I switched to working with Faith about halfway through my pregnancy when I realized I wanted to…read morebirth at a birth center and not the hospital. Faith and her team were so helpful during my appointments, helping me make sure my body and pregnancy stayed healthy. She guided me in improving my nutrition and keeping my blood sugar managed, and she connected me to a maternal fetal medicine provider for extra monitoring since I had an IVF pregnancy. Faith took my birth plan seriously and knew how important it was to me to have a water birth, so when she let me know my labor wasn't progressing enough and told me I needed to transfer to a hospital, I was able to trust her judgement. She remained available over text message for questions as well. Then in our postpartum visits Faith was so kind in hearing me as I processed the birth experience I had in the hospital and how it really wasn't what I had wanted/envisioned. She offered me a rebonding session in the birth room where I could basically redo my golden hour. It was such a healing experience. Faith and her team also helped me with filling for disability and completing that paperwork, which was super important to support me on my maternity leave. I'm grateful for the support and treatment I received at Mind Body Birth.

I'm now almost five months postpartum, and I wanted to wait until I had some distance from my…read morepregnancy and postpartum experience before writing this review. There were parts of my experience with Faith and her team that I genuinely appreciated, as well as parts that were difficult for me and ultimately made my pregnancy more stressful than I had hoped it would be. Earlier in my pregnancy, communication was sometimes a source of stress for me. There were quite a few times when messages I sent through the chat went unanswered. One situation that particularly concerned me happened around Christmas, when I was told that my lab order might not be put in on time. I was supposed to have my progesterone checked every two weeks, and because I had experienced two prior miscarriages, going even a few days beyond that timeframe made me anxious. As my pregnancy progressed, I also struggled with some of the expectations around my care. At one point, I was told I could be put on probation for not consistently attending my chiropractic appointments, despite communicating that I was struggling financially at the time. I was required to see Sarah specifically, rather than having the option to see a chiropractor closer to me who was more affordable. The visits were also expected weekly, even during times when I felt sore afterward and felt that my body needed a break. The financial aspect became increasingly difficult for my family during the middle and later parts of my pregnancy. My insurance at the time did not cover the ultrasounds I was required to receive, so I was paying approximately $600-$900 per ultrasound on top of payments for Faith's care and chiropractic visits. There was also a $12 valet charge each time I came in for an appointment. My husband and I own a business, and we experienced a slowdown during my pregnancy, so these combined expenses became difficult to manage. I do appreciate that Faith offered me a payment plan through Credee, which helped when the costs began piling up. There were other moments when I felt more pressured than supported. I remember feeling stressed about my baby not being head-down by a certain point in pregnancy. I personally felt that my baby still had time to turn and wanted to trust my body, so the concern around it added anxiety for me rather than reassurance. I had a similar experience with recommendations around drinking 15 cups of water per day and taking herbs after some of my lab numbers were one or two points elevated. I'm personally very cautious about taking herbs or medications unless I feel they're necessary, so I declined the herbs. I sometimes felt judged or pressured when I wasn't meeting those recommendations, rather than feeling that my preferences were fully respected. Toward the end of my pregnancy, I unexpectedly learned during an ultrasound at Keck Medicine that my baby was measuring small, and I ultimately needed to transfer my care to a hospital. This was an overwhelming time, and I really appreciated Faith's support during the transfer. She helped calm me down and reminded me that I still had time to choose the hospital where I wanted to deliver and that I still had a say in my care. That helped me feel like I had some control during a situation that changed very quickly. Tahira was also incredibly helpful during this time. She researched different hospitals for me and helped me explore my options, which ultimately allowed me to choose the hospital where I felt most comfortable delivering my baby. My postpartum experience with Faith was much more positive. She came to my home to check on both me and my baby, and I found her much more pleasant and supportive during that period. After feeling like there were so many expectations I needed to meet throughout pregnancy, postpartum felt like a huge relief because I no longer felt that same pressure. I also want to mention Tchala, who was consistently calm, supportive, and pleasant throughout my experience. I really appreciated her demeanor and the way she interacted with me. Overall, I'm grateful for the support I received during some of the most important moments of my pregnancy, particularly during my transfer and postpartum period. At the same time, I wouldn't describe my overall pregnancy experience as the calm and supportive experience I had hoped for. The combination of financial pressure, required appointments, communication issues, and feeling pressured around certain recommendations created additional stress during an already vulnerable time. I'm sharing this because I think experiences with pregnancy and midwifery care can be very personal. Some families may appreciate a more structured approach with clear expectations, while others may prefer more flexibility and autonomy. For me, I would have benefited from more flexibility, responsiveness, and understanding of my individual circumstances and preferences.

