Best Childbirth Preparation Classes Raleigh Near Me

Caitlin Weeks: I strongly recommend Doulas of Raleigh for postpartum doula needs! As a FTM and family that lived out of state, I was especially anxious about my transition to motherhood and knowing how to take care of my baby. The owners, Heather and Kelly, were so hopeful in the introductory call to listen to my needs and advise me on what to expect and how a postpartum doula can help. My doula, Crystal, was absolutely phenomenal in making that transition so much easier and less scary than I could have imagined! The best part is that your support is entirely up to YOU and how you see your motherhood journey starting, no judgement or unwelcomed comments that unfortunately happens often for new moms. