Aight, if you're on the fence about placenta encapsulation, just hit up Momma Love and call it a…read moreday. My wife and I had our baby on Monday, found Meriah through Google, and she was solid from start to finish. Her website is hella organized, communication was on point, and even though she's based in Encinitas, she drove all the way to UCSD to pick up our placenta and then delivered everything to our house in Chula Vista. That's love!! She's certified in food safety and foodborne illness prevention too, so you know she actually knows what she's doing. That gave us a lot of peace of mind. And man... we got way more than just capsules. She hooked us up with a tincture, placenta prints, umbilical cord heart, peri spray, raw smoothie cubes, a thank-you card. I was like, "Hold up... all this was included?!" Meriah goes above and beyond. Super kind, calm, professional, and just an all-around awesome human. I'll definitely be sending friends and family her way. Appreciate you, Meriah!

Meriah was absolutely incredible throughout the entire placenta encapsulation process. She was…read moresuper helpful, extremely knowledgeable, and explained everything in a clear, reassuring way. Her friendly and supportive personality made the experience comfortable and stress-free for both me and my girlfriend. She was also very accessible and communicative--any questions we had, she answered right away, and she walked us through each step with confidence and care. You can tell she truly knows what she's doing and genuinely loves helping new moms. Highly recommend Meriah to anyone considering placenta encapsulation. Five stars all the way!

Robin was excellent and I am so happy I encapsulated for my second baby. It made the first 5 weeks…read moreso much more tolerable! I wish I could have had more pills bc they made me feel so much less hormonal. Cant recommend Robin and this process enough.

I chose to use Robin early on in my pregnancy. I got her the forms she needed and obtained the…read moreforms I needed from the hospital. At 33 1/2 wks I was admitted for pre-eclampsia and rushed down to Mary Birch in SD (originally I was planning to go to Loma Linda in Murrieta). Even with the change in plans and schedule Robin was very accommodating. She worked with several of my family members for the pick up and drop off. I believe the turn around time was 2 days. I started taking them right away. Although I have nothing to compare it to because this was my first birth. I believe these pills helped me tremendously, everyone was blown away by how quickly I recovered especially considering I needed a c-section. The pills came packaged in dark glass jars with the directions right on them. And the pills were easy to swallow, they reminded me of my prenatals minus the vitamin flavor. I recommend this service to my friends and I will definitely hire Robin again with baby number 2!

Short answer: Hire a doula, if you can afford it, it is so worth it!…read more Long review: I worked with birth doulas from BBD for both of my births (2024 and 2026). I was extremely nervous about giving birth, and my main goal the first time was just to not have trauma. Thanks to amazing support from our doulas, I discovered not only did I not have trauma, but I also find giving birth such a transformative and positive experience, something I never even considered a possibility for me. I worked with Tamara and Sage for my first birth, a late-term induction and vaginal delivery (both attended), and Tamara and Kim for my second, spontaneous labor and vaginal delivery (Kim attended). A goal in both my births was to wait until transition to get an epidural, and thanks to Sage helping me ride contractions and helping my spouse keep me comfortable I was able to wait as I had hoped. In my second birth, I used techniques I had learned from Sage as well as new ones from Kim to stay so comfortable laboring that I got to the hospital pretty late without realizing how far labor had progressed! I never considered an unmedicated birth a possibility for me, but due to doula support allowing me to stay comfortable I think I would give it a try if I have another baby. Doula support was key to keeping me out of my "fear brain", as in both births, things happened that I didn't understand and they were able to explain them, both on the phone and in person at the hospital. This allowed me to keep calm. We didn't do the birth class due to our schedules, so did 2 prenatal visits instead both times. These were helpful in getting to know the doulas, but also they gave a wealth of recommendations for birth and for postpartum - for instance, Tamara suggested identifying a lactation consultant before birth, which was an amazing suggestion given that I needed lactation support immediately with my first and I would have not lined this up without her suggestion. We really like the 2 doula model, also, which seems pretty unique. We highly recommend BBD!

I had the best experience with Breathe Bitch Doula! Louise and Mahri were incredible. They made me…read morefeel so supported and relaxed throughout my whole journey. They are set up to tag team so one of them is guaranteed to be there for the brith which was so helpful to know that someone would be there no matter what. They helped prep me and we amazing resources throughout my pregnancy, obviously during labor, and even postpartum. I'd text them with all my "my baby is doing this is it normal" questions. I want them there for any future pregnancies and labor!

