I knew I wanted a doula but didn't find the right fit until I met Sarah…read more Sarah, a mom of three who loves the entire birth process, has this wonderful energy that exudes a calm confidence which made me feel comfortable, heard and safe. I called her during very early labor to tell her things finally begun! After a few hours and another phone call I wasn't sure if she should come yet, but the sound of my voice told her that she should...and I'm so glad she did. Sarah was the perfect mix of being present while letting me be.While I was in my bedroom, she'd hang out downstairs and check on me every once in a while. While my husband was putting our toddler down for bed, Sarah walked with me around the neighborhood. It was like chatting with a dear friend who would literally give me her back to lean on during a large contraction, talk me through it, and then we'd keep walking. At home, when things got intense she would massage wherever ailed me and help me breathe through it all. She offered new positions when needed and reminded me to do helpful things like rest, shower, use the bathroom and breathe! It was invaluable having an experienced doula present who was able to gauge from experience where I was in my labor and affirm that everything was progressing as it should. This confidence allowed me to stay home for as long as possible and have the labor I envisioned. When we decided to head to the hospital, I was so relieved to hear I was 8cm dilated! Sarah looked at me, and said "you did that!!" During the actual birth, my husband was on my left and Sarah on my right. She kept me calm and brought me back in the room by telling me, "that's your baby's head, she's almost here, you're almost done!" With Sarah's calming presence and confidence boosts, I was able to endure the birth I truly wanted. I am forever thankful for finding Sarah and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a doula to gently support you through the labor you envision.

I'm writing this along with my wife to remark on just how great Sarah is - aside from being just a…read moregenerally awesome person in general, she's an extremely well-educated and well-informed doula who's a mom of three herself. She came recommended by another friend of ours who has used Sarah for all of her deliveries. Now we can see why. As first time parents, you're suddenly armed with thousands of questions and concerns the moment the pee-stick comes out positive. Sarah calmly, patiently and personably listened and responded to all of them; not in that way that makes you feel silly for asking, even if she's no doubt heard most of those questions about as many times as she's talked about contractions. Sarah comes armed with books, tools, a baby doll to practice on, and takes you through everything you need to know, as well as everything you can spring on her. She even goes out of her way and will message or email you additional information that you may not have even known to ask about, including very important postnatal care recommendations. In a series of private sessions at our home and at our convenience, Sarah helped us with prenatal exercises, exercises during contractions (partner and solo exercises), sorting out our birth plan, as well as what to expect at various stages of the pregnancy, labor and delivery, and even, how to breastfeed your baby once he/she comes out. Her method of explanation and demonstration, her patience and demeanor really helped to calm us and feel so much better prepared for any kind of delivery which may happen. And even though we ended up being on the other side of the planet from her during the final part of the process and wasn't able to have Sarah as our in-delivery doula, she kept in touch via instant messaging and provided help and advice whenever we needed her. The best tip we could give you is to call up Sarah and arrange for an initial chat before she gets too booked up!

Pregnancy and giving birth was one of the most meaningful and empowering experiences of my life,…read moreand Holly played an extraordinary role in making it that way. Working with her from pregnancy through postpartum was nothing short of transformative. From the moment she took us on as clients, I felt deeply seen, cared for, and empowered. Throughout my pregnancy, she provided a wealth of resources -- from dietary guidance and exercise tips to ways to promote the growth of my baby and prepare for labor -- and helped me process and make informed decisions for myself. She anticipated questions before I even had them and ensured I felt knowledgeable and confident every step of the way about all the decisions we faced. Holly made the entire process beautiful, spiritual, informed, and deeply connected. She helped me get in touch with my own needs and empowered both me and my husband to feel confident and capable throughout. During labor and delivery, she was with us every step of the way -- whether on the phone or coming to our home to assist me in labor and guide us on navigating the transition to the hospital. In those moments of extreme intensity, Holly was so in tune with me; she knew exactly what to say and how to help me navigate each wave. It felt like she, my husband, and I were in a shared trance, and I felt completely held and nurtured. I wanted a natural labor, and Holly championed that goal every step of the way; I truly believe I would not have been able to achieve a natural birth in a hospital without her. Immediately postpartum, Holly continued to be an incredible presence during the intense and sometimes overwhelming adjustment to life on the other side of birth. She listened deeply, advocated for my mental and physical health, and again never imposed her opinions. Instead, she helped us think clearly, process our emotions, and understand our own decisions and feelings, giving us confidence in our new roles as parents. What's incredible about Holly is that she ensures you are informed, know your rights, and understand all your choices -- while always advocating for you -- yet she never makes decisions for you. She is non-judgmental, full of positivity, love, and light, and makes the journey feel sacred, grounded, and empowering. Holly is an exceptional doula and guide -- she truly transforms the birth experience. She is absolutely incredible.

