After the Long Beach Birthing Center closed unexpectedly, my husband immediately began searching…read moreeverywhere for a midwife who could take over our birth care. From the very beginning, we knew we did not want a hospital birth--both because of the high costs and the increased rate of C-sections. Finding the right midwife felt urgent and incredibly important, especially since this was my first pregnancy. That's when we found Laura. From the first conversation, my husband and Laura connected very well, and after meeting her in person, we knew she was the right choice. Laura made me feel truly welcomed, cared for, heard, and supported--something that meant everything to me as a first-time mom. At every appointment, Laura took the time to explain how our baby was doing, confirmed that she was positioned correctly, and walked us through what to expect at each stage. She guided me on workouts, nutrition, and overall prenatal care, always making sure I felt confident and informed. Anytime I had worries or questions, Laura reassured us that our baby girl was progressing beautifully, which brought us so much peace throughout the pregnancy. When the big day finally arrived, labor began early in the morning but didn't turn active until the following day. At around 3 a.m. in June, our little girl decided it was finally time. Labor was long, but Laura and her team were absolutely incredible. They supported me every step of the way--offering water, snacks, encouragement, and constant reassurance. They regularly checked our baby's heartbeat to ensure she was doing well and never made me feel rushed or pressured. I had planned on a water birth, but my body had other plans--and Laura was so supportive and adaptable, honoring what my body needed in the moment. By morning, our baby girl arrived (quite literally popping out!), and Laura guided me calmly and confidently through delivery. Her presence made me feel relaxed, safe, and completely cared for. Laura and her team handled everything with such professionalism and compassion, allowing me to focus entirely on welcoming my daughter into the world. I also can't say enough great things about her lactation consultant, Chelsea, who was absolutely amazing and so helpful. Laura even recommended our pediatrician and doctor, which made the transition into postpartum care seamless. Because of Laura, I was able to spend extra, uninterrupted time bonding with my baby girl, and that experience is something I will forever cherish. I am beyond grateful that Laura was available when we needed her most. If I am ever pregnant again, there is no question--I would absolutely return to Laura without hesitation. Thank you Laura for all the support you have given us!

I moved to Redondo Beach at 30 weeks pregnant, searching for a midwife for a VBAC after two…read moreC-sections. Despite warnings, I hired Laura because she had experienced a VBA2C herself, which made me feel confident in her abilities. I paid $7,000 before 37 weeks, but from the start, red flags appeared. Laura frequently overshared personal issues- venting about her husband mistreating her and why recent clients were transferred to the hospital. She described one transfer as a mother "refusing to get on her hands and knees despite being in pain." It felt like more of her clients were being transferred than successfully giving birth at her center. Additionally, she and her children were constantly sick, making me worry about exposure as a pregnant mom with toddlers. As my due date approached, she had me sign paperwork with business names from other midwives, clearly copied and pasted, which felt sloppy and unprofessional. When my water broke, she gave me swabs that were supposed to turn bright blue if it was amniotic fluid. Even though I knew my water had broken, the test initially didn't change color, so Laura dismissed it, insisting I had urinated on myself. It took days for a proper swab to confirm it, delaying care and increasing my risk of infection. When I expressed concern, she casually asked if I "wanted to go to the hospital," then told me that legally she'd have to transfer me after three days- completely disregarding the fact that I had been telling her about my water breaking all along. At one of my appointments, she introduced another midwife, Amy, which made me uncomfortable because Laura had previously vented to me about how Amy "wouldn't stop touching her" during her own labor despite being asked not to. She even called Amy the B-word and said Amy walked out on her during labor. Knowing this, it felt extremely unprofessional that she brought her in to assist with my care. Later, Laura accused me of avoiding check-ups, which was untrue and upsetting. I lived three minutes from the birthing center and was always willing to come in. Despite her personal struggles, I had even offered to support her. During labor, Laura's birth assistant, Haika, was the only good part of my experience. She was kind, gentle, and truly passionate about birth work. If you're looking for a midwife, I highly recommend skipping Laura and going straight to Haika. When Haika was present, I was progressing well, reaching 7 cm. But when Laura took over so Haika could rest, everything changed. Her cervical exams were painful, rough, and intrusive. Her energy was intimidating, and I stopped progressing. Eventually, I had to transfer to the hospital, and honestly, I was relieved to leave. At the hospital, I received an epidural, which allowed me to relax enough to fully dilate, but during my stay, I was also sexually harassed by a doctor who is now under investigation at Cedars. After birth, I discovered that Laura had taken several photos of my private areas without my consent. I asked her to delete them, and while she agreed, she never did so in front of me. She also failed to complete my postpartum visits, using her constant illnesses as an excuse, but never reached out to reschedule or check on me or my newborn. Seven months later, she sent me a Mother's Day text, but by then, I had nothing more to say--she never followed through on the care I paid for. It took me a year to write this, but it needs to be shared. My experience was the opposite of the glowing reviews I read before hiring her. Every time she gets a negative review, a friend posts a five-star one, but those of us who've actually worked with her know the truth. I've since connected with other former clients who had similar experiences. If you're searching for a midwife, please reconsider working with Laura. This is a warning from one mother to another- there are far better options. ** and just like i said, immediately after Laura gets a negative review, she asks a friend (or it could be her behind a fake profile) to give a 5 star review. She's extremely toxic and if you work with her- you will 100% see how accurate the negative reviews are. Hire at your own risk!

