Zoe Bella

(147 reviews)

6.0 km

As a dad-to-be, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect going into a hypnobirthing class. If I'm being…read morehonest, I was a little skeptical at first--"hypno" anything sounded a bit out there to me. But I signed up to support my wife, and I'm really glad I did. This class completely changed how I see birth and my role in it. Instead of feeling like a bystander, I walked away feeling informed, useful, and actually confident in how I can support my wife during labor. The techniques we learned--breathing, relaxation, visualization--aren't just for moms. I found myself using them too, and they've already helped us both stay calmer leading up to the big day. What stood out most was how much emphasis was placed on teamwork. I learned specific, practical ways to advocate for my wife, help her stay relaxed, and create a positive environment no matter how the birth unfolds. It made me feel like an active participant instead of just "the guy in the room." The instructor, Care, was very knowledgeable, approachable, and never made any question feel silly. She made the classes very comfortable and even pretty funny at times. The class also struck a great balance between education and hands-on practice, so it didn't feel like we were just sitting through lectures. If you're a partner on the fence about taking a hypnobirthing class--do it. Even if you're skeptical like I was, you'll come away with tools, confidence, and a much deeper understanding of what your partner is going through. Honestly, it's one of the best things we've done together to prepare for becoming parents.

I gave birth a couple months ago, and decided to go through Care's Hypnobirthing class, and also…read moreuse her for my placenta encapsulation, and I can't recommend her highly enough! From the very first class, it was clear that Care is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about empowering expectant parents. Her approach to hypnobirthing and breathing techniques was not only informative but also calming and reassuring for both me and my partner. We completed it feeling much more prepared and confident for the birth experience ahead. Care provided a wealth of resources, ensuring we had everything we needed to make informed decisions about our birthing plan. She was always responsive to our questions, both during the classes and even after the birth, which made a world of difference in our journey. It's rare to find someone who continues to support you even after the classes are over. Overall, the entire experience with Care was amazing. Her warmth, expertise, and dedication to her clients truly set her apart. If you're looking for guidance and support in your birth preparation, look no further than Care Messer at the Birth Education Center!

HypnoBirthing Reunion 2012

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FREE Online Class - only an hour and it will change the way you see birth!

Breathe Bitch Doula

Certified professionals

I had the best experience with Breathe Bitch Doula! Louise and Mahri were incredible. They made me…read morefeel so supported and relaxed throughout my whole journey. They are set up to tag team so one of them is guaranteed to be there for the brith which was so helpful to know that someone would be there no matter what. They helped prep me and we amazing resources throughout my pregnancy, obviously during labor, and even postpartum. I'd text them with all my "my baby is doing this is it normal" questions. I want them there for any future pregnancies and labor!

This doula agency is amazing! We've sent so many of our…read moreclients here and they always have amazing experiences. They also are our go to placenta encapsulation experts! Highly recommend for birth and postpartum doula support!

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Birth From Love

(27 reviews)

9.6 km

My husband and I decided to take Janine's class due to our holistic approach to birthing and our…read moregoal to best prepare ourselves with pain-coping strategies for a natural birth plan. Not only did Janine optimally prepare us, but we got so much more out of the class than we ever expected. Janine's approach is relatable, compassionate, friendly, kind and incredibly positive. She provided my husband and I space, in an intimate group setting, to have the tough conversations around birthing, our relationship with each other as future parents, and space to create tangible plans for prenatal care, labor and postpartum support. We would not have carved out this time to work through these topics on our own, and have so much appreciation for the tools and revelations Janine was able to help us uncover. My husband and I felt emotionally and physically ready to take on the birthing process, and felt intimately aligned as a partner duo in the process. We were especially grateful for the way Janine shed light on the birthing process due to COVID-19 and the fact that our Doula couldn't join us in the hospital as planned. My husband has such a greater understanding, respect and comfortability with supporting me in the toughest times of delivery because of Janine's curriculum. I highly recommend Janine's Birth From Love course to any conscious parents who are looking for a deeper connection, understanding and confidence in the birthing process, whether you are planning a natural birth or not. We had a smooth labor and delivery and now a happy, healthy baby girl to enjoy!

Janine is absolutely amazing! My husband and I did a private class - Birthing Again at home, which…read morewas so convenient and suitable as we are planning this birth to be at our home so it was a more appropriate comfortable setting for us. She has a ton of insight and recommendations not just about birthing/laboring the baby again, but on other topics such as postpartum plans and managing a healthy communicative relationship with your partner. Initially I thought 6 hours for a class was a bit long but it went by so fast! And we are more than happy we chose her as a guide to preparing us to do this again! Thank you Janine!!

My husband actually enjoyed and benefited from the class too!

Me and my 3 daughters

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San Diego HypnoBirthing

(124 reviews)

6.0 km

I can not say enough great things about the hynpobirthing class with Care Messer. My partner and I…read moreare first time parents and did not know the first thing about the labor and delivery process. We were very unsure about everything and looking for direction. In class we learned about what the different labor and delivery options are, what to expect from hospitals, and different techniques to use during labor. We now feel we have the tools to better understand the whole process and make the decisions that are right for us and our family. The class addressed all of my questions and I feel like the information was presented in a very unbiased way, not to mention Care is super funny and the time in class flys by! I would recommend this class to all of my friends and family.

If you are pregnant, book your class asap! I can't rave enough about their approach to preparing…read morefor birth. My husband had two kids from a previous relationship, but still was able to learn things he hadn't been present for with them. It improved our communication surrounding my pregnancy and birth, even when it took a different turn. We'd made it through four of the five classes when my son decided to he needed to get out at 30 weeks. I had so many tools in my toolbox that I felt prepared, even during the scary prospects of having preeclampsia and a NICU baby. I'm so grateful for Care and her entire team. Such a blessing!!!!

Take the fear out of birth!

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La Matriz Birth Services

(20 reviews)

5.1 km

Very grateful to have them with me. First time doing this and also first one in my family. My…read morepregnancy was very emotional, a lot of tears and I always felt in a safe environment when I was with them. Alix was my main midwife, so cheerful, supportive and looking for the best answer, with best answer no only to my questions but to my health, soul and mind. Can sound very promising and in reality the flow/pregnancy feels simple having their help. I guess is the very experience support that they have. I wish I could express more because words are short for my feeling of gratitude. Much love and best wishes for you. If you are already here...this is your way.