Sarah is fantastic!!!…read more This past spring, as the birth of my little girl was drawing near, I was getting more and more terrified of labor. I wanted to have a natural birth without medication, but was wondering if I had the strength to do it. I was so lucky to have Sarah recommended to me through a friend. As scared as I was feeling, I realized that I needed someone "on my side" to look out for me during the delivery. Sarah was so accommodating and met with me at a coffee shop to chat about my different options, told me more about what a natural birth would entail, and other considerations I hadn't been aware of. She was so positive and supportive that I left our first meeting feeling less fearful, even confident about delivering my baby! As a former L&D nurse, Sarah already knows so much about what labor is usually like, and what processes the hospitals will have in place. After my husband also met her, we both knew we HAD to have her on our team at the hospital when the baby arrived. Now that baby is 3 months old, my husband and I still talk about how invaluable it was to have Sarah coaching us on the big day. And, because of her help and reassurance, I now look back on my daughter's birth not as a harrowing event, but actually as one of the most amazing days of my life, and one of the most empowering things I've ever done. Thank you so much Sarah!!! You made such a difference and you are truly gifted in what you do! xxoo

Sarah is truly serving her higher purpose on this planet. She is passionate about what she does and…read morereally makes this becoming a parent thing a LOT less overwhelming. We took a private class with her on labor/delivery and baby care and decided we wanted to hire her as our Doula. Best decision we have ever made. She is grounded in her extensive medical knowledge and has been a part of over 5000 births as a labor and delivery nurse which brought us even more comfort and confidence in her as our Doula. She's super relatable and a great listener. I have met a lot of Doulas during my pregnancy and she stood out from all of them. She's just so normal and easy to talk to..i don't know how else to articulate that. The other doulas I've met haven't really been relatable for me ....a little too granola for me i guess. I'm on the verge of delivery and have already received so much support from her thus far. I'll write a follow up review to share my birthing experience with you all after my baby girl has arrived

Ana Paula is a wealth of knowledge and compassion. She's a beautiful mix of warm and calming with a…read morefun energy and the utmost professionalism.

Normally I'd be very reluctant to be apart of a non in person training. ANA is truly a gem. Some…read morepeople give you feelings of love within. Some people give you a genuine feel like whatever they say they mean and that is exactly what I feel with Ana Paula Markel. I spent 3 days with not only fellow woman who share the similar passions and career goals but also a leader and guide. I've been working as a doula for a year now and really trying to find a place to call home for guidance and connections and I truly have found it. I feel motivated and filled with such gratitude to have been apart of this experience. I feel more than well informed and ready to further my mission.

I don't know how I would have survived my pregnancy or birth without Jaquelin's help!! From the…read morebeginning of our relationship (while I was still pregnant), she was very supportive and helped me learn more about what I was going through via personal meetings, phone calls, email & web articles. She has a very calm and attentive nature (and I love her South African accent!) During my labor & delivery (32.5 hours!) her assistance was invaluable, since my husband did not want to be in the room at all - since he was afraid of passing out...lol! She knows what she is doing to keep you and your family comfortable and to move the process along. I don't remember a lot about that weekend as I was exhuasted, in pain, & eventually took some drugs to help with the pain, so it was great to have Jaquelin's story of my birth, with all of her notes! She also took some still photos with my camera, so I would remember this important moment in my life! If you are even thinking of hiring a doula, look no further! Her postpartum visit was also very nice & I can honestly say that she was much more than just another body in the delivery room...I now consider her a family friend and we stay in touch often. She is well worth the money that she charges for her services...I only wished that insurance would cover it. Either way, if I did it again, I would still use her. She made the whole experience as comfortable as it could be! :)