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!

The decision to work with Katie as midwife to our third baby was instinctive. Our experience was so…read morepositive, I would make it again and again. Katie brings to her practice professionalism, patience, compassion, and just immense support to myself and our entire family as we navigated pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I looked forward to our regular check-ins at our home where nothing was rushed and nothing was required. When challenges came up with my GBS test, Katie provided unbiased information and allowed me the space and time to make the decisions that made sense for my body and my baby. Our birth unfolded exactly how we had manifested and Katie was never intrusive, and completely tuned in to where we were in the birth process. On our birth night, we were lucky to have Mikki and Tasha who brought such calm and lightness to the experience. And truly, is anything better than birthing your baby at home and then being tucked into bed with your baby and nourishing food, supported by your midwife and birth team? Katie's service did not stop at birth though, we had many heart-felt check-ins and check-ups post-birth and she continues to keep in touch. Birth is such an intimate, raw, and expansive experience, and Katie was the perfect support in creating a birth experience we will remember with positivity and light forever.

Patricia was such an amazing support to have at the end of my pregnancy and for the birth of my…read moredaughter. When my husband and I first met Patricia, we were comforted by her experience and knowledge. She gave us great advice to help make the birth as smooth as possible. Her emotional and physical support during labor and delivery helped SO MUCH with the pain management. But what I remember most is that I felt cared for. That is the biggest treasure I've taken from this experience: that in one of the most intense experiences of my life, Patricia was there making me feel taken care of. My husband was a great support but there is something very different about having a doula tend to and support you, someone who has done this time and time again. I hope for every woman in labor that they have that kind of support. It makes a world of a difference.

Patricia is incredible, I cannot recommend her enough. I am a researcher and have read all the…read morebooks and taken several classes through my hospital, UCLA, but none of that prepared me for birth the way Patricia's in-person birthing class did. She was patient, answered all our questions, provided ample resources as leave behinds, and was very thorough. We covered everything from induction types and how to negotiate with your doctor, birth plan essentials and tips for getting the nursing team on your side, birthing positions, pain techniques, when to go to the hospital, laboring at home, and the role of the partner in all of it. We left feeling extremely prepared and felt like her 20 years of experience provided so much more context and real life tips than what you'd get from generic classes and books. We will be recommending her to all of our friends!

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!!

We took the 12 week Bradley class with Gail in late 2013, and had our boy on Xmas eve. We both…read morewanted to do a natural childbirth and we learned so much taking this class. We felt the class really prepared us for all the different stages of labor and for all the other little things that are needed (from diapers to breast pads). Its very clear that Gail and her husband are very enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. Its nice to have an opposing "natural" voice to the hospitals and doctors. And the class format is casual and fun, it never feels like work. : ) Even if you dont plan a natural childbirth your will learn so much from this class I would highly recommend it.

Gail's 12 week Bradley course teaches The Bradley Method, as well as things I wouldn't have known…read moreabout. The classes that the hospitals offer only show the hospital protocols, they don't tell you that you can refuse specific services. Gail shows you what the internal fetal monitor actually looks like, what the epidural needles look like, etc. Gail and her husband also touch base on the effects of ultrasounds, vitamin k, vaccines, etc. She also teaches, Hypobirthing and Hypobabies. Gail also offers breastfeeding services and classes. Unfortunately, we weren't able to delivery naturally due to breech presentation. However, during my C-section Gail came to the hospital and was extremely supportive and helped every step of the way.

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.

