Giving birth is exciting, unknowing, personal and natural. To have someone by your side who…read moreunderstands the experience and shares the same excitement is a gift to yourself during one of the most memorable moments of your life. I've learned that when you give birth you need the consistent support, warmth and knowledge of a Doula. Liz embodies all of these and more. During my hospital birth, as nurses were changing shifts or taking breaks, Liz was my much needed stability. She will play cards with you, she will coach you through your contractions, she will hold your hand (or you legs) and encourage you until your last push. From start to end, Liz never left my side and gave me the best birth experience I could have asked for. She's the real deal, the one stable person everyone should have when bringing a new life into the world.

From the owner: Doula is derived from the greek word meaning "mother's helper"…read more Every birth is unique and every birth is etched in the memory of all mothers. I hope to help make the memory of giving birth as pleasant as possible without any regrets. Education is key and as I doula I hope to help parents make informed choices and know their options so the memory is one to be proud of. The top priority of every birth is a healthy baby and a healthy mother. Continuous emotional and physical support and advocacy throughout the birth by a doula gives the parents the one on one attention that all mothers deserve and that seems to be lacking in today's culture. I hope to help parents feel empowered and up to all the challenges that come with a birth. Studies have shown that women who have a doula present are less likely to have a C-section, less likely to need pitocin and pain medications, and are more satisfied with their birth experience.

The space is incredible gem in downtown Ojai…read more I've been both an attendee as well as a host at multiple events at Somatic Sanctuary. The facilities are well thought out from a large practice space, healing rooms and a full versatile kitchen. I always look forward to the time that I get to spend at Somatic Sanctuary.

Somatic Sanctuary is a special place that brings the community together to heal and remember how to…read morebe in their bodies. I've gone to classes here, received cranial sacral sessions, and even rented the back sanctuary for a day-long immersion. Everything has been exquisite. They are really offering something special here, that I haven't seen anywhere else. I know that somatics will be the new "mindfulness" buzzword that people wake up to in the next few years and I'm so grateful to have leaders in the field offering this community the cutting edge of somatic offerings. Was a great rental and will surely be back!

As first-time parents, we had limited knowledge about what to expect as we prepared for childbirth…read moreand a baby. When we hired Kaitlin as our birth coach, we were so grateful to have someone as knowledgeable, encouraging, and patient as she is to support us as we embarked on this exciting yet terrifying adventure. Kaitlin listened to our concerns, shared resources and information - including giving us the name of the best Obgyn when we unexpectedly needed to move cities only a couple weeks before the birth and needed a new doctor - and gave us helpful guidance before and after the birth of our daughter. We are so grateful for her help and highly recommend Kaitlin and her services!

Kaitlin was a wonderful birth doula for us when I gave birth to my son at home almost three and a…read morehalf months ago. She helped my husband and I feel comfortable and confident going into the birth and super supported. Kaitlin and I hit it off immediately; she is warm, very knowledgeable, passionate, and intuitive. During labor, she was a calming, steady presence for both me and my husband. She tirelessly helped me cope and ride the waves of contractions, assuring me every step of the way. When I needed it, she suggested helpful ideas to both mentally and physically shift things, and I can still hear her smart words in my mind when I think about my birth. She was there when I searched for her eyes, and she answered even my most impossible questions during intense labor. She had my back and my heart every step of the way. As our son was born, she whispered beautiful words into the space, which still gives me chills to think about. In the days following, she was a great support, especially in helping my husband and I navigate early postpartum and in breastfeeding. She helped us so much in getting off on the right foot with breastfeeding. We felt cared for, supported, and in excellent hands. I definitely recommend Kaitlin as a doula, educator, and women's health advocate. Her knowledge runs deep, and her contribution to this field is already and will be vast.