​I cannot say enough wonderful things about Nova. If you are looking for a postpartum doula who is…read moreprofessional, deeply intuitive, and truly goes above and beyond, look no further. ​It had been 6 years since I last had a newborn, and to be honest, I was feeling incredibly rusty. Nova was an absolute lifesaver in easing me back into the groove of infant care, bringing a sense of calm confidence into our home right when I needed it most. ​While she is fantastic with babies, what truly sets Nova apart is how much she focuses on the entire family unit. She didn't just care for my newborn; she took incredible care of me as a recovering mother. She anticipated my needs before I even knew them--constantly ensuring I stayed hydrated, offering much-needed massages, and knowing exactly the right level of support to offer. She balances warmth with the utmost professionalism. ​On top of that, she was a massive help around the house, seamlessly taking over everyday household tasks so I could actually rest. She also went out of her way to engage and entertain my 6-year-old son, making sure he felt included and special during a time of big transitions. ​Nova doesn't just do a job; she brings peace, order, and genuine care into your home. We are so incredibly grateful for her support!

Nova is such a wonderful human being. I hired her as a postpartum doula last minute. She was so…read morewarm and welcoming from our very first text exchange. When she came to my home she made me feel at ease and is so great with my son. She has a huge heart with good intentions and takes care of the whole family, not just the baby.. I couldn't say enough positive things to share how much of a difference she made to our family.

April & Joy were a huge part of my pregnancy and our birth story. They quickly became one the…read morehighlights of everything we did to prepare and celebrate baby. My husband and I were so anxious about this new experience and really had no idea what to expect and how to best prepare in this age of social media. We felt so overwhelmed with the over-saturation of information and since neither of us had done this before we wanted to have a trusted source and know we could prepare mentally as much as physically and financially. From the first consultation we felt comfortable and confident in Joyful Roots. My husband is a yogi and told me he instantly felt that same sense of calm with April & Joy. We joined this process a bit late so we were worried we would have to rush to learn and get through everything, but with the ease of the portal, videos and their flexibility and dedication, we were able to fit everything in and not feel pressured or rushed. They came to our home twice before birth and we met each of them separately. We also had zoom calls and a group chat up until 2+ weeks after birth. My labor and birth story was very unique and unexpected, however with the constant support and easy communication, we felt taken care of through it all. I ended up in early prodromal labor for 72+ hours and April and Joy were there for us through all of it! When I was finally admitted to the hospital, April was there to walk us through labor positions and help me feel safe. She knew what positions to help get baby in the right position as well as ease my nerves. She also made sure I was fed and hydrated. She helped my husband interpret what options we had each step of the way and how to speak to the staff, while making sure we were asking the right questions and able to advocate for what we wanted. Due to unexpected circumstances, I was not able to have a natural birth and this was not because we didn't try everything. She could tell I was exhausted and did all she could to give me a pleasant birth experience; one without trauma. She stayed until after my cesarean and I felt so cared for when I saw she was still there waiting for baby and I to return. We cannot thank April and Joy enough for all they did. I don't know how we would have navigated ourselves through this arduous journey without them. It was a hard week and we made it through with their warmth, positivity and encouragement. In our final follow up zoom, they told us "they would always be our Doulas" and we will definitely keep in touch and look forward to having them in our lives later on down the road. Thank you for everything! Love, Chelsea, Lafras and baby Atlas

I am deeply grateful to Joy and April for the support they provided during my pregnancy, birth, and…read morepostpartum journey. I came into this pregnancy with a history of a prior C-section, which naturally carried emotional weight, fear, and many unanswered questions. From the very beginning, Joy and April met me exactly where I was -- without judgment, pressure, or agenda. They never tried to "sell" me a birth outcome. Instead, they supported me as a whole person and honored my autonomy at every step. What stood out most was how grounded and steady they were. During moments of doubt, fear, exhaustion, and decision-making, they helped me feel calm, informed, and supported -- not rushed or overridden. Their presence was reassuring, compassionate, and deeply respectful of my instincts as a mother. They also supported my husband beautifully, helping him feel included, confident, and empowered throughout the process. This made a huge difference for us as a family. Postpartum, their care didn't suddenly disappear. They continued to check in, offer reassurance, and remind me that recovery -- physically and emotionally -- is a process, especially after a complex birth history. If you are looking for doulas who are experienced, emotionally intelligent, trauma-informed, and truly on your side, Joy and April are it. Whether you are navigating a VBAC, a prior C-section, or simply want compassionate, steady support -- you will be in incredibly capable hands. I will always be thankful for the way they held space for me and my family during one of the most vulnerable and important seasons of my life.