I was newly sober and pregnant!! I was warned about the dangers to my sobriety that could come from…read morebeing given prescription pain relievers after giving birth. Especially when C sections and medical interventions are at their highest. I was told to do some research on how to avoid unnecessary C sections and this eventually led me to a doula. I was planning to move back home to California from Florida. I looked up doulas in the area. When Jaquilin returned my phone call I was a mess and nervous over becoming a new mom & screwing it up! She brought peace to my heart answered ALL my questions which brought hope for what was about to come. I was not sure if I could even hire a doula and still living in Florida at the time. I can remember standing in one the isles of a grocery store in Florida. I was so concerned over fish oil in DHA inside the prenatal vitamins. I called Jaquilin, feeling silly because she hadn't been hired yet, but she returned my phone call over such a silly question like that or, "I ran out of my prenatal vitamins and it's only been 2 days. I'm worried about the baby!" She was there and helped bring peace to me! I knew then, standing in the middle of the store that she was the doula for me! I moved back to California, finally at 7 months. When I hired Jaquilin and started the lamaze classes with her they were intimate, small and fun. Very "homie". As well as extremely informative. I felt free to ask any questions. Any! Our choice for birth was for it to be all natural, but in a hospital (we chose the UCLA midwives Westwood. Also an A+ experience) As I'm writing, I'm thinking there is just too many wonderful things and experiences with jacqueline to to say! So I'm writing a list of the 1st ten things hat come to mind below!! My experience far superseded what I paid for and what I expected. I have the most memorable, REAL and intentional birth to thank from her support! 1. She was there for me after the birth, more than she "should" have. In regards to me being at risk for post Partum depression. Supported me all the way through & called in to check up on and make sure I made the phone calls I needed. 2. Jaquilin came over at exactly the right time during my labor. Supported me in all the ways I wanted and needed in order to move into active labor and through the pain. 3. Helped me with my birth plan and met me For walks in the park. 4. Helped me find organic and holistic approaches to many things. 5. The birth!!!! The birth was exactly what I asked for. Exactly!!!! She believed in me the whole time and I in turn believed in my bodies ability to do exactly what it needed to do. 6. I used her experience and knowledge with birth as my guide. I needed her to know when I was ready to go the hospital (I know I would have gone way to soon if I didn't have her!) and because of that there was no need for the hospital to do "hospital things" I was ready! 7. I showed up at 7 centimeters. (All the nurses and the midwives were impressed) I couldn't have done that without the support from my doula Jaquilin. 8. An hour after arriving I gave birth to Liam! Beautiful, all natural, healthy and strong! 9. She was there the whole way through, to the end & then some. 10. I didn't receive any narcotics or epidural. No medical interventions. I was aware. My birth was intentional and I was empowered. Thank you Jaquilin for helping me achieve the birth I was meant to have

Renee was an amazing guide over our first birth experience. She provided a wealth of knowledge and…read moreput us at ease during our preparatory meetings. Any questions we had that she didn't have answers to she would thoroughly research and give us research-base answers. My wife and I could not have asked for a better advocate and sounding board while at the hospital. She helped us weigh our options when unexpected complications came up during the birthing process. Renee stayed by my wife's side the whole way through, providing constant positive affirmations and help all through the night. We are so incredibly grateful for her guidance and cannot recommend her highly enough!

From the owner: I am a DONA-certified doula based in mid-Los Angeles, dedicated to providing compassionate and…read moresupportive care above all else. My practice combines evidence-based research with an understanding of the emotional, mental, and physical aspects of labor. I create a welcoming space for all identities to ensure you feel empowered throughout your journey. In person or virtual consultations available!

Amanda was referred to us by a good friend and we LOVED her hypno-birthing classes. Going into my…read morefirst pregnancy, I wanted to do everything I could to ensure a natural child birth and attending her courses gave me many of the tools that I needed once I was in the delivery room. Amanda is a sweetheart and makes you feel very comfortable in her presence and goes out of her way to answer any questions you may have and she will be there for support throughout your pregnancy.