A million times over, I would choose Tema and her student midwife team to guide me on my pregnancy…read moreand birth journey. As a second time mom and healthcare practioner, i thought I had pretty good education on natural birth. Tema not only furthered my knowledge, but also made me and my husband feel beyond supported every step on the way. My whole body wellness was cared for, and having my emotional and spiritual health nourished along with my physical health during pregnancy was beyond what I expected. Tema takes the time to get to know you, your baby, and your partner, so by the time It is birth day, she feels like family. I completely trusted her at a moment that was so vulnerable to me. We hit a snag during labor, but Tema handled it so professionally and confidently and we were able to safely deliver my healthy baby boy at home. It was a beautiful experience. I am convinced that Tema's knowledge of spinning babies facilitated my labor to progress and if I had been in a traditional birth setting, it would have went differently. If you are looking for a caring and trustworthy midwife for your home birth, please choose Tema. Her passion for her calling is evident in every interaction and she is a blessing to the home birth community.

Big Sister meeting little sister at an at home birth with the La Matriz team supporting the family.

Prenatal Yoga

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Tema with baby Luna at our 5 day post-partum visit

Happy Mama

1.0

(2 reviews)

7.0 km

Happy Mama is owned by a larger entity called Reach Healthcare and this corporate-style of "doula"…read morecare is a waste of time for pregnant people actually interested in doula services. Thankfully, my Sharp insurance covered the 2 appointments I had with them, but this review is for those who would have to pay out-of-pocket expenses for Happy Mama (HM). When HM first reaches out to you, none of the phone admins can tell you anything specific about the three Happy Mama doulas based in SD (namely Fran, Diana, and Louise), their résumés/CVs (e.g., how many live births attended, how long they've been DONA-certified, etc.) or anything about them in general (e.g., how many clients will they have around the time I give birth to avoid time conflicts, etc.), but the staff will gate keep you from meeting these doulas unless you have a contract in place with your insurance info handed over. I was billed for two appointments: an initial intake appointment and a virtual appointment with an LA-based doula (but I'm based in SD). The 3rd appointment I would've had today at 3pm was a no-show by the doula without any communication from her (since I was not allowed her number) or the HM staff. I've even included a picture of the 6 phone calls I made between 3-4pm to different HM numbers from their website and those listed on email signatures of previous HM staff, yet no one picked up. Even 20 minutes into the appointment, I emailed the doula herself and cc'd the HM global admin email and even now there is no response. I did get a call later at 4:04 (1hr 14min) past the appointment after I told them I was no longer interested in doula services. The staff member apologized saying my scheduled doula had a personal emergency and that notifications to patients weren't timely sent out. Hard to tell if HM is horrible because of the business model, the admin staff, or the doulas themselves! Pregnancy is stressful enough and this experience added unnecessary amounts of it. Overall, I felt compelled to write this review for anyone researching this organization as an option--don't! I'd give zero (0) stars if I could.

The people have been nice, but this is not a real authentic doula practice. This is a system,…read moretaking advantage of new reimbursement for doula services within a corporate model of healthcare. I used it because it was covered by insurance, but there have been a few appointments that the patient navigator or the doula were late or were no-shows. Visits are perfunctory and follow a list of routine questions without much insight, commentary, or tangible supports. Although I have not experienced the Doula at my actual birth, at this point, I would really not feel comfortable inviting somebody from happy mama into my birthing space. The Doula's do not seem professional or skilled. If you look on their website, they don't need many qualifications at all to become a doula. I'm actually quite disappointed in models like this because they devalue other doulas who are providing comprehensive emotionally, supportive, highly skilled care to prenatal and postpartum moms.

Happy Mama provides in person and online programs leaded by expects in maternal health.

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Joyful Roots

(137 reviews)

3.8 km

So much gratitude to this amazing doula duo!!…read more From the first time we met with April and Joy we felt comfortable and confident in our decision to work together. We are from out of town and I came down to San Diego first as my husband had to finish work and it was very reassuring to have April and Joy as part of our birth team in case I went into labor earlier than expected. Throughout my pregnancy all the resources, check ins, and words of encouragement that April and Joy provided were much appreciated. They were also very quick to respond to any questions/concerns that I had. The morning of my delivery my surges came in very quickly. I contacted Joy and April right away and shortly after had a phone conversation with Joy to confirm it was time to head to the hospital. She met my husband and I there and it was such a relief to see and have her support during the most challenging part of my labor. Her calming presence, hands on comfort measures were invaluable and she worked so harmoniously with the hospital staff. The photos she captured of our first moments with our second born are truly priceless. After delivery I had unexpected bleeding and I'm so thankful to have Joy's knowledge on the different types of medications. She helped slowed things down and explained the benefits of them for my case and I felt confident in my decision making. I am incredibly thankful for April's belly binding offering postpartum. The foot bath and belly massage was such a treat and it was a lovely way to wrap up our time together with her. There isn't a single thing I would have changed with my birth experience. April and Joy are a fantastic team, highly highly recommend them!

Working with Joyful Roots was truly one of the best decisions we made, and I can honestly say that…read moreJoy and April are the number one thing I credit for helping me have such a beautiful, positive birth experience. Before giving birth, I was someone who felt really nervous and unsure about the whole experience. But after going through it, I genuinely tell everyone that I loved giving birth, which is something I never thought I would say! That is such a testament to the incredible support and care Joy and April provided throughout my pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience. My hope going into birth was to labor naturally at home as long as possible and remain open to getting an epidural once I was at the hospital and further along in active labor. They helped me achieve exactly that. While we were laboring at home, April was the one on the phone coaching my husband and me through contractions, helping us feel safe and calm. She offered different suggestions for positions and comfort measures that made such a difference. My husband shared after that he would have been freaking out much more and probably would have pushed going to the hospital earlier if it was not for her guidance. When Joy met us at the hospital, I instantly felt a huge sense of comfort and relief the moment I saw her. She was tremendously helpful supporting me through contractions with her touch through different comfort measures. After I got the epidural, she continued to be so knowledgeable and helped position me in ways that encouraged baby to be in the best possible position for birth. He was more to the side before but she made such a difference in getting him in a great position. What stood out most to me was how deeply seen and understood I felt by her. She was so in tune with my needs, emotions, and what I needed in each moment in a way that felt different from anyone else present in the room at my birth. Her presence was grounding and incredibly reassuring. Even after I gave birth, when I was feeling overwhelmed by all the emotions and hormones, she noticed immediately and supported me so thoughtfully and gently. That care meant so much to me. I know hiring a doula is an investment, but truly, it was one of the greatest gifts I could have given myself, my family, and my birth experience. If you are considering working with Joyful Roots, I cannot recommend Joy and April enough.

This is one of many photos Joy took to capture our birth experience - this was right before my final push!

Placenta caps via Joyful Roots in their beautiful packaging!