I cannot say enough good things about Lia and her natural birth classes. I did the 12 week in…read moreperson classes with my husband. I really wanted to know everything I possibly could and I was also looking for a little community as I was feeling very alone in those first weeks of pregnancy (and overwhelmed with what I didn't know). AND THESE CLASSES DELIVERED! My husband is also a knowledge seeker so when I told him these were the classes I wanted he was all in. We learned so much. We joke that he didn't just learn about the natural birth process he learned how to be my "daddy doula". We still enjoy talking to people about everything we learned and how to support each other and how to speak to your doctors or the hospital nurses. Even if you aren't considering a natural birth these classes should be taken by everyone expecting a baby. You learn about the body, you learn about the different stages of labor, how to prep your body and your mind. There is even a class on breastfeeding which was invaluable those first 3 days postpartum. Lia is also an amazing teacher. If I have another I would definitely also hire her as my doula. She is a person you want in your corner during birth.

Choosing Tasha was one of the easiest and best decisions we made during my pregnancy. She was the…read morefirst midwife I interviewed, and I immediately felt that no one else would compare. She is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, and compassionate. From the very beginning, I felt genuinely cared for-- something I hadn't experienced prior to transferring my care. Prenatal visits with Tasha were never rushed. We would often spend over an hour together because I always had questions, and she always had thoughtful, thorough answers. She approached everything holistically and helped me navigate a few bumps in my pregnancy naturally and confidently. I always trusted that she would help me figure anything out. My labor started slowly, with contractions coming and going for a couple of days before things intensified. By Thursday, I had gone an entire night without sleep, dealing with painful and unpredictable contractions. Tasha came early that morning to check on me and guided me through next steps. When things progressed, she returned and calmly began preparing for the birth. At around 10am, I was half way dilated and 80% effaced. She helped guide positioning changes when baby needed to shift, and throughout everything, she remained calm, grounded, and reassuring. Labor was the most intense, overwhelming experience I've ever gone through--I was exhausted, in extreme pain, and at times felt completely consumed by it. But Tasha's presence never wavered. Even when I felt like I couldn't handle it, she reminded me that my body was doing exactly what it needed to do. I had planned for a natural home water birth, and while I was extremely determined, I also trusted that if anything truly required medical intervention, Tasha would guide me to make the right call. Throughout labor, she continued to monitor the baby and reassured me that everything was progressing safely. When it came time to push, I followed my body's lead through the contractions. With one final, deep push, my son's head was born, followed shortly by the rest of his body. My husband was able to catch him and place him directly onto my chest--an unforgettable moment. After the birth, Tasha stayed for hours, helping me recover, supporting breastfeeding, and making sure both baby and I were doing well. She also supported me through postpartum anxiety at our visits, talking me through my fears and reminding me to take care of myself, too. I am so grateful I had Tasha guiding me through my pregnancy and birth. I felt safe, supported, and deeply cared for every step of the way. I would not change a single part of my care with her, and I cannot recommend Tasha enough to anyone looking for a midwife who is both deeply skilled and genuinely compassionate.

Tasha, we are endlessly grateful that we met you. With you, the entire home birth process felt…read moreincredibly easy, calm, and clear -- every detail was explained in such an accessible and caring way. Your continual support, regular visits, punctuality, patience, and constant communication gave us a deep sense of safety. You comfortably answered all of our questions and cultivated a beautiful relationship with us as things progressed. Our home birth in water -- in an inflatable pool -- was as comfortable as it could possibly be, and that is largely thanks to your professionalism and the love with which you do your work. It truly inspires admiration. Thank you for enabling us with the knowledge and tools to help create our space for the portal between worlds. A special thank you for your team -- having a second professional midwife there doubled our sense of confidence and peace. My wife and I received exactly the experience we had dreamed of. With Tasha and her team's help, we brought a new soul into this world in such caring and trustworthy hands. We highly recommend Tasha for anyone that is interested in safe home birth and who wants to create their dream birth experience. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts

Johanna made our home birth experience one that we will never forget. After talking to over a dozen…read moremidwives and looking even in other states for the perfect match, our last phone call was from a referral to Johanna. Her gentle and confident approach made us feel safe. Johanna is never in a rush whether it be during her pre-and postnatal visits or with a question over the phone, she is always there and present when you need her. She is reliable, accommodating, always on time and keeps her word. Johanna's visits taught us so much and answered many questions that we never would have known who to ask them to. The prenatal visits made us so much more prepared as first time parents not just for a healthy and satisfying birth, but also with questions such as sleeping arrangements, breast-feeding support, pregnancy clothing, and postnatal support to name a few. Johanna seemed to know exactly what we wanted out of our birth beyond what we even knew, and made the birth experience memorable and very enjoyable. With her vast experience as a second generation midwife, she has seen it all and is full of options that makes her a truly one-size-fits-all midwife! Through the time we spent together, Johanna became not only a friend, but a genuine part of our family. As very strategic and prudent people, Johanna truly exceeded our expectations of what a midwife could be and the services she provides. We hope to have the privilege of using Johanna again if we have the blessing of another birth in the future. Words can't express how valuable and what a gem she truly is. Obviously, we highly recommend her.

