When I found out my husband and I were expecting again just after our second turned six months old…read moreI immediately told him I wanted to hire a post partum doula. I interviewed three companies, and chose Better Beginnings because I had heard such glowing reviews from a friend. Joy went above and beyond: providing our family with much needed support and care as well as delicious meals that I still (over one year later!) think about. We felt so well cared for and held during a vulnerable and overwhelming time.

After the birth of our second child, we used night doula support through Better Beginnings. Saideh…read moreand Eileen were our doulas and they were fantastic-- proactive in finding ways to support our family and offering gentle encouraging support as we transitioned to being parents of two. All of the communications, from the first introductory call with the owner to our pre-natal consultation to our first meetings in person with the doulas were all so professional. We don't plan on having more children, but if we did we would absolutely use Better Beginnings again!!

Having a kid is scary. Beautiful. Amazing. And SCARY. As a first time mom I am thrilled to have run…read moreacross an organization that supports the many forms/styles/approaches parenting can take. And participating in E.M. s new mama group was one of the most intelligent things I could have done. (In fact, i still am!) The childbirth collective and enlightened mama were really the two most positive organizations I have run across when it comes to birthing and parenting. I highly encourage any parent to check out Enlightened Mama's wide array of classes and groups.

Liz and Gigi are incredible lactation consultants, and they are top of our list when referring our…read moreBetter Beginnings clients in need of IBCLC expertise!

Having JoLynda as our doula was by far the hidden miracle of our birth experience. JoLynda is…read moreextremely accepting of every woman, no matter their birth plan. She believes every woman should have access to an empowering birth experience. This was my husband and my first birth experience and there is no other person we would want by our side for our labor journey in the future. With her guidance and support, both my husband and I felt at ease and empowered to make the right decisions for our birth. JoLynda is able to use her knowledge to work with each couple to provide a unique value to their experience. Her knowledge, expertise, and amazing attitude helped us have a wonderful birth experience!

Choosing Ellee as our doula was one of the best decisions we made during the whole pregnancy. She…read moreput us at ease right away. We asked her tons of questions and she was knowledgeable, respectful, funny and very personable right from the very beginning to the end. During my labor she gave me tips and positions to try and when she joined us at our home, her encouragement is what kept me there longer - resting and waiting before going to the birth center. When I was exhausted she was kind and complimenting - it was exactly what I needed to hear. She helped me center and relax, and gently pushed me to try things I would not have done on my own. I was sad when our last visit was over. She's the kind of gal that you wish was your friend or an auntie. Thanks Ellee!!

Such a beautiful environment from the moment you walk in the door! You are greeted by Hanna the…read morereceptionist she has the most beautiful upbeat personality!! Every time I call she know me by name. All their midwives are super passionate about birth and love answering questions! I had such a beautiful birth ! The owner Susanna Goldstein is the most driven women I have ever met ! Kathy the clinic assistant is such a sweet lady and well educated! Make an appointment I promise they make you feel like you are their friends that you known for years !

Lack of continuity and care from Willow midwives felt like an unsupported pregnancy …read more Let me say, my birth itself was great. Jessica & Jamie were great, very competent and compassionate. My pregnancy and postpartum experience with Willow was far from supportive. The model of seeing a new midwife each appointment left the care disjointed, and I found myself at my 36 week appointment explaining my previous pregnancy condition with yet another new midwife. The midwife on call when I went into labor I'd never met. Granted , COVID changed everything, but they cut most in person prenatal visits completely. Phone calls aren't the same. Care felt rushed and reactive, not guiding and proactive like my first pregnancy at another birth center. The huge bill I received was a big surprise too-- one I could/ would have avoided had I known there would be an $8000 outpatient facility fee. That was in addition to the other ~$7000 of planned and expected charges. Sure wish that information was made available to me BEFORE the birth. Postpartum care was nonexistent. Was told ' sorry we let you down" but essentially you're on your own. Not thrilled, and won't be recommending this birth center.

Working with Justine, Ale, and Rachel was definitely the best decision my spouse and I made in our…read morebirth experience! From providing evidence-based responses to our questions to helping us advocate with providers to simply cheering us on, we were so supported by this team! Justine joined us at the hospital for labor and was absolutely essential to making us both feel comfortable and safe as mine and baby's medical situation got more complicated. We truly could not have imagined doing this without her!!

If you're on the fence about hiring a doula like we were, don't be--especially if you're…read moreconsidering Justine and her team. We hired Justine for our second pregnancy because I was high-risk, on Lovenox, and managing gestational diabetes, and an unmedicated birth felt right for us. With my first pregnancy, I had no complications and chose an epidural, so my husband was very skeptical about needing a doula this time, especially since our first delivery went so smoothly. What ultimately made us move forward was knowing that my husband, being a very logical person, wouldn't be able to give me the emotional support I'd need during labor. After meeting Justine on a video call, everything instantly felt right. She was warm, supportive, and confident from the start, and she was the only doula who genuinely believed I could have an unmedicated birth--especially considering how quickly my first labor progressed with an epidural. She also reassured my husband that her support was just as much for him as it was for me. Throughout the pregnancy, Justine and her team answered every question and helped me navigate every curveball. No matter what came up, she was there with guidance, resources, and a listening ear. On delivery day, I delivered our baby girl in under an hour--completely unmedicated, just as we hoped. Even though there were moments when I wanted to give up, Justine's calm presence and steady, encouraging voice helped me push through. It ended up being the most magical birth experience I've ever had, and I still can't believe I did it. Hiring her was truly one of the best decisions we made. TL;DR: We were unsure about hiring a doula, but Justine completely changed our minds. Despite a high-risk pregnancy, she supported us from day one, reassured my skeptical husband, and helped me have a fast, completely unmedicated birth. Her calm, steady presence made it the most magical delivery experience--we're so glad we chose her.