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Mother with newborn and doula

Light In the Womb Birth Services

4.7

(12 reviews)

16.7 km

I met Jenn Smith in February 2020 after being referred to her by my chiropractor. After meeting…read moreJenn, I decided to hire her as my doula for my first child's birth in July 2020. In addition to doula services, I also hired Jenn to teach Hypnobirthing classes and to do placenta encapsulation. After sending Jenn my signed contract and her 50% retainer, communication with her started to decrease and become more difficult. I contacted Jenn at 36 weeks to try and set up our prenatal visit and received no response. I reached out again at 37 weeks on June 22nd, and Jenn finally responded and we scheduled our prenatal visit for the following week. The following day I had a placenta abruption and I had to rush to the hospital for an emergency c-section. I contacted Jenn that morning and she was able to go to the hospital and retrieve my placenta in order to do the encapsulation. Due to the emergency c-section, Jenn's contract stated I was owed three sessions of 4 hour postpartum support. We scheduled the visits the following week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday and Jenn stated she would bring my placenta pills with her to the visit. After leaving the hospital, I sent Jenn the remaining 50% of the payment due on our contract to ensure that I paid according to contract terms. On the first day of the postpartum support service, Jenn texted me 45 minutes before she was supposed to arrive to let me know she would be running late due to a family emergency. After not hearing from Jenn for two hours, I decided to cancel the visit for that day. Jenn no showed, no called for the postpartum support services we had scheduled for both Wednesday, July 1st and Friday, July 3rd. My husband and I tried to contact Jenn by phone and email on numerous occasions in regards to postpartum services and receiving my placenta pills with no success. I reached out to my chiropractor who I knew was also using Jenn as a doula to let her know how difficult it had been to contact Jenn and how she still has not provided me any of the services I paid for. My chiropractor reached out to Jenn in an attempt to get my placenta pills from her to give to me. I finally received an email from Jenn on August 5 stating she heard that I was trying to contact her and she didn't know why she had not received any of my emails or phone messages. She stated she still had my pills ready to go and that she still wanted to support me postpartum. I responded to Jenn that same day and to this day I still have not received any response from Jenn. I am now four months postpartum and still have not received my placenta pills or any doula support services from Jenn. She only provided Hypnobirthing classes. I have requested a partial refund per her contract terms of Failure for a Doula to Provide Services and Jenn has not replied to my refund email and denied my payment request on Venmo. For a first time mom, who had a scary birth experience, the last thing I should have to do is try to track down my doula who I entered into a contract with for birth support. Jenn's lack of communication has left a pretty bad impression in regards to the role of a doula. Even though my delivery did not go as planned, I still made sure I lived up to my end of the contract and made sure Jenn was paid the full balance as soon as I left the hospital. I would never recommend Jenn Smith as a doula and I would not trust her with my child.

Jenn is absolutely amazing! She was with me for the births of both of my girls, and I truly believe…read moreI couldn't have made it through without her. She has a calm, gentle spirit, a beautiful smile, and an absolute love of all things baby. She also is a hypnobirthing instructor - sign up for the classes!! They are SO worth it!!!!! My two labors/deliveries were very different, so I summed up each one below. **My first labor/delivery experience wasn't quite what I expected. I allowed some medical interventions that seemed to snowball and create a lot of issues with my labor, and each problem created more problems.... Jenn helped me utilize hypnobirthing methods to focus and kept my head in the right place when circumstances made it hard to focus. She helped me deliver my baby safely, and I honestly don't know how I could have made it through it without her. **My second labor/delivery was the polar opposite of my first. I took Jenn's hypnobirthing classes this time, but I was still scared that things would go wrong again (terrified actually). Jenn helped me realize that I could do it and helped me stay true to what I really wanted: No medications/no IV/ as few checks as possible... And I did it! It was incredible, and hard, and amazing and made me want to have 57 more babies! Jenn + hypnobirthing helped keep me focused and in the zone the entire time. I love Jenn, and I will absolutely use her services if my crazy hormones win out and I have 57 more babies

Jenn with a happy, peaceful, HypnoBirth baby

Hard at work :)

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Birthing by Heart

(6 reviews)

26.1 km

Sumer and Hugo's birthing class was exactly what my husband and I were looking for in a class. It…read morehelped us prepare as first time parents and made us excited about labor and birth. My husband was able to learn from Hugo, an experienced dad, on the ways that he could be involved and how to best support me during pregnancy, labor and postpartum. This class gave us the confidence about the birthing process and all the options for any decisions we needed to make during labor and birth. Sumer's prenatal yoga classes were amazing. I felt much less stressed and more relaxed after each class. I learned different poses and breathing exercises I was able to use during labor that helped with the position of the baby and the pain! I had a great labor and birthing experience thanks to everything we learned from Sumer and Hugo and all the support and guidance they provided. Sumer was always checking in on me and we even came by postpartum to her breastfeeding support class and she helped me so much with my breastfeeding journey. My husband and I highly recommend this class and can't thank Sumer and Hugo enough for everything!

We are preparing for our baby boy to arrive in July, and we just completed the 4-week birthing…read moreclass with Sumer and her husband, Hugo. They are truly amazing, and we loved their class. It was informative, intimate, empowering, and helpful. It left us feeling more prepared for the birth of our first child. My partner loved having Hugo there. Hugo brought tremendous value to him from a male's perspective, and my boyfriend could relate to Hugo and his suggestions for supporting me during my pregnancy and birth. I highly recommend Sumer and Hugo's class. The value was great for the price we paid. We are also returning soon for their "Bringing Baby Home Class"!

I'm Sumer and I'm here to educate, encourage and empower you to have the best birth and postpartum experience possible!

I'm Sumer and I'm here to educate, encourage and empower you to have the best birth and postpartum experience possible! Call today!

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I'm Sumer and I'm here to educate, encourage and empower you to have the best birth and postpartum experience possible! Call today!

Placenta Encapsulation & Organic Herbal Remedies

(2 reviews)

