We love, love, loved working with Suzanne. We didn't find her until about 36 weeks in or so because…read moreI was so busy with work I didn't even think to work with a doula even though I had the first time around in CA. I found her through a FB page after reaching out to a few other doulas and Suzanne was by far the best match, oozing a warmth and loving nature that resonated with me. Not only is Suzanne an amazing soul but she's also insanely knowledgeable about so many things pre and post partum. She helped me navigate almost too many things to list, a breech baby, switching to a provider that was genuinely supportive of my desire to have a vbac, an ECV (it didn't work the first time with my breech daughter and I'm convince Suzanne guiding me through the breathing was the reason he flipped this time in addition to a great provider! But Suzanne's help made it possible for me to really relax and let my bub move along with the doctor's hands.), an unmedicated VBAC and more. A huge bonus is she somehow also managed to capture pictures during the birth while staying at my side the whole time. If you're looking for a doula team, look no further than Suzanne and her team.

We are so glad to have hired Suzanne to be part of our birth journey. Suzanne came recommended from…read morea friend who also hired her. Suzanne is friendly and shared a wealth of knowledge ahead of the birth that was very helpful. She had my wife start hand expressing breastmilk and trying out the pumps ahead of the birth which really helped with the milk coming in post partum. My wife had a long and complicated labor - 55 hours of total labor including over 4 hours of pushing. Initially we texted Suzanne to let her know about the labor and she checked in with us every couple of hours. As the labor dragged on she asked to come over that's when we really got to see Suzanne's magic and expertise in action. She was really helpful in finding ways to help my wife relieve pain such as using our bathroom and bringing over a TENS device to reduce pain. At the hospital, Suzanne guided us through options that the doctor / nurse presented us and we observed her push back when appropriate. Watching her push back on the medical team was important later in our labor as my wife and I were empowered to push back on the OB when the OB suggested using forceps. We pushed back on the doctor to give us more time. Our labor was taking a long time because baby was nose up and was coming down crooked. Suzanne was key in positioning my wife in an all fours position that rotated the baby nose down so that she could make it further down the birth canal to a point where the OB could use a vacuum assist instead of forceps - a much safer procedure. I truly believe that without Suzanne, my wife would have ended up with a C-section but we were ultimately able to avoid it because of Suzanne's expertise. After the birth, Suzanne's lactation consultation was also very helpful and the photos she captured during labor were magical. Momma and baby are doing great and we are so grateful for Suzanne.

If you're like me, trust doesn't always come easily. This can be especially true when finding…read morehealthcare providers. When I moved cities halfway through my pregnancy, I struggled to find a reputable home birth provider that would take me as a transfer. Enter Wellspring. I am so grateful I took the leap of faith with Lizz and Elliott. They are down-to-earth, knowledgeable, and really came through for me as a patient when my baby experienced shoulder distocia during my home birth. I had the most beautiful home birth I could hope for (despite the hiccup), and absolutely have them in part to thank for it. In addition to that, their office is lovely & full of plants and toys. My 3 year old loved going to "the baby store" with me and playing with all their fun toys before listening to baby's heartbeat. Finally, they were very sympathetic to my challenging financial situation & were flexible with my payment plan. TL;DR : Yes, I recommend these great midwives.

We had an incredible experience with Wellspring Midwifery. I had recently had a missed miscarriage…read morewhen I came into their care with my second pregnancy. The midwifery clinic I was previously with for the first pregnancy , told me I could no longer work with them and did not give a reason. Valley medical midwives said they would not work with me because I am overweight and of advanced maternal age. The other midwives clinics in the area said they were full for my due date. Swedish midwives did not take my insurance. When I went to the obgyn, she made me feel like I was wasting her time and I felt rushed during a very tender time. I felt discouraged and decided to widen how far I was willing to travel for care. I reached out to Wellspring Midwifery, and they promptly set up a zoom call where I asked tons of questions, we discussed our experience and they shared info about their practice. I felt so relieved to find them during such a hard time, filled with fear and anxiety. Our first appointment was over an hour and Lizz made me feel so comfortable and heard. It was amazing, they even did Saturday appointments so we didn't have to miss work and the traffic was much better. I met Elliot a few appointments later and she was equally awesome to Lizz! Throughout the process, I had monthly appointments and additionally was able to call for questions or write them in the online portal and they would promptly respond. Later in my pregnancy, we made the informed decision that we would prefer to transfer my care to a hospital so that I could access an epidural during labor and knowing which hospital we were going to. Lizz and Elliot were supportive of this decision and helped with the transition of paperwork. They allowed me to stay on for postpartum care. I even called them during my labor when I was trying to make a decision. It was awesome to have the support of their postpartum care because my obgyn only scheduled me for 1 appointment at 8 weeks postpartum. Lizz and La-Kiesha (their midwifery student who joined many of my appointments) came into my home 2 days after my baby was born and did a visit where we talked about the baby, my husband and myself and did some checks on the baby and me. They also gave me breastfeeding support. I had multiple follow ups in office during the first 6 weeks postpartum. It was so helpful to get regular support throughout that period of time. I am forever grateful for my experience with Wellspring Midwifery and I highly recommend them for your prenatal and postpartum care.

