I cannot emphasize what a crucial part of my pregnancy and daughter's birth Stephanie was for us…read more Stephanie provided the exact support we needed; from the moment we hired her to the days leading up to my labor to the birth of our daughter to the days after and everything in between. Any question, request, guidance needed - Stephanie was there. She made us feel no shame in asking the smallest questions. She was clear about when something was evidence-based vs her intuition/experience. She never pushed us to do anything and was always supportive of decisions we made. It was important to me and my husband to have a natural birth, which was my main motivation to hire a doula. Truly could not have delivered this baby without Stephanie (I mean, I would have, of course - but likely after much more pain and decisions I would later regret). She was with us on the phone (my husband, mostly) as soon as my water broke and she was with us in person by the time contractions got heavy to get us through the later stages of labor and the pushing/delivery process. Stephanie worked so in sync with the midwife and nurse on my delivery team - it took a village! In addition to Stephanie supporting me, she was also an amazing guide and support to my husband - equipping him with reading materials before delivery and coaching him on best ways to support me throughout labor and delivery. In the days after our baby was born, we talked to Stephanie every day. She visited us to make sure baby was latching properly, showed me some other tips and tricks for feeding, and has continued to provide us with guidance on feeding and pumping and all feeding things! When I become pregnant with baby #2, Stephanie will be among the first to know - could not imagine doing a totally natural birth again without her!

Hiring Stephanie as our doula was one of the best decisions we made while preparing for the birth…read moreof our first child. When my partner and I started looking into childbirth education, we quickly realized how much we didn't know and how overwhelming it could be to research everything on our own. From our very first meeting with Stephanie, it was clear how knowledgeable she is. She focuses heavily on evidence-based information, which was exactly how we wanted to approach decisions around birth. I became interested in attempting an unmedicated birth, although I was only about 60% confident I could actually do it. Stephanie never doubted me. From that point on, all of our preparation and meetings were geared toward helping me achieve that goal. She was always quick to respond to texts and emails and provided detailed, thoughtful information whenever we had questions. Stephanie also did an incredible job coaching my partner ahead of time so he knew how to support me during labor. In our prep meetings, she walked him through different techniques and ways he could help when things became intense. Because of that preparation, he was able to really play an active role during labor. Even during labor itself, Stephanie continued guiding him on how to support me in ways that were actually helpful in the moment. When things were very intense, she would gently coach him on what to do, whether that was how to help with breathing, positioning, or encouragement. If he wasn't sure whether something he was doing was helping, she gave him feedback and reassurance so he could keep supporting me confidently. That support for both of us made a huge difference. When my labor started, I was able to text Stephanie updates and questions and she was always quick to respond and help ease my worries. At one point she had another client in labor (which we knew was a possibility), but her backup doula came to my house and provided wonderful support until we went to the hospital. Stephanie met us there and immediately helped me focus on breathing and staying calm. The moment I'll always remember most was during the pushing phase. I was exhausted having been awake for nearly 36 hours, but Stephanie's coaching and encouragement made such a difference. Her reminders to breathe for the baby and "blow out the birthday candles for the baby," along with her steady counting and encouragement, helped me push through and ultimately deliver my baby the way I had hoped. One unexpected benefit of working with Stephanie is that she is also a lactation consultant. She helped us prepare for breastfeeding, explained how pumping works, and helped us troubleshoot breastfeeding our baby a few days after coming home. I didn't expect that level of support, but it ended up being incredibly helpful. Stephanie is incredibly knowledgeable and very honest. She gives you the information and may offer a recommendation, but she never pressures you if you decide differently. She's straightforward, fact-driven, and clearly very dedicated to her clients. Working with her truly showed me how valuable doulas can be. Stephanie was wonderful to work with, and I would not want to have another child without her by my side.