I'm not a big review person but Courtney Scott is truly the best midwife. It was an absolute…read moreblessing to work with her and I would choose her for every birth going forward (as long as she was available) I admired and trusted Courtney throughout my pregnancy, but after my home birth, my mind was completely blown. My labor was long and intense, and Courtney met every moment with such poise and confidence. She made me feel so safe. My husband was definitely on the fence about doing a home birth and meeting Courtney completely changed his mind and his perspective. When I think of my birth, I just feel so grateful for Courtney. Towards the "end" of labor I really started to doubt myself and wonder if this was a crazy vision. I truly will never forget Courtney's steady presence and belief in me. Our families had been nervous about a home birth as well, but after meeting Courtney and seeing how supported we were, they understood why we chose it and thought our baby's arrival was incredibly special. That says so much about the care she gave us. Courtney went from being a wonderful midwife to feeling like my superhero. I'm infinitely grateful she was part of our birth and I couldn't recommend her more. She is so smart and knowledgeable and if for someone like me I really wanted autonomy over my choices and she was the perfect fit. She made me feel informed, heard, respected, and supported every step of the way!!!! 10000000 million infinity stars!!

Courtney is the most amazing midwife! I truly couldn't have asked for a more perfect match for my…read morehome birth. She has a kind, patient, and calming soul that brought peace to my heart and mind each and every time that I saw her. From the hour long prenatal appointments, to the calming presence at my birth, she really blew us away with her care. During my delivery, our baby was found to have shoulder dystocia. Although a scary event, Courtney remained calm and used her knowledge, expertise, and care to manipulate the situation and deliver my little girl safe and sound. She made my entire postpartum experience so enjoyable and special for my family and I. She even took the time to teach my older daughter all about the placenta. I highly recommend her to anyone considering a home birth. We will definitely be using her again if we have another little angel in the future. Thank you so much, Courtney!!

My husband and I sought out a doula to help us prepare for the birth of our son. Unfortunately the…read moremore pregnant I got, the sicker my Mother became, and we were not able to prepare for his birth the way we wanted. At 34 weeks pregnant we met with Robin and I knew immediately that she would be able to help calm my husband and I during our first delivery. There is something about her, she makes you feel like your meeting with a long lost friend from high school. She supplied us with great resources to prepare for Travis's arrival in a few weeks. She came to visit us at our home and helped me learn stretches, pelvic exercises, comfortable sleep positions, and even soothed our fears that we were missing crucial baby equipment. The night I went into labor I waited till about 10 pm to finally call her, she met us at Escondido and even return with us at 6 am when they sent me home! She was basically awake driving around all night! Once I was finally admitted she was an amazing support person through my 36 hours of labor! I was so nervous I wouldn't be prepared for labor, but after trusting all the advice and labor education Robin had passed on I look back now and think, it really wasn't bad. TV and movies make it seems so horrible, and as I walked around and around the birthing floor I just breathed through every contraction knowing my little guy was one step closer to being in my arms. I was so confident and clam as the process continued, I found out the nursing staff had been watching in awe of how long I was able to continue au natural. Weeks later Robin came to our new home (!) and took our family photos with out new little mancub. I highly suggest that any first time parents, or parents to be in general, seek the support of a doula. It made our birth experience something to embrace and I will always have fond memories.

I have worked with Robin in several different ways. I first met her as a photographer when I was…read morelucky enough to be included in a breastfeeding shoot. I had an emotional and rough start to breastfeeding with that particular child and capturing it on film was truly one of the greatest gifts I have received as a mom. I have also worked FOR her, painting a business belly for her to use in promotions for Birth Blessings. I can tell you that her level of professionalism is unmatched, and she is an awesome "boss". She also trained me in placenta encapsulation, and her mentorship is invaluable. The standards that she sets are incredible, as is the one-on-one teaching. If you are seeking out training in encapsulation, you will find no better program. You certainly will not get to HANDS ON train through the entire process in a group setting. Not only does she thoroughly verse you in the actual process, but she also touches on branding and how to provide a solid service to new mommas. Working with Robin has really helped grow my own postpartum services business.

