I was one of those moms-to-Be who adamantly wanted her Birth Plan to be honored: I especially did…read morenot want a c-section or drugs! Yet I learned from my wedding day that not everything would go as planned so I'd best learn to let go and live in the moment, accepting things outside of my control. Upon meeting Kerry in person, we knew she would be great! She rolled with all of our questions with patience, and she had a tattoo in Sanskrit meaning we connected on a spiritual level both being yoginis. Yet my husband and I could not have anticipated just how awesome Kerry is as a doula until labor got real at the hospital! I had a complex labor lasting nearly 48 hours. She arrived 20 hours before delivery and thus stayed awake the entire time. She was calm throughout and answered questions about the labor process that couldn't be answered in the labor papers she or the hospital had given us-even the "dirty/gross woman" stuff! When labor advanced, she helped my husband and I make informed decisions when the midwives and doctors came into my room to give me news (more than once) that I did not want to hear (hint: things that needed to be considered that were not in my Birth Plan). Because the labor was so long and I had not slept, I opted for the epidural after 36 hours of labor so I could sleep through contractions and have the energy to push. She never judged me for this and instead supported that decision which was not on my Birth Plan to get me through the labor to delivery. She also gave me the best massages in my lower back so I didn't feel the back labor contractions (they were very uncomfortable without her massages!) She did this often like a champ without complaint and little sleep. She was a coach too encouraging me throughout it all, reminding me of all the positive to keep my energy levels up and believe in myself. For all these reasons and more, without reservation, my husband and I recommend Kerry.

This is the place to go. My two cents here first and my wife's follow. We felt so confident with…read moreKerry and Cara from the moment we met them, and that feeling carried through the long labor and birth. are true godsends. My wife's labor was very long and Kerry handled her morale, the mood of the room, and the family situation with aplomb. She came to our house after the birth and showed us how to wrap and carry our new daughter and gave my wife indispensable advice on her recovery. Can't say enough good things about her.

I'll admit it. I was skeptical as to the role a doula would play in the birth of my daughter, but…read moreafter going through the entire process, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND getting a doula and hiring Lois and Alyssa. Here's why: 1) Even though I remained calm during the birth of my daughter, it's a high stress situation and it's easy to forget all the classes you attended and books you read. Lois was our doula and her calm demeanor, quick problem solving, and extensive knowledge is what got my wife, daughter, and myself through labor. 2) Lois was our advocate. Although GWU Hospital Midwives are amazing, they see so many babies born each day. Lois was our personal champion and helped us create a birth plan and she fought for us during labor. 3) Lois also provided our birth class at our home. It was way cheaper than other classes and personalized to you and your partner. She comes to you, which makes it easier as well especially if your partner is tired due to pregnancy. 4) Lois has a calming presence and that makes all the difference. She listens to you and empathizes with you. She gets to know you and your partner and then works with you to find labor coping mechanisms, etc. that fit you. Some people make experiences about them, but not Lois. She allows the experience to be about you and supports you throughout it. 5) Lois was available. She would answer any questions we had and even came to our house when my wife started to labor. She sat with her and massaged her and found coping mechanisms that actually works (Like holding a comb). She then came with us to the hospital and stayed until after birth and we were in a good place. 6) Lois has credibility. She worked at GWU Hospital Midwives and is a well respected doula. That opened many doors for us at the hospital because of her credibility and integrity. If you're thinking about getting a doula, call Lois. She'll meet with you over coffee and I promise you'll want to hire her on the spot. Her presence is the best and will make your delivery so much better!

My husband and I had the pleasure of working with DC Doulas (specifically Alyssa) to help us with…read morethe delivery of our baby girl. I can't say enough amazing things about these ladies, they are all truly amazing. Alyssa was everything I could have wanted in a doula and more. I decided to use the midwives at GW for my labor and delivery and I am so grateful that they insisted we hire a doula. I was hesitant about the idea of hiring a doula and I was skeptical of their exact role but I'm so so glad that we ended up using them. They were worth every penny (beyond worth it)! After my birth experience, I recall telling my husband that I would have paid double for their services - that's how invaluable Alyssa was to me. She was calm, she was patient, she was loving, and most importantly she was just there. I was in labor for 14 hours and Alyssa didn't leave my side for a second. At some point, my husband told her to take a break and grab something to eat, but she stayed by my side for 14 hours. She only left to use the restroom and to bring me water. Whenever I was in pain, she massaged me. She knew exactly where to add pressure to alleviate the pain and I would go from screaming to relaxed in seconds - she did this for 14 hours - and these weren't light massages, these were deep tissue/deep massages she had to give me every few minutes. She must have been exhausted but no one would ever be able to tell. Not only was I impressed by her, but my entire family was impressed by her including the staff at GW. Fast forward to postpartum care - I have had the pleasure of working with the entire team - Lois, Alyssa, and Hancie. I feel like there is nothing that can prepare you for the first few weeks of a baby's life but these ladies made it more manageable. They came to the house and did any and everything. I had difficulty breastfeeding and they helped me through that difficult period, they made sure I was eating when I was too busy doing everything else, they did laundry, they did dishes, they helped with the baby - they were once again, invaluable. I will forever be grateful to these ladies and I look forward to working with them again when our family grows.

