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!!

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!

As first time expecting parents, the multiday course built a solid foundation for us for the birth…read more It was awesome to do the class as a couple, each person in the relationship plays a critical role. The vibe was calm and expert. With decades of collective experience across hundreds of doula's in their network, Cheryl and Khefri taught it and you just felt their commitment to your eventual birthing experience and that this was their passion in life. They are accessible and show up for you like someone who would do this good work for free because they love sharing their superpower for the good of you and your family. And people would and should pay them millions for the service and everlasting memories they empower us to have, truly a unique and life changing experience and partnership. I got a recorded meditation that I literally listened to 100 times everytime I rested or took a bath. Come time for go time, it all fell into place. They instilled in us that we are not sick, or needing external help to give birth - I truly felt that our bodies know what to do, are built to do this, and that it's a natural and easy process - not something to fear, resist, fight, or try to make go away ie the contractions are our bodies doing a job and nothing to be afraid of. In fact, what if we embraced, allowed for, and appreciated the power of the body and our spirits to see this process through? Khefri's newborn class was incredible. We did a one on one. She gave us a literal list with links if needed, of what to buy if you are having a baby lol! What you'll need within the first 2 weeks. She showed us how to swaddle and bathe, hold and care for a newborn. I attended some of Khefri's kundalini yoga sessions for expecting mothers. It was so soothing and power inducing that I ended up playing the playlists during my 6 hours of labor. I was an over 40 first time mother. With Khefri (doula) and LA Birth Partners (class) and Birthfit (fitness) and LA Midwives as my partners - we had a successful and easy home birth as well! Though all the practices we could easily have tried at the hospital. In fact, a few months ago, I assisted my sister in her first birth as well. We did it at the hospital but was able to get contractions started naturally, used calming homeopathics and techniques (like birthplan on the door, don't ask me if I need pain meds I'll tell you, candles, cover bright machinery and lower beeping, etc). We could not have done it without Khefri! Literally, we did our last class from the hospital room. Then after the class ended, Khefri became available by text and phone to help us through the contractions! We had questions about the homeopathics, dosing etc to try to start the contractions naturally. She helped with all of it! I can't thank her enough, she went above and beyond, sharing love and support and expertise even more than any actual family members! You feel like you owe so much to these amazing doula's who believe in and know what's possible with a birthing experience. Even someone like me who'd never even seen a birth before, was able to have a homebirth when our western doctors were more than ready to receive us as geriatric mothers at the hospital. None of it was necessary. And we knew that, because we kept on top of medical visits etc leading up to the big day.

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!!

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.

Ana Paula is a wealth of knowledge and compassion. She's a beautiful mix of warm and calming with a…read morefun energy and the utmost professionalism.

Normally I'd be very reluctant to be apart of a non in person training. ANA is truly a gem. Some…read morepeople give you feelings of love within. Some people give you a genuine feel like whatever they say they mean and that is exactly what I feel with Ana Paula Markel. I spent 3 days with not only fellow woman who share the similar passions and career goals but also a leader and guide. I've been working as a doula for a year now and really trying to find a place to call home for guidance and connections and I truly have found it. I feel motivated and filled with such gratitude to have been apart of this experience. I feel more than well informed and ready to further my mission.

I took two classes at The Pump Station -- Baby 101 and Breastfeeding, and cannot recommend them…read moreenough. Both classes were led by Barbara and Corgi, who were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and relatable. From the moment we walked in, they made everyone feel comfortable and welcome. What I appreciated most was how interactive the classes were. They encouraged lots of questions and really engaged with the group, which made the experience feel personal rather than overwhelming. They struck the perfect balance of being informative while keeping things fun and lighthearted. So much information can be stressful but the way it was presented was easy to digest. I loved doing it with my partner and think it was such a great way to get him more involved in this process that can lean so heavily on the mom. Beyond just the classes, The Pump Station offers so much! Mommy and Me, classes for Grandparents, Car Seat Installation, Stroller consultation. They also have a great gift store and registry program! I will absolutely be signing up for Mommy & Me classes and love supporting a small business who put so much love and care into what they do.

Really disappointed in my experience today. I drove two hours to this location to support a local…read morebusiness. For one, I was not greeted or asked if I needed help when entering the store. More importantly, their website said the stroller I wanted was in stock and available in 4 hours for pickup, but when I got there it wasn't available for purchase and it had to be ordered. When I brought it up to the cashier, he said it was because they have it in store their inventory but not at the store? Huh?? After doing more digging I saw there was a "Terms and conditions" asterisk in fine print you have to click on to find out this information. All I saw was the green check mark that says "In stock and ready for pick up in 4 hours." Any other place I have ever been to- this would mean it would be in stock at the store. When I brought up, calmly, that this was confusing and they should fix it because I drove two hours to get to the store. The cashier said nothing. Not a "Aw geez, I'm sorry. I can understand your frustration and why that's confusing." I'm a reasonable person. I've worked in customer service all my life. The demeanor of the cashier alone has put me off from ever visiting this store again or recommending it. We went to Uppababy a few blocks down and they were SOOO kind that it completely made my day. All I needed was some kindness. To the owners of the Pump Station- the people using your website are most likely VERY tired moms. I personally am getting 3-4 hours of sleep a day. Tired moms need clear signage if something is in stock or not. Time is precious in this season of life. We also need KINDNESS. My body is broken and recovering from giving birth. I am exhausted! I would expect a place who sells baby items to understand this. Overall, would never recommend this place and will tell everyone I know that it was an awful experience.

This review was a long time coming. My little angel came three weeks early and we have been rocking…read moreat life ever since. He is a happy and healthy baby boy. Sharon is such a wonderful person. My husband and I found her through Yelp and had a great time in her Lamaze class and early infant class. Sharon was so welcoming and made the experience as first time parents so special for us and eased a lot of our anxiety. I don't think I would have been as mentally prepared as I was if I did not take her classes. I would even say emotionally too because I had to do a lot of healing with losing my first angel. Thank you so much Sharon. Our little Rami is doing wonderful. You were such a great impact on our journey as first time parents and have our upmost respect. Please keep doing what you're doing because first time parents really need you!

I don't know where to begin except stating Sharon is the best. My husband and I both enjoyed her…read moreLamaze Class. We are first time parents and had so many questions about the birthing process. At one point, I had even considered hiring a doula! But guess what... after attending Sharon's Lamaze class, my husband became more comfortable and stepped up to be my birthing partner! So no need for a doula after all. Sharon also made the class fun by having us doing hands-on learning activities. And most importantly, she serves amazing snacks. So for all pregnant women out there, who get hungry easily like me, you are well taken care of when attending her class. :-)

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.