When my husband and I became pregnant with our first child, I was still carrying a deep grief. My…read moremother had passed away just one year earlier, and as a 38-year-old first-time mom, I felt lost without her guidance. I remember sharing that with Chavah early in my pregnancy, and from that moment on, she cared for me with a level of compassion and sensitivity that I will never forget. Before I even chose a midwife, I prayed for guidance. Then I opened Yelp, and Chavah was the very first midwife I called. After speaking with her on the phone, I didn't search any further. Looking back now, five months postpartum, I truly know she was an answer to my prayer. Chavah cared for us from the very beginning of my pregnancy--around three months along--through birth and into those precious first weeks postpartum. Throughout every appointment, she was wise, kind, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. She took the time to educate us, answer our endless first-time-parent questions, and guide us through each stage with confidence and reassurance. One thing that especially touched us was her willingness to go above and beyond when life threw us an unexpected curveball. Midway through my pregnancy, my husband and I had to relocate, moving about 70 miles away. Most people would have understandably referred us elsewhere, but Chavah generously agreed to keep us on as clients. We were so grateful. Those extra miles meant more to us than she probably realizes. Our pregnancy was healthy and uncomplicated. The only bump in the road was that I needed an iron boost, and Chavah quickly connected us with excellent care for a couple of iron transfusions. Her experience and attentiveness gave us complete confidence that we were in good hands every step of the way. When it came time to give birth, Chavah was absolutely amazing. She created an environment where I felt informed, supported, and in control. Well... as much control as a woman can feel while temporarily visiting another dimension during contractions. Thankfully, our son had places to be and arrived after just five hours of active labor, making his debut before lunchtime. Today, we are five months postpartum and have a healthy, thriving baby boy. I've intentionally taken my time writing this review because I wanted to reflect carefully on our experience and express just how grateful we are. Chavah brought wisdom when I needed guidance, encouragement when I felt uncertain, and compassion when I was grieving. She cared for not only my physical health, but my emotional well-being too. I honestly cannot imagine a better midwife experience. If we are blessed with more children in the future, I would choose Chavah again without hesitation. Knowing she would be part of our care would bring immediate peace of mind. Thank you, Chavah, for everything you did for our family--and for so much more than was ever required. We will always be grateful.

5 stars isn't enough! The amount of QUALITY information you get from a midwife compared to your OB…read moreis insane. Chavah has eased us into parenthood with our first baby. She was there anytime we needed her and because such a rock in our journey. We started really early in our pregnancy with Chavah and I haven't stopped recommending midwifery to my expecting friends. Our in home visits were super informative and lasted -1.5-2 hours! It's seriously night and day and she will give you an explanation as well as expectations so you can make your own informed decisions about every process. Thank you Chavah! You will be part of every baby we bring into this world!

7 years ago I accompanied my best friend as her partner for Alisha's in person Hypnobirth class…read more The class was amazing and life changing for me. There was a birthing doula in class and I knew this was something that I needed to get certified in. I became a certified birthing doula in 2020. I reached out to Alisha again in 2022 inquiring if she still had doulas in class, but during that time she was doing virtual classes. December of 2023 I got a call from Alisha asking me to co-host a Hypnobirth class with her. I jumped at the opportunity to work with Alisha and take this class again. As a birthing doula, Hypnobirth speaks to me and the type of birth that I know so many parents dream about having. Alisha and I just finished her 5 week course and after taking it for the second time...I fell in love with the class as I did the first time. It is so informative for any parents who want to have a calm, peaceful, natural childbirth. Alisha's class will prepare you and your partner for a truly unique birthing experience that will teach you hypnosis for birthing (as well as other times in your life), calm your fears and anxieties, sleep techniques for parents who are already struggling with sleep all while bringing partners closer together for this amazing new chapter in their lives with their new one. Taking this class the first time changed my life and I was honored to have been able to have worked with Alisha for the second time. She truly is amazing and knowledgeable in her field and expertise. Thank you Alisha!

Taking Hypnobirthing with Alisha Tamburri in March 2020 was one of the best decisions I made while…read morepreparing for the birth of my first child that July. The tools and techniques I learned in her class gave me the confidence and calm I needed--and I used them again when I gave birth to my second child in June 2023. Both births were completely unmedicated, peaceful, and empowering. I wasn't afraid--I actually enjoyed the experience. Alisha is incredibly warm, kind, and grounded. Her presence alone is calming, and she was always able to soothe any fears or anxieties I had. I even called her while in labor, and she guided me through breathing techniques that helped me stay centered. With my first, I arrived at the hospital already 9 centimeters dilated after laboring at home most of the day. It was a beautiful experience. My husband took the class with me, which was so helpful. He knew exactly how to support me and understood the birth experience I envisioned. Because I had such a positive experience, I even reached out to Alisha while my sister was in labor. Although my sister hadn't taken the course, Alisha generously offered to speak with her and provided much-needed reassurance during a stressful time. To this day, I still use the calming techniques I learned, and I'm teaching my children the importance of mindfulness and meditation. Alisha's guidance has truly had a lasting impact on me and my family.