Review #1017 -…read more Kudos to Holly...seriously we really enjoyed having her on our birthing team. My wife had called and wanted to interview a variety of people and within a spectrum of birthing paths. We chose Holly and it was a very good experience. First off, my wife had a wonderful phone call with her...and she was available and willing to answer all things. We then met her locally and had a face to face interview. Holly was respectful of the birth path my wife wanted, she offer advice and her experience. While we were interviewing her at a local coffee shop she was approached by another client with her recently born baby. We got to see the level of interaction between that new mom and Holly. Very impressive to see the happiness of another parent with the person she chose. So as a Dad to be, there was also the need to convince me...i wanted to make sure my wife had every person and resource. So the expense of a doula was justified pretty easily. But i wanted an active role in the birth plan and birth experience. Holly was great to me. Attentive. Gentle. She was okay with me being there in the delivery stuff and an active part of it. She did not shrug me off or anything, I was able to feel very close to my wife and newborn in the moment. My wife really loved all Holly did for her when the time came to start the birthing process. Once we knew it was go time...we planned to stay home a while and Holly came to our place and worked the first 12-15 hours with her. Then she perfectly timed the "when to go to the hospital" and as that progressed she was very preset and active with us. She was awesome and seeing how well she'd coached my wife was incredible. We got a healthy baby and my wife came through it amazingly. Holly was a very good resource and served us well as the "Offensive Coordinator" calling the plays and helping us through the game plan. Holly is super. Follow up and coaching didn't end with the hospital. She's been so good at checking in and keeping us in the learning and adjustment. Easy 5 stars!!

I recently took a Slow Flow yoga class with Victoria and it was LOVELY. The pace was perfect, equal…read moreparts movement, rest, and stretch, and I was introduced variations of poses I had never done (such as kneeling warrior II). The studio itself is an open floor plan with a corner that welcomes children during certain classes. Fireside does cater to mothers and parents (to which I am neither) but there is space for everyone :) If you are looking for an intentional, supportive, and inclusive studio and community, I highly recommend Fireside Sanctuary.

If you are looking for an inclusive and welcoming space then you need to visit Fireside Sanctuary!…read moreSam and Victoria have created a beautiful space for families of all shapes and sizes, welcoming all family structures and individuals. This has been a sorely needed space in the South Bay and I am so excited for all they bring to our community. They offer a variety of classes to the community, including Childbirth Education, Pre/Postnatal Yoga, Family Yoga, Morning Meditation, Belly Dance for Birth, Sound Baths - to name a few. If you are even a little bit curious, then please do yourself a favor and go check them out!

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.

Going through my first birth experience with Katie as my midwife was truly a gift. Every prenatal…read morevisit was done right in my home -- no stressful drives to the doctor's office, no sitting in waiting rooms. Blood tests, check-ups, and even listening to my baby's heartbeat all happened right on my couch. But the convenience was just the beginning. Katie's care was exceptional in every way a family hopes for when choosing a midwife. She brought a depth of knowledge and clinical skill that made me feel safe and confident from day one -- monitoring both my health and my baby's with precision and explaining everything clearly so I always understood my options. She balanced that expertise with a calm, grounded presence that instantly put me at ease. She answered my million questions with a calm smile (hey, it's my first time!), so when it came time to give birth, I felt informed, supported, and ready. From her gentle hands and confident decision-making to her unwavering emotional support, Katie embodied the perfect mix of professionalism and heart. In week 35, my blood pressure became too high for a home birth, and Katie guided and supported me in the process of reconnecting with my OB's office seamlessly. I experienced a level of continuity of care between homebirth and hospital that I wish every woman could have! After my son was born, Katie went above and beyond to visit us at the hospital as well as follow up visits at home. I cannot recommend her enough. If you're on the fence, choose Katie!

I feel beyond grateful to have had Katie by my side for both of my births. She is everything you…read morecould ever want in a midwife: warm, deeply competent, organized, and so clearly made for this work. From the moment she walks into the room, there's a sense of calm and confidence that fills the space. This is so important, especially when you're pregnant! She has an incredible way of balancing professionalism with genuine care, anticipating what you need before you even realize it, guiding with steady reassurance, and treating each moment with respect and grace. Her presence made both of my birth experiences not only safe and supported, but truly beautiful!! She's a dream to work with: kind, grounded, and always on top of every detail. I trusted her completely, and that trust allowed me to relax and be fully present. There's no doubt she was born to do this work, and I can't imagine my birth stories without her in them. Katie, thank you for everything you've done for me and my family, you are forever part of our story.

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.

We had the most incredible experience with Ashley! She was actually covering for another doula who…read morehad a family emergency when I went into labor, so we met Ashley for the first time at the hospital. Within minutes, we felt completely at ease with her. She immediately connected with both my husband and me, bringing such a calming, grounding presence during an intense and emotional time. She guided me through contractions, helped with different labor positions, and truly walked us through the entire labor. Her reassurance and steady support made such a huge difference, not just physically but emotionally as well. We truly couldn't have asked for better support. If you're considering working with a doula, you will be in amazing hands working with Ashley.

After a traumatic birth experience with my first I was determined to have a different outcome the…read moresecond time around and knew hiring a doula would help me achieve that goal. I truly hit the jackpot when I found Ashley! Both my husband and I instantly bonded with her from the first meeting even though it was through the screen over a zoom call, and each prenatal appt with her only reaffirmed that we had made the right decision. She is down to earth, kind, knowledgeable, and has such a calming presence. Ashley had a family trip planned just before my due date (which we already were aware of before booking her) but she made sure we were comfortable moving forward with her and that we had a back up doula in place. Lo and behold, baby girl decided to arrive a few weeks early and Ashley immediately made herself available and was at our house within 20 min of calling her. We were frantic and it was undoubtedly chaotic not being prepared for such an early delivery, but once Ashley arrived we were immediately put at ease. Throughout labor she was an awesome coach alongside my husband. She motivated me when it felt too tough to continue and she provided suggestions to help progress the labor along. In the end, I was able to get my "redemption birth story" and I owe a lot of that to Ashley. After delivery, she continued to be a huge presence in my postpartum journey despite it being a busy holiday season. She went above and beyond checking in on us and providing helpful tips and resources. If you're considering hiring a doula Ashley is 100% your girl, you won't be disappointed!

I just love Kari and recommend her services to anyone expecting. She came totally prepared for our…read morespecific situation (adopting) and really covered all the bases. She had a lot of great information that she went over with us, answering every question along the way. Most importantly she helped to build up my confidence and left me feeling like I have a resource and friend to turn to. The specialized service was invaluable.

Kari's support during our transition to parents of twins was incredibly helpful. We particularly…read moreappreciated her ability to listen to our concerns and guide us towards resources and information so that we could make our own decisions. She did not shy away from the numerous challenges presented by newborn twins and their first-time parents. We would recommend Kari to any singleton or multiple family!

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!

We are so incredibly grateful for Darcey and the support she gave us. From the very beginning, she…read moreequipped us with practical birthing techniques, positions, counter pressure, massage, and movement, that truly made a difference when contractions became intense. She brought such thoughtful touches too: calming candles, affirmation cards, massage oils etc. and all of it created an environment that felt peaceful and grounded. But what stuck with me most were the powerful phrases she coached me through: "You can do anything for 60 seconds." "Motion is lotion." "Breathe in for 4, out for 6." Those words became anchors during the hardest moments. I found myself repeating them over and over, and they genuinely helped me move through each contraction with strength and focus. She is gentle, kind, comforting, and incredibly calming. She knows exactly what to say at exactly the right moment. Even more than that, she is a strong advocate, always making sure your birth plan, preferences, and comfort are respected. If you're looking for someone who will not only support you physically but emotionally and spiritually as well, she is that person.

We loved having Darcy by our side! As first-time parents, we had heard every kind of birth story…read morefrom friends and family, which is why we wanted a doula. We were looking for someone who could help us feel informed, supported, and confident if big decisions came up during labor. Darcy delivered on all of that and more. From the moment we met her, we immediately clicked. She has such a calming presence and made us feel at ease right away. She helped educate us, guided us through the process, and made us feel empowered the entire time. One thing I especially appreciated was how she worked alongside the hospital team. We loved our doctors and nurses, but I did notice a slight shift when I mentioned we would have a doula present. Darcy handled it so gracefully. She was respectful, collaborative, and very complimentary of the team. The team was supportive of trying different positions, and Darcy guided me through breathing techniques while pushing that made a difference. She also went above and beyond when it came to comfort. She held a fan for me when I was overheating, brought essential oils to help with nausea, and even came ready to set up string lights to create a calming environment. She thought of everything.