We truly cannot say enough good things about Meredith. She was with us overnight for the first 8+…read moreweeks after our son was born, and as first-time parents who were truly starting from scratch, she was exactly what we needed. She helped us with everything--from teaching me how to even use a breast pump and helping us find our groove with breastfeeding, to newborn care, postpartum recovery, and all of the million questions that come with bringing a baby home for the first time. She is incredibly knowledgeable, honest, down-to-earth, and completely nonjudgmental. She never made us feel like there was one "right" way to do things--she helped us figure out what worked for us and gave us so much confidence along the way. Meredith is also just the kind of person you want around during those early weeks. Nothing flustered her, she was incredibly calming, and she somehow always knew what we needed without us having to ask. We felt completely comfortable with her from the beginning and trusted her completely with our son. By the end, we didn't just miss having the help--we genuinely missed having Meredith around. She became such a special part of those first weeks as a family, and we feel incredibly lucky to have had her. We could not recommend her more.

Meredith was extremely caring and attentive to our son. She helped us navigate the next steps with…read morehis feedings and diaper sizes. Meredith allowed us to get some much needed rest since we knew our son would be in good hands while we slept. We are so happy we decided to hire her as our doula.

I used Ashe for my first birth in 2024. Emilie was my doula and Milta was her partner. Both of them…read morewere so supportive and patient during my pregnancy - they are knowledgeable and kind, never pushy and always helpful and kept what my partner and I needed at the forefront of all of our interactions. They answered every question and I had lots! Emilie and Milta were very gracious and mindful of supporting my husband, as well. I was grateful for them and their guidance throughout pregnancy, but my labor and delivery is where Emilie's sunshine beamed the strongest. She seemed to know what I needed before I could even ask her, providing physical support and pain management for me at my induction. With her unwavering help, I was able to carry through with my hopes for an unmedicated birth even with an induction and even though I was nervous! She had total faith in me and it made me believe in myself. She checked in on us at home after the baby came, and we also used Ashe's postpartum services to get a few, much-needed, nights of rest (Courtney is amazing!) Ashe does it all and they do it all beautifully. I'm grateful every day for Emilie and her team. I wholeheartedly recommend their amazing care for every step of your journey! We could not have been happier.

I am so glad that Emilie was my doula during my pregnancy and delivery experience. I knew I wanted…read morea natural birth experience, and someone who would champion for my wishes. Emilie did that and much, much more. In the months before delivery, Emilie met with me for pre-natal care, informing me about hospital interventions, medications, and decisions I'd have to make for my child. When contractions begin, Emilie coached me through the contractions and then met us at the hospital. (She was getting ready to meet us at home but my labor was very fast). At the hospital, she helped me settle into a comforting routine. With every contraction, she held my body, coached my breathing and I felt completely in control of my labor and delivery. There was no screaming, or kicking as I imagined there'd be. The nurses even commented that this was the most controlled delivery they'd ever seen -- thanks to Emilie! She kept me hydrated, massaged me, and coached my husband about what he could do. She worked incredibly well with the nurses and doctors. I was so nervous about giving birth but I was fully empowered and in control over my body. I absolutely loved my labor and delivery experience. After giving birth, Emilie visited me twice, bringing sitz baths and talking me through all the issues I was facing during that first month. It's been several months and she still checks in on me. You won't regret going with Emilie!