2.3 km

I honestly don't even know where to start! I met Joanna through a yoga studio in North park because…read moreshe did prenatal massages in the studio. I was about 3 months pregnant when I started getting massages with her once a week. And off the bat, her and I clicked so well! She's truly so amazing and so passionate at everything she does! She made my pregnancy a breeze! I could do it over and over again! I call her my pregnancy and birth angel! I knew that I wanted a doula as I was preparing for a natural birth, so when I found out that it is one of the services she offered, I already knew she was it and I didn't even have to look around and interview anyone else. Throughout pregnancy she gave so many pointers and advice and I see the difference it has made with my daughter. On the day I was giving birth, she was at the hospital within minutes, she was there the whole entire 37 hours and maybe took a 4 hour nap within the whole time. I cant even go into detail about all the things she's done during my birth.. I guess it's more like what didn't she do for us?! Lol but after I gave birth, she took my placenta and sterilized it, and encapsulated it at her home, came back a few hours later with my own placenta shake. People might find that gross but it was actually really yummy, tasted like mixed fruit smoothie, you can't even taste the placenta. I took my placenta for about 3 months. Never had postpartum depression and it helped me feel energized! Even though I ended up with a c-section, I was up doing chores within 5 days after birth! I didn't feel tired or lazy as long as I was taking my pills! My mom and sisters even had to force me to stop doing everything I was doing. My placenta pills helped reduce post-natal bleeding and also helped with my milk production but since my daughter couldn't latch as she was 3.5 weeks early it got very hard and after 2.5 months, I dried up. A couple of weeks after my birth, Joanna massaged me focusing on my stomach to reduce the bloating and to start moving everything to get back to my pre pregnancy state. She also used cupping during the massage to help promote healing. I had the herbal steam bath done, which was amazing! Afterwards I felt so brand new down there and so clean.. I did bleed heavily after but I felt it took out all the gunk that was there for the last 9 months lol (sorry..tmi)! She's given my daughter infant massages and she taught me how to do them as well, which I do on my daughter everyday for bonding. I can't even tell you what a good and calm baby I have and I honestly believe it's because of how easy and relaxing my whole pregnancy was! Every service I've received through Joanna, she's blown me away by her work and passion every time! I love her so much and honestly wouldn't give birth without her, and that is coming from my partner as well! Even if we had to fly her out somewhere as long as she's there lol! Absolutely amazing and I'm so blessed to have found her!

Joanna is AWESOME! She provided incredible support and healing remedies to me postpartum. The…read moreherbal remedies helped me heal quickly; her binding helped my ligaments reattach; the stretching methods kept me strong and relaxed; and her outstanding postnatal massage utterly restored my being. She has my strongest recommendation for herbal remedies, prenatal and postnatal massage and postpartum doula services.

Placenta Encapsulation In San Diego

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ABC Children's Center at San Diego

4.6

(118 reviews)

28.8 km

Women-owned & operated

Kid friendly

Both of our children had attended ABC Children's Center over the past 7 years and we have had a…read morewonderful experience and are so grateful for the care our children received and continue to receive every day. The staff is warm, caring, and creates a safe, fun environment where children can learn and grow. A special thank you to Ms. Swapnil, whose kindness, patience, and dedication have made such a positive impact on our child. It's clear that she genuinely cares about the children and loves what she does. Knowing our children are happy, well cared for, and excited to go to daycare each day gives us tremendous peace of mind. We highly recommend this learning center to any family looking for a nurturing and supportive environment.

Our two children have been attending this daycare for 3 years and 1 year respectively, and we…read morecouldn't be happier with our experience. Communication is excellent. We receive regular updates throughout the day via the app and email, which gives us real peace of mind and keeps us connected to what our kids are doing. It's clear the staff genuinely care about the children -- they're attentive, warm, and create a nurturing environment. We also love the variety of activities they organize. From family hour to the summer and fall parties, and special outings like the SeaWorld excursion, there's always something fun and engaging happening. These events also help build a real sense of community among the families. Honestly, we can't say enough good things. If you're looking for a daycare where your kids will be genuinely well cared for and you'll always know what's going on, this is the one.

We offer a learning environment that promotes your child's creativity, emotional well-being, and intellect. Book your school tour today!

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Fleur De Lis School

(42 reviews)

6.4 km

Fleur de Lis School provided our son and our family the most incredible experience we could have…read moreever asked for. In our 2 years there, we watched our son grow immensely in his confidence, relationships, and overall love of learning. He was sad to leave school every day and excited to wake up and start the day with his amazing friends and teachers. The approach and philosophy that Fleur de Lis takes truly allows each child to blossom in their own unique and beautiful way and we not only got to experience this with our son, but saw it with his classmates as well. We saw our son make presentations to his class about a science or art project he did with us at home or proudly present his show and tell Spider-man toy to his classmates - we are so grateful to the entire Fleur de Lis community for encouraging this level of self-esteem and individuality. The staff at Fleur de Lis is truly one of a kind - the professional, yet individualized attention of Tina Smith and April Kozelh as directors is amazing. They know your child personally and do everything in their power to make your child's experience at Fleur de Lis enriching and creative. Our son still talks about Ms. Tina coming into their classroom and reading them special books (his favorite was about an owl in NYC) and Tina consistently shared specific memories of our son's social and emotional growth during his time there. The teachers we had at Fleur de Lis (Ms. Sandy, Ms. Chelsea, Ms. Amber, Ms. Kiara and Ms. Diana for Spanish) were incredible in every way - we appreciated the attention to the holistic needs of each child - the cognitive, physical, and emotional were all given attention and we saw our son blossom in each area. The day our son "graduated" Fleur de Lis School was a bittersweet one - we were thrilled to know he was ready for kindergarten, but also so sad to say goodbye to the daily moments of this special community. Our son couldn't stop hugging his amazing teacher Ms. Sandy at the singing show - clearly showing the same emotions we felt as parents.

If you are a new parent, join the FDL wait list now -- trust me, your older parent self will thank…read moreyou! It's hard to explain the magical and nurturing environment this school provides. I remember my son, Julian, sobbing when I left him on his first day as a two year old, and my heart was breaking. In less than a week, he was all smiles at drop off, excited to see his teachers and friends. Since then, he's thrived at this school, both emotionally and educationally. Now, two years later, he's heading to Francis Parker, and looking back on his time at FDL, I can't express how grateful I am to the amazing team there. There are a few specifics that make FDL special: The community -- everyone at FDL knows Julian's name, even teachers who aren't assigned to his class. Pre-Covid, when I would pick him up from his classroom, his daily departure was like a little parade, with waves and goodbyes to friends, teachers, directors, everyone. You really feel like part of a family here. Kira, Bev, April, Julie, Julia, Diana, Iris, Nina, Autumn, and many others...each has been a unique and positive impact on Julian and our family over the past two years. The safety -- speaking of Covid, I don't think I appreciated how nice it is to have total confidence in the efforts of the FDL team to keep my child safe at all costs until this pandemic. When they reopened under new safety guidelines, I never once worried they would slack or not keep the sanitation and safety bar high. In fact, Julian now inspects my hand washing and admonishes me if I have not made enough soap bubbles or washed long enough . They always ran a tight ship, but it's exceptional now. The positive reinforcement of high expectations -- on my visit prior to enrolling at FDL, I saw all the kids eating lunch as they chattered politely and consistently used manners. On the playground, no one pushed. They all took turns. What's more, they were still incredibly joyous little kids, giggling and delighting in silly play. I was in awe. And yet, now Julian models those same behaviors. FDL teachers are kind and warm, but firm. They set a high bar, and the kids rise to meet it. At the same time, there is tremendous fun had on the daily at this school. Julian greets me at pick up with a big smile and a hug, his cheeks flushed from play and sand in his shoes. He excitedly shows me his projects and tells me funny stories and things he learned from the day. FDL is exceptional. If you have the chance to send your child there, take it. You would be hard pressed to find a more loving and capable setting. We will miss it terribly!