Marisol is one of the best things to have happened for my pregnancy! Previously having 2 prior C…read moresections I was having drs tell me left and right that I could not have a VBAC even after doing my own research. Marisol helped me achieve my goal of a natural birth and I can't thank her enough. She believed in me, helped me make informed decision, and cared for me throughout the rest of my pregnancy and labor/delivery. She is very thoughtful, knowledgeable, and caring and I'll recommend her to any future mamas I know

It was an amazing experience thanks to Marisol for always being there since moment one to the end…read more I'm so grateful for all the support she gave me to feel comfortable and for all ways advocating for me in the hospital and later with lactation! I was able to successfully breast feed and later pump feed for a year while I went back to school. I could not have done it without her! And her office where she uses to teach is amazing it makes you feel that you are in a safe space it just feels like if you're in your own home.

I can't say enough good things about Kate! She was the most amazing Doula and friend during my…read morepregnancy and labor. She is truly one of the kindest hearted people I have ever met. I chose to have a natural birth at a birthing center and I truly do not think I could have done it without the help and support of Kate. Not only did she have amazing techniques to help ease pain during contractions, she also brought a calm presence to an otherwise hectic situation. Her peaceful manner helped me stay calm and as relaxed as I could be. If you are pregnant and thinking about hiring a doula, I would absolutely recommend Kate. You will not regret it!!

From the owner: I am a birth & postpartum doula and placenta encapsulation specialist. I believe that birth is…read moresacred and should be treated as such. Everyone deserves the right to birth exactly how and where they desire. I provide education, physical, and emotional support to help parents through this precious time in their lives.

Highly, highly (!) recommend Kari. Her years of experience and warmth are what initially sold us…read more We also appreciated her certification as a Spinning Babies educator. But I am recommending her because I cannot imagine our birth without her. We planned on an unmedicated, hospital birth but ended up in an emergency cesarean. Many decisions had to be made quickly - baby was not doing well - but Kari's presence relieved so much stress. She knew what we wanted, she understood the medical situation better than we did, and she had already developed relationships with many of the hospital staff and was skillful in communicating with them in a respectful manner while advocating for our needs & preferences (I have heard stories of other doulas in town being unable to collaborate effectively with their hospital team). Both my husband and I felt deeply supported throughout the experience. Despite not having the birth story we had hoped for, we both feel confident that we got the best outcome possible in the situation - with Kari being a central part of that. Thank you Kari!

I truly cannot recommend Kari enough!! From start to finish she was amazing! I have known Kari for…read moreyears and have always heard her talk about the love she has for her work! I was so excited I got to experience that when I had my baby! My son was wedged into my hip and I was dilating unevenly! Kari spent all day with me moving me into different positions and doing new techniques to help get him unwedged! I truly believe without her I might have ended up in a c section! She made me feel so comfortable and helped explain everything that was going on the whole time! We also took our birthing class with her, and I highly recommend you do that. All in all, was by far the best decision we made it! I will be using her for every child in the future.

Ashley helped me throughout my pregnancy and birth in 2023. I cannot say enough good things about…read moreher! She gave me invaluable advice and support throughout pregnancy, making herself available by phone or text any time I had a question. Her support didn't end with just the birth either. She continued to support me throughout my breastfeeding journey, making house calls and answering all of my texts when I didn't know what to do. I have even reached out to her a year later with questions about weaning. It truly feels like I have gained a really knowledgeable friend throughout this experience. Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are such vulnerable, personal times in our lives. Having someone like Ashley in your corner just makes you feel some confidence in those times.

From the owner: Evidence-based postpartum and lactation services Education &…read moreSupport in bringing your baby Earthside!