I worked through the MBB course alongside my doulas during my most recent pregnancy. We met each…read moreweek to go over the chapters they assigned, and I am so grateful for the experience it provided. The education in this program made a huge impact on my birth experience, and the meeting helped my work through my previous birth traumas from my first borns birth. Because of the prep and education I received through MBB, I was able to have a redemptive, uncomplicated, successful unmedicated birth. The tools, mindset shifts, and practical knowledge I gained played a major role in my empowering experience and I'm beyond grateful for this course and the confidence it gave me. Shout out to Shiela, Sophia, Jamie, and Corrine for the great insight and support you gave me prior to labor. Brooke hung on the phone and advised us while I labored, and Kaitlyn met us at the hospital just in time for baby's delivery. I appreciated her knowledge and communication during the hospital chaos. 10/10 recommend EVERYONE works with a doula!! And, Modesto Birth & Beyond is a great choice if you're in their service areas.

I hired MBB for my second delivery. The biggest draw for me was that they can bill Kaiser directly!…read moreWith my insurance plan, that meant it was free for me! So wonderful to get this valuable prenatal education, labor and delivery support, and postpartum breastfeeding coaching. During delivery, my doula was Sophia. She was calm, knowledgeable, able to take photos and videos, and helped me communicate my wishes to the nurse and midwife. I feel very grateful to have gotten Sophia's in-person support and all the prenatal education from the larger team on weekly virtual calls, the videos, and the workbook. Definitely worth the time investment!

I can't say enough positive things about our experience with the Modesto Doula Group and the…read morewonderful doulas who prepared me for childbirth, supported my husband and me during labor and childbirth and in the weeks postpartum. After attending a childbirth preparation class at my hospital less than two months before my due date, I began to worry about how unprepared I was and became anxious when thinking about childbirth and the pain associated with it. After meeting with Teri and Susan, we immediately knew that having a doula with us was something we needed. My due date was approaching rapidly, but we were able to do a total of three childbirth education classes, one group class in Modesto and two in home classes. I felt more and more assured after each class. By the end of the third class my anxiety had been replaced by confidence. Teri came to our house the morning that I went into labor and assisted me through each contraction as I labored at home. Still by my side in the delivery room, she used acupressure and aromatherapy which helped tremendously even during the most intense contractions. Back at home with a brand new baby, the postpartum doula services with Jennifer and Susan were exceedingly helpful for us. I had also opted for placenta encapsulation and the postpartum care basket, both of which made my postpartum recovery and healing easier. Looking back, as we often do, we couldn't imagine our birth experience without the caring and experienced support of the doulas at Modesto Doula Group!

My personal experience was 3-star - fine/better than neutral, but for me there were a few cons that…read moretook away from the pros... Other people might receive the same exact service but rate it 4 or 5 stars. I felt that the postpartum doula, Susan, could have been more open and supportive of my personal parenting style and desires, but it seemed like she thought there was one good way of parenting an 8-week old baby - the rigid schedule your baby for your convenience as soon as possible way, which isn't my philosophy but I know tons of people do want that. I also thought she needed to take more care and consideration regarding her baby wearing advice because although babies bodies are very flexible, there are safety concerns especially regarding their hips, neck, and nose that she did not properly address when telling me not to over think placing my baby in my ring sling.

Where do I begin?! Makayla was truly a Godsend for my family. My husband and I both played around…read morewith the idea of hiring a doula for the birth of our first child for the extra support. I wasn't sold on the idea because I'm not someone who likes to be super vulnerable in front of people I don't know - little did I know how much birth would change that. Makayla met with my husband and I several times before our birth preparing a plan, as well as a few FaceTime calls the week of my birth to make sure I was ready and prepared. She was no stranger by the time birth came around. She listened to me and answered the 10,000 questions I had (that number is not an exaggeration I asked so many questions). She never made me feel bad for asking so many questions and gave clear and thoughtful insight to everything I asked. She made sure my husband felt heard and his questions were answered too, which was important to me because I wanted this to be his birth experience too. When the day finally arrived my labor ended up being incredibly fast so a lot of what we planned for was not necessary, however Makayla still gave me 100% support and really coached me through my birth. It really is the most incredible experience and I am so glad we hired a doula (specifically Makayla) because she was a vital part of my birth team and what made my birth experience one that I still can't stop talking or thinking about. She came to my house to visit postpartum and again answered all my questions, let me talk through the birth experience, and even helped me get my baby wearing wrap setup and taught me how to use it properly. I'm so grateful for Makayla and her services. If you are looking for a doula I highly recommend you look no further! She should absolutely be part of your birth team.

