her expertise and kindness and I left her class feeling so empowered. I was able to achieve the VBAC I so badly desired and I credit so much to Rachel's class. Cannot recommend her and her hypnobirthing class enough!!

Rachel's hypnobirthing class is amazing! Even as second time parents we learned sooo much (we wish…read morewe took the class before our first birth) and feel so much more confident and knowledgeable going into this second birth. The classes gave us such great tools to have in our toolbox and helped us understand so much about the birth process so that we feel more empowered. We would recommend this class to all expecting parents!

I can't express how much Liza's Bradley class shaped our pregnancy and birth experience! I walked…read moreinto class thinking, I don't know anything about birth and there is no way I'll be able to do it unmedicated. And I walked out of the class with so much knowledge and confidence, and my husband and I were able to achieve the fully natural birth we had hoped for! She was the perfect teacher and I would recommend this to ANYONE AND EVERYONE!

We took the very intensive Bradley Method class in person. It was a great class, but I ended up…read morebeing 15 days past my due date even though I ate a disgusting amount of dates and drank more raspberry tea than anyone should drink. I walked, I saw a chiropractor twice a week, I did acupuncture, I did spinning babies daily, and everything else Liza recommended. I ended up getting induced and being in labor for 3 days which led to a c section. Trust me I did everything to avoid a c section. When Liza called to ask how it went and I told her, she scolded me for not doing more. That was so upsetting after such a traumatic experience. Also in 8 weeks of 4 hour classes, we never once touched on inductions and all the choices that come with that. I felt completely lost without the help of my doula (who only would come once you are dilated 8 cms), and without the guidance of the birth class. I spent so much time preparing for natural childbirth, that the medical induction and emergency c section that resulted left me feeling lost and unprepared. I wish someone had offered me some guidance for that scenario, and not guilt as though it was my fault for having it happen that way. I recommend her class if you know you will have a natural childbirth (which no one knows- the only thing predictable about birth is how unpredictable it is.)

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.

My husband and I decided to take Janine's class due to our holistic approach to birthing and our…read moregoal to best prepare ourselves with pain-coping strategies for a natural birth plan. Not only did Janine optimally prepare us, but we got so much more out of the class than we ever expected. Janine's approach is relatable, compassionate, friendly, kind and incredibly positive. She provided my husband and I space, in an intimate group setting, to have the tough conversations around birthing, our relationship with each other as future parents, and space to create tangible plans for prenatal care, labor and postpartum support. We would not have carved out this time to work through these topics on our own, and have so much appreciation for the tools and revelations Janine was able to help us uncover. My husband and I felt emotionally and physically ready to take on the birthing process, and felt intimately aligned as a partner duo in the process. We were especially grateful for the way Janine shed light on the birthing process due to COVID-19 and the fact that our Doula couldn't join us in the hospital as planned. My husband has such a greater understanding, respect and comfortability with supporting me in the toughest times of delivery because of Janine's curriculum. I highly recommend Janine's Birth From Love course to any conscious parents who are looking for a deeper connection, understanding and confidence in the birthing process, whether you are planning a natural birth or not. We had a smooth labor and delivery and now a happy, healthy baby girl to enjoy!

Janine is absolutely amazing! My husband and I did a private class - Birthing Again at home, which…read morewas so convenient and suitable as we are planning this birth to be at our home so it was a more appropriate comfortable setting for us. She has a ton of insight and recommendations not just about birthing/laboring the baby again, but on other topics such as postpartum plans and managing a healthy communicative relationship with your partner. Initially I thought 6 hours for a class was a bit long but it went by so fast! And we are more than happy we chose her as a guide to preparing us to do this again! Thank you Janine!!

If you are pregnant, book your class asap! I can't rave enough about their approach to preparing…read morefor birth. My husband had two kids from a previous relationship, but still was able to learn things he hadn't been present for with them. It improved our communication surrounding my pregnancy and birth, even when it took a different turn. We'd made it through four of the five classes when my son decided to he needed to get out at 30 weeks. I had so many tools in my toolbox that I felt prepared, even during the scary prospects of having preeclampsia and a NICU baby. I'm so grateful for Care and her entire team. Such a blessing!!!!

My partner and I took this class when we were in our 2nd trimester and I cannot recommend it…read moreenough! Care, the instructor, was absolutely incredible and her teaching style worked best for us. She is so funny, honest and relatable. She never sugar coats anything, but I always left class feeling more excited for my birth experience as well as less afraid. By the end of the class series, I felt completely confident to go through labor and birth with my first child and my partner and I have never been more connected emotionally, spiritually or physically. If I could take her class again just for fun, I would. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

NHI has left a positive impact on my life. There is always that one teacher or professor that…read morebecomes a favorite in one's life. That is Steve Schechter for me. His knowledge and way of teaching has always inspired me. I graduated from NHI 14 years ago, there is not a day that goes by that I do not utilize the tools and knowledge I had received in my daily life. The responsiveness of NHI's staff is Stellar! The communication is always open. The guidance from the staff to help you on your journey is remarkable. I highly recommend NHI to anyone who is interested in the Wellness field . I am forever grateful to Steve and Staff for all that they have done for me. Sending light and love to NHI always!

If you have any doubts if this program is the right fit for your or not, DO NOT enroll. I enrolled…read moreat NHI and paid in full ($3900) for the Holistic Health Practitioner program. Upon receiving materials, I completed one lesson within the entire 1,000 hour certification, approximately 5-8 hours of coursework and felt the program was not the right fit for me. A large portion of the materials was emailed and it took over an hour to sort out what, was what. Most if not all of the program is chapter reading and then a quiz. I contacted NHI using their stated email address on their FAQ but did not receive any response for two days. The FAQ listed on the NHI website stated a refund could be issued based upon percentages completed in the program. Upon making contact again using a different email, I had to reach out every day for 5 days being told "they would hopefully get back to me later that day". Eventually being told that the Director would not honor my refund; "Once you have received your books and all of your enrollment materials, there is no refund except for the books, if you want to send them back, providing they are in "like-new" condition and we can send them to another student. (About $250 mind you) We would, however, like to offer you some extra help and other live lectures at no cost to you, that hopefully will help you get the most out of the program." Why would I want free lectures if I do not want your core content? The communication with NHI has been nothing but unprofessional and the fact that they advertise but do not honor their own refund process is extremely frustrating and concerning. Please do your research and know that this program is for you before you drop $3900 on a useless certification like I did.