My husband and I recently enlisted in the services of Birth Made Beautiful for the birth of our…read moresecond child. We worked with Cassanda and Kara Jo and both women made us feel safe, valued, respected, and cared for. Despite having a wonderful, uncomplicated and unmedicated birth with my first child, during my pregnancy with our second, fear and doubt began to set in. I really began to believe that all of the positives associated with my first delivery and birth were a fluke and that I either would not be able to get through a second unmedicated birth or some sort of medical emergency would arise. Kara Jo met me initially and spent a long time with me unpacking what was leading to these fears. Based on our conversation, she suggested that Hypnobirthing might be a good fit for me. Had Kara Jo not suggested Hypnobirthing, I never would have sought it out. Our initial meeting with Kara Jo's careful listening, experience, and intuitive sense for what needs to be done set the stage for the rest of our time with Birth Made Beautiful. She brought all of those same qualities to my birth. We primarily worked with Kara Jo but did do a prenatal visit with Cassandra. She felt like hanging out with an old friend who has a lot of knowledge surrounding birth. She was quite helpful in refreshing us in the Three Sisters of Balance positioning and showed my husband how to do certain types of support touches to be used during labor. (We did end up using everything she showed us so thank you very much Cassandra!) It was somewhat amusing actually as the Hypnobirthing techniques were working so well, I didn't recognize that I was as far along into labor as I was. When I thought I might need to contact the doulas for a heads up via text, Cassandra called us within minutes at about 3:00 AM. It had been decided between the two of them that Kara Jo would attend my delivery so I think Cassandra also reached out to Kara Jo. We spoke on the phone and despite my insistence that I didn't think I was in anything past early labor, Kara Jo could tell this wasn't the case. We credit her to me not having our baby on the road or in the parking lot. Thank you Kara Jo! Once at the hospital, Kara Jo took charge in terms of making sure my birth plan was executed. It was so nice to not have to bring up my preferences to the nurses or ask if certain things could be done. She was just on top of it. She was so calming, uplifting and caring. Both my husband and myself were impressed and appreciative of Birth Made Beautiful's services. Additionally, Kara Jo took a series of high-quality birth photos. She'd asked us if this was something we wanted prior to the birth. I was excited about the prospect and said "yes please" but gave some preferences in terms of what would/wouldn't be shown. While photography obviously isn't the doulas main role, I absolutely cherish these pictures showing the first moments our child entered the world. They are so sweet. Also, we were provided with a detailed timeline after the birth which we appreciate. Things are such a blur in the moment, it is really special to be able to look back at what happened and when. We would hire both doulas back in a heartbeat. They were an important part of why our second child's birth was as positive, empowering and lovely as it was. From our entire family, thank you.

Kara Jo was our Doula for our 3rd baby (a successful VBAC at 41w 6d, 10lbs 11 oz) - we had doulas…read morefor our first two as well. If we have a 4th we will definitely be asking Kara Jo to be our Doula again! What made her so different was the amazing support she provided before (processing my second birth which didn't go well, spinning babies, natural labor induction tools and pros/cons, etc) and after the birth (breastfeeding support, pt and postpartum recommendations)- although she was amazing during labor and delivery as well (hip squeezes through every contraction, coaching through different positions to progress labor, helping my care team follow our birth plan, etc)! After birth she provided us the beautiful photos she took and a write up of the birth and timeline. I am so thankful that our doctor recommended Kara Jo!!

Emily was wonderful to work with. She was so kind, helpful, intuitive, and unconditionally…read moresupportive. She has a gift for bringing calm and comfort to both parents. I was so grateful to have her as a part of my birth.

From the owner: The Tidal Doula serves the entire Twin Cities from her home in Robbinsdale. Emily is a…read moreDONA-certified birth doula who is passionate about evidence-based care and support for all birthing families. Emily's a big geek who loves to laugh in labor and create lasting connections through education and support. A doula is a nonjudgmental, unbiased, constant support system for the birthing person. Emily offer's care to everyone regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex or gender, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, ability, age, or religion. Every birth is as unique as the people who are involved, and Emily is so excited to be a part of yours! The Tidal Doula also offers sibling doula support, birth photography, and parenting classes/childbirth education for clients.

Ihotu has amazing healing in her hands and such a calm, encouraging spirit. She was the doula for…read moremy first born. Ihotu came as soon as I called and was beyond helpful, supportive, and encouraging throughout my birthing process. I wanted a natural birth with no pitocin and no epidural and she encouraged me the whole way. She helped me breath through my contractions and supported my pain with massages and calming oils. She coached me threw 24 hours of labor, and never did I feel that she was tired or impatient. She involved my family and was so pleasant with my nurses. I really trusted her advices and loved that she encouraged me to stick with my birthing plan. Even weeks after my daughters birth, Ihotu coached me on postpartum mental and physical health. She also showed me how to give my newborn a massage. I have such warm, happy, and, fond feelings when I think about my birthing experience, which is largely due to Ihotu's amazing support, useful techniques and calming presence.

I went to Ihotu not only for a relaxing massage but because I have a tight muscle over my sciatic…read morenerve from childbirth. Not only was Ihotu warm and welcoming but I melted away. The pain and discomfort immediately went away and she was able to give me some pointers on stretching and yoga position to help keep the pain at bay. I'm looking forward to a combo of T yoga and massages with her to ensure less stiffness and pain in my hip area.