Sheila and Marji did a wonderful job. I asked for help to support me during my delivery, I was…read moreworried about being pushed into procedures and medications by the hospital. They stayed by my side the ENTIRE TIME I needed them. They helped me after 12 hours of labor decide the best corse for my delivery and I felt informed and not pushed. They helped me on my weak points by encouraging me and answering my questions when I needed it. I am so glad I wasn't alone with hospital staff and my loving husband. If your thinking about a doula and need your questions answered please call her. Both her and Marji are incredibly welcoming. You may be able to do it without help, but a strong hug and beautiful words of a supportive woman is honestly what EVERY woman delivering a baby should be entitled to and mandatory. Postpartum checkup allowed for some ahha moments that really helped us thrive. For some the price is a drop in the bucket, for some it's an investment. You genuinely will remember this moment a lifetime.

Wow what an awesome doula! I initially hired Sheila in hopes that she could help me along with my…read moreplan for a VBAC. Well... baby decided that she was going to stay breech so I was forced to schedule a repeat c-section. Throughout the whole pregnancy Sheila was so supportive, always checking in to see how I was doing. When we found out baby was breech she also was able to provide recommendations for a holistic approach to turn baby. Sheila was an amazing postpartum Doula. I have to admit my husband was a little apprehensive about the idea of a postpartum doula but, the morning she left he was asking when she could come back. If I could've afforded to have Sheila here every night for the first week I would have. Having Sheila was an essential piece of my recovery and she was an amazing resource for baby well. Although I am a veteran to breastfeeding I couldn't figure out why baby's latch was painful, Sheila was able to see something wasn't right and made a call to a lactation consultant. Baby was diagnosed with a tongue tie ( mind you I had seen 3 lactation consultants who had missed it ). Sheila genuinely cares about her moms and babies, and she loves what she does. Even weeks after having baby she still checks in periodically. I am so happy that I had the pleasure of working with her. Thank you for all your help Sheila!

We truly cannot say enough amazing things about our doula, Cristina. Meeting her honestly felt like…read moreit was meant to happen. Before giving birth, we had been looking for a doula but were worried we wouldn't find the right person because Kaiser didn't have a large variety of doulas available. While we were at Kaiser for our hospital tour, we happened to meet Cristina in the waiting room. She started sharing her own birth experience with us and explaining what a doula does not only during labor, but throughout pregnancy and even after you bring your baby home. From that first conversation, we immediately felt comfortable with her and knew there was something special about her. Cristina became such an important part of our birth experience. Before labor, she helped us understand and put together our birth plan, showed us different stretches and techniques to prepare for labor, and connected us with resources available through Kaiser, including meal programs and information about breast pumps. When labor finally came, Cristina truly showed us how dedicated she is. We left our house around 2:00 a.m. because the contractions had become much stronger. When we arrived at the hospital, I was already 8 cm dilated. We immediately called Cristina, and even though it was around 3:00 in the morning, she was at the hospital within about 10 minutes, ready to support us. She stayed right by our side through everything. She helped with breathing techniques, pushing, positioning, and keeping us calm and comfortable during an extremely intense experience. She made sure the nurses understood our birth plan and advocated for everything that was important to us. We wanted a completely natural birth, had specific wishes regarding which vaccinations we wanted for our son, wanted delayed cord clamping, and did not want the vernix immediately wiped off our baby. Cristina made sure our voices were heard and our wishes were understood and respected. But what makes Cristina so special to us goes far beyond everything she did as our doula. Somewhere along this journey, she stopped feeling like just our doula and became family. We love and appreciate Cristina more than we could ever put into words. She was there for us during one of the biggest, most emotional, and most important moments of our lives. The love, care, support, and dedication she showed our family is something we will never forget. Our son, Atticus, now has an amazing Tía Cristina, and that is exactly how we see her as family. We feel incredibly blessed that a simple, unexpected conversation in a Kaiser waiting room brought someone into our lives who would become such an important part of our family's story. Cristina, thank you for being there for us, for advocating for us, for comforting us, for supporting us, and most importantly, for loving and caring for our family. You didn't just help us welcome our son into this world you became part of his life and part of our family. We couldn't recommend Cristina enough. If you're looking for someone who will truly care about you and your family, stand beside you through every moment, and treat your birth experience as something just as important to her as it is to you, Cristina is that person. We love you, Tía Cristina, and we will forever be grateful that life brought you into our family's lives. With love and appreciation, Juan, Mariela & Atticus

Omg where do I start. I barely met Cristina but she already felt super warm and easy to talk to!…read moreShes so accommodating. I got my placenta encapsulated and I'm so happy I did with HER! She was able to pick it up and drop it off and was there and communicated the whole way, especially since the hospital was telling us they couldn't provide a bucket and ice! Since I am not working and financially it's been hard for me to pay in full (took me some time) Christina was super understanding and supportive about it and gave me all the time I needed. She's awesome. Like I said, I'm glad I got to encounter this experience through her.

