I took Lia's childbirth class during my first pregnancy in 2023. I live in South Orange County, so…read morethe drive was a bit of a commitment, but it was absolutely worth it. Being in class with other expectant couples created such a supportive environment, and the course was incredibly comprehensive. It gave me the knowledge and confidence to navigate a hospital birth and make informed decisions about the many interventions that are commonly offered. At 38 weeks, my water broke unexpectedly while I was riding a stationary bike. I immediately reached out to Lia for guidance. Since I wasn't experiencing a fever or any signs of infection, she explained that I had options: I could either go to the hospital right away or stay home and wait for labor to begin naturally. She also educated me about the fact that the body continues producing amniotic fluid and that, in some cases, a small rupture in the membranes may even reseal. Knowing that going to the hospital before labor started would likely lead to an induction (which wasn't aligned with my goal of having an unmedicated birth) I chose to stay home and monitor myself. The night before my 39-week OB appointment, I was feeling anxious. I knew that if my provider confirmed my water had broken before labor had started, induction would almost certainly be recommended. I reached out to Lia again, and she suggested trying the Miles Circuit. I followed the stretches that evening, and to my surprise, I went into early labor around 1:00 a.m. Whether it was the Miles Circuit, my body simply being ready, or a combination of both, it gave me the confidence to keep trusting the process. In January 2024, I welcomed a healthy baby girl through the unmedicated birth I had hoped for. While my hospital experience was unfortunately traumatic, the education Lia provided made all the difference. There were many moments when my husband, my doula, and I had to advocate for my birth preferences, and it wasn't always met with respect. Without the knowledge and confidence I gained from Lia's class, I truly believe my birth could have unfolded very differently. I'm now pregnant with my second baby, and one of the first things I did was sign up to retake Lia's class. One of the biggest perks is that once you've taken her course, you can retake it as many times as you'd like for free. Childbirth education isn't something you only benefit from once, and I love having the opportunity to refresh everything I've learned before welcoming another baby. I'm incredibly grateful for everything Lia taught us. Her class empowered me to make informed decisions, advocate for myself, and approach birth with confidence. I wholeheartedly recommend her course to any expecting parents, especially those hoping for an evidence-based, physiologic birth. Even if you have to drive a little farther to attend like I did, it's worth every mile.

We took Lia's virtual Bradley method class, and would highly recommend it for any expecting…read moreparents. First off, it can be hard to find time to take a birth class, and Lia chooses convenient times, with multiple options to choose from. It's a very comfortable classroom atmosphere where I felt good to ask any question, or add any comment. Lia keeps it fun and interesting, and is a great teacher. Lia is also available outside of class for questions, and she is super responsive. It shouldn't really matter if a doula has been pregnant herself.... But it was really helpful to hear about her first hand experiences and to know that she has gone through it all before. I just wish we in lived in LA so that we could have Lia as our Doula.

Looma Birth connected us with an amazing night doula. We finally got to sleep during the newborn…read moremonths! Elizabeth took the time to hear our needs and helped make the process of finding the right doula for our family so much easier. Highly recommend Looma Birth!

Wanted to update this after our third class, following empowered hospital labor we took the…read morebreastfeeding and postpartum class led by Brittany and then Emma. I cannot recommend these 3 classes enough, all the instructors were incredibly kind, empathetic and used both data/ research and their own experiences in the classes. It made me feel so much better about the future. I highly recommend these classes - knowledge is power!! You and your partner will feel so much better.

You give birth once and unfortunately I had a very bad experience with Lorraine. I would not…read morerecommend it to anyone. She definitely a good marketing person of herself and she did not keep that up during the birth for me. Please think twice before you hire her. I did hire her because she has experience but sometimes it's about the excitement. She is done. She is doing it just for money and she is not even doing it right.

I always thought I would try a natural birth but I really started to do alot of research once I…read morefound out I was pregnant. So many times my friends were going to go "natural" but in the end they would give into the almighty needle. So I did a ton of research and I came to the conclusion that I was going to educate myself as much as I could and that I would hire a doula. My husband was very skeptical... His entire family laughed when I said I was going to try a natural birth. Their exact words "Why would you ever choose that?!!" So I dragged my reluctant husband to our 6 week Hypnobabies course. By the 3rd week he was fully on the natural train! He told me "I really think you can do this!" The class was great and I really loved how we bonded with the other couples!! Lorraine was our doula also and it was a great experience. From our interview to when our sweet baby girl came Lorraine was at our disposal. She kept me calm and focused during my birthing time/labor and at the end I faced some complications... Lorraine gave me the lowdown on what was going on and let me know that it was crunch time! Looking back it really was the perfect pep talk... I pushed the baby out in 3 contractions!! And believe it or not I was up and walking around 30 mins later! My husband looked more jacked up than I did, lol. I had such a positive experience with Lorraine on top of a great birthing experience. I would do everything all over again in a heartbeat!

Just wanted to update and encourage new moms to consider Melissa's course. It's very knowledgable…read moreand my son is almost 2 and we still use and talk to new moms about what we learned in Bradley. Good luck new mommys! You got this!

Mel and my classmates were the support that I needed to get though my pregnancy and delivery. She…read moregave me the knowledge that empowered me to be strong enough to resist the hospitals constant nagging to induce labor too early. The exercises she taught me allowed a speedy recovery no tearing or ripping up and at um the next day! Love you mel!!! you're the best...If I ever decide to have another kid (hahahahah!) you will be the first I call outside of immediate family. Wishing you many blessings and healthy happy babies delivered.

Wanted to provide an additional update since it's been about 3 months. On October 27,2025 I…read morerequested a receipt for the "services" and Marisol agreed. Till this day I have not received any sort of receipt for the "services" provided. Adding to my feelings of being ignored, since she got what she wanted the payment of $2,800 dollars.

This review truly breaks my heart to write. When I get pregnant with my second child and I…read morecontacted Marisol right away to book her as my Doula. I was so excited to finally meet her in person and I signed the contract right away. I immediately sent over my deposit and I requested that she provide me with a receipt for the deposit . The fact that she was initially declining my request for a receipt because she wanted to wait until after the baby was born was probably the first sign that trouble was coming. I went back-and-forth with her and asked to get my receipt for the money that I had already paid so that I could use that receipt for a reimbursement with my flexible spending account. She still refused to give me the receipt so I reached out to my flexible spending company and asked them if I had to wait for the baby to be born in order to be reimbursed and they said no. Finally, Marisol agreed to give me a receipt for my deposit. I found this quite odd since people generally get a receipt when money exchanges hands. My husband and I meet with Marisol around 36 weeks to go over the birth plan. I tell her that my plan is to have her help me labor at home as much as possible since I wanted to reduce the likelihood of medical interventions. I also asked they she capture some photos for us. Marisol explained that we should not contact her right away if labor starts in the middle of the night, only call when ready. She kept stressing this point and even emailed me a document that says to only call when we are ready for her to come. A couple of weeks later I go into labor late one night. My labor progressed quickly and we called Marisol when we wanted her to come over, no answer. I then texted her. A short time later I told her we were headed to the hospital. Labor pains got so intense that I was not able to monitor my phone so my husband and Marisol were texting. Labor pains were so intense so I requested an epidural at the hospital. Once Marisol got this information , she assumed she had more time. I guess she didn't take into account that that epidural was not completed. Long story short, she didn't make her way to the hospital until after the kid was born. Per her contract, she had 90 minutes to get to me. My labor was quick but she had a 3 hour heads up. I was actually disappointed that she came to the hospital because now it feels like a random acquaintance just showed up for one of the biggest days of your life and now you have to entertain them. She stayed with us until we got transferred to our postpartum room. At this point, Marisol was not a part of my birth story at all and I was angry. A couple days later I immediately requested a partial refund. She denied my request saying she was "available." Instead she offered me one additional 3 hour postpartum visit. I didn't accept that and said we could discuss this matter when she did her postpartum visit. During the visit, Marisol said she could tell that I "felt some type of way" and she asked me to share my feelings. I told her I felt cheated, I'm out a lot of money and she didn't have to do anything. It was her choice to not come to me right away, I followed all of her instructions. Marisol then told me she was actually on her way to me but she needed time to shower, clean her doula supplies and pack her doula bag. Once she heard about the epidural, she returned home to pack snacks. This information infuriated me....she missed my birth for this?!?! This is an area where you don't get a do over. I would imagine that with the nature of this job you would always have your supplies clean and ready. She ended up offering me 12 postpartum hours. I told her that was not what I wanted since I didn't want to think of things for her to help me with. In plus, it's easy to get help during the day. I ended up requesting my money back and threatening legal action since she breached her own contract. In the end she agreed to return 1/2 of my money ($1400) and I was able to avoid legal action. (I didn't mind taking legal action, this was an open and shut case according to the guidance I received). I'd say she still came out ahead, $1400 for 2 short visits to my house and a short 45 minute visit to the hospital after my kid was born. I am beyond bummed about this experience. So yes, I still "feel some type of way!" I'm not sure how you could say you were available yet you missed the birth. And I still can't comprehend the rationale. I'm so confused.

Kim was not only a friendly instructor but also filled with knowledge! She made our class super…read moreenjoyable and fun. We came out of each class feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on our daily hypnosis sessions. My husband and I feel very ready for the birth of our baby thanks to Kim!

I am so grateful to Kim and her expertise and education! Just had my baby on Sunday (3/28/21) and…read moreKim's hypnobabies classes prepared my partner and I so well for a calm and peaceful birthing time. We took Kim's class via zoom in January and had a great experience. The classes are entertaining and educational! As a former birth worker myself, I am always seeking knowledge but I thought, I would know a lot and wasn't sure if the class would be worth it for me, but I am SO glad we decided to take the class anyway. This was my second birth and while my first was a good experience, I definItely could have used the comfort measures I learned for my first baby. Kim is such a warm and caring soul, super cool, funny, real and personable! She also takes payment plans which was really convenient for my family and I. I went into my birthing time early on Sunday morning and I was thinking if we went into our birthing center, I would be turned away because I was so comfortable but by the time we got to the birth center, to my surprise I was already 6cm and 90% effaced so baby was coming! And he did just 3.5 hours later. My hypnobabies techniques were absolutely priceless from the start and all the way to pushing my babe down and out. If you're thinking of taking Kim's Hypnobabies classes, don't hesitate!

Danellia was our natural birth educator thru @LaFuente and I highly recommend her class. For those…read moreof you worried about cost, you get a lot of bang for your buck-- she really is providing you 3 services for the price of 1. Here's the breakdown: +Birth Educator She is super knowledgable and passionate. I watched a ton of videos and read a ton of articles, but she helped synthesize the info so it wasn't overwhelming. Her descriptions of the stages of birth gave me a clear roadmap of what to anticipate. She made abstract and complex concepts easy to understand. (Here's looking at you Effacement Balloon exercise) Compared to 3 free Kaiser classes, this HANDS DOWN was more valuable. Those classes were redundant, with little substantive info. One of her 10 min videos on lactation clearly presented info that took more than 2-hours in the Kaiser lactation course. (Read the KP workbook available online to get the essence of the info.) +Pre-game Doula She gave us an outline for a birth plan. She discussed possible interventions and methods to advocate for yourself. If you don't have a doula this is INCREDIBLY helpful. If you do, it is still valuable. I came into my doula sessions more informed, like I had a second opinion, and I could hone in on the areas of specific concern. Plus, I knew what to expect and ask of my doula Stevie Merino @solandrootsdoula (who I love and also recommend btw). So in essence, Danellia optimizes the value of your doula services. Her real world experience with local hospitals let us get into the nitty gritty and ask real specific questions. I used some of her pain management technique (with my doula and partner), an adaptation of her breathing technique, and her ice exercise in the labor room and for the surges (contractions) before hand. +Counselor She was the counselor that we didn't know we would need. I vacillated between being a ball of anxiety, rage, and ease and my partner was real worked up as well (more so during pregnancy, than postpartum). I'll attribute that to not knowing what to expect, internalized pressure, and hormones I figure. But for me Danellia greatest strength was in holding space where you could share your worries and ask ALL your questions and even frustrations. She held it compassionately, non-judgmentally, and normalized what was happening. And unlike another paid program we did, it was beyond mental/logical support, it was that AND she was a settled and calming energy. In summary, just do it. Sign up for her class. Check out @LaFuente. I hear it is available virtually too now. Birth and postpartum is challenging, especially these days. So get all the support you can get! Regardless, may you have a pregnancy and birth filled with ease.

I was so pleased to have received Danellia's placenta encapsulation service. Danellia is very kind,…read moreprofessional, and knowledgeable. You can hear the passion for her work in the way she speaks about it. She explained everything thoroughly to me as to what her encapsulation service entails and how pick up and drop off would work. When it came to being in labor I didn't have to worry about a thing. Danellia and my birth team were able to communicate with one another to make sure she knew I would be giving birth soon. The day after I gave birth Danellia was able to swiftly pick up my placenta and take it for processing. It was important to me to have a photo of this beautiful organ that my body grew to keep my baby alive all 9 months. Not only did Danellia take a photo, she made sure to make it extra special placing beautiful herbs next to the placenta for the photo. A couple days later my placenta was already encapsulated, made into a tincture, and ready for drop off. So we coordinated a smooth drop off where I received my entire placenta package which included placenta pills, placenta tincture, placenta print, and umbilical cord keepsake. But of course with how caring Danellia is she went a step further and brought along some soup for my husband and I and a traditional Mexican postpartum drink for me called atole. This meant so much to us as we were only 3 days postpartum and had 0 time or energy to cook meals for ourselves. My placenta print came out so beautiful! Im so excited to frame it and hang it in my son's room. The placenta pills have been super helpful in giving me energy, establishing my milk supply, and stabilizing my hormones which in turn stabilizes my mood. In fact my placenta pills gave me so much energy I could only take them earlier in the day. If I waited until the afternoon to take them I would be up late at night! Aside from that I loved the way the package was put together and presented. Danellia gifted me some herbs from her garden and had a card in the bag that explained how to take the placenta pills and tincture. I am 6 weeks postpartum now and can now start taking my tincture which I'm so happy to have! I chose to have a tincture made because it will last forever since it is an alcohol extract. Overall I was so happy I made the decision to have this sacred organ encapsulated by someone who has so much respect for it and for birthing people. The energy that went into my capsules was important which is why I specifically chose Danellia and her grounding, calming, loving energy. Thank you Danellia for supporting me during my postpartum journey.

Rena' is an outstanding doula and CAPPA Labor doula trainer. She truly has a gift for working with…read moreexpecting and new parents and for teaching other women how to be outstanding doulas. She volunteers countless hours to the Doulas Association of Southern CA where she serves as President and is also on the BOD for Doulas of the South Bay. Rena' recently co-founded Doulas for Surrogacy where she helps to pair Labor Doulas with surrogate women and Postpartum Doulas with Intended Parents. As if that wasn't enough, she also opened the Lullaby Lounge in Lakewood where others can come and get education and support regarding all things pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding. She has an amazing heart and spirit.

I had the pleasure to take Rena's CAPPA Labor Doula Training last year and I learned so much. I…read moreoriginally took the course as a refresher because I was already working as a doula full time when I signed up. Going into it I only hoped to learn a new trick or two but I got much more! I learned more from her training than I had in my first training with another trainer and organization and grew as a professional. I would highly recumbent taking her training if you are thinking of becoming a Birth Doula or if you are looking for a refresher course.

I can't recommend Veronica enough! She is incredible! For my second pregnancy, at 35 weeks, my…read moredoctor cleared me to have a VBAC because I was doing so well and not high risk this time around. My husband and I realized we needed some help navigating birth and so we began looking for a doula late in my pregnancy. We are BEYOND grateful to have found Veronica. I had been interviewing doulas and she is the first one who helped me feel confident, cared for, and I was surprised to find myself ENERGIZED about going into birth. During the last few weeks of my pregnancy she was so supportive and helped ease both my physical and emotional concerns. I was so impressed by how knowledgeable she was about each stage of labor and I really found that she knew how to support me during labor. She helped to supported me through a completely unmedicated labor and delivery in a hospital setting. I found that she was thoughtful and accepting of my husband and my preferences each step of the way. It helped me feel confident about what I wanted through my labor. During labor she helped coach my husband on how to support me physically and emotionally. She provided hand on physical support through contractions, and helped me utilize my own comfort techniques coaching me through my breathing, and positions to increase comfort during labor. I had some challenges arise during and after labor and birth with drs recommending certain interventions. She helped me stay confident and steady in my mindset and make it through. If you're looking for a doula, I really wouldn't look any farther! You'd be blessed to have Veronica as part of your team.

Having Veronica on our team for the lead up to birth and the labor/delivery process was so amazing…read more She is so informed, caring, and calming. We were grateful to be able to ask her any questions we had and so appreciated her presence during labor and delivery. She was always making sure I was staying hydrated and fed, and was encouraging me throughout the whole process. She also took some very sweet photos in the moments after delivery that I'm so grateful to have! Veronica is exactly who you want to have in your corner during such a vulnerable and special time.

IVA has been a wonderful experience. We are looking forward to our second child also attending. The…read moreentire staff, faculty and admin truly want to be there. The support is unmatched not only academically but also socio-emotionally. The community is diverse and welcoming. My child is challenged academically but not stressed and she loves her school and teachers/staff/faculty/admin. The way the material is presented and discussed is all truly with curiosity, engaging and to develop critical thinkers. We know there is nothing like IVA middle school in the best way possible.

I absolutely loved the learning environment at IVA. My son went here as part of the foundational…read moreclass and transferred out when he moved to Seattle. IVA was my school of choice for my son, because LB Unified refused to let my son attend his home school when we moved to another part of Long Beach. LBUSD also made the school selection and enrollment process so much more difficult that I decided to pull my child out altogether. Save the drama for your mama. In comparison, IVA had an easy enrollment and application process. I was able to contact someone from the school every time I had a question or concern. The student-teacher ratio is something LBUSD has historically fallen short on, and with IVA teachers knew my son by name. The learning environment became a small community built on pillars of intellectual virtues. As a parent, I appreciated the one-on-one communication from my child's instructors. I also enjoyed the social gatherings of parents, students and instructors, when I did have time to participate. Really, it's a private school feel without the price tag. My son was afforded opportunities he would have never had experienced in LBUSD as far as athletics and extracurricular activities such as weight lifting club, photography, and yearbook committee. Geographically, the area of the school is a little rough, but the school does have a nice outdoor area in the back for student activities away from the "distractions" of LB Blvd.