I read so often, "Birth doesn't go as planned so you don't need to take a class" and it just…read moretotally blows my mind. Birth doesn't go as planned and that's exactly why you DO need to take a class. An in depth class. Britta's class. I approached my pregnancy as a 9 month grad school class. I took it upon myself to read books, journal articles, blogs, engage on online discussion groups, listen to podcast... really everything I could to learn the ins and outs of this journey I was on. My husband read a book. Kind of. He definitely skimmed it. I knew that our vocabularies were so different that we needed to find a class that would allow us to have a shared lexicon to properly communicate. I researched (like everything else) just about every class type offered in the greater Los Angeles Metro Area and I was just called to Embodica. My husband likes to refer to a lot of what I'm into as "hippie s**t." From that statement, it's clear he is not. I spoke to Britta on the phone before the class began, worried that her class would be too "wooey" for him, but after our conversation I knew she was grounded and funny enough that he would be won over. Because man did he have to be won over when I showed him the website. Our first class was an eyeopener for both of us. We were one of 6 couples, all due within two months of each other. My husband saw the focal point in the middle of the circle and arched an eyebrow--he just knew we paid a lot of money for woo-woo crap. Then Britta began to talk and I saw him perk up and really began to listen. When Britta demoed what a real contraction could look like, he was all in. Later that evening when we practiced comforting our partners while holding ice, I learned that he thought singing "Henry the VIII I Am" and some Queen son were appropriate comforting strategies, and so the revelation I they were not before labor probably saved our marriage and/or his life. Over the six weeks of class, we learned so much. Despite my exhaustive research, actually learning from someone as knowledgable and grounded as Britta allowed me to put all the information I was learning in context. My husband was able to learn the ins of out of the technical side of all things pregnancy/labor. Together, we developed a coping strategy that worked well for both of us. So yes, you cannot prepare for birth. I was pretty sure when push came to shove, I would lock myself in a room by myself and push everyone away (the perks of a homebirth is that I really could do this!). Yet, when things actually started, I needed my husband to be there for me. We used everything we learned in Britta's class over the course of my 55 hour unmedicated labor. My husband was able to truly comfort me and meet my needs in a way I know for a fact he wouldn't have been able to do before our class. We now talk to a lot of the other couples through a private little FB group one of the mom's created and are planning on meeting up soon so all the babies can meet. My husband and I also reflect on our time in that class often as we navigate the "4th trimester." As a parting gift, Britta gave each member of the class a labyrinth necklace. I haven't taken mine off since I put it on shortly before I went into labor and my husband's cord just broke as he would thumb the pendant so often. It's a reminder that our journey is continuing and to give ourselves patience and grace as we navigate this new world of parenthood. My husband and I will both be forever grateful for our experience in Britta's class and wholeheartedly recommend it to every couple preparing to welcome their child into the world. Oh, and as an aside, I really love how Britta used non-gendered terms even though we were all heterosexual, cis couples. "Birthing partner," "supporting partner," etc. Speaking to trans and lesbian couples, I know finding a safe and supportive birthing class can be difficult, so I think it's important to point this out.

My husband and I felt so lucky to have attended this workshop. We had not taken any other…read morechildbirth classes but we both felt more than sure that we ended up at the best one in the world. Britta's skill as a mentor, storyteller, listener, and communication guide are unmatched and I cannot possibly imagine anyone better suited to exactly the work she does with parents-to-be. I learned so much, yet never felt overwhelmed with information since she made the day so interactive. There is so much that I took with me not only into labor and childbirth but in parenting, life, and my relationships with my partner, my self, and my environment - without a specific to-do list or set of stock instructions. I loved how all the learning was connected to deep reflection into the senses for I believe that this is how real learning takes place - in the whole self.... After we had our baby my husband and I went to Britta for couples counseling and we had another great experience. The three of us sat in her lovely studio and she helped mediate difficulties we were having. Things have been so much better ever since that one session!!

A friend introduce me to this mommy and I class when my baby was 2 months old. I have attended…read morethese classes since then and my baby is 9 months old now. I highly recommend the Butterfly center. Rina is very knowledgeable, caring, patient, and friendly. These classes have helped my son become more social and these have also helped ME be better prepared as a new mom. It can be isolating staying at home taking care of a little one (and quite scary not knowing what to do as they grow). These classes have given me peace of mind and both my son and I get a lot from them. It also offers and opportunity to see other moms and learn from each other's experiences. Highly recommend!