I'm so deeply grateful that I was able to have Mary there to guide me before, through, and after…read moregiving birth. She was sensitive to me, kind, stood up for me, and helped me know I could get through it. I do not hesitate to recommend her as a doula for any reason.

Hiring Mary as our Doula was one of the best decisions we made, and I truly believe she played a…read morehuge role in helping me achieve my successful VBAC. Her support started long before labor. She met with us several times to help us prepare mentally and physically, walked us through our birth plan, and made sure we understood what to expect. She also helped us prepare our home for postpartum in ways I never would have thought about; helping me set up nursing and changing stations around the house, sharing practical meal ideas, and even helping us put together a special "fun box" to help keep our toddler entertained during the transition. Those little details made such a big difference once we got home. During labor, she was incredible. She stayed with us for over 20 hours, offering constant encouragement, comfort techniques, and reassurance. She helped me stay focused when things got hard and reminded me I was capable when I needed it most. Her calm presence made such a difference for both me and my partner. She doesn't just show up for the birth, she truly invests in the whole family and the whole experience. Because of her, I felt prepared, supported, and empowered every step of the way. If you are hoping for a VBAC or just want someone truly dedicated to supporting you through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, I cannot recommend her enough. We are so grateful she was part of our birth story. We will definitely hire her for our next birth!

Nancy Spencer knows what she's doing and for her to suggest to go on a keto was great advice, of…read morecourse if you go to western medicine nutritionists they are going to say keto is not good and dangerous. Nancy delivered both our girls in 2011 and 2013. If your overweight and she suggested a keto it was for your health and baby to develop healthy not for your feelings to override your emotions cause your feelings got hurt then go where your itching ears want to hear. Thank you Nancy for being the vessel God uses to bring many blessings.

I had my first child with Nancy! She took such amazing care of me and was able to keep me informed…read moreand calm leading up to the birth. My water broke before my contractions started, I was not dilating and my cervix was not coming forward. If I was in a hospital it would have resulted in a C section but she was able to fix everything naturally. I had the most beautiful birth and was able to give birth to my 8.12 lb baby with no tears. so thankful for Nancy. I appreciate that she gives things to you straight and knows what she is doing!

I truly don't even have the words to express how much my experience working with Rachael meant to…read moreme. From the very beginning, it never felt like I was just another patient on a schedule. She truly cares about you... how you're feeling, what you're going through, and making sure you feel seen every step of the way. After having my first baby in a hospital and walking away with a less-than-pleasant experience, I knew for my second and lastI, wanted something different. I wanted to feel safe, supported, and genuinely cared for. And that's exactly what you get with Rachael. She checked in not just physically, but emotionally. She listened, she reassured me, and she created a space where I felt comfortable, confident, and understood. It felt less like appointments and more like being cared for by someone who truly had my best interest at heart. This wasn't just care..it was compassion, connection, and trust. And I will forever be grateful I made the decision to go this route. Truly five-star care from start to finish.

I met with Rachael when I was just a few weeks pregnant with my 2nd child. While I didn't have a…read morebad experience with my first provider I felt like I wanted something different. I fell in love with Rachael as soon as I met her. Her knowledge, her energy, her confidence, her smile, her ability to set me at ease... the list goes on. There's a certain comfort I can't fully explain when you're with the same provider throughout the entire prenatal, birth, and postpartum period. Being with one provider means you really get to know and trust each other. And Rachael really knows her stuff. She is an expert on all things pregnancy, birth and postpartum. She has a way of letting you know when something is important without instilling fear and anxiety in you which I feel is so common in a more clinical setting. There was one moment during my pregnancy when I got worried that my baby wasn't moving as much as I was used to. I texted Rachael and she immediately responded: "Meet me at my office and I'll check you, I can be there in 20 minutes." So she met us there, groceries in hand, and checked on the baby because that's the kind of provider she is. And the baby was fine which meant I was fine, and I felt so thankful so have a real relationship with my provider so that a meeting like this was even possible. My birth experience was picture perfect. I think about it every day. Rachael and her amazing birth assistant Cassandra work so well together and are perfectly in sync with each other. It was calm and comforting. They were supportive and encouraging right when I needed it. They quietly observed, checked the necessary vitals, and let labor naturally occur just as it was meant to. After my son was born they did his first exam right there on my bed while I rested and watched. Then they did the next few postpartum visits and baby checks at my home as well. It felt like such a luxury. We are so lucky to have Rachael providing this exceptional care in our community. She is a very special human and I am so thankful I was able to have this experience with her. It almost makes me consider having another baby... just kidding :)

