As a first-time mom, I never imagined breastfeeding would be so hard. I thought it would come…read morenaturally, but the day my daughter was born, I was completely overwhelmed. I couldn't even figure out how to hold her to breastfeed, let alone get her to latch. Exhausted, emotional, and panicked, I reached out to Sarah that day. Sarah came to my house the day I got back from the hospital. From that first visit onward, she became such an incredible source of knowledge, encouragement, and reassurance throughout our entire breastfeeding journey. No matter how big or small the concern, she always responded within minutes whenever I had an emergency or needed guidance. Knowing she was only a message away gave me so much confidence during a time that felt incredibly overwhelming. What truly sets Sarah apart is that her support went far beyond breastfeeding. She empowered both me and my husband to feel confident as new parents. She encouraged us to step outside our comfort zone, even helping us build the confidence to take our baby out in public for the first time. What once felt intimidating became manageable because we knew we had her guidance and support. Sarah was there from the very beginning until the end of our breastfeeding journey, cheering us on every step of the way. Her kindness, compassion, expertise, and unwavering dedication made an immeasurable difference in our lives. I genuinely don't know how we would have gotten through those early months without her.

Sarah and IMMA LA came highly recommended to me through a few friends and didn't disappoint! I was…read moreable to meet once prior to labor for a prenatal session where we covered important topics related to the first hours and days post birth. Sarah then came to my house a day or so after getting home from the hospital and spent 90 minutes helping me get off on the right track with latch and positioning help. Sarah has been available to answer questions via text when needed and feels very invested in mine and my baby's success. My breastfeeding journey is off to a great start and I feel so confident and at ease. If you're looking for an LC look no further!

I had my first (free trial) of parentcirkle today and was blessed to be coached by Arielle Nobile…read more First of all, keep in mind that I found out my garage was flooded (due to a washing machine issue) five minutes prior to my session. Also I'm 7.5 months pregnant, super hormonal, and at work while all of this is happening. I signed up for the multi- tasking class- talk about stars aligning. It was such an incredible experience. I was a neurotic mess for a couple minutes during the intro of the call, but after a few deep, guided breaths by Arielle, I found myself shutting off the world (and pressing the "ignore" button on my cell as the nanny/husband/plumber tried to call me). I could go on and on about my session in particular, but instead I will share why I will be signing up for membership into this amazing experience. 1. It makes you feel less alone. You can fill in the blank as to what your issue/challenge/experience is, and you can count on connecting with others going through the same thing or get advice on what helped them overcome it. 2. Its a place to find resources- Arielle suggested some great reads and a guided meditation app which I will certainly look into. I'm one of those people who likes suggestions, buys things based on amazon reviews, trusts friends who have tried things first etc., etc. 3. Safe place to vent- it's like talking to your friend, but better because there is no fear of any form of judgement and is focused on YOU! 4. Reminds you of the importance of taking care of yourself, and (almost) more importantly, remembering not to feel guilty along the way. I loved my first class and look forward to meeting new coaches and parents within this supportive Group!

I recently participated in 2 of our sessions and wanted to relay my positive experience. It may be…read moretoo short for a blog but feel free to add. Maybe you can use it as a Testimonial: It's so refreshing to be able to take an hour out of my busy day to have adult conversation. I love my children dearly but I alos need to have meaningful tlaks with other lik-minded individuals. Thank heavens for Parentcirkle! It's a platform that allows me to express myself and receive great life-tips from others, without leaving my house and while still wearing my casual clothes. Recently, I participated in the sessions "Coping with Stress" and "Sleep Deprived Parents." Both sessions provided applicable tips and steps to help with stress management and sleep deprivation. These sessions have helped me mentally and make me feel that I'm just a normal parent who is experiencing the same challenges as other parents. Parentcirkle truly does help to heal the healers. Even if it's just an hour a week, Parentcirkle is an amazing platform for me to meet other parents and just be myself.