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Ana's Little Kangaroos Child Care

(18 reviews)

15.0 km

Our son spent close to a year with Ana. We are so grateful to have had Ana be a part of our sons…read moreand our life. It is easy to see how much love Ana has for the children. We saw improvement in development steps right away, sharing, communicating, playing with others. Ana is great with communicating with the parents, and I always felt like I was leaving my son in great hands. We are sad that his time with Ana has come to an end, but know that other families will benefit from a truly caring provider.

Ana and Mirko set the standard for a loving, nurturing, and safe home daycare experience. Both my…read moreson and daughter have attended Ana's Little Kangaroos, starting in summer of 2022. Ana has always been so in tune with what is going on with my children developmentally and is very observant to their individual needs. She goes above and beyond to model respect, autonomy, and love. I trust Ana and Mirko implicitly with the care of my children, which is a true blessing as working parents. They provide healthy breakfast and snacks, structured activities, learning, art, and have lots and lots of fun :). If we could take Ana and Mirko on our cross country move to continue caring for our children, we absolutely would!

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The Lulus Montessori

(28 reviews)

1.1 km

We absolutely love the Lulus Montessori! The staff is amazing with the kids and they get an amazing…read moreeducation. We are always surprised by how much they learn and how much fun they have. Also their meal plan is great. We are very fortunate to have our son there. We looked at around 10 different places and it gave us anxiety because we really wanted our son to be at Lulus which was much much better than all the other places we saw all over San Diego.

We've been taking our son to Lulus Montessori since he was about 18 months, and it has been the…read morebest daycare/preschool experience we could have hoped for. The teachers are incredibly loving and thoughtful. I especially love the fact that they celebrate birthdays and holidays and create opportunities for parents to get to know each other, too. My child has grown by leaps and bounds, and his interactions with the other children are fun to see. The fact that meals are provided (bfast, lunch and snacks) is a godsend. Several daycares/preschools in the region claim to be Spanish immersion but aren't actually (e.g., they speak English to the kiddos). At Lulus, I feel like we get a truly authentic Spanish immersion program for our son, knowing instruction is exclusively in Spanish. And it shows. My son 100% understands Spanish when it is spoken to him and he mixes Spanish and English in his vocabulary regularly. I credit Lulus for a large part of that bilingual ability and look forward to seeing his fluency improve in the years to come. Highly recommend Lulus!!

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ABCD Montessori Christian Preschool

19.9 km

I wish I could give more stars. We love it as well, because our daughter loves learning at her own…read morepace here. ! She learns both English and Spanish! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! Quality of her teaching and the value the kids learn is amazing!!!!!

This review is overdue. Aria came under Ms, Gladys' care 2 years ago. She was skinny, picky at…read morefood. Aria could have gone to TK but I kept her at Gladys 1 more year bc I did not think she was ready for a bigger school. Now after 2 years, she has flourished so much. She eats all kind of food, actually Ms Gladys' food is the best not mommy's . She reads well, is good at math, follows Montessori. Kumon even complimented her she had passed TK level on math. This is coming to an end for Aria at ABCD as she will start kindergarten soon. It is such a bittersweet moment. But at least I know I will bring my second daughter to her soon. Thanks Gladys and Pablo for loving her, caring for her from feeding 1 spoon of food at a time. She is now ready for K, and she is well equipped because of you. This is not just daycare, it is preschool and love and heart. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Ready the area for our Thanksgiving pictures!!

The table is ready to take a picture of all of you!

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Sensory activity

Aspen Leaf Preschool - BTMCCC

(6 reviews)

6.8 km

Aspen Leaf Daycare in Downtown has been an absolute blessing. There are so many benefits to speak…read moreof including incredible teachers and staff with extensive degrees, experience and training; three quality meals served each day; very flexible drop off and pickup times; consistent availability; and options for discounts for federal and military parents. I can't speak highly enough about the great community, Parent Board, and tremendous learning environment that our kids get each and every day. A tour is your best bet to see for yourself! Overall, great value.

The teachers and directors at Aspen Leaf Preschool Downtown San Diego are so wonderful. My son has…read morebeen going here since he was in the infant room and just runs in every morning excited for the day. You can't beat walking to school to drop off your kiddo in the morning at a place they love. If you're living/working in or near downtown San Diego, I highly recommend this daycare and preschool. The low ratios and provided snacks/lunch are just icing on the cake. We are not federal employees, but the daycare is located behind security in the federal building and there are special rates for those who are government employees.

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8 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Krystah S.

2

8

0

12 years ago

I met Trisha at Best Start Birthing Center for a birthing class I signed up for. I had already had my first child but wanted a little more of a holistic approach with my second baby because I was forced to have a hospital birth the first time. From the very first class I was truly impressed. Trisha has a way of calming everyone in the room with just the tone of her voice. I learned so much from her and was refreshed on other areas of the birth and post partum process I had long forgot. I truly enjoyed going every week and would recommend anyone to go that is looking for a little extra knowledge on natural and even hospital births. When Trisha mentioned she also did encapsulation of the placenta I was immediately intrigued. I had heard only stories and read articles on the subject. After one class we were able to view a placenta that was only a few hours old. Now to most people that might sound pretty gross. However, seeing this placenta along with the sac and umbilical cord your newborn had been growing in for months is one of the most astounding things. After all your body creates this item to promote the healthy growth of your little boy or girl. She discussed in full detail everything about the placenta and the process she goes through to encapsulate it. Hands down, it was a done deal for me. I was definitely going to do it! When I delivered my baby at the birth center I was able to see my placenta before Trisha picked it up. Which by the way was the very same day. Talk about fast! Within 2 days I had my capsules! She came over with the cutest gift and card for me and it felt like I had a friend there. It wasn't a professional hi and goodbye. It truly made the ending of my experience with her memorable. I am now almost 2 weeks post partum and I take the capsules everyday. Within an hour I feel energized and able to get things done. Over all l, I feel that what nutrients were sent to the placenta for my baby initially are being in a way up cycled and going right back to him. The benefits I've heard of seem to ring true. I would recommend every expecting mom do encapsulation if she can. Over all Trisha as a whole was just astounding. If you have the pleasure of working with her do so asap! read more

Dianne S.

