I really wasn't sure at first about hiring a doula. I come from a family with two doctors as parents, so a lot of my understanding of pregnancy and birth had always been shaped through that lens. Looking back now, I honestly cannot imagine going through this experience without Rebecca. From the beginning, she brought this calm, grounding presence into a season of life that can feel so unknown and emotional. She answered countless questions, checked in often, and somehow always knew how to make me feel more steady when my mind was spinning. I never felt judged by her. I felt supported, heard, cared for, and genuinely safe. We originally planned for a home birth, but our plans changed and we ultimately ended up at the hospital. In a moment that could have felt scary and lonely, Rebecca helped make the experience feel held. I still remember looking around the hospital room thinking how different this all was from what I had imagined, and feeling so grateful that she was there beside me. Her presence felt like an anchor in the middle of a storm. Doula support is not just about birth itself. It starts long before labor and continues long after the baby arrives. Rebecca spent so much time preparing me emotionally and practically for what was ahead, and after birth she continued to show up in ways that mattered deeply to me. She helped with lactation, helped my baby latch, answered late-night questions, and reminded me that I did not have to figure everything out alone. In those blurry, emotional first days of motherhood, having someone there with experience, gentleness, and real compassion made all the difference. Rebecca supported me through the entire transformation into becoming a mother. That is what I will always value most. She is truly incredible. When the time comes for baby number two, there will not be a second thought about calling her again. read more

I'll admit, I went into this thinking a doula was just extra support for my wife's labor, which I was all for. By the end, our eyes had been opened to just how much more comprehensive Rebecca's offerings are. As first time parents, there were questions we were getting caught up on and others we didn't know to ask. She supported both of us, not only in the moments of labor and labor prep, but beyond the birth of our baby and getting set up for the marathon ahead. Rebecca knew just when to offer help and ideas, and made sure we felt heard and confident in every decision. We loved Los Angeles Birth so much that we didn't think twice about using her for our second baby as well. read more

What a wild trip it is to birth a human. Having a companion in birth that is knowledgeable, experienced and familiar with all that wild-ness can be one of the most substantial supports. That is what Rebecca was for us, as I became a mother all over again for the second time. I chose to birth at home, and with the way my first birth went, I know this is not always guaranteed. My prenatal care was with Fertile Moon Midwifery, I was lucky to have two midwives Christian Toscano and Janell Moore. In addition to their care, I had prenatal appointments with Rebecca that gave unhurried listening, hands on care and we would discuss the physical aspects but also the mental- emotional of bringing baby earthside as a second-time mom. In these sessions, Rebecca would allow space for things to be considered that my partner and I may not have thought through, or given the proper time to let them arise. Time moves fast when you already have a child you are caring for and bringing forth another. Carving out intentional time to feel out and name any fears, hopes, or what's needed for this unique and new experience to come is so nourishing. On the very early morning of my daughter's birth, 1am to be exact, in a very Hollywood style start to the birth, my water broke. I was so hesitant to call Rebecca and wake her even though that is exactly what I had hired her for. I had a strong suspicion that this birth was going to move quickly. She answered with full presence and asked me a few questions but didn't hesitate to come when I needed her. She came at the perfect time, I was still able to crack jokes with her when she got there, but not long after that the freight train of birth kicked in full gear. Rebecca played several roles during the birth, videographer, photographer and physical -emotional-mental support doula! She seemed to seamlessly travel through each role knowing when each was needed and pivoting in response to the everchanging tides of birth. My birth was very straightforward thankfully and our baby girl came within 3 hours and 20 min of my water breaking. So, needless to say my body had a lot of adrenaline to process post birth and after most of the shakes as contractions passed, Rebecca provided a gorgeous plate of snacks and drinks before I even had to ask for it. Side note, she is an EXCELLENT cook, so if you hire her for postpartum support you are SO lucky ! I felt such relief having had the homebirth of my dreams. I also was so glad that I had in place the support I needed if things had not gone that way. During our postpartum visits Rebecca was such a great resource when I was having some difficulties with breastfeeding, reflecting on the birth and sharing all that comes with bringing a second child into the family dynamic. I am forever grateful for her support in such a transformative time in my family's life. read more

Just a quick update to Rebecca's response to clarify some details - as a first time mom, I expected to lean on my doula around when the appropriate time for her to arrive was. I didn't get any clear guidance, which really confused me. She seemed unenthused about coming to the hospital and suggested it would be a very long process. When I told her I was pushing, she was over an hour away in traffic (even though she knew I was in L&D being induced). I had been pushing for an hour by the time she arrived. Additionally, I gave birth at 4:20pm and she left well before 7pm. I have photos of myself with my baby in the NICU at 7:11pm and she was gone long before then. read more

Rebecca is one of the most calming and grounded people I know. She was my doula twice, once at a birth center and once at home. Both times her support, before, during and after, was invaluable. Despite doing a birth training or two, i'm not sure anything can really prepare you for birth and arguably the more transformative (and shattering!) process of rebuilding yourself and your home/relationship into parenthood... and so, having a guide who can offer thoughtful questions, insight and help you find what YOU actually want was so deeply supportive. I can't recommend Rebecca's care enough! I wish this support for every new parent! read more