From the owner: Childbirth Educationread more

I met Cassie when I started attending her pre/post natal yoga classes and instantly knew she would…read morebe the perfect fit to be our doula. Her yoga classes kept me in shape & challenged me whilst also giving me respite when I was too exhausted & just needed to rest. The friendly, inclusive atmosphere she creates makes her classes a great place to meet other new parents & air any anxieties that no doubt other parents to be are having. Cassie is also very funny and kind. So I booked her to be our doula. She has now seen me through the birth of both my children. Our pre-birth meetings really helped us come up with a plan for labour whilst giving us loads of information. She was always on the end of the phone & was invaluable in the hospital offering comfort tips, advice, massages, cold flannels etc. I would highly recommend both Cassie's classes & her work as a doula.

Cassie is a fun loving teacher who provides a wide range of info about prenatal yoga and birth…read moreduring her classes. She is a trained doula as well as an experienced yoga teacher. I've been practicing yoga for 15 years and through two kids and she is the whole package. I enjoy the class for the yoga, but also for the environment she creates. I leave the class feeling restored and excited about my pregnancy. I practice with her at Forward Fold in Encino, which is a bit of a drive for me but it's worth it.

I want to share my experience to be able to help future mothers and especially first time mothers…read moreto have the best experience possible wether its for birth or postpartum as mine wasn't what I wish It would have been. I wanted to feel supported and try for a VBAC for my second birth so I decided to work with Andrey for the birth of our daughter. Everything went good at the beginning, we had our in person interview, shortly after that meeting we decided we would be a fit for each other. After that she came over one more time and afterwards she told me she had a family oversees she was working with and would be available via phone/zoom and if needed to she would introduce me to a back up doula incase she wasn't back in time for my birth. The way she introduced us was thru text (no phone call or even an effort to do a zoom call so me and that back up doula could meet each other) no professionalism. My prenatal care was very limited nothing close to what Andrey promotes. Then I asked for a list of what to bring in my birth bag, she said she would send, I had to ask about 4 times until she sent and the reason I didn't get it was because she had sent it to a 'Victoria' how do you forget your clients name especially when you are a part of one of the most vulnerable times in their life. Fast forward to my birth Andrey ended up not being there. I ended up working with the back up doula & my first time meeting her and talking to her was her walking in my room while I laid in my bed clothe-less in pain as I was going thru my contractions (not the most ideal setting to meet someone for the first time who is going to be a part of a raw and emotional intimate time) a few days later Andrey lets me know shes back in LA and is coming to see me & baby to help with postpartum care. Then texts me cancelling because her car is in the shop (She could've taken an Uber) and cannot make it and she can come another day. She comes over a couple days after that for a few hours and tells me she will be back @10am the next day to help us some more. The next morning @9:35am she txts me she cannot make it and isn't available until the following week. I had cancelled help from my sitter to help with my newborn and toddler and my husband had left to work because we had relied on having help from Andrey that morning. At that point I was feeling extremely upset. The care and support I was expecting which Andrey advocates heavily on was nowhere close to what I was given. What was supposed to be a time in my life where I should've been given unwavering love and support turned into a time of grief and sadness for me. I decided to have a conversation with Andrey and let her know how I was feeling and I no longer felt comfortable working together. She apologized and told me I was a client that 'fell thru the cracks.' Simply she overcommitted and I was put in the back burner or was her last option sadly. She offered to bring some postpartum stuff to help with grief and overall just to help me emotionally and would drop it off in the next couple days, she never did. Unfortunately Andrey constantly overpromised and underdelivered.

Absolutely incredible experience with Andrey! From the moment we met her, her calming presence put…read moreus at ease. She brought not only warmth and reassurance but also deep experience and medical knowledge that made us feel completely confident in our birth plan and, most importantly, safe--both for mom and baby. Andrey was the advocate we didn't even realize we needed, always prioritizing our best interests over the hospital's. We genuinely cannot imagine going through the experience without her. If you're considering a doula, stop searching--Andrey is the one. Cannot recommend her highly enough!!!! Thank you Andrey!!!