When I found out my husband and I were expecting again just after our second turned six months old…read moreI immediately told him I wanted to hire a post partum doula. I interviewed three companies, and chose Better Beginnings because I had heard such glowing reviews from a friend. Joy went above and beyond: providing our family with much needed support and care as well as delicious meals that I still (over one year later!) think about. We felt so well cared for and held during a vulnerable and overwhelming time.

After the birth of our second child, we used night doula support through Better Beginnings. Saideh…read moreand Eileen were our doulas and they were fantastic-- proactive in finding ways to support our family and offering gentle encouraging support as we transitioned to being parents of two. All of the communications, from the first introductory call with the owner to our pre-natal consultation to our first meetings in person with the doulas were all so professional. We don't plan on having more children, but if we did we would absolutely use Better Beginnings again!!

I am so glad I hired Doula Aileen! She was instrumental in helping me achieve the unmedicated birth…read moreof my dreams!!!! Like so many of us, I'd had a difficult first birth and I was determined to have a better experience the second time around. The first time, I thought I'd be bothered by an additional person present, so I didn't get a doula. But this time I knew I would want that comforting presence and words of encouragement. My bf was happy to feel a little less pressure and have a teammate in supporting me in the birthing experience rather than having it be all on him to help me through something as major as childbirth. Doula Aileen met with us as a couple on zoom twice and answered any questions we had, helping us know what to expect in terms of doula services. I really appreciated how down to earth she was. The crunchy world can take itself too seriously, and I absolutely loved Aileen's lighthearted spirit and willingness to support whatever birth preferences I decided upon. I happened to be going for an unmedicated hospital birth, but she came right out and said that even if I were planning an induction or epidural or Caesarian that she would have shown up with the same nonjudgmental support and approval to help me though the special day, which I think is great to have no matter how your birth plays out. I had interviewed a few different doulas, and I was happy to find such a natural fit. I couldn't have asked for more. The day my son was born, I labored at home throughout the afternoon, took a nap and returned to contractions in the evening, and actually got caught up enjoying the birth process, (hard to believe after a tough first birth but it's true) and time flew by! I had been having contractions close together for 3 hours and felt I was close to birth and finally my bf called her to say meet us at the hospital. By then I didn't want to get in the car and I got on the phone and Aileen said "Gina if you want a hospital birth you have to get in the car like now." I needed to hear that! So between waves I got in, and my bf drove, peeled into the parking lot where he double parked. Then I didn't want to get out of the car! But I did and got to triage, which sucked but it helped to know Aileen was on her way there. She arrived just in time for me to be admitted to delivery and for my bf to go move his car. I was delivering on all fours, and I was feeling uncomfortably warm from the mask and hot room and my hair falling forward getting in my face was making it even hotter. Aileen pulled the hair tie I needed out of thin air without me even asking. She helped me with the coconut water my bf brought. She then produced some lavender essential oil and a cool washcloth. Those things were little and yet such a tremendous relief to me! She just intuited what I needed and showed up with it. The doctor told me to flip over onto my back which I was not about to do, and I felt like I had an ally for my autonomy if staff were to get pushy. Baby was born just 2 hours after I arrived. I found out I was only 4cm upon arrival. I had asked in my birth preferences sheet not to be told dilation which was the second smartest thing I ever did in this pregnancy, second only to hiring Aileen. In my first birth I was discouraged by a nurse who told me at 4cm I had 6 hours minimum to go. That was when I had given up and gotten all the drugs last time. This time I had the confidence in myself and a supportive team to get me through, and admittedly this labor was not painful since my water had not broken and baby was in a good position. I'm so glad I had the chance for a natural birth and that Aileen was my doula. Her soothing voice, almost mindreading caretaking gestures, and jovial demeanor were a major source of strength for me and I will forever be grateful.

From the owner: Placenta Encapsulation can help you have an easier postpartum time after you give birth. Placenta…read morecapsules can give you more energy, boost milk supply, and help prevent postpartum mood issues. We also offer placenta tinctures, placenta prints, umbilical cord keepsakes, and postpartum herbal bath packets. Doula Aileen is certified, reliable, and has a super fast turnaround time! We have a dedicated placenta kitchen and follow a strict safety & sanitization protocol. Contact us today to ask questions and book your encapsulation package!

The Minnesota birth center is fantastic! I couldn't recommend them more, they are so attentive,…read morecaring, and helpful. The environment is very relaxed. All the midwife's are so great! If you have a concern they really take the time to talk about it, and explain how things work. Ive heard bad stories of IUD placements, mine went so well and smooth. She walked me through what she was doing, offered/and did stop or wait when I asked. By far the best team and people EVER, I couldn't be happier!!!

Amazing experience with prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum support. We felt listened to,…read moresupported, and cared for each step of the way. I really appreciated the time providers took to fully answer my questions and how many went above and beyond what I expected. Being able to birth my baby in a space where I felt safe and cared for was truly a gift.

Rosa attended two births I was a guest at. She has a powerful, calming energy and so much knowledge.read more

Jessica and Rosa went above and beyond (my birth story is on their website) this is a very late…read morereview but much needed. I moved across country half way through my pregnancy and they were willing to accept me and it was a hit since the beginning! They were helpful answering any questions during my pregnancy, were quick to arrive at my birth and had a wonderful experience and the aftercare and thoughts were the best! Start to finish these two are an A+ Roman (20months) is now a few pounds shy of his big brother and thriving! We are so lucky to have had our dream home/water birth!

Ihotu has amazing healing in her hands and such a calm, encouraging spirit. She was the doula for…read moremy first born. Ihotu came as soon as I called and was beyond helpful, supportive, and encouraging throughout my birthing process. I wanted a natural birth with no pitocin and no epidural and she encouraged me the whole way. She helped me breath through my contractions and supported my pain with massages and calming oils. She coached me threw 24 hours of labor, and never did I feel that she was tired or impatient. She involved my family and was so pleasant with my nurses. I really trusted her advices and loved that she encouraged me to stick with my birthing plan. Even weeks after my daughters birth, Ihotu coached me on postpartum mental and physical health. She also showed me how to give my newborn a massage. I have such warm, happy, and, fond feelings when I think about my birthing experience, which is largely due to Ihotu's amazing support, useful techniques and calming presence.

I went to Ihotu not only for a relaxing massage but because I have a tight muscle over my sciatic…read morenerve from childbirth. Not only was Ihotu warm and welcoming but I melted away. The pain and discomfort immediately went away and she was able to give me some pointers on stretching and yoga position to help keep the pain at bay. I'm looking forward to a combo of T yoga and massages with her to ensure less stiffness and pain in my hip area.