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.

If you are in the process of finding a doula/midwife, look no further! I could not recommend Chavah…read moreenough. We hired Chavah as our doula, and I l cannot say enough wonderful things about her. She was nothing short of incredible throughout our entire journey during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. From the very beginning, Chavah was so supportive, knowledgeable, and reassuring. No question ever felt too small or silly. She answered everything with such care, patience, and expertise, which gave me and my husband so much peace of mind. Her presence alone was calming and soothing. She advocated for us and even empowered us to advocate for ourselves. Chavah truly cares and is so knowledge and that is exactly who you want supporting you during your pregnancy and birth. My husband and I are beyond grateful for Chavah. Hire her and you will be in the best of hands!

Let me start by saying that Chavah is one of the kindest souls I've ever met! When we first found…read moreout we were pregnant, Chavah was referred to us by a dear friend who used her for her home birth, and was so thrilled with her birth experience. Unfortunately that pregnancy ended in a miscarriage, but even though we hadn't formally signed paperwork or "hired" Chavah she still so graciously walked us through the most difficult and painful experience of our life (and I might add that was without even meeting us or receiving a dime from us.) When we were blessed with our rainbow baby, we were not sure we wanted a home birth due to the previous miscarriage anxiety was obviously high. So we started care with a different provider, whom we did not end up being happy with. We switched care to Chavah and that was the absolute best decision we ever made! She honestly saved my pregnancy and allowed me to have the best outcome at my birth. Chavah caught many things the previous provider missed, like low iron and border line GD. She helped educate me to manage the GD with diet and finger pricking and she also helped me raise my iron levels. The educational component that Chavah provides is unlike any other we received and we took many many classes. She is patient, answers all your questions and believe me I have a lot of them, and she just has a way of teaching that makes it enjoyable and easy to remember. When it came time to the birth we were hoping for a home birth, but knew with some of my aliments that a hospital transfer was highly likely. We did decided to transfer to the hospital early in my labor by choice not out of necessity because that just made the most sense for my case. I was in labor at the hospital for almost two days and Chavah was right by my side almost the entire time. She just went home once to get some rest when my Doula came and she knew I had the care I needed. Chavah was soooooo pivotal in my birth, as she saved me from a C-section by petitioned the doctor to allow me more time to dilate. She really impressed me as she stated facts to the doctor showing the doctor that both baby and I were doing perfectly fine and another hour was exactly what my body needed. She also ensured that I got the delayed cord clamping I wanted, even when the doctor tried multiple times to cut it early. Chavah literally held the placenta so that my baby could receive all his blood. Her postpartum care has been just as amazing as all her other care. The amount of times I have called Chavah crying and she has helped me through my struggles as a new mom are countless. She is so encouraging and supportive which is exactly what you need in this fragile postpartum state! Her support through the challenging breastfeeding experience is what has kept me going. And this week alone, she came over and we had a fun baby wearing class! Chavah's heart is so pure and her desire to help not only mamas but families was made so evident to us through our experience with her. When it comes time for out next baby, she will absolutely have to be part of our birth team! I highly recommend her to anyone who is pregnant, she will transform your pregnancy experience and your journey to motherhood.

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.

Alisha's Hypnobirthing course took all the fear and nervousness out of the picture and changed my…read morewhole mindset going into labor. I had an extremely long labor and my husband and I were so lucky to have Alisha in the room with us for the entire thing. She was such a calming presence throughout. In the end I needed to get an episiotomy and Alisha put me into hypnosis during the proceedure and I barely even felt it. I couldn't believe it. After it was over, the Dr. who was a neo-natal surgeon (and wasn't too sure about hypnobirthing) was so impressed, he took Alisha aside in the room and said he'd never had a patient so calm while he was suturing them. I will always be grateful she was there with us and all the training she gave us ahead of time made an incredible difference. I cannot recommend her enough!

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!