Here is a message that I wrote to a pregnant mom who asked me about my experience with a doula. I…read morethink it sums up my feelings about Virginia! She is wonderful and her services are priceless. "I was very nervous that I wouldn't feel supported and empowered throughout my pregnancy/labor, so I searched for a doula very early in my pregnancy. I was lucky to really click with the first doula I interviewed. She ended up being such a crucial part of my entire experience! Matt and I were talking earlier about how I wasn't sure what to write to you because I have a difficult time even expressing how amazing and important she is to me. He wanted me to mention to you how much our doula helped him as well. Doulas are definitely more than just a birth coach for the mom! He felt really supported by her as well. I decided that an unmedicated birth was the right choice for me and she did help me accomplish that goal. However, I know she would have been fully supportive either way. I think a good doula should be focused on helping you feel in control of your labor and birth experience, regardless of their personal labor preferences. Our doula really helped us prepare for Madelyn's birth, but was extremely helpful during the labor as well. Matt said that he loved having her their to reassure him if he got nervous. She also helped rub my back when his hands were tired. For me, I loved having a woman there to tell me she understood when I kept saying how hard it was. Our doula was with us at our house and stayed right by my side for the entire labor and recovery. She didn't even leave until after I had showered and settled in the bed to sleep. When our family was focused on snuggling Madelyn, she was helping me with my first trip to the bathroom. I never even thought about that and it's not very fun, so I was grateful for her! Basically, my labor experience was wonderful and life-changing thanks to our doula and Matt. I hope that helped in some way!"

From the owner: Understanding what is happening with your body during pregnancy, labor and birth takes away the…read morefear and gives you power! Taking my Lamaze Healthy Birthing Class gives you that Knowledge. Hiring me as your doula go hand in hand with the classes and provides you and your partner the support you need during labor and birth for you to birth your baby your way - medicated, unmedicated, cesarean, vaginal - as your doula I support you and help you advocate for yourself and your desires.

We are incredibly grateful to have had Katie as our doula. She is professional, deeply experienced,…read morecompassionate, and exceptionally skilled at working with medical providers while always advocating for her clients. As someone of advanced maternal age with a pregnancy complicated by hypertension, I felt supported and informed every step of the way. Katie was a steady, reassuring presence throughout pregnancy, induction, and birth. She helped us navigate complex medical decisions with clarity and confidence, and her calm advocacy made a meaningful difference in our experience. We felt heard, respected, and empowered throughout the entire process. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Katie is exceptional at her job, and an amazing human being. My wife and I were both very anxious…read moreeven before we were expecting for the first time. My wife needed someone who could instill calmness, provide information, and accommodate her preferences for labor. I needed someone who could help me be the involved partner i wanted to be through the childbirth process and after. That is why once we found out we were expecting we were looking for a doula to help us sort through the tons of information on preparing for childbirth, childbirth itself and the medical, personal, and other choices associated with it. Katie is an expert's expert, but is able to talk through different topics in a way that helped put us at ease. She's friendly and funny, which helps when she is walking through medical decisions, how to talk to doctors, how to talk to family, considerations and questions we have as first-time parents. She also makes herself available by phone and text when we have questions at random hours with baby. On top of all that, after our baby girl was born, she was able to follow up with us and help teach us a few tricks here and there as well as answer questions we had as things came up.

Shannon was amazing support throughout the pregnancy as well as the birth of our last baby. I…read morehighly recomend calling her if you are expecting.

We cannot say enough wonderful things about DCBD. This was my/our first pregnancy, and we truly…read morefelt supported every step of the way by their team. Especially in those last 1-2 months, we leaned so heavily on the birth doulas and they responded to all of our questions and concerns immediately. We learned the most about how to care for our daughter and what was happening in my body from DCBD. I went into labor and the birth experience feeling ready and excited, and that's because of the experience, information, and kindness that were shared with us ahead of time. The birth - nearly 4 months later, and we are still talking about Camille! We are going to remember her forever - she was such a wonderful presence during my entire labor and after, and we don't know what we would have done without her. She made sure my husband and I knew what was happening, she advocated for us, she ensured I was comfortable (well, as comfortable as you can be in labor), and she really rooted for us the whole time. I felt safe because she was with us. And Ella - we were shocked that someone who didn't *have* to be there, stayed for the entire labor, participated, and stayed after when we were transferred to the postpartum room! She will be (or already is) a phenomenal birth doula. We felt so lucky to have Camille and Ella. Post birth - Lolonyo came to our house the very first night we were back from the hospital, and what a gift she is. She taught us how to soothe a baby, how to change a diaper (I'm sure they showed us in the hospital... but I could not remember haha). We had her for several nights during those first 2 months and we were so, so grateful to wake up the next morning refreshed, rested, and with the knowledge that our daughter had been held in loving arms all night long. She was never judgmental and was always supportive as we navigated breastfeeding, safe cosleeping, and everything else. We also had Joanna for several daytime visits. She always made sure to check in on my mental and physical health, which was so appreciated, and she was so helpful. We always felt like we were able to reset a bit after her visits, because she'd leave behind clean bottles and pump parts and a rested (and sometimes still sleeping) baby, and we would have had time to ourselves to shower and get a little more organized. She made our chaotic lives feel lighter, and we loved her for that. As a DCBD member you'll also have the opportunity to be part of a postpartum circle of other parents going through what you did. Shaleen and Elizabeth gave us space to talk through birth and everything that comes after, while feeling supported and safe. I'm still friends with some of the parents from my circle. In closing - DCBD is worth every single penny. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!

Rebecca from DC Birth Doulas was absolutely incredible. From the moment we first connected, I…read moreimmediately felt comfortable with her and the entire team. She has such a warm, genuine presence that made it easy to ask questions and talk through everything honestly. She was always responsive and gave thoughtful, real answers that helped me feel informed and confident throughout the process. I was hoping for a VBAC, and with Rebecca's support we were able to have a successful one. She provided amazing support not only for me, but also for my husband. During labor she was calm, encouraging, and incredibly knowledgeable, helping us both feel grounded and supported every step of the way. Having Rebecca there made such a difference in our birth experience. I'm so grateful for her care and for the support of the entire DC Birth Doulas team. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable, and truly supportive doula

*Disclosure: I am a fair Yelp grader. 3 stars to me means the company/product met my expectations…read more It is rare for me to give 5 stars. 5 stars is given if absolute excellence was shown (product AND customer service) AND continued to receive amazing service. 4 stars is given to a business for those that showed they went out of their way to provide better than adequate (expected) service. 3 stars is they did what the goal was with little to no fuss or foul. 2 stars there were some issues but not a horrible experience. 1 star is rarely given as I do not want to discredit a business for 1 initial instance. I would only give 1 star if I continually receive bad service and have lots of frustration that is not met with sincerity or resolution. I HIGHLY recommend Brittany as a doula! I had hired another doula for my second son's birth and Brittany was my doula's backup person to allow for breaks/etc. At my birth, it was the first time I had met Brittany. At first, I was uneasy because you want your doula there and although I was okay to have my doula switch with her backup - I was at my most vulnerable state. But the thing is, when you meet Brittany - she is the most caring, supportive, loving, kind, and respectful person. I know why my doula chose her to be her backup and I am thankful she was there at my birth. She's just as amazing as my doula. I instantly felt a connection, felt loved and supported and I couldn't imagine my birth with her or my other doula. I was so thankful to have both doulas present during my births. She made it extra special for being there by my side, even though we just met at the hospital. I LOVE Brittany and all of the support she gave me and my doula. Having her by your side is the best decision you can make for you and your baby. She's incredibly intelligent, knowledgable in all things maternal care and she is the absolute sweetest. you will not be disappointed in choosing her. From the bottom of my heart, I am so thankful my doula introduced me to Brittany because she's part of my and my son's story and I will forever be thankful and remember her for being by my side.

