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!!

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!

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 :)

My husband and I recently attended Stacie's childbirth education class. As a birth doula myself, I…read moreknow the importance of being educated and informed going into labor. Her class was so helpful for my husband and I to attend together! Especially for him not knowing a lot about birth, he learned so much from Stacie's hands on activities! And he was an even better supporter and birth partner during my labor because of it. Stacie is kind, sincere and very knowledgeable about all things labor and birth! I would highly recommend any expecting parents take her classes!

Stacie's class was hands down the most helpful, all-inclusive resource I had in preparing for the…read morebirth of my daughter. I took the class with my mom and best friend, who were attending the birth as well. It was the best decision I made, since it not only prepared me more for the experience of labor and delivery, it prepared my mom and best friend in such a way that they felt confident and comfortable stepping in to help during labor. Stacie's class gave my mom confidence to be a huge source of physical and emotional support for me, knowing how to encourage me and when to stay quiet. Because of this class, my best friend also now knew what to expect and was able to document the birth and to run and get things as we needed them. The most helpful part of the class for me as a laboring mom was the visuals of dilation and the stages and phases of labor. Visualizing where I was and how far I had left to go kept me encouraged along the way, realizing the longest and perhaps hardest part of labor was "getting that cervix out of the way" and knowing that once that was done, my daughter was not far away. Partly because of Stacie's class, I can say the birth of my daughter was done naturally, and is a beautiful memory I will look back on my entire life. I am incredibly grateful for having taken Stacie's class, and would recommend it to anyone (considering natural birth or not) in a heartbeat. We learned so much, and were ready and prepared for the biggest, most difficult, most rewarding day of my life.

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!!!

From the owner: Baby Bumble Bee offers birth and postpartum doula services, childbirth education, acupressure for…read morepregnancy and birth, and breastfeeding assistance.

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.

Being a first time mom I knew I had to do everything to prepare myself. My husband and i attended…read morechild birthing classes together and don't regret it. As a female we have so many expectations from our partner which is selfish of us when they have no idea what we need from them. This class helped me realize that we were both walking in blind to this new experience. It was fun to see my husband outside of his comfort zone to learn new things for our new family. I recommend this class to anyone that has an open mind and willing to learn new things. Patty is amazing and makes you feel so comfortable!

From the owner: Compassionate lactation services in the setting of your choice, clinic, home or virtual…read moreappointments available. Over 15 years of experience.

COVID-19 (Nineteen review challenge) Locally owned…read morebusinesses only. Review #3: I hired Fresno Birth and Baby after I had a great interview with them a couple months prior to my daughter's birth. I met with Megan and Melissa and I warmed right up to them immediately. Truth be told, I didn't even meet up with other doulas. They were recommended by my OB, so I figured they were the best (because my OB is the best). We had two prenatal visits at our house with three separate doulas - two came together at each visit. I felt comfortable with all three, and it felt great knowing I had a whole knowledgeable and supportive team by my side. We had a text chain that I had access to 24/7, and I knew I might only have one attend my birth, or all three, depending on how things turned out. Long birth story short, Melissa P was the only doula who came for my short birth. And honestly, I wouldn't have had such an amazing and short birth without her presence. My husband was amazing of course, but I knew I needed a doula and Melissa was definitely the one for the job. She had such a calming presence and I could not have done it without her. She remembered the details of my birth plan when no one else did (myself included), and we stuck to it. I am devastated that under current hospital rules at Clovis Community, CRMC, and St. Agnes, only one visitor is allowed during birth. Like I have said before, I needed Melissa there, just as much as I needed my husband. Anyway, I've given their contact info to my friends and hope that business will boom for them when these rules have been lifted. These women are the best!

From the owner: As doulas, we are educated & experienced guides through pregnancy, childbirth and early parenthood…read more We arrange individualized preparation for your unique birth. We know that you will make the best choices for your family based off of your own needs and desires and we will do our best to make sure those expectations are honored by everyone surrounding your birth. We provide hands-on continuous support through your labor and birth. We utilize proven comfort techniques nd continuous encouragement for a safer and more satisfying birth experience. We present you with evidence-based information, and act as a living resource to help you understand your body, your birth, your baby and your choices.