Finding "my" doula was not a straight or simple path. It felt more like walking a labyrinth, full…read moreof turns, pauses, and moments of uncertainty, all leading me exactly where I was meant to be. From the moment I learned I was pregnant, I interviewed so many doulas, searching for that unmistakable feeling of connection, safety, and deep care. I was looking for someone who felt like a lock and key fit, someone who could hold me in the kind of warmth that feels like a giant bear hug. But with each person I met, something just didn't align. Ironically, I was convinced I needed to meet every doula in person to truly feel that chemistry. And yet, the moment I met Brana over a simple video call, everything changed. Within the first minute of speaking with her, my husband and I just knew, she was the one. Brana greeted me with such genuine warmth and reverence, congratulating me and reminding me that I was stepping into one of the most sacred times in my life. The way she spoke, the way she held space, even through a screen, felt different. In that instant, it was as if I had reached the center of that labyrinth and found exactly what I had been searching for all along. My key. My calm. My bear hug. Throughout my entire pregnancy, birth, and beyond, Brana held me in a way that felt both deeply nurturing and incredibly empowering. She supported not just me, but my husband and our relationship as well, showing up for us in ways that went far beyond what anyone could expect. At times, she gently guided us through emotional moments, grounding us with care and wisdom when we needed it most. She became more than a doula to me. She felt like a sister I had somehow known my whole life. There is something truly special about Brana, an energy that is both powerful and tender. She has a poetic way of speaking about birth and the journey into motherhood that made me feel seen, heard, and understood on the deepest level. She creates a space where you feel safe enough to surrender, trust, and step fully into your experience. Even though my birth didn't go exactly as planned, it turned out to be more beautiful than I could have ever imagined, and that is largely because of her. No matter how things unfolded, Brana was there, steady and present, helping me move through each moment with strength and grace. She also led me to a beautiful birthing class experience that became incredibly meaningful to me. It was even where, deep in my heart, I found my baby's name before we knew what we were having. That alone speaks to the depth of her impact. She gives so much of herself, endlessly and beautifully, and does so with honesty, love, and authenticity. It's rare to meet someone who pours from such a full and generous cup. If I am ever blessed to give birth again, there is no question, Brana will be the only person I want by my side. She is not just an incredible doula, she is someone you will cherish for a lifetime. My husband and I are forever grateful we found her. If you are considering working with Brana, don't hesitate. There are certain souls you meet in life that change you, that meet you in a moment and somehow stay with you forever, and she is one of them. From the very first breath of connection, she will see you, truly see you, hold you, honor you, and walk beside you in a way that feels both grounding and transcendent all at once. She doesn't just support you through birth, she becomes part of your story, part of your becoming, part of your heart. Long after the birth is over, long after the moment has passed, you will still feel her presence in the way you remember your strength, in the way you hold your child, and in the way you understand what it means to be deeply cared for. I will never forget the quiet, intimate ways she cared for me in my most vulnerable moments. The way she poured my bath with such tenderness, as if even that small act was sacred. The way she gently showed me how to swaddle my baby, guiding my hands with patience and love. Making me decadent breastfeeding carrot bliss ball snacks. And most of all, the way she simply sat with me in those raw, disorienting moments after birth, when I felt cracked wide open, like a sensitive shock to the system, trying to find myself again in this entirely new world. She didn't try to fix it or rush it. She just stayed. Steady, soft, and fully present. And in the most kismet, almost fated way, I remember discovering that she had a leopard in her life, my favorite animal throughout my entire childhood. It felt like a quiet, undeniable sign, like something in the universe gently whispering, this is your person. This is who is meant to walk with you through birth. Choosing Brana is not just choosing a doula. It is choosing to be held, to be witnessed, and to be loved in one of the most sacred seasons of your life. And somehow, in the most beautiful and unexpected way, she never really leaves your side. She becomes a part of it. Forever.