I would not recommend Family Ways to anyone who needs a doula. I had a contract with them for doula…read moresupport for the birth of my son, which included birth prep, the birth itself, and postpartum support. I had one meeting in person with my doula and a handful of texts and one call with her (almost all of which were initiated by me). I ended up having a precipitous birth and didn't make it to the hospital in time to deliver. I delivered in my bathtub at home just as the paramedics arrived and then was transported to the hospital via ambulance. I was in contact with the doula before this happened and she said she was on the way to the hospital to meet me there. I obviously could not call her as the birth was happening and I was transported to the hospital (I did not even have my phone on me) but my husband called the doula and let her know. When I finally got my phone back, I had a text from her from hours prior saying she was in the area and wanted to know if I still wanted her to come. I thought she had left so I texted back that the baby had arrived and that I wanted to touch base for some postpartum support. She never reached back out to me. So once I was home from the hospital, I emailed with Family Ways to ask about this. It seemed rather unfair to have paid $1,500 and to have not really received any support. I understand that they would not give me a refund, but I asked if they could at least offer some postpartum support, since I had nothing during a rather traumatic birth, and that was included in the contract. They refused any further service and argued that the contract had been fulfilled. I'll let others decide if that sits right wit them, but I was very disappointed by this. I felt abandoned and gaslight after a difficult pregnancy, traumatic delivery, and in the fog of postpartum. It was especially disappointing from a service that is supposedly based on being a support system from pregnant and postpartum people during a very vulnerable time. If you do decide to use Family Ways, I would be very clear before signing any contract what support they will give you, especially if your birth doesn't go as planned.

What can I say?? Rachel was so wonderful to work with for my birth. I had a birth plan in mind, and…read moreshe was supportive from the beginning. She is a wealth of information, and was able to educate me on many evidence based birthing practices. I had an unmedicated birth, and was so glad to have Rachel by my side during labor. Note that she will support you in any birth plan or however your labor ends up going. Thankful for Rachel and Family Ways!

Carmen is as lovely and professional in this service as it gets! Her presence in our home…read moreimmediately post-partum was most welcome. And I can't say enough good things about the benefits of placenta encapsulation. I credit taking placenta pills with how easily I regained my energy after a very long and challenging birth experience. From the very first dose I felt my strength retuning. The shaky, weak feeling I'd had for 2 days after my son's birth almost immediately resolved and I felt grounded again. I will definitely look to use The Nurturing Root again next time around!

From the owner: Then Nurturing Root, located in Baltimore, MD, provides postpartum support to new mothers through…read morea variety of placenta encapsulation services. We help new mothers achieve optimal postpartum wellness so that they recover more quickly from birth and enjoy their postpartum experience without the baby blues, depression, and anxiety. Other services include: Birth Boot Camp classes Postpartum Doula Services

Would definitely recommend the services of Silver Spring Placenta. The preparation process was…read moreexplained clearly and Jenny was amazing. She was very communicative. Great job!

From the owner: Placenta encapsulation, placenta prints and keepsake paintingsread more

Wow! From the time I first asked emailed this company to the time I received my pills, the customer…read moreservice was outstanding!! Jade is amazing!! Baby brain was REAL and she answered every question I had no matter if I had already asked. She is so sweet! You are provided with a cell phone number to text when you go into labor and they come to the hospital to pick up your placenta and they take pictures and go through an entire process, that was explained to me, to clean and encapsulate. When the process was done, we set up and time, and she came all the way to my home to drop off my pills, a card, and my other items that I got! I am impressed with the company! I have been taking my pills for a couple of weeks and I feel fantastic. Not only would I recommend this process, but I would recommend this company! If we decide to have more kids, I do do this over and over again with Benefits Beyond Birth!!

I decided to encapsulate my placenta with my second baby since I experienced a lot of post…read morepostpartum with first. I did my research and Benefits Beyond Birth came strongly recommend. I was amazed at how Wonderful Jade was to work with. The pills were dropped off before I left hospital, and no postpartum this time around. I had more energy and over abundance of milk. I will definitely do this with next baby. I urge any new mom that is interested in encapsulation to use Benefits beyond birth.

After being highly recommended for placenta encapsulation in the Baltimore Midwife circle, I knew I…read morewas in good hands with My Birth Companion, LLC. The love and expertise that Odile has in this field is evident and felt. I can't say enough great things about her and this experience. The placenta pills and broth really work. I have felt strong and happy postpartum . I highly recommend all mamas hire her!! Thank-you so much Odile of My Birth Companion!!

Odile delivered my daughter in 2014 and was a postpartum doula for my son (which is how we met)…read more Odile is just awesome. She takes great pride in getting to know the mom, knows so much about birth, newborns and delivery and was very supportive during the birth. My doc, Dr. Pardo, at Sibley memorial hospital in DC even complimented her for being helpful during the delivery. Odile was a certified medical sage-femme in France. It is a hard diploma to get. Odile helps relax, prepare and go through the adventure of giving birth better. I would be glad to take any call or give more details about why I give her 5 stars. Just message me on yelp!

Would have loved to use them... until I saw "chest feeding" on their homepage. A provider that is…read moreconfused about biology - about what gender breastfeeds, is a provider I want no where near me or my baby. I am looking for women who see the dignity in WOMEN, and live in reality.

We came across these ladies at a Holistic Health Fair where I learned what a Doula was and what…read morethey do. Fast forward about a year later, we were expecting our first child! The ladies gave us such a good lesson that we didn't hesitate to call them and get a contract in place for Labor and Delivery and Post Partum support. Best decision ever! From the time they take you on as a client, they were very responsive and support in a truly non-judgy way. Unlike pushy family members and in-laws, they offered all the advice and options you want and they coach you into deciding for yourself what is best for you and your baby. They coached me as well as my husband on the various options (and there are LOTS!) and while they were in the delivery room, they reminded me of what I wanted and prevented the hospital from pushing me around. If you are on the fence about getting a Doula, I highly recommend meeting with them and finding out what they do. They anticipated needs that I needed before I even knew I needed them, and were there to provide them to when WHEN I needed it. They do so much more than you would expect.