As a first-time mom, I met with Kim for a prenatal virtual consultation, which helped me feel much…read moremore prepared going into delivery, and she's since come to our home twice to support us through the challenges of breastfeeding. When our son struggled with staying awake at the breast and we found ourselves triple feeding, she was knowledgeable, encouraging, and never made us feel overwhelmed or judged. Every recommendation she made was thoughtful, evidence-based, and individualized for mom and baby. She identified areas of tension that could be affecting my son's feeding and referred us to both a pediatric chiropractor and a pediatric dentist to evaluate oral ties, helping us look beyond just the symptoms. Having someone come to our home during those exhausting newborn weeks has been invaluable. She takes the time to answer every question, explains the "why" behind her recommendations, and truly cares about helping both baby and parents succeed. If you're looking for a compassionate, knowledgeable lactation consultant who provides individualized support, we wholeheartedly recommend her.

I reached out to Kim after a friend recommended her for latching issues. I'd been struggling with a…read morelow milk supply and latching difficulties, and I am so glad I made that appointment. ​Kim is incredibly knowledgeable and filled in the gaps that my doctors and nurses missed. Thanks to her: ​No more pain: She properly measured me and found the correct flange size and shield (I was way off on my own!). ​Better output: I'm finally emptying completely and she recommended a much better pump. ​Whether you are actively struggling with breastfeeding or just want to make sure you're on the right track, go see Kim! She will give you information you didn't even know you needed!

I hired Izzy a few days after I had my baby boy, who just couldn't seem to latch at all, not even…read morebadly, and I was clueless. She immediately recognized he had lip and tongue ties impeding his ability to latch and nurse. She knew who to recommend for the operation, she offered knowledge and wonderful moral support. I used her services several more times after my son's surgery at 9 days old and she has continued to be a source of information and support for me and my son who is now 3 months old and nursing at his best! I am grateful to have met her and will always keep her in mind in the future. I highly recommend her - she is the kind of person any tired stressed out mom needs!!

Isabel is an amazing consultant! She made me feel very confidant and comfortable as a first time…read morenursing mom. She is extremely professional and helpful. She walked me through everything and took lots of time to anwser all of my questions. I am so grateful she was there for me! Call her if you need a consultant or are curious about what to expect.

I had an incredible experience with Lucinda for my two babies. She was super patient with me and…read morewas always available when I needed her.

After finding out about half way through my pregnancy that I was indeed pregnant I rushed to find…read moreprenatal care. I contacted the midwife in my city who never responded to me so I contacted Lucinda. She took me on last minute and I'm so thankful she did. At the time I wasn't sure if I was going to have a home birth or hospital birth. She did not push me either way; just gave me information to research. Her prenatal appointments are awesome. This was my 4th child and my other kids were born in a hospital with obstetricians doing my prenatal "care." I can honestly say those doctors knew nothing about me or my family nor did they want to. This was not the case with Lucinda. Our appointments were about an hour long and we talked about everything not just the pregnancy. Our family was going through a lot and she was so understanding and non-judgmental and genuinely cared. Another major person from Big Valley that has to be mentioned is Brooke. She is awesome. Very calm, very well versed and knowledgeable and non-judgmental. I loved chatting with them. I was always cracking up. After a lot of research and talks with my husband (who was quite nervous about home birth) I decided to have the birth at home. Lucinda was immediately available when I called her as well as Brooke. The birth was quick and they let me birth without a lot of intervention which is what I desired. Due to no fault of Big Valley Midwives I became ill shortly after giving birth. They were very thorough during postpartum visits and trying to help me get better. I am so glad I found them. I just wish I had them for ALL of my births

I took The Bradley Method classes with Susan Jesse and I loved it. Susan is so charismatic,…read moreanimated and hilarious that the classes were never boring. I learned a lot even though this was my 4th child. I was able to implement The Bradley Method and had a natural home/water birth. I would recommend every woman take her classes. Also, Susan also gives the best hugs EVER!! She's so awesome

I had the privlege of taking Susan's Bradley Method classes as well as having her be my doula for…read moremy hospital birth. The entire birthing experience and process was enriched by having the support and presence of this amazing woman. Duirng my ~26 hour labor, she never left my side and went above and beyond my expectations of what I thought a doula would be. I feel truly blessed to have met Susan and would highly reccomend her to anyone considering the Bradley method or in need of a doula. You will not be disappointed.