Words cannot describe how truly grateful my husband and I were to have Brittany assist us in the…read moredelivery of our baby girl. This was my first child and Brittany supported all of us before, during labor and months after our delivery. To begin with she took the time to truly get to know my husband and I (and even our shy dog). She never made us feel rushed during our appointments and was constantly available to answer questions and concerns. During labor (30 hours) Brittany made the experience truly enjoyable. She gave my husband the guidance and confidence to assist me through labor as a team. Brittany also helped dramatically with pain relief through massage and relaxation techniques. She helped us to make informed decisions throughout what could have seemed like a somewhat complicated labor. Because of Brittany my husband and I worked through labor together and felt very happy with our decisions. Brittany also took some incredible photos during labor that I will cherish forever. After birth she has continued to be a pillar of support for our new family. She continues to check in on me and makes sure that I have everything that I need to be a happy, healthy mama. Moving forward she will be at all of our births, I cannot imagine delivering a baby without her.

I had amazing experiences with BirthCare and Women's Health for both of my pregnancies. The…read moremidwives are skilled and they truly care. They texted me and called me on my cell phone to check up on me, which was so different than when I was going to a big OBGYN practice and could never speak with my actual provider. I felt secure and supported. The facility itself is warm and welcoming, covered in pictures of new babies and happy families. It was such a gift to connect with this Birth Center to have a safe, healthy, supported birth and become a mother this way. I think every pregnant person should be able to have such excellent care and support as they go through the journey of becoming a new parent. If only there were more Birth Centers like this one!

I have had both of my children with BirthCare and I am beyond grateful to them for my experiences…read more My first child was born at the birth center which was incredibly convenient and a great intermediary option between home and hospital birth. The midwife, Nancy, was incredible and helped me persevere through all of my emotions and doubts and continued to be one of our greatest supports as our child grew. Our second child was born at home and after giving birth this way, I would now never willingly choose an alternative. The midwife, Hadassah, was exactly what was needed and made me feel extremely comfortable and safe as I went through the process. Throughout both pregnancies, deliveries, and postpartum visits, the whole team has been so supportive and informative, never leaving me with doubt or uninformed. I truly cannot say enough good things about BirthCare and feel so lucky to have worked with them.

You can't go wrong hiring Tina to be your doula! She provides care before, during and after birth…read more Whether you are a first time mom or adding another player to your family baseball team, Tina will customize care especially for you, at your level. She makes herself available day or night and when you have a question or concern she won't quit until it's solved! She is a powerful, yet calming presence during the birth process. She is very intuitive and passionate about what she does! If you are looking for a birth coach to support you in every way possible, Tina is your girl!

As a military family you often find yourself away from family or needing that extra support. This…read morewas my 4th child and I felt prepared for what was to come, however, I felt I was missing that support that I craved from another woman. I didn't have family near going through my pregnancy and labor and after meeting Tina, I knew that I had support system and fighter in my corner. From the prenatal visits and lessons in my home to the labor and delivery, Tina made me feel so supported physically and mentally. I know she put her comfort on the back burner to endure my marathon labor that ended with my first girl after three wonderful boys! Having Tina as part of my pregnancy and labor was priceless. Thank you, Tina!

Doula Nathalie & Associates is an incredibly supportive team. Through the online meetings covering…read morepregnancy-related topics, the childbirth classes, and the rental of a TENS unit, we felt truly supported and confident that we were with the right team. Hannah Wright was our doula, and she was incredible from the very beginning. From our first meeting, I knew she was the right person to support me and my husband during our baby's birth. She was deeply attentive, always helping me understand what I wanted and guiding me with clarity, care, and respect. I learned so much from her, and she was always checking in, offering support, and helping us make informed decisions. I had an induction and spent three days in the hospital before our baby arrived, and Hannah was consistently present, checking on us, bringing food, and being there whenever we needed her. When it was time to give birth, she arrived immediately and never left my side. I am certain that without Hannah, I would not have had the birth experience I wanted. She ensured my wishes were respected and supported me through every up and down with confidence and compassion. Hannah will always be part of our family's story.

I had a wonderful experience with my daytime doula Iyonna and evening doula Stephenie. Both were…read morevery helpful and knowledgeable which is so important for expectant mothers who need extra help cause newborns require so much and new moms need the time off to relax or just do... anything else. It feels endless and overwhelming at times. And it was wonderful to have the extra pair of hands so that I could sleep at night and take care of errands, get out of the house, grab food, and visit my older daughter in daycare during the day.