Rebecca is a quiet, calming force of nature. My wife and I were extremely grateful to have her doula for the birth of both our children, each under unique circumstances. As a partner, you want to be as supportive as possible, and having such a thoughtful guide like Rebecca made it so much easier to focus on being present for the emotional needs of my wife. For our first child, Rebecca steered my wife through an unmedicated birth, all during Covid, at a time of heightened stress for mothers and healthcare professionals alike. Looking back, I can't imagine not having her there. Rebecca is extremely emotionally intuitive. During my wife's second birth, she was able to gently push back when an extremely well-meaning nurse was hurrying my wife to deliver a little more quickly than was perhaps necessary. I know it sounds extreme, but I feel like in the tense setting of a delivery room, this was one of the greatest acts of diplomacy I've ever witnessed. I don't know that, in the stress of the moment, I would have been able to so calmly advocate for my wife in such a tactful manner. And that's exactly what you get working with Rebecca--a thoughtful, experienced, steady hand to guide you through the incredible process. read more

We feel so blessed to have crossed paths with Rebecca Belenky. We had our first conversations in the 2nd trimester, and Rebecca brought a serenity and sensitivity that immediately put us at ease. During labor, she was an integral part of our home birth team, and provided support for both me and my partner. And we'll never forget Rebecca's postpartum care, which gave us knowledge and perspective that helped offset the most bewildering aspects of new parenthood. Through it all, she was compassionate, patient, gentle, and nurturing. We feel so grateful to have had her with us during this transformation. --Corinna & Harris read more

I couldn't have made a better choice in working with Rebecca. Her warmth, knowledge, and genuine passion for what she does carried me from pregnancy through postpartum. She thought of every little detail without ever overwhelming me or my husband -- always offering calm, grounded support when we needed it most. Rebecca made me feel so safe and cared for during the birth of my son, and her steady presence helped transform what once felt like worry into confidence and excitement. She was a grounding voice through labor and a lifeline during those early postpartum weeks. I can't imagine going through this experience without her. I can't wait to work with her again! read more

Hiring Rebecca Belenky was the best decision I made for the births of my children. Rebecca attended two of my births: an unmedicated birth at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena and a home birth. What stands out most to me, aside from her remarkable steadiness and extensive knowledge, was her ability to help me hold boundaries while remaining kind and respectful of the other members of the care team. In the intensity of labor, it can be difficult to stand up for your choices, but Rebecca stayed acutely attuned to my needs and wishes and helped communicate them to the team. Thanks to Rebecca, I had the confidence to focus on myself and my babies, and I had beautiful, joyful birthing experiences. I strongly recommend Rebecca to anyone looking for an calm, attentive, evidence-based advocate. read more

Rebecca is simply the best! I am grateful to have had her as my doula for the births of both my children. When I was pregnant with my first during the height of Covid, Rebecca provided me the knowledge, support, and warmth I desperately needed during a very challenging time. It felt so daunting to have a baby and I felt unsure of myself and scared of how labor would be. Although I was getting excellent care from my OB and medical team, I still felt a desire for someone who understood all the intricacies of pregnancy and labor and could support my emotional needs in a greater capacity. Rebecca understood my anxieties and approached all my wishes and concerns with great empathy and non-judgment. She guided me through the pains of labor with the most amazing calming presence I've ever witnessed in a person--it was truly magical how she put me at ease. She knew exactly what to say and how to encourage me. I came out on the other side feeling empowered, confident, and happy. I don't think I would have had such a positive experience if it weren't for her. Four years later, I'm pregnant for the second time and knew I wanted Rebecca at my side again. I am honored to have her be a part of both my birth stories! read more

I had an incredible experience having Rebecca as my doula for the birth of my son! Before working with her, I didn't know much about the birthing process, but Rebecca's guidance changed everything. In our three prenatal sessions, she explained what happens physically during birth, possible scenarios, and what to expect postpartum. This education gave me confidence and helped me feel empowered to make decisions aligned with my values. When labor began, Rebecca supported me from the very start--checking in over the phone, helping me understand where I was in the process, and guiding me through what might be most helpful. Once we arrived at Cedars, I cannot overstate the relief of having her there. She was calm, intelligent, and informed--someone I could trust to help me navigate decisions and stay grounded in such an intense moment. Talking through questions with her always reassured me. Beyond her knowledge and advocacy, Rebecca also has a gift for honoring the beauty of the experience. She took meaningful photos of my son's birth and our first moments together--memories I'll cherish forever. Her support continued postpartum, when her warmth, wisdom, and listening ear helped me feel truly seen in my transition to motherhood. She shared valuable resources, soothed my anxieties, and reminded me I wasn't alone. Rebecca is kind, professional, grounded, and genuine. She makes you feel safe, supported, and heard. I couldn't recommend her more highly, and I've already asked her to be my doula for my next baby! read more