0

1

0

14 years ago

Trisha, IS the most amazing doula in the market. She was my doula for each of my THREE children, and all three birth experiences are different and awesome in their own way because she had a huge part of it. If you're a first-time Mom, Trisha is a must-have because she will be your spoke-person when the time comes that you are no longer able to make any sense of your surrounding. How blessed am I to have her during my first birth (transported at the hospital via ambulance after lack of progress from the birth center). I was so scared because I did not expect to birth at the hospital, let alone, be stuck at 6cm. Trisha helped me get my composure together and with her expertise, I was able to birth naturally (the way I have hoped and planned to be) without epidural. I cannot believe that I was able to go through such strong contractions (I had to get induced to progress my labor) but with Trisha on my side, anything, and everything is possible! Trisha has such a kind heart, you won't go wrong in choosing her as your doula. She is not only very educated with the birthing process and lactation, but she is also very warm and trustworthy, which are very important qualities when you're looking for a doula. My second birth with Trisha was amazing as well, it was the first time that I had my placenta encapsulated. Trisha made sure I had my precious capsules just in time for me to go back to nursing school (3 days post-partum). Those placenta capsules are amazing! It's what gave me energy to resume clinicals and take care of my toddler and my new baby, plenty of milk to pump during the day and nurse at night, NO post-partum blues, and light on bleeding. I cannot express my gratitude enough for Trisha for accommodating my placenta the third time I gave birth (8 weeks ago). Without these amazing pills, I would not have passed my boards and become an RN, BSN at five weeks post-partum! Trisha is not just a doula, she is also a friend and a mentor So if you're looking for the best package around, hire Trisha and you won't regret! If you need further reference, I would be more than happy to talk to you and your partner about Trisha's amazing abilities. read more

Jayme L.

0

8

1

14 years ago

My doula recommended Trisha's placenta encapsulation services and I am so glad that I had my placenta encapsulated by her. Trisha responded to my email inquiries very promptly and provided all of the details about her services and answered all of my questions. She is very professional and even followed up with me to see how I felt after I had been taking the pills for a few days. On the day I delivered my daughter, she even came to the hospital to pick up my placenta so that it wouldn't need to be kept frozen and could be processed quickly. My pills were ready a couple of days later and I started taking them right away. This was my first baby so I don't have a prior post partum experience to compare to but I it has only been 9 days since I gave birth (after a very long labor) and I feel great. Despite not getting much sleep, I have a lot of energy and my mood is very stable. I have been getting out of the house every day and am amazed at how good I feel so soon after giving birth. I really think the capsules have a lot to do with my fast recovery! read more

Daisy V.

0

16

1 year ago

I had the pleasure of working with Trish for placenta encapsulation, and I couldn't be happier with the experience! From start to finish. She was incredibly easy to communicate with, which made the process stress-free and seamless. She picked up my placenta directly from the hospital right after delivery and brought the capsules back to the hospital within 24 hours. Since taking the placenta pills, I have felt amazing during this postpartum period. I truly believe that these capsules have played a significant role in my overall well-being. I highly recommend Trish's placenta encapsulation service to all mothers -- it's a wonderful option for anyone looking to support their recovery and health after childbirth! read more

Michele Z.

0

2

1

1 year ago

I had the pleasure of working with Trisha for the second time to encapsulate my placenta, and I couldn't be more satisfied. She is incredibly reliable and always prompt in her communication. The process was seamless she picked up my placenta from Mary Birch and dropped off the pills a couple days later. After taking the pills, I noticed a real difference in how I felt. They definitely helped with how l felt and contributed to increased milk production, which was a huge relief. I highly recommend Trisha for anyone looking to encapsulate their placenta. Her professionalism and the benefits of her work are unmatched! read more

nicole b.

25

7

1

6 years ago

I had Trisha do my capsules for all three of my kids. I am convinced it help me with recovery. The process was easy and Trisha was so accommodating and such a pleasure to work with. She was very personable and went above and beyond for each of my babies making a special momento for them and a gift bag for me. She met my husband each time and delivered within 24 hours where I was still at the hospital. I am so thankful for Trisha on this birthing journey. read more

Alisha L.

0

1

0

1 year ago

Trish is absolutely amazing! I had my placenta encapsulated after both my pregnancies from her and everything turned out wonderful. She is very professional and always adds an extra warm touch for mamas by including photos and tips on how to best take care during this postpartum period. I have really appreciated her care and support during both my postpartum journeys and would highly recommend her services to future clients! read more

Izamar A.

0

1

0

2 years ago

I love the work Trish does with encapsulating your placenta she is very fast and efficient. I feel great when i take the placenta pills also added note i feel it helps with my milk production read more

Zoe Bella - doulas - Updated July 2026

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Journey Southward

(15 reviews)

This class was amazing. Emilie is one of the most caring people. She taught me so many necessary…read morethings to prepare for child birth. She is funny and made me feel seen and heard.

I have known Emilie for a couple of years through church. She was an extremely trusted and…read morerecommended birth educator and doula from my friends. I had read the Hynobirthing book before the labor for my first child. I did not connect with techniques, they felt too "heady" and like they were trying to ignore the immense amount of pressure I was feeling in my body during labor. Those methods lasted about 1 hour in my labor, then I was like, "If you ask me to envision another ocean wave I will slap you!" ... Needless to say, I knew going into labor #2 with our next babe I needed to do something different. Emilie taught Bradley Method (I think she is teaching something slightly different now?) at the time (2017). My husband and I decided to attend her class in Kearny Mesa for many weeks (was it 10? 12? It's all blurry now haha!). What I LOOOOOOOVED about Emilie is she is confident in her birth knowledge, so she swayed slightly from the 90's Bradley Method book that desperately needed some updates. AND she also combined some of the more natural techniques that swung closer to hypnobirthing, included some labor videos, and brought in previous clients, midwives, and nurses for questions. She acknowledged the immense amount of pressure/pain during labor, and didn't call it something else. I NEEDED that acknowledgment. YES, labor is SO HARD. And Emilie knows that. Yet she so brilliantly taught us techniques to labor well. I think the best shift for me was the practice of the techniques in and out of her class. She made sure we practiced at least 10 minutes a day. Doing that from week 28 of pregnancy till labor-- I felt equipped. My second labor was AMAZING. I knew how to labor without exhausting myself. I was equipped with a rebozo that felt right for my height- which I only knew because I had so much time to practice with different ones during Emilie's course. I learned how to communicate to my husband without making him feel like a failure. My husband learned how to be hands on when I wanted him to, and how to serve hands off when I needed to be in my head. He learned methods like head squeezing, gentle squeezes on a wet wash cloth consistently running down my back during contractions, how to position himself to hold my full body weight on the rebozo and not hurt his back, he learned how to track my labor progress by sight without asking me any questions of where I was at, and so much more. I highly recommend Emilie's services, in whatever capacity you desire. Doula, birth educator, advice, etc.