We LOVE The Butterfly Center! I have taken 3 different series of classes with Rina and loved every…read moreone of them. I don't know how I would have gotten through the first year of my daughter's life without the guidance and support of Rina and all the wonderful moms that I have met through this program. Highly recommend!!

I found Happy Baby when my husband and I were moving to the South Bay from the East coast and I was…read morelooking for prenatal yoga! Fast forward to me now having a 7 month old and Happy Baby is my second home. Prenatal/postnatal classes are great. I did both prenatal boot camp and prenatal yoga but I was a little limited since I had to stop working out. Once I was cleared to work out, I was at some kind of class 4-6 times a week. Being able to bring your baby to class and get to meet other moms is fantastic! The majority of the fitness classes are taught by Lauren, who is an AMAZING teacher. She kicks your butt all while being the most encouraging, empowering teacher ever! Mama classes- I have done the mindful mama class with Khefri and it was such a great resource as a new mom! I also made new mama friends who I have kept in contact with even after our class ended.

TLDR: If you and…read moreyour spouse are lost in the sauce on this whole having a baby business, or if you're like me and just want to be prepared for anything, I highly recommend taking the Prepared Childbirth Series with Patricia. You'll be glad you did. Long version: Having a baby for the first time was definitely daunting for us. There were too many what-ifs and unknowns that made us nervous about the whole birthing process. I'm so glad we decided to take Happy Baby's Prepared Childbirth series with Patricia. It was an informative, fun, and confidence-boosting experience. I actually had to convince my husband to go with me: He walked into the first class saying he's there cause I told him to be there (gotta admire the honesty). After the last class, however, he left saying that he was glad I forced him into taking it. (yay me!) The moment my water broke, I was able to apply things that I learned in class that kept me calm and collected(we even went grocery shopping the next day). We were able to check into the hospital mentally and emotionally prepared, even though labor did not pan out as we had planned. We were well educated so we were able to ask about our options (most of which aren't discussed) and feel confident and comfortable with our decisions. By the time I started active labor, my husband was able to use the skills he learned from class to help me through my contractions, so much so that I was able to deliver without an epidural. The support and encouragement that he displayed throughout the whole process just made me fall even more in love with him (cheesy, I know). I can't thank Happy Baby enough for offering the series and everything we learned. I've been recommending this series to all my family and friends who are pregnant or planning to be since I gave birth. So my fellow Yelper, do not hesitate any longer. Take the class and feel empowered like we did.

My experience with Atoosa was better than words can describe. From our first meeting to postpartum…read moreshe made bringing a child into the world so special. She is knowledgeable about everything from pregnancy to labor, to breastfeeding and everything in between. She is empathetic (your whole family will fall in love with her). She is organized. And she will be your lifeline and hands during delivery. On my first postpartum visit my baby smiled for the first time when hearing her voice because he remembered her talking to him in the womb. I think my husband loves her more than I do! But really, I love Atoosa and could not have imagined pregnancy, labor, and postpartum without her.

My experience with Atoosa as my midwife was honestly perfect. She took such amazing care of me…read morewhile and my baby while pregnant and we had the most beautiful home birth together. I will forever remember Atoosa and her beautiful soul. You will not regret your decision to birth with her, she's truly a gift.

I'm so ready after this! Jana is incredibly knowledgeable and was such a great guide through this…read morenerve-inducing process, full of many twists and turns! The class is fun, engaging and informative. I looked forward to class each week. I've read a handful of books and none of them gave me as much clarity and confidence on how to navigate the birth process as Jana's class did. Can't recommend highly enough!

Jana is the most amazing woman I have ever met. Her classes are so informative and amazing. She…read moreknows her information and she teaches her classes with such passion and love. I would like to address the review that said Jana used a false testimonial. She is the most trustworthy, open, honest, person I know and under no circumstances would she ever do or make anyone feel or write a false testimonial. She has educated and loved hundreds of woman and I have never heard not one complain about her. She has one of the most kind hearts you can imagine. Just trust in your heart and take her class and you will see how kind she is. You will not be disappointed. I have taken her classes. I have done the birthing class and doula training. Jana only has love to give. She's a beautiful soul. Im sure the hundreds of woman will agree. Regarding the dogs she is very aware and asks everyone about the dogs. If it bothers or annoys anyone she handles it. She is not insensitive. Throughout the whole class she is on top of the dogs behavior. The bottom line is if you want to be really informed go to Jana's class because you won't be disappointed. Your birthing experience will be much better in my eyes because you will be so much more informed because of the knowledge that Jana teaches you. Trust your heart not one bad review. Love you Jana. Your the best.