Carly is an incredible coach and healer. I started working with her in early 2015 on improving my…read morehealth and incorporating more wellness routines into my day-to-day. She put me at ease right away in our first in-person conversation and helped me think through what my goals were (getting 'real'--eating real food, avoiding synthetic skin/body care products, etc.; finding and incorporating spiritual practice; and shedding some extra lbs I'd been carrying around). It was clear from the beginning that she was interested in learning about me and what I wanted to do so that she could design a very individualized protocol and arsenal of resources for me. Her approach was holistic and completely free of judgement. Because she helped me establish clear goals and then tailored a plan to me so expertly, I was able to follow it and make adjustments as needed. AND, Carly has been extremely responsive to and helpful with any questions or inquiries I've sent her way in the last year and a half. Earlier this year, I had a Reiki session with Carly (my first with her, my second ever). The 'hands-on' portion of the session was really comforting and grounding. The post session debrief was invaluable. Carly's intuition and guidance were right on the money and really helped me to start working through some blocked energy and negative thought patterns. I can't say enough good things about Carly. She's a consummate professional, she knows her stuff and she truly cares about her clients. Thank you, Carly!

I've known Carly through social media over the years. When I started having some nutritional…read moreconcerns and wanted some advice from a professional I was so glad I knew Carly. I signed up for an hour power session to discuss issues I've had with cholesterol, migraines, hair loss, among other things. To begin, I completed a survey for Carly which included lots of back history I wouldn't have even thought of to provide. From the prep work she did ahead of time to the meeting to after the meeting, the level of professionalism and thought put into all communication has been amazing. I received great follow-up materials, comprehensive lists of foods, supplements, links to articles and podcasts, and a bunch of other materials I know I can trust. She also took the time to check in after our meeting to see how things were going once I implemented some of her suggestions. I'm located in Austin and the ease of working with her over the phone has been great! Thanks Carly!

As a dad-to-be, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect going into a hypnobirthing class. If I'm being…read morehonest, I was a little skeptical at first--"hypno" anything sounded a bit out there to me. But I signed up to support my wife, and I'm really glad I did. This class completely changed how I see birth and my role in it. Instead of feeling like a bystander, I walked away feeling informed, useful, and actually confident in how I can support my wife during labor. The techniques we learned--breathing, relaxation, visualization--aren't just for moms. I found myself using them too, and they've already helped us both stay calmer leading up to the big day. What stood out most was how much emphasis was placed on teamwork. I learned specific, practical ways to advocate for my wife, help her stay relaxed, and create a positive environment no matter how the birth unfolds. It made me feel like an active participant instead of just "the guy in the room." The instructor, Care, was very knowledgeable, approachable, and never made any question feel silly. She made the classes very comfortable and even pretty funny at times. The class also struck a great balance between education and hands-on practice, so it didn't feel like we were just sitting through lectures. If you're a partner on the fence about taking a hypnobirthing class--do it. Even if you're skeptical like I was, you'll come away with tools, confidence, and a much deeper understanding of what your partner is going through. Honestly, it's one of the best things we've done together to prepare for becoming parents.

I gave birth a couple months ago, and decided to go through Care's Hypnobirthing class, and also…read moreuse her for my placenta encapsulation, and I can't recommend her highly enough! From the very first class, it was clear that Care is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about empowering expectant parents. Her approach to hypnobirthing and breathing techniques was not only informative but also calming and reassuring for both me and my partner. We completed it feeling much more prepared and confident for the birth experience ahead. Care provided a wealth of resources, ensuring we had everything we needed to make informed decisions about our birthing plan. She was always responsive to our questions, both during the classes and even after the birth, which made a world of difference in our journey. It's rare to find someone who continues to support you even after the classes are over. Overall, the entire experience with Care was amazing. Her warmth, expertise, and dedication to her clients truly set her apart. If you're looking for guidance and support in your birth preparation, look no further than Care Messer at the Birth Education Center!