Brana is the best of the best! I had such amazing experience delivering my baby with Brana. She…read morewas there when I needed and she gave space when I needed too and just was there for me and my family. I am beyond grateful for her! I delivered my second baby with her. Thank you Brana

Sarah saved my new-mom-frazzled brain. She cares about what your goals are for breastfeeding and…read morehelps you achieve them, rather than pushing a strict agenda. I'm producing well now and the baby is latching great! Super easy to schedule, too.

Amazing experience! Pay attention dads! We learned some great info and techniques. Sarah was…read morefriendly and provided a comfortable environment for us to learn. Highly recommend!

Stephanie is an expert in the field of doula services. She understands both the nuances of a…read morewoman's body during pregnancy and the emotional changes woman go through as they prepare to give birth. She offers a calm and informed sensitivity that supports and enhances the pregnancy and birth experience. I have referred many satisfied clients her way, she is committed. dependable and an inspiration...

When my wife, Mallory, got pregnant with our son, Milo, she knew she wanted to try for an…read moreunmedicated birth if possible. We talked to Mallory's doctor about our plan for an unmedicated birth and she was highly supportive, but suggested we would have the greatest likelihood of success if we worked with a birth doula. With this advice in mind, we reached out to our community for birth doula recommendations and miraculously found our way to Stephanie. We couldn't have known it then, but choosing to work with Stephanie was the best decision we ever could have made as we embarked on our journey to bring Milo into the world. From our initial consultation with Stephanie over FaceTime, we could tell just how experienced, knowledgeable, and resourceful she is, and we felt we would be in great hands if we partnered with her. Our instincts proved correct - following the initial consultation, Stephanie came over to our home 5 times before our due date to help us prepare for the big day. With each visit, she imparted invaluable knowledge that helped us better understand what to expect throughout the birthing process and how to get ready for it. She taught Mallory skills she could lean on to help manage her pain during labor, and she taught me skills I could lean on to help support Mallory through the experience. But perhaps the most important outcome of Stephanie's home visits was the profound bond we formed with her. Because we were able to spend so much time getting to know each other before the big day, we went into labor feeling like a team, and we knew that we could fully rely on Stephanie to help us navigate the intense experience of labor for the first time. When Mallory finally went into labor, we nested at home for hours until her contractions became too frequent and intense to ignore, and then we called Stephanie to help us determine when we should head to the hospital. Stephanie waited patiently on the phone as Mallory's breath was taken away by one contraction after another, offering soothing words when they were most needed to help Mallory get through the pain. Together as a team, we made the decision to meet at the hospital around 9PM, and from the minute the hospital staff let Stephanie into our labor & delivery room until Milo was born at 4:26AM the following morning, she never left our side. At every juncture, Stephanie knew exactly what to do, whether it was moving Mallory into a different position to help Milo navigate the birth canal, applying compression to Mallory's legs and hips to help relieve the pain, or calling on the hospital staff to assess Mallory's progress. With Stephanie's help, Mallory was successful in having a fully unmedicated birth, and we can safely say that wouldn't have been possible without her. Having now gone through that experience with Stephanie and welcoming our son into the world with her by our side, we feel more connected to her than we ever could have imagined, and we know that our little family of three will share a special connection with her for the rest of our lives. We are forever grateful to Stephanie for everything she did for us, and we can't recommend her highly enough. If you choose to work with her, trust that you will be cared for beyond measure and supported in bringing your birth vision to fruition.

Leyla and Virginia round 2!…read more If you read my first review, you know that Leyla and Virginia cared for my son and have become family. Fast forward to 2 years later, I was giving birth to my daughter amid a raging pandemic (August 2020). I had a very difficult and complicated pregnancy this time, with the last few months especially challenging and worrisome. Right off the bat, my daughter had issues with feeding, sleeping, and colic. The trifecta! Day after day, night after night, Leyla and Virginia showed up for my family. They calmed me down when I was worried and emotional, and took the burden off of me. When they feared I was a little too anxious, and even crossing into PPD/PPA territory, they went one step further and spoke to my husband and me about concerns, urging me to get professional help. Thankfully, I listened and nipped that in the butt before it spiraled out of control. Leyla does not only bring her incredible knowledge, experience, education, and caring to the job, she will go above and beyond each day even when she's not with you. You will get the impression that she's constantly thinking about you. She will also be honest if she is concerned about something and will have those hard conversations that most would avoid. I must also mention, because of these times, just how far they went with covid safety. They were masked (not easy to do on 12-hour shifts) and lived their personal lives as if they were on lockdown 24/7 (LA wasn't at the time). Virginia even lived apart from her husband because of the covid risks of his job. Anyway, I could go on and on and on. I love Leyla and Virginia, and will truly be indebted to them for the great work they did both times. My husband talks about how it's the best money spent; you can't put a price on the well-being of your entire family. Lastly, I am happy to report that my daughter is now a happy, thriving girl. And, so is this mama.