Completely unprofessional and neglectful. My experience with Jennifer as a midwife was truly…read moredisturbing. This was my first pregnancy and I was relying on Jennifer to guide me through birth. A couple hours after my contractions became constant and increasingly intense, I called her. She told me to lay down and get some sleep, that it would be at least 24 hours. When I asked if I should let her know when contractions reached a certain timing, she told me not to time them at all. I asked when she would know to come, and her answer was: "I'll hear it in your voice." Apparently that means when you can't speak then she'll come. Four hours later, I gave birth. During that time, I labored alone--scared, confused, and unsupported. Jennifer did not check in with me by text or phone. The doula Jennifer referred me to was also no help during labor. I called her 4 times to please come but she kept saying it wasn't time yet and only telling me to keep breathing over the phone. I felt helpless. Finally, after the fourth call she came and arrived at 10:30, by 11:20pm I gave birth. Jennifer didn't arrive until 12:30am--well after my baby was born. I was worried because she lived over 40 mins away but always told me she would be there. She reassured me she never missed a birth which is obviously a lie. Afterwards, when I tried to express how traumatic this was for me she took no accountability. She claimed she did everything right and only blamed the doula for not communicating with her. She also put the blame on me claiming my labor was just "too fast." She had always told me to wait until she arrived for the tub because she would set everything up. So everything we planned was pointless, I gave birth standing up over my bathroom counter. She said there were absolutely no refunds and never apologized for what I went through. I was robbed of my water birth experience. This was supposed to be a supported, empowering home birth. Instead, it was the most frightening experience of my life. I'm now terrified of ever getting pregnant again. I could never recommend Jennifer as a midwife she will not be there when you need her the most.

Lara was our hypnobabies teacher and our doula. We thought it would be important to have our…read moreteacher and doula be one in the same; It also provided us with more opportunities to get to know her and vice versa. The class was very beneficial and my husband and midwife even commented on how calm the Hypnobabies kept me during the birth. My husband and I questioned hiring a doula and are so glad that we found Lara! Not only are her rates very competitive, but she also brings with her experience, guidance, and expertise. We were planning for a home birth and her visit to our house was super helpful!! She was extremely thorough about what we would need at the house, but she also addressed many topics regarding our family and each other that we had not even thought about. She is the main reason I felt so calm and prepared for our baby's birth. When I started the birthing process, she was available by phone the entire day and came to our home at 11pm?! She has a gift for reading a room and creating the right mood/energy that is needed. She has such a calm, reassuring presence and I knew I was in good hands. Lara worked seamlessly with our midwife and showed my husband how to support me. We had to transfer to a hospital and having Lara (and our midwife) at my side made such a difference. I trusted her and was so grateful she was with us during the entire birth. After the birth of our son, Lara came over for yet another visit and still keeps in touch with me now (three months later). We are so glad she is in our lives!

Investing in Lara's services as our birth doula was one of the best decisions we've ever made! I…read moredid the Hypnobabies Home Study course and knew that I wanted a doula familiar with the Hypnobabies techniques...so who better than the person who teaches the classes?! We met Lara and liked her calm energy, her experience of having attended many births, and her ability to help us prepare for the birth. She met with us multiple times leading up to my due date and was instrumental in getting the house prepared for a home birth. During labor, Lara was my rock! I felt like she was there for me 100%, coaching me through each pressure wave. She gave my husband great instructions so that he could participate in a helpful way (like massaging my back, etc.) I believe Lara's presence helped me to relax and helped my labor to progress quickly. Even though I felt like she was with me the entire time, others at the birth later commented on how impressed they were with Lara's ability to know everything that was happening in the birth environment and to direct others when needed. It's hard to imagine my birthing time without Lara. She was so valuable to me, my husband, and to the team of midwives. I highly recommend her!

I had such a great experience delivering with Dr Richey. She truly listens and is so knowledgeable…read more She cares so much about her patients and I felt like she took such great care of me throughout the whole pregnancy. She's especially amazing at supporting natural childbirth and I am so grateful to have had such a great experience!

She's great if you are interested in a more holistic type of care…read moreDuring pregnancy and childbirth without all of the unnecessary interventions that have become increasingly common.