Service: Labor and Birth Doula Context: Father, 2nd Child,…read more1st at-home birth Despite our preparations, our first birth taught us that we can always know, prepare, and expect more. We met Julie in our doula interviews early in our preparations, and with our first home-birth, we knew we needed someone with the knowledge to build our trust, the confidence to direct when needed, and the serenity to alleviate our anxieties. Julie brought every one of those to the table, and more! During our first birth, I couldn't help but feel like a third-wheel, understanding key parts of the birth, but serving mostly as an observer, with the occasional comforting words. In preparation for our 2nd, Julie offered both live Q&As, and preparatory, informative, and engaging classes, which helped prepare not only my wife, but myself in both what to expect and how to engage with each part of the birth. Rather than only observing, or waiting for direction, I became an active participant, predicting and understanding my wife's needs, while also being able to adapt as needed. As labor's frequently do, ours started late in the night, and with a quick call, Julie assessed the situation and determined to come over to help, even in the early stages. As a doula, she helped guide us into active labor, recognizing when we hit hurdles, and confidently and calmly discussed alternative positions and practices. Serving not only as doula, she frequently provided updates that would help our midwife determine how far along we were, and stayed by Laura's side through delivery! In the interest of time, I'll end with an appreciation of Julie's ability to frequently bridge the gap when all the participants became a little too single-minded; Julie would swoop in, suggesting breaks, and even cooking up some delicious meals! Even afterwards, Julie visited and brought a smorgasbord of home-cooked foods, taking the weight off of running a household, and letting my wife, my children, and myself, take time to simply be with each other. Thank you so much, Julie, for not only being what my wife needed, but helping me to be the same! P.S. For the Mother's perspective, Laura's review should post soon!

I'm so happy awakening mother is now on yelp! I met Julie at her Aquarian circle. I was pleased to…read moreget to know her and learned that she was a doula, I was researching to find one since I was recently pregnant. The more I got to know her, the more I felt she was perfect for me during this birth journey of mine! She is kind, patient, smart, nurturing, thoughtful, and so much more! She has deepened my knowledge of kundalini yoga, meditating and chanting. I feel so fortunate to have found Julie, she is truly an angel. I recommend her to everyone who is pregnant or wants to get pregnant. I am so happy that she has added hypnobabies to her doula services, I find it to be quite helpful. I want to scream from the mountain top to spread the word of what a gift Julie is, but in the same breath I want to keep her all to myself, she's that wonderful! If you're looking for any of the aforementioned services, look no more, Julie is the one!

It had been so long since having my babies but I was still experiencing some discomfort that I…read moreassumed was just normal. I met Lynn in a professional setting and learned about everything she does and decided I would likely benefit from a consult with her. After a single visit the pain I've been experiencing for 8 years was gone. I felt I could breathe deeper and even noticed how it impacted my ability to be physical, run, weight train, and just live my life. I couldn't recommend her more.

Lynn is not just a physical therapist. She is truly a healer for women after they have given birth…read more I was referred to her by my doula after the birth of my first child. Let's just say my lady bits had had better days. She released muscles that were trapped in place and made me feel like myself again. She is truly amazing. She also helped my father-in-law with some serious back pain. I tell all my friends who have had babies to schedule time with Lynn. I wish every woman who has given birth could see her. She is truly gifted.

I first heard about Tatiana through my prenatal yoga teacher…read more I had complained that some prior injuries were starting to reappear as my weight increased and body "reproportioned" itself. She recommended Tatiana for acupuncture. I had never tried acupuncture before and was a little nervous but she immediately put me at ease with her sweet, gentle disposition. Some people are just natural healers and even being in Tatiana's presence is very soothing. She is an expert in Chinese medicine and healing and after a few treatments, my previous immobility was healed and I was able to have the natural childbirth that I had dreamed of, walking around and bouncing on a ball, instead of stricken immobile and bound to a hospital bed. It was during one of our accupuncture treatments that she divulged she also practiced placentia encapsulation. Wow, I considered myself pretty holistic but this was pushing things in a direction completely new for me. After doing some research, I decided to give it a go. It made sense. We are the only mammal that doesn't eat it's own placentia which is chock full of all the nutrients it was giving our baby. I had read about post partum depression but never had to experience it. Even though I was awake fairly often with baby, I was still able to function and never felt crazy like I had heard so many of my other more traditional friends compain about. I was so impressed with my results, that I had her come back for baby #2 and now tell all my friends that this path to wellness exists!

I had Tatiana encapsulate my placenta and it was a great experience. She spent a good amount of…read moretime on the phone explaining the process and benefits to me. She then picked up the placenta from the hospital and delivered it to my home promptly. This is my first pregnancy so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I will say my recovery has been quick and I feel great (especially considering that I just had a baby and am not sleeping as much as I would like!) If you're looking for someone to encapsulate your placenta I would definitely recommend Divine Delivery!