Leyla & Virginia are exactly what we needed as first time parents to twins…read more In the crucial first weeks, having Leyla there was a godsend. She not only cared for our little twins but was an amazing partner to my wife and I through those long nights in the first few weeks. Leyla has a lot of built of wisdom from years of caring for infants and she shares her wisdom kindly with just enough information that it's not overwhelming for the 2am brain. A few times we decided not to follow exactly what she recommended only to realize she was 100% correct but Leyla was kind enough to not be over bearing in the moment. :) If you're looking for a night Doula that can be your "el capitan" to navigate you through the wildly conflicting advise of baby books, family members, fellow parents that are 2 months ahead of you, and random older gentlemen on the street; I recommend you go with Soto Doula Services.

Words can't express how happy I am that I found TLC Midwifery. After a frustrating first birthing…read moreexperience in a hospital, I knew that I wanted an empowering, respectful experience for my second. From the start, Davi and Michelle were incredibly warm, thorough, and supportive - not to mention knowledgeable and experienced. And at every step options were presented and discussed, and my decisions were respected. I was treated as a whole human being, rather than one in a long queue of patients to get through. Davi even dropped everything on a holiday weekend to check on me and my baby after I had a scary fall in my second trimester. My pregnancy and birth were everything I could have hoped for thanks to Davi and Michelle, and I'll miss seeing them now that I'm finished with my pre and postnatal appointments!

I will be forever thankful to the universe that I came across Davi…read more This was my first baby and I knew I didn't want to give birth at a hospital after hearing horrible stories from my traumatized girlfriends. I interviewed a couple of midwifes and was deciding between giving birth here in the US or going back to Europe. Im glad I ended up staying in LA. Davi was amazing from day one and I honestly can't imagine a better person to bring my baby to the world. Every time I think about my birth I tear up. It was such a beautiful and positive experience. Thank you Davi and Amie Ray

I feel so fortunate to have found Janet and Rachel and the The Birth Co-Op. It has been a unique…read moreexperience to navigate pregnancy during Covid and I was a bit apprehensive to take our parenting classes via a Zoom class. I was very pleasantly surprised by the format and really enjoyed getting to know our group over the course of the 4 sessions. The class was informative and inclusive. Janet and Rachel's love for what they do and deep knowledge birth and labor was informative and heart warming. Janet and Rachel are very careful to underscore that each birth experience is unique, and that choices are personal. They present well rounded information and resources that helps guide you rather than tell you something is right or wrong. I especially liked the guest speakers (a midwife from Kaiser and a lactation consultant) who spoke about their practices and answered questions. I feel so fortunate to have found the Birth Co-Op. I feel more informed going into my birth, and know that I have an amazing resource in Janet and Rachel as questions come up in my pregnancy and after the babe arrives.

Great service, had to be done virtually and Rachael was awesome. Glad I found the birthing coop, it…read moreprepared me mentally for natural child birth also prepared me with child care. I'm a FTM and didn't know how to do so many things.. even change a diaper.. , so this was definitely a huge help. Diaper changes actually come very naturally now, after doing it so many times lol.. and Rachael did put my mind at ease on so many things I had questions on. Even on finding other services like doulas/midwife's/prenatal/postnatal masseuses etc.. very well connected. Thank you!