There are times in your life that are undeniably epic. Milestones that leave indelible marks on…read moreyour mind and heart. Becoming pregnant, growing a child in your womb, giving birth and adjusting to motherhood is a phase in my life that has been exactly that. With this journey, aside from faith in God and the support of my husband, what I needed most was courage. Courage to trust that I everything my baby needed resided in me. That I could do it, become a mom- a great mom. A mom that was informed, knew her options, and knew holistic and scientifically-backed medical approaches for prenatal and newborn care. Thankfully, with a heart full of gratitude, I can write I believe I am that mom. I know I have a lifetime of learning how to best serve my child in every season of her life, but when I look back on how this beautiful chaos began there is one constant person (again, aside from my partner) who I can honestly say helped me EVERY step of the way: my doula- Joanna Guzman. Brave Birth perfectly captures what mommas most need- courage. And let me tell you: Joanna helps you tap into reserves of strength women often are unaware they even have. Please keep reading to better understand why Joanna is an excellent doula and even better person. The journey to motherhood is deeply personal. She gets that. Never pushy, but always available- she is a knowledgeable professional who isn't a mere sterile presence, but a warm, soothing, clear and gracious birth coach. And what does a coach do? Train, prepare, encourage, guide, plan and cheer you on. Joanna did just that from the moment she saw my first sonogram, where all that could be seen was my baby's gestational sac, to following up with me after each doctor's visit, periodic check-ins on my mental health and so on, all the way to holding my precious baby girl and visiting me at home during those hectic and at times nerve-wrecking first weeks with my baby. She was always just a text or call away. This meant everything to me since my husband and I experienced a miscarriage just before this pregnancy and I was drenched in anxiety at times. Even in my most vulnerable moments, she didn't shy away from any of my concerns- she would calmly let me know when to reach out to my doctor or when to just exhale and trust the process. As you can see, I can go on and on about Joanna. I am forever grateful for all she has done for my husband and I. Joanna helped give us the tools we needed to march into parenthood aware and feeling capable. She is also one of the greatest reasons I am a confident mom. I know I won't always have the answers, but I am empowered to seek them and weigh my options because of Joanna. Enjoying time with my baby and trusting my vital role in her development is a more peaceful experience because of Joanna. Looking back on my initiation into the wonderful sisterhood of motherhood was full of encouragement and wise counsel All.Because. Of. Joanna. She is a true gift to the soul of whoever she is working with and an intellectual treasure that will equip a woman to have the birth experience she desires. But not just any birth- a brave one, ushering that bundle of joy into a world with a momma who will have a heart full of courage. Thank you Joanna and Brave Birth! Love always, The King Family

I usually don't write reviews but this was a must! I always pictured myself having a baby but when…read morethe day actually came, I was in shock, partially because I knew nothing of the journey that was up ahead.  I knew I needed guidance but didn't know where to start.  When I met with Joanna at Brave Birth, I was surprised at how much information she offered me.  My labor was painful yet she was there for me every step of the way helping me cope with the pain and soothing my every need.  Now I cant imagine going through another pregnancy without a doula.  She was knowledgeable, gave me advice and gave me so much physical and emotional support.  She really was outstanding! I'm so grateful she was by my side. I mean from aroma oils to massages to Tens machine, etc, just everything was so helpful.  I would've gone crazy without any of it! Thinking back, I seriously would've been so lost if she didn't coach me through everything even simply understanding what the nurses were telling me.  Joanna not only assisted me, she also helped calm my mother's nerves.  My mom tends to be erratic when anxious and she knew the right things to do and say to help my mom, which then again helped me calm down.  She also taught my partner massages, which he didn't do as well as she did but it was good enough to soothe the pain.  Lol  I even fell asleep in between my contractions which I thought was merely impossible! It really was such a great experience because of her and I recommend using a doula especially Joanna to anyone and everyone.   It is definitely worth it!

Best postpartum doula ever. Reads the room and asks what you need but she knows so much. Top…read morequality care. Best experience. Book her!

Jessica was an amazing doula. I ended up choosing her following our initial meeting because I felt…read morea connection that I wasn't getting when I met with other doulas. She was attentive and always followed up with information and asked if my needs were being met. I obtained her services pretty late in the game but it worked out. There was one miss communication but otherwise her expertise and her ability to ensure your getting the birth experience you want was worth it. We created a good birth plan but my birth plan was gutted when everything went left two weeks before my due date. But I still was able to at least get the golden hour, breastfeed, had a vaginal delivery, had peace in my space. She also took some photos which I am grateful for because I am so glad I have those now. Jessica was very attentive outside of her obligation following my delivery and one meeting. I has a few complications and she checked in and continued to encourage breastfeeding. I recommend Jessica when ppl ask for a doula because my experience was pretty dope and I am glad I went the doula route. It's definitely a financial investment but if you can spend the money do it. You won't regret it.