During pregnancy Davinah helped us feel empowered and excited to have a home birth in the midst of…read morea global pandemic with no family around -- words I never thought I'd write. We made the decision to have a home birth out of fear. The pandemic was just beginning and hospitals were questioning whether to even allow partners in the room. That was it for us. We would have this baby by ourselves if we had to. Then the clouds parted, Davinah came into our lives, and she helped us turn our fear into joy. Soon there was no other world we wanted, we were almost grateful for the circumstances that brought all this support and knowledge into our birth. There were moments in labor and especially while pushing when the only voice I wanted to hear was Davinah's. She knew how to talk to me when the experience was rushing over me, she was able to find me and tell me exactly what I needed to do. We felt safe and seen as she helped protect the bond between my husband and me, which was the most important thing to us that we were together and able to honor our intimacy the whole way. Davinah's dedication was humbling and I can't imagine how I would have found that deep-down-55th-hour-in-labor power without her.

Investing in Davinah's support as our postpartum doula was such an important decision for our…read morefamily. The first three months of motherhood were so much more difficult for me than I could have anticipated (even though I did as much preparing for the difficulty as I could have...the sleep deprivation and endless infant screaming still humbled us in a major way)! Having Davinah's presence to look forward to got me through. On multiple evenings when I reached what felt like the end of my capacity to mother, I would remind myself, "Only two more sleeps until Davinah comes.", that thought gave me the hope and energy to keep going. Her presence in our home gave us so much! Never before have I felt hosted in my own space. She was warm and attentive, and did everything from wiping down my kitchen counters to holding my fussy baby to giving me reassuring hugs while I wept on the couch. I felt like I could truly invite her into the mess of my home and emotional state. The postpartum months are uniquely vulnerable, and she was able to listen and respond to our families needs with so much thoughtfulness and depth. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- From my husband : as a new Dad, I didn't expect to need or want support from a postpartum doula but I can't imagine the transition into parenthood without Davinah. She works fluidly, flexibly, and tirelessly. I was so impressed by her ability to intuit our needs and remind us to take good care of ourselves. The mornings of sleeping in while Davinah fed or soothed the baby were magical. When we woke up breakfast was ready! It was such a blessing to have her support.

I cannot recommend Barbara enough!!! She was an essential part of my birth team and I'm confident…read morethat I wouldn't have had a successful unmedicated birth without her. From the moment we started working with Barbara, she took the time to truly get to know us, my goals, and concerns regarding labor. She provided thoughtful reassurance and guidance that was clearly backed by years of experience as both a midwife and doula. She never pushed a particular approach but instead empowered me with information and support so I could make the best decisions for myself. During labor, Barbara's presence made a huge difference. Her coaching helped me manage pain and stay focused. Her experience allowed me to try various labor positions that I believe aided to a more efficient birth. She also advocated for me when I was faced with tough decisions, which is already hard enough to navigate when you're in labor! Not only did she support me, but she was also an incredible resource for my husband. She provided him with the confidence and guidance to be a present and helpful partner. We both felt she added so much value to the experience. Another major plus is that Barbara has a strong relationship with the providers at NW Women's Healthcare. They clearly enjoy working with her and respect her. During the labor, I felt that she worked well with Dr Jiao and the nursing staff; it truly felt like a cohesive team that was focused on me having a successful birth. On top of all that, Barbara is just genuinely an awesome person! She is easy to talk to, kind, and calming, yet also fun and engaging. We had many good laughs together. If you're looking for an all around amazing doula who is knowledgeable, supportive, and truly makes a difference, Barbara is the one!

