Karen is the supportive and knowledgeable person you need by your side as you go through pregnancy,…read morebirth and beyond. As a mama pregnant with my third baby who was unhappy with my first two births (first was a traumatic vaginal birth with complications and second was a cesarean) I was looking for someone to help me have a successful vbac. Karen was that someone. Karen is responsive and easy to get ahold of. She also is very open and respectful of your desires and wishes, not trying to push an agenda but also showing all of your options and providing information based on evidence. Karen directed me to several resources which were extremely helpful for me to continue to educate myself further on my own.  She is very positive and encouraging and will help keep you in the right mindset. When I had negative thoughts, she turned them into positive ones. When fear or concern crept in, she gave me the pep talk I needed. When I questioned myself if I could really accomplish what I had set out to do, Karen gently steered me right back to the path of what I really wanted.  Even though I was an experienced mama having my thrid baby, Karen still proved to be invaluable and she was an intergral part of having a postive birth experience. This was my third baby but first time having a doula and it made such a difference! If you are looking for a doula, or even considering the idea of working with one, hire Karen immediately!! You will be so glad you did!

Words cannot express how grateful I am for Karen. She is the BEES KNEES! :) Seriously, this is one…read morecompassionate, caring, insightful, fierce, get it DONE kind of lady. Karen was with me for the birth of my first baby in November 2019 (and will be with me for all future babies if I have anything to say about it). I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone having a baby (hospital or elsewhere). I didn't know too much about doulas before I got pregnant. After reading about them, I thought "that sounds like a good idea"- I had NO IDEA how detrimental she would be to helping me have the amazing birth experience that I had. Throughout the pregnancy, Karen was available to answer questions and give support. When she gave information, it was based on evidence. If I had a question that she didn't know the answer to, she would help me find it. She was (and still is) and amazing resource. When it was time to have the baby, she was the first call I made. I called her when I woke up dripping fluid at 4AM and she picked up the phone. When Karen knew I was close to my due date, she never missed one of my calls. I truly knew I could depend on her to be available. Karen has an amazing, sweet attitude. She was calm and collected- which helped me to stay calm. She was extremely attentive and present to help me through each contraction. Karen helped me breath through contractions and position my body in ways that would ease the intensity. She would offer suggestions, but always encouraged me to trust my instincts and listen to my body. I wanted to labor at home for as long as possible, and I was able to do that without fear - because I knew that Karen was watching and monitoring me, that she has done this before many times, and that she would get me to the birth center in time if it was at all possible. When it came time to push, she gave me helpful feedback to teach me how to get the baby down. She helped me get the baby latched to the breast as soon as possible. Then she held my hands as I got my stitches. I'm telling you... This woman was on her hands and knees with me in the delivery room. She goes above and BEYOND for her mamas. It's not just a job to her, She really is passionate about what she does and she is IN IT with you. I can't fully explain the confidence that gave me though out the birth. Even though my mom and my husband were there- they had no idea what the heck was going on. It was a huge relief not just for me, but for them too, to have Karen there. Since I had never had a baby before, having an experienced professional (she is DONA certified. I'm not gonna have just anyone with me in the delivery room) able to say "this is what might happen next" and "you're doing great" and "this is totally normal" made me feel like I could really have this baby, and do it well. I could trust Karen's wisdom, knowledge, and experience. I could also trust that she was dead set on doing what was best for me and helping me have the birth experience I wanted. She did just that and more. Karen also did postpartum work with us. She taught us ways to help the baby when he got gassy. She helped facilitate breast feeding after my milk came in. She helped my husband and I transition into parenthood by gIving suggestions based on her experience, but also through practical things like helping us do the laundry or watching the baby so we could take a nap. I still call her and ask for her advice when something comes up that I'm unsure about. She has seen a baby come out of me- if that's not a bonding experience I don't know what is. If you have any doubts about hiring Karen- DO IT! You will be setting yourself up for success! There is no one better to have by your side in the delivery room.

When I got pregnant with my second baby, my doula recommended Justine. She had seen how Justine…read morehandled several tricky birth situations and felt confident that I would be in good hands. It didn't take me long to realize that she was 100% right. Not only is Justine kind and warm, but she continually educates herself with the newest research so that she can best serve the mothers and babies she works with. It was easy to go to appointments and bring my 5 year old son. The care, before and after baby, is next level:) Baby was sunny side up and I got very uncomfortable because her head was on my spine. So at 39 weeks, I asked Justine about natural induction techniques. We did a membrane sweep, then later that same day, I had Accupuncture and acupressure massage. My contractions started almost immediately when I left the appointment. Labor came on hard and fast, very differently than my first baby. At the birth center, Justine gave me the space to listen to my body. However, after a few very intense hours, nothing seemed to be moving the needle. I could feel myself running out of steam. I told her I needed to try something else, so she got me on the peanut ball. That did the trick - baby came out finally. Birth is just intense, in the hospital or out. In my situation, I surely would have had been made to have a c-section at the hospital. Justine's expertise allowed me to have the birth I wanted- and then go home and get in my own bed! I trust her completely and would definitely recommend her to anyone wanting to have an out of hospital birth.