I'm really surprised how few people take advantage Of Doula Services. This service was amazing for…read moremy wife and I. I had no idea what was going on and literally didn't know how to support my wife during her pregnancy other then rushing to get her food and paying bills. Breyonna was very informative and sweet I felt so much better as a man supporting my wife through all of this. So confident I might have another! Lol not really I really miss getting sleep. Reasonably priced, Worth the money, and the time.

From the owner: Maya Bee's is a Birth and Postpartum Doula business supporting mothers and families. Maya Bee's…read moreaims to create safe spaces for mothers to share their concerns and wishes about their pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience. Maya Bee's was founded to take a holistic approach toward pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period within Fresno’s diverse population to promote healthy outcomes for mom and baby through informational, emotional, and physical support.

I've gone back and forth about writing this review, as a bad review for a small company is not…read moreinsignificant. But after many many months I am still disappointed and angry with my experience. I also learned from my midwife that my experience is not unique and happens to many women who hire Dutchess of Doula. 1. I hired Joytonia under the impression that she was my doula and that she would attend my birth unless some extenuating circumstance came up. This is what she told me. She decided to book a vacation hundreds of miles away on my due date. She told me, "don't worry, your baby won't come on time anyway, I'll be back in time." Well, she wasn't. She sent a doula I had never met to attend my birth. This doula was kind and attentive, but a complete stranger. According to my very experienced midwife, "Joytonia never attends births". My experience, apparently, is not unique. 2. As another reviewer mentioned, the birth class is not worth your time. You read from a packet the whole time and receive outdated, inaccurate nutritional advice. You could get the same quality education from your hospital. 3. Other than my first meeting with her, Joytonia was never on time or, usually, rescheduled the meeting day of. So my husband would take time off work to be at our meetings, only to be told Joytonia couldn't make it and we would have to reschedule. I know birth workers have unpredictable schedules (with babies coming at unpredictable times), but missing our meetings because of attending a birth was never her reason. Her excuse was usually that she double-booked or was too far away to make it to the meeting. 4. I don't care about this one really, but the package included a gift for baby and we never received anything. 5. For a pro in favor of Dutchess of Doula, the price (at the time I paid) was lower than any other local doula. So if you don't mind having a stranger attend your birth, maybe this could work for you. But I would never pay $1000 again for this service. Pay slightly more for someone who cares enough to not go on vacation during your birth. Take a hint from the misspelled name (it's "duchess", no "t"), this is an unprofessional operation.

First off let me start by saying these ladies are so PHENOMENAL! I was referred to by a friend and…read morethe ladies did it disappoint. I was a gestational surrogate in my last trimester, and after some research I decided that having a doula was going to be in my best interest. That way my husband could stay home with our children and I would still have someone for support. Unfortunately, I gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic. On the bright side I had Joytonia there through it all physically and Brandy via video call (and she stayed on the call from beginning to end; a total of 8 hours). These ladies make you feel more like family than a client. After having two of my very own children I figured I knew all about child birth. BUT after taking one of the child birth classes I realized I had knew what society showed. I was always a pro-epidural person. Before meeting Joytonia I had it dead set that I was going to have an epidural just like I did with my own kids. After taking the child birth class and meeting/hearing previous clients' birthing stories I came to realization that going natural is something that our bodies are built for. I also learned that I did not need to get an IV, which is something that I thought was necessary. Needless to say, I learned so much from; meditation, breathing techniques, birthing positions, and oh those God given massages! Overall, I would recommend the ladies 10 fold. I swear I'm so ready to get pregnant again just to "work" with the ladies again! Nothing better than people that are passionate about what they do. Side note: I gave birth all natural, and Joytonia handled my mouthy stubbornness with a grain of salt.