Barbara is absolutely amazing, I cannot speak more highly of her. Her vast experience as a doula…read moreand previous medical training really come through. She removed all stress from the early labor stages by providing guidance and options, and then helped me through an unmedicated birth with firm but empathetic and useful guidance. She knew exactly what I needed at different times and her cool and collected demeanor helped keep me calm and in the moment. I don't know if I could have done it without her help. I highly recommend Barbara if you're looking for a doula in Seattle.

I had a successful VBAC thanks to Melinda and Milla of "Calm & Confident Doula Care!"…read moreInitially, I was ambivalent about a VBAC. To feel comfortable taking the leap, I wanted a doula who would be more than a cheerleader: someone who could provide physiological knowledge and support to keep my labor going smoothly, and preferably someone who had lots of successful experience with VBACs.Milla and Melinda were exactly who I was looking for. I loved the workshop on physical prep for birth that Melinda taught (and created, I believe) as part of their package, their nonjudgmental approach to my preferences (yes epidural), and the fact that they made sure we met them both, so either one could attend our birth. I had to go into the hospital very early in labor. Milla attended our birth, and helped us navigate when the hospital offered us various interventions. Her TENS unit made my back labor bearable. My baby was at risk of coming out "sunny side up" because she was ROA, and Milla suggested positions that would create space in my pelvis (with the epidural in!) and successfully turned my baby around to LOA for a smooth delivery. I was able to deliver my 8 lb baby after only 48 minutes of pushing! Melinda did our postpartum visit at that low point in early breastfeeding where my milk hadn't really come in yet and the baby was a worrying combination of thirsty and sleepy. We were so grateful to have an experienced eye on our baby for reassurance and to give us some much-needed pointers -- because of course, our second baby is completely different from our first. Two more things, in case you weren't sold already: first, we found it very easy to build a rapport with both Milla and Melinda, and loved spending time with them; and second, I have mild cerebral palsy, which they easily took in stride, and were happy to adapt techniques as necessary.Don't wait -- get on their calendars!!

I can't recommend Milla and Melinda enough! My husband was skeptical about hiring a doula, but…read moreafter the birth he was the first to say how grateful he was they were there for us and that the investment was so worth it. Their package is outstanding compared to others. Milla was with us for delivery and she was such a calming, supportive presence. She reminded me of my birth plan when I needed it, worked beautifully with the hospital staff, held me through contractions, cheered me on when I felt like giving up, and set boundaries with family when I asked. She just knew what I needed and I felt safe with her. Melinda was equally fantastic. I felt deeply seen by her. She helped me with my anxiety before labor and in postpartum, gave me practical tools (the ice exercise was a game changer), and walked through our house helping us set up baby stations + shared so many helpful tips. Some additional highlights: - Their website has the best list of questions to ask when interviewing doulas. - The prep class with Milla was both super helpful and honestly fun. I truly believe the exercises she taught me made a huge difference in my labor. - Melinda dropping everything to come help us on day 3 postpartum when we texted her in frenzy. Hiring them was hands-down the best decision we made. I'm so happy with how my labor went, and I honestly credit that to this amazing doula team. Overall, the biggest impact they made on me was that they believed in me, and that gave me so much strength. For a first-time mom with higher levels of anxiety, that kind of support was priceless. I honestly wish they could be my team of support forever in motherhood--that's how much I loved them and how much I trust them. And even now, I still bug them from time to time and they always quickly help me out with resources. I am so fortunate to have found them. I am sure you will feel the same way if they become your choice of doulas.

I don't even know where to start with this review - we owe Christine so much. We were so tired of…read morebeing treated like cattle by hospitals, with midwives giving us conflicting information, not listening to us, and leaving us feeling unsafe. So we reached out to Christine and In Tandem for a consultation. I honestly have always been a bit skeptical and afraid of home birth, so I came armed with a lot of questions. But once we talked (virtually) to Christine, we immediately felt compassion and care. She is the perfect guide - never pushing her own agenda, listening, but not afraid to give you her opinion. She backs everything up with science and her experience. Christine put us at ease throughout our pregnancy - That was the exact opposite to what we had experienced at our hospitals. She always listened, and even involved our oldest kiddo during visits. Christine and her team were amazing during our son's birth, we felt so safe and cared for. We had great postpartum care as well, coming to our home and checking on my partner, answering questions, and again, involving our older kiddo. It's been almost two years since, and we still miss Christine!