I just had a baby at Bakersfield Birth Center with Justine (and her assistant Bri) and had the most…read morewonderful experience! I want to start by saying that Justine is highly gifted at what she does and puts her heart and soul into her work. It's very obvious that it's much more than work to her, midwifery is her calling and passion. Justine came highly recommended to me by many friends and acquaintances in my community who had wonderful experiences with her also. My first baby was born in a hospital and I had a less-than-ideal experience. When I got pregnant with my second baby, I knew I wanted to go a more natural route. From the moment I met Justine at my first prenatal care appointment, she was kind, professional and knowledgeable. She always answered all my questions with patience and care. Unlike my OB in my first pregnancy, Justine cared deeply about my nutrition, supplement intake, blood sugar levels, etc. My prenatal care was specialized to me. I (and my baby) wasn't just a number to her, she cared for us and our well-being throughout my pregnancy. My prenatal appointments were done in the comfort of my home and my toddler was always welcome to be there when I didn't have a babysitter. When I went into labor, I called Justine at 5am and she answered immediately. She was calm but attentive. We met at the birth center a few hours later. Her birth center is AMAZING! It is beautiful and has the most inviting atmosphere. Laboring at the birth center was such a more pleasant experience than laboring in the hospital. At the hospital with my first birth I was hooked up to an IV, fetal monitoring system, blood pressure cuff, etc. the entire time. I was restricted from moving around, eating and drinking, even without an epidural. At the birth center, I was free to move around, eat, drink, listen to music, get in and out of the shower/ tub. Justine monitored the baby intermittently as needed. My husband was comfortable and free to support me without judgement of what that looked like for us. This freedom made my contractions so much more manageable. Justine and her assistant/ student Bri were kind, helpful and patient the entire time. They are so selfless. They cleaned up after me, got me whatever I wanted/ needed, supported me through contractions, and encouraged me to listen to my body and do what my instincts led me to do. When it was time to deliver, Justine allowed me to do what felt right instead of telling me to push in a certain position at a certain time like the hospital did. My daughter had shoulder dystocia and got stuck at the shoulders (which also happened at the hospital with my first son). The doctor who delivered my son took extreme, invasive measures to get him out, which caused me extreme trauma and pain postpartum. Unlike that doctor, when Justine saw that I needed assistance getting my daughter out, she simply had me change positions and she used her experience and skill to help me deliver my baby, leaving me without even a tear. After my daughter was born, she spent 2 hours breastfeeding and doing skin to skin with me. My husband and I marveled at the gift of our new baby girl, and Justine and Bri joined in in giving their compliments of her cuteness! Then Bri performed her newborn exam while my husband and I ate some lunch. We went over postpartum care for me and the baby. Then I took a shower and we were on our way home a few hours after our daughter was born. We didn't even have to be away from our son overnight, whereas we were forced to stay in the hospital 3 days when he was born (even though he had no complications). Justine came to our house the day after the birth for my first postpartum appointment to check on me and the baby. Justine is highly skilled in what she does, but also passionate and caring about her patients. If you are considering a midwife for your birth, I highly recommend Justine and the Bakersfield Birth Center! P.S. Justine and Bri took the most beautiful, special pictures for us throughout my labor and birth.

Emily is the most sincere, kind, and professional child birth educator a woman could ever have. She…read moreis very passionate about what she does and has a ton of experience (not to mention helped others get the experience they need) as a doula. Her class was phenomenal! I have been to multiple child birth classes throughout the area, none of them compare to her course. She took the extra time to practice positions, answer questions, and empower the labor teams. Would take it over and over again and will definitely recommend to friends and family.

Emily is seriously amazing. I had my first child in July and wanted a natural birth. I honestly…read morebelieve I was able to do it because of her. My husband was great :) , but because we had several meetings, discussions, etc about our birth plan with her I felt as prepared as a new mom can be prior to delivering our son. She's incredibly kind and it was also so nice to have someone there, during such an important life stage, that shared our same values. I've recommended her to a friend and will continue to do so! Perhaps I will see her again with baby #2 :)

It was an amazing experience thanks to Marisol for always being there since moment one to the end…read more I'm so grateful for all the support she gave me to feel comfortable and for all ways advocating for me in the hospital and later with lactation! I was able to successfully breast feed and later pump feed for a year while I went back to school. I could not have done it without her! And her office where she uses to teach is amazing it makes you feel that you are in a safe space it just feels like if you're in your own home.

Marisol is one of the best things to have happened for my pregnancy! Previously having 2 prior C…read moresections I was having drs tell me left and right that I could not have a VBAC even after doing my own research. Marisol helped me achieve my goal of a natural birth and I can't thank her enough. She believed in me, helped me make informed decision, and cared for me throughout the rest of my pregnancy and labor/delivery. She is very thoughtful, knowledgeable, and caring and I'll recommend her to any future mamas I know

When having a baby, you want to give your child the best. That starts before birth. I decided to…read morehave as natural birth as possible and Katie was always there for me and my husband. She always answered our questions, big or small, and it never mattered the time of day. The childbirth education she provided me was very helpful, too, as this was my first baby. Katie went with me to my prenatal appointments and came to my home when I started contracting. Once at the hospital, Katie was very patient with me and was so loving. I honestly felt like I was her only client. My husband was also so very happy with her, too, as she made him very comfortable and put him at ease. If you're going to use a doula, make Katie your number one choice!!! You won't be sorry and you'll have a better birth experience!!!