My husband and I took the all day virtual birthing class with Liz. The class was extremely…read moreinformative and gave us both confidence going into delivery. Liz has a very calming and relatable demeanor and is super personable. Highly recommend this to anyone looking to learn more about labor and delivery. If you're in the Santa Monica area you may even be lucky enough to have her deliver your baby! I could not speak more highly of the class and Liz!

We took Liz's class September 2015, about a month before I had my son. it was well worth the money!…read moreAlthough I had been doing a ton of reading to gear up for labor and life with baby my husband was very ill prepared. He had other stresses to worry about then try to read a bunch of stuff. Taking Liz's 2 week birthing class really helped open his eyes and equip him for what lay ahead (as well as myself). I personally loved her down to earth attitude, her wit and sense of humor! She's realistic and will be honest with you about the processes and what the nurses at the hospital are really thinking behind the scenes! I loved that because it really helped me to gage what are realistic expectations and what are just fluff in the books and mommy groups (especially on the Westside of LA). I most definitely would recommend her class to a friend and already have!

I had a traumatic birth experience at UCLA Health…read more Teaching hospital: Dr. Brianne D. Romeroso, MD was texting on her phone when she entered my labor and delivery room. She didn't interact with me at all during labor. Only the resident doctor did and she was smugged. I asked for no resident doctors, but patients don't have a choice at the hospital. Dr. Romeroso only chatted with me right after my surgury. Rotating doctors: You may not know who will be there for you when you deliver your baby. NICU: This unit was excellent - care and staff. Billing: They will have non-medical staffs walk into your post partnum room to pay for the hospital services. Do not pay if you're using insurance. The claim should be processed by your insurance. If you pay while still at the hospital, you and the insurance could end up double paying for the service. They won't proactively inform you of the overpayment and credit you the amount.

I cannot say enough good things about our experience at UCLA Santa Monica for the birth of our…read moredaughter. The nurses, midwives and staff were all exceptional. I felt comfortable and supported throughout the entire process. The lactation experts Karen and Deborah were also amazing. The labor room we had was massive and although the post partum room was much smaller it was comfortable and worked perfect for everything we needed. Also, the location of the hospital is next to some amazing food places which is nice if guests want to pick up stuff to bring you (tartine and huckleberry are a quick walk away). Overall I am so thankful we chose UCLA for our birth I would give it a 15/10!

This is the best local all stop everything baby shop! Not…read moreonly do they have all the best baby gear, but super knowledgeable and friendly staff. They have Classes, Mommy and me, it's a literal find you village type of place. Free mommy mixers, awesome deals, baby friendly store, they even rent hospital grade pumps and sooooo much more! If you or someone you love is expecting this is the place you need to explore for real support. I wish there were more locations and I can't say enough good things!

Victoria was AMAZING for prenatal yoga!! The store is so lovely, full of so many goodies and I…read moreabsolutely loved the yoga room! Everything was clean, relaxing, and Victoria was so attentive to me and my pregnancy needs throughout the session. I can't wait to go back!!

After searching far and wide, I chose to work with Debbie @AuthenticBirth through Los Angeles birth…read morepartners. Her warm energy and thoughtful expertise helped me feel confident. She personally picks up your placenta and drops off and even includes a cord keepsake. The price is fair and well worth it, she even takes the time to call and answer any questions you may have beforehand. Wonderful overall- I have referred her to some of my friends and family.

I really want to thank Debbie for being so wonderful. She is such a professional in her field, and…read moreso knowledgeable. In the crazy tumultuous times of labor and welcoming a newborn into your life, the last thing you wanna do is an extra task. But Debbie was ON IT. she was so well informed, kind and a great communicator. She worked with us, navigated all the Hospital paperwork, had the dried placenta pills delivered it so promptly!!!! I would wholeheartedly recommend this to all mamas to be. Excellent experience all around! Thank you Debbie and LA Birth Partners!

Let me start off by saying this class was a beautiful experience for my baby and I. The office was…read morevery clean, and welcoming. Polly was very friendly, extremely knowledgeable, patient, and Kind. She answered all my questions and made my experience warm and comfortable. The class was not large like other classes I have heard about, which I loved and made my experience more enjoyable and all my questions were answered and not rushed. I felt good, happy and was looking forward to the next class. This is a great class if you are looking for a safe, loving, and happy environment for you and your baby to learn, play, and grow with other babies. You and your baby must attend!

Me and my baby truly enjoyed Taking Polly's Class. I have gained confidence as a parent in…read morecompleting it. The class is very well researched, structured, and comprehensive. Polly is amazing. I have already recommended this class to other parents I know and will continue to do so. Highly recommended.