Afshan was doula for my wife and I as we worked through the pregnancy and birth process in the fall…read moreof 2018 and I cannot speak highly enough of her. She is calming and kind, helpful and responsive, while also being effective as a guide when difficult decisions arise. After working with her during the birth of our daughter, I cannot imagine it being any different At first, I was a little wary of having a third person in the room during the birth, because I wanted to be the main source of support for my wife. But, at our first meeting, Afshan put those concerns to rest and continued to do so by truly serving as support for me and for my wife. She did what we needed to make sure the process was as smooth as possible, while making us both feel honored and vital. It was really great to have that kind of support so that if I needed a rest, I could do that and then come back as a better partner. In addition, having Afshan there with us was really helpful because of her excellent relationships with the staff at the hospital. The fact that she had worked with the nurses and doctors there was very helpful in relaying information, getting what we needed, and in working together as a team when it was time to push. Afshan is truly a wonderful doula. I would recommend her to anyone.

Afshan was absolutely amazing ! She was an amazing support prior to be going into labor and…read moreconsistently checked up to see how I was feeling and doing . As it got closer to the day she explained to me what was normal and advised me with what to ask the doctors in order to give birth naturally . When I went into labor she was with me the entire time and made giving birth naturally possible . She was patient , kind , and gentle . I wouldn't have been able to do it without her ! After our beautiful girl was born Afshan checked in on us to see how we are doing and continued to be an amazing support. We truly value her and would love to work with her for our future pregnancies . She goes above and beyond and we will forever be grateful .

Kasia is a breath of fresh air - much needed - when you're getting ready to bring a baby into the…read moreworld. I especially appreciated her Theta healing. I had a toddler while pregnant with my second and my work with Kasia created space for self care. Additionally Kasia provides guidance on nutrition and anything else you might need both prior to birth and afterwards. She's a wonderful resource. Birth is one of life's greatest transformations of energy. Having Kasia in the room made me feel supported on all levels. Her genuine presence made me feel safe and relaxed. I cannot recommend her enough.

Kasia epitomizes the name of her company- Honor Nature. She has facilitated me in having the most…read morebeautiful natural birthing experience with confidence. She is very knowledgeable, caring, warm and is there to truly assist you in any way possible. I also had a Theta Healing session with Kasia, her calming presence and genuine intentions will help you ground and reconnect you to your higher self. Being an expectant mother can feel overwhelming and scattered at times, she has helped me to restore myself and paved a way for the big day. During my vulnerable moments, I know that I can always count on her. I don't know how I would've been able to endure the entire labor process without her, seriously! She is a godsend to me!!!

The universe really blessed me when it had my mother who was pregnant with me at the time, cross…read morepaths with Loretta. She has been a part of my life since birth, and because of her I was lucky to be exposed to the beauty of birth and breastfeeding. When I gave birth to my daughter in December 2013, I was having a lot of difficulty breastfeeding and wanted to give up. However, Loretta spent many many hours with me teaching me different techniques and positions until I found one that was comfortable and worked. I was also dealing with a pretty bad bout of postpartum anxiety (similar to postpartum depression), which made every obstacle seem even worse to me. Loretta was always patient and loving. I honestly do not think she realizes the overwhelming love and gratitude I have for her for being by my side during a time I really needed it. There are no words that can express how grateful I am to have her in my life forever, and for how she dedicated the time, effort, and love to me and my experience !!

Loretta is just one of the most experienced, caring, and understanding professionals that I worked…read morewith after the birth of my daughter to try to get the hang of breastfeeding. She worked with me in my home and she did so on my schedule. She's been doing the work of a doula for decades, and it shows. She is patient and, at the same time, she's honest when honesty is called for. She'll show you what you want, but she'll also show you and teach you what you need.