This is such a special place to have in town for new parents & a great resource for your…read morebreastfeeding journey. The staff here are super knowledgeable and Jennica is amazing. I received so many tips from her and connections to resources in the community for my baby. I did my baby registry through babylist, and was able to register for so many great items from Nest and Co. Our favorite swaddles came from here and some beautiful stuffed animals. This is the go to place in town for Earth Mama, ezpz, and so many other great brands. If you are expecting or know someone who is, this is the place to go!

Absolutely amazing! 1st time parents for both husband & I and husband wanted to feel more involved…read morew/feeding, but I didn't want to start 3 day old baby on bottle yet. Jenica took her time w/us & not only educated me on my spectra pump, but also introduced the 5/4 French finger feeding tube to husband. Will be returning closer to my leave ending to go over my portable pumps as she didn't want to overwhelm us w/everything in 1 appt which I appreciated!!

Adrienne truly cares about the work that she does and wants to serve her community to the best of…read moreher ability. Her office is out of her home, which feels inviting and cozy, and is in a very nice neighborhood of Bakersfield. She is also a certified specialist in orofacial myology, which she has SO much knowledge about - my baby was diagnosed with tongue and lip ties. Adrienne knows not only about how these affect breastfeeding, but one's overall health. I highly recommend Adrienne if looking for a lactation consultant in the area

My experience was not well. I first met Adrienne in July 2023. My baby was just a few weeks old…read more She taught me some positions with breastfeeding and I was breastfeeding for about 4-6 weeks. No issues with latch, gas, was gaining weight. His mouth was closed in his ordinary position. Some issues that Adrienne pointed out to me were his tight latch and, later on, realized that his mouth was sometimes open during sleep. So she suggested a tongue tie and she provided all the research to back her claim, including sleep apnea. Me, first time mom, panicking, immediately reached out to my pediatrician who confirmed he offered that service. After the snip, my baby couldn't latch, was super gassy, mouth always open. I had to sleep with him in a rocking chair, instead of peacefully co-sleeping as I had been. And due to all the stress, depression, exhaustion and anxiety, my breast milk dried up. So the snip ended my breastfeeding journey. When I would call her crying or upset, her responses were "his tongue tie was in the back", "his mouth was open during utero" and "we don't know what happens when you release the frenulum". All lies and bs If baby is breastfeeding well. Do not get the tongue tie.

Nikki is a force to be reckoned with... educated, kind, loving. She will advocate for you, your…read morebirth, your family. Because of her, I can say that I was given the dignity to labor/birth the way I wanted/needed, I can say that I was surrounded with love and LAUGHTER, and I am changed forever by the energy exchange. It is an honor to know Nikki, we love her so much!

When I first met Nikki, I just knew that I had met the doula for me. There were many reasons such…read moreas she changed up the language of labor and birth. She told me that instead of calling it a contraction, that she calls it a wave and instead of transition, transformation. I had never heard some of these terms used in the birth world. I never experienced it with my first birth so it made a huge difference for me. It was like she knew what I wanted and needed before I could put into words. Nikki was all about changing your mindset about how you viewed birth. I also talked to her about my previous birth and that I wanted to try for a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean). It was important that I had a supportive birth team. Once I told her my desire, she was on board and started to encourage me. I remember her telling me that "you're going to get it!". It was moments like this that made the difference and I knew in my heart that she was the doula for me. Guess what? She was right. I got my VBAC! I couldn't have done it without her love and support. She made me feel safe and I had just met her. She just has a calming presence about her that was infectious. It was important for me that my husband and her had a connection. They did. She read him and made a joke with him. She made us both feel comfortable. I have no family here in Bakersfield so hiring a doula was necessary because my husband wanted me to have support in case my mom couldn't make it down in time to watch our son. We shared this at our consultation with Nikki and she said that she would stay with me at the hospital if I was transferred if it ended in a cesarean. Thankfully, none of that happened but it meant the world to me that she offered to be by my side regardless. She even offered some really cool ideas if I did have to have a cesarean. She outdid herself. She exceeded every expectation I had of her. She was there for me when fears started to creep in. She always knew the right thing to say. She truly has a heart and passion for what she does. She does everything in EXCELLENCE!! She became more than just my doula, she became family. So, what are you waiting for? Book your consultation. Hire her as your doula! You will not be disappointed! She will be more than what you thought you needed. She was truly a God send and I am truly thankful for you. I had a redemptive birth and I know that it was because I had THE BEST BIRTH TEAM. Thank you, Nikki! May God continue to Bless you in all you do!