Night & Day

(104 reviews)

My husband and I had an incredible experience working with our night doula, Jacqui. From the very…read morebeginning, she brought such a calming, warm, and reassuring presence into our home and immediately put us at ease as new parents. She is extremely knowledgeable and experienced, and naturally wonderful with newborns. Not only did our daughter thrive under her care, but my husband and I were finally able to get much needed rest and feel more confident as parents. Jacqui also taught us so much along the way and always made us feel supported, never judged. We are so grateful for her help during those early months and truly cannot recommend her highly enough to any family looking for a compassionate and highly skilled doula.

We had a great experience with our doula, Katie. She was incredibly supportive during those first…read morefew weeks with our newborn and helped us so much. She was kind, caring, and always made us feel supported. She truly felt like the big sister I needed during such an important time. The only downside of my experience was the lactation support. I only attended two sessions because, unfortunately, they were very stressful. During the first visit, the lactation consultant arrived late, seemed rushed, and left me with a few nipple shields that ultimately didn't work well for me. At the end, I didn't end up using them because they weren't helpful. The second session felt very similar. It also felt rushed and stressful, and my baby became stressed as well. Because of those experiences, I decided not to continue with the lactation sessions. Overall, I'm very grateful for Katie's support, and she made a huge positive difference during our postpartum journey.

Born to Blossom

(41 reviews)

I have used Candace now as a lactation consultant with both of my newborn daughters. She is the…read moremost amazing person that takes care in helping you along every step of the way with breastfeeding. She checks in often and is available to provide assistance and advice as you need it. She has helped make both of my postpartum and feeding journeys feel a lot less lonely and do-able!!

After a very difficult journey to get pregnant, I welcome my baby girl just 2 weeks ago but nothing…read morewent according to plan and I felt like I was struggling with everything that should "come naturally" to a mom. I was recommended Candace to help me navigate through all my questions and worries and it was a game changer to say the least!!! Right away she listened to all my concerns and I felt like she was really listening and cared about our family. She went above and beyond in following up and made some amazing suggestions, for feedings, that took away so much stress and frustration. I don't know what I would have done without her! Highly highly recommend!

New Wave Birth & Wellness

If you are thinking about reaching out to Aly at New Wave consider this your sign to DO IT…read moreIMMEDIATELY! It will be the best decision you make for yourself and your new family. From the earliest days of postpartum, Aly met me with kindness, calm, and such deep knowledge that I instantly felt supported and safe. She gently taught me the intricacies of breastfeeding and lactation, helped me understand my newborn in ways that felt empowering instead of overwhelming, and somehow always knew what I needed before I even had to ask. She cared for my baby overnight on several occasions so I could actually rest, but we spent a lot of our time together during the day when she cooked meals, helped keep my space together, and made those foggy early weeks feel manageable and human. But what makes Aly so special is that she never just cared for my son--she cared for me. She encouraged me to take showers, watched the baby while I squeezed in a workout once the time felt right for my body, and slowly helped guide me back to feeling like myself again. Her support was lighthearted and warm, yet deeply grounding. She brought peace into our home during such a tender, vulnerable season, and I will forever be grateful for the way she showed up for our family. Aly is a gift, and anyone lucky enough to have her as their doula is truly in the best hands.

I am a true believer of postpartum doula care after working with Aly and her team! As a first time…read moreparent, I was really nervous about raising a baby and the toll postpartum takes on a new mom. The care I received from Aly's team made a HUGE difference in my experience. We worked with Aly, Naomi, Ledale, and Tori - who provided night support for 6 weeks. I couldn't recommend them enough. Everyone was focused on both newborn education and the mental/physical wellbeing of parents. It was so nice to have someone to talk to about my baby - what her personality is like, care goals to work on, and just providing humor to the whole experience. Naomi, our primary doula, went above and beyond at this and I was sad to see her go after our 6 weeks was up. I wish everyone could have this type of support postpartum because it made the newborn trenches so much better.

Joyful Roots

(137 reviews)

So much gratitude to this amazing doula duo!!…read more From the first time we met with April and Joy we felt comfortable and confident in our decision to work together. We are from out of town and I came down to San Diego first as my husband had to finish work and it was very reassuring to have April and Joy as part of our birth team in case I went into labor earlier than expected. Throughout my pregnancy all the resources, check ins, and words of encouragement that April and Joy provided were much appreciated. They were also very quick to respond to any questions/concerns that I had. The morning of my delivery my surges came in very quickly. I contacted Joy and April right away and shortly after had a phone conversation with Joy to confirm it was time to head to the hospital. She met my husband and I there and it was such a relief to see and have her support during the most challenging part of my labor. Her calming presence, hands on comfort measures were invaluable and she worked so harmoniously with the hospital staff. The photos she captured of our first moments with our second born are truly priceless. After delivery I had unexpected bleeding and I'm so thankful to have Joy's knowledge on the different types of medications. She helped slowed things down and explained the benefits of them for my case and I felt confident in my decision making. I am incredibly thankful for April's belly binding offering postpartum. The foot bath and belly massage was such a treat and it was a lovely way to wrap up our time together with her. There isn't a single thing I would have changed with my birth experience. April and Joy are a fantastic team, highly highly recommend them!

Working with Joyful Roots was truly one of the best decisions we made, and I can honestly say that…read moreJoy and April are the number one thing I credit for helping me have such a beautiful, positive birth experience. Before giving birth, I was someone who felt really nervous and unsure about the whole experience. But after going through it, I genuinely tell everyone that I loved giving birth, which is something I never thought I would say! That is such a testament to the incredible support and care Joy and April provided throughout my pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience. My hope going into birth was to labor naturally at home as long as possible and remain open to getting an epidural once I was at the hospital and further along in active labor. They helped me achieve exactly that. While we were laboring at home, April was the one on the phone coaching my husband and me through contractions, helping us feel safe and calm. She offered different suggestions for positions and comfort measures that made such a difference. My husband shared after that he would have been freaking out much more and probably would have pushed going to the hospital earlier if it was not for her guidance. When Joy met us at the hospital, I instantly felt a huge sense of comfort and relief the moment I saw her. She was tremendously helpful supporting me through contractions with her touch through different comfort measures. After I got the epidural, she continued to be so knowledgeable and helped position me in ways that encouraged baby to be in the best possible position for birth. He was more to the side before but she made such a difference in getting him in a great position. What stood out most to me was how deeply seen and understood I felt by her. She was so in tune with my needs, emotions, and what I needed in each moment in a way that felt different from anyone else present in the room at my birth. Her presence was grounding and incredibly reassuring. Even after I gave birth, when I was feeling overwhelmed by all the emotions and hormones, she noticed immediately and supported me so thoughtfully and gently. That care meant so much to me. I know hiring a doula is an investment, but truly, it was one of the greatest gifts I could have given myself, my family, and my birth experience. If you are considering working with Joyful Roots, I cannot recommend Joy and April enough.

The Night Doula Dorinda

Dorinda is truly amazing! My husband was traveling out of town and I desperately needed night…read moresupport with our 3 month old so that I could be ready for our toddler in the morning. From the moment we FaceTimed her for a consult, she immediately offered a sense of comfort and support. She was so sweet and pretty quickly learned our son's needs. She provided super helpful tips which have now changed our nights. And, she was thoughtful to check in with me during the day even after caring for our son all night. Thank you, Dorinda!

I found Dorinda through her glowing reviews here on Yelp, which we found to be very accurate from…read morestart to finish of our time together. Dorinda came to our home before the birth to talk in depth and was very tuned into my pregnancy experience; she provided a lot of supportive words/sent me funny memes and videos during the last dragging weeks of pregnancy. She also sent baby resources like a list of recommended items - this consultation would be especially useful for first time parents. Once we were home from the hospital, Dorinda came over the first night and provided a burst of energy and positivity. She sat next to my bed as I fed our new (second) baby and helped me stay awake and make sure she was getting a proper, full feed. We talked everything from birth care to postpartum recovery to current events and family chat (she's a mom and parents her 2 kids in San Diego, so she's been there too!). For subsequent visits we figured out ways to maximize my healing and sleep once I could pump and Dorinda could give a bottle. It's been a game changer for recovery and mental health, especially juggling a toddler, newborn, high energy dog, busy lives and jobs during the day. During my first postpartum I struggled with baby blues, isolation, and extreme exhaustion symptoms but have had none of that this time around and am so grateful. Why we clicked with Dorinda - she's smart, caring, attuned to the whole family's needs, is a strong communicator, and fits into systems we already have developed. She cares about evidence-based parenting and safe sleep. But is just like having a friend around in your home. Highly recommend!

By Your Side Birth Services

Where do I begin?! This was our second birth and it was honestly just a dream! Exactly how I…read moreenvisioned our little lady arriving earthside and there is no way I could have done it without the support of Meghan. I had used an epidural with our first birth after 40 long hours of labor and feeling like I needed some relief. This time, I wanted to try and go without an epidural but by the time I had arrived to the hospital, where we met Meghan, I was tired and ready to throw in the towel. Meghan gently led me to the birth center room and we quickly ordered nitrous oxide to take the edge off and it was exactly what I needed. With her guidance and my husband's love and assistance, we had our dream birth with a dream baby and I am so very thankful she was there! She has a gentle way about her while still being such a strong presence. During each surge she knew exactly what i needed to hear and was right there for me. I just can't say enough good things!!!!

I used Meghan for placenta Encapsulation a couple months ago. Meghan went above and beyond and…read moredelivered my capsules in 1 day and even included some delicious chocolates and goodies! If you want a quick turnaround time for placenta encapsulation definitely go with Meghan! I'm still taking my capsules and I feel great. Thank you so much!

Art of Opening

(7 reviews)

I chose Nicole Morales as my midwife for my second child. She started care at 23 weeks. My first…read morechild I had a UCSD birth center and it was an awful experience. So when I met Nicole I had a lot of stipulations of how I wanted my care- really hands off, special training and skill in making sure baby is breathing well after born (my first child landed in NICU hour 3 after birth for not being able to transition, clear the fluid in his lungs), no required vaginal checks, short heart monitor checks for baby during labor. She will be as hands off you want and as hands on as you want. So yes, she met all my requirements. BUT the element about Nicole that won me over is her care for my heart and mind. I was so messed up mentally after my first birth. I didn't know how not to labor in fear and shame. Nicole has the training and takes the time to help walk you through emotional pain that may come up during labor. She counseled me during our prenatal sessions and helped me process my pain and disappointment with labor one. She helped me see myself in a new way. I thought I didn't do enough and I failed, even though I had my desired natural vaginal birth. But she helped me see my true self, that I would lay down my life for my child over and over again. And in my labor, even when I was giving everything, I found a way to give more. During labor, she showed up with Marli (her assistant at the time, who also is phenomenal), and played the exact role I asked her to. During transition, I thought I wasn't progressing and she just said, "Everything looks good back here. I'm seeing the progression." (she was behind me) really calmy, and it was what I needed to hear. Calm confidence. Sure enough, 20 minutes later my daughter was born. Also, after birth she stayed and cleaned up the house beautifully, allowed my husband and I to progress the baby's few exams as we were ready. Placenta stayed attached for 3 hours because we were all so chill about the process. At hour 3 my daughter started showing signs of difficulty breathing. Nicole calmly asked us to pray (which to me showed she knew my husband and I, we are Christians and believe in the power of prayer), and she decided to give our daughter 3 false breaths and to tap her back. Our daughter miraculously cleared all the fluid from those three simple methods. Much less intense than a 7 day NICU stay like our previous experience. I want Nicole as my midwife as long as I am childbearing and I will give her 100% recommendation to all those who ask. She is a birth game changer.

I was referred to Nicole by my Doula & let me tell you she is truly something special!!!…read more I have been referred to & seen numerous practitioners throughout my pregnancy for various reasons & she has been by far the best! I knew I was in excellent care when I went in to see her for one item & immediately she was able to assess & diagnose me & treat me for something completely different & inevitably what I really needed that day. I have never felt so cared for with utmost dedication, patience & true motherly care & instinct. When I later found out she delivers babies, I knew she was the one I want to deliver my next baby!! I trust her completely. I still reach out to her for advice & she is always there for me! She always knows what to say to give you her unbiased opinion & give you the power to make your own informed decisions. Nicole, thank you from the bottom of my heart & will you please deliver my next baby?!?

Breastfeeding fixers and Leilani's Wellness Center

4.8

(130 reviews)

Leilani truly saved my breastfeeding journey. As a first-time mom to premature twins, I was ready…read moreto quit breastfeeding and pumping, but finding her was a game changer. She helped me with ultrasound therapy, correctly sized my flanges after multiple hospital lactation consultants got it wrong, and supported me through countless breastfeeding and pumping challenges. As an IBCLC, her expertise is incredible, and there really is a difference. Her online videos and resources have also been invaluable. Because of her support, I've been able to continue providing breast milk for my twins far longer than I thought possible. I am so grateful and highly recommend her to any breastfeeding or pumping mom.

Leilani is very responsive and helpful navigating the challenges of breastfeeding and postpartum in…read moregeneral. She is quick to respond and makes you feel very comfortable in her sessions.

Womb Service - Doula Care & Placenta Encapsulation