PART 2/2 (finishing our review on my husband's account due to character limit):…read more Now for the postpartum care. This is the most unique part of choosing midwifery care and in my opinion, the #1 reason to do so. Whereas in the traditional obstetric model you typically see your provider one time at 6 weeks (often just to make sure you don't have any signs or symptoms of postpartum mood disorder, to discuss birth control, and to clear you for sex and physical activity), Christine sees clients and their new babies about 6 times in the first 6ish weeks after birth. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all postpartum visits have been at home. These visits are about so much more than just you and your baby's physical well-being; they are focused on the entire family, involving older kiddos in the home, and it's evident that Christine genuinely cares about how everyone is adjusting and doing emotionally. For the first two weeks of your baby's life, Christine's license includes the provision of all routine pediatric care, saving you from additional appointments or trips out of the home so you as the birthing person can focus on recovering and celebrating your growing family. Again, the level of attentiveness and family-centered care received is unmatched. After the birth of our first son, I dealt with a resurgence of a lifelong struggle with anxiety related to the transition to parenthood. Until I connected to a community of West Seattle mama friends, I can genuinely say Christine and Taylor were the women who provided me with the most support. After the birth of our second son, I experienced some unexpected postpartum complications that required me to page Christine. I could have easily been sent to the Emergency Department for the symptoms I was experiencing, but Christine took the time to come evaluate me in the comfort of my own home and provide me with additional testing and support. If anything page-worthy arises during your time in care with In Tandem, you will receive a response promptly, and instead of a nurse line as in hospital-based care, you get to talk to your midwife directly. If you are looking for perinatal care that will change your life, look no further than In Tandem. The name of the practice is so fitting as your midwife will walk hand-in-hand with you and your family every step of the way. Pregnant families--run don't walk to In Tandem Midwifery!

Troop saved my life!!! I could not have survived the newborn phase without the help of my doulas…read more They were all so caring, helpful and knowledgeable. Even though it can be tough to be separated from one's newborn baby, I felt so comfortable sleeping while my doula took care of him. Having overnight support allowed me to get the rest I needed to heal and gave me energy to spend time with my toddler during the day. Troop is like family to me! I would recommend them to anyone in need of support.

Pregnant and postpartum moms - DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY…read more We signed up for doulas for 12 weeks while I was pregnant and put down the deposit (roughly $10k). Our needs changed postpartum and when we went to update our timeline we were told that the deposit we put down would not be applied to the updated timeline - basically we were asking for $8k in services and even though we had already paid $10k we were told that we still needed to pay more. They quoted the handbook which was not noted in the contract we signed and we were never told of this "policy" while interviewing or signing the contract. We received the handbook after we had signed the contract. We worked out an agreement after pointing out how ridiculous this was and we felt it was still worth it to move forward as we were hopeful that they would provide the services they promised. Over the course of four visits we had two different doulas. Both were very polite and nice but had totally different levels of care. The first doula set timers on her phone to wake up and check on our daughter as well as wake and bring her to feed so that she didn't go too long without eating. As a mom that is EBF this was immensely helpful and she was great to work with. The second doula was polite but did not take care of our daughter. She slept so deeply that did not wake during my daughter's feeding cues/crying. I awoke to engorged breasts and when I checked the monitor I could see my daughter fussing in her bassinet while the doula slept on. I also saw that she had set the temperature of the room to 74 degrees. For a 6 week old that can't regulate heat this was VERY concerning. I went to wake my husband to figure out how we could change it to a safe temperature and then went downstairs and woke the doula while getting my daughter from the bassinet. My daughter was so overheated that she could barely finish one side even though she regularly finishes both. While I was feeding her, this doula fell asleep again and when I brought my daughter back she did not wake to me entering the room- I changed my daughter's diaper and only after returning with a light on did she wake up. We were scheduled to have her for the next month and my husband and I did not feel comfortable leaving our child in her care again. When I emailed the company to cancel (on a Thursday with our next visit being a Monday), I received an OOO message from Lynette Wilson the Director of Operations. The following day (Friday) I forwarded the message to the scheduling team and did not receive a response. When Lynette returned that following Monday she did not ask why we were suddenly cancelling but did try to tell us that she was going to charge us for not cancelling 24 hours before the shift even though the message was sent several days before. Only after I was able to get Lynette on the phone (you cannot contact anyone in the office directly) did she relent. I also brought up the concerns with the doula - again she did not once ask why. She did not seem to care or bother to offer solutions but rather wanted to end the conversation. We've spent $10k+ for 4 nights. Pregnant and postpartum moms - this company does not care about you or your child. Their team of overnight doulas is sporadic in their level of care and created an unsafe environment for my child. This company only cares about squeezing you for money during one of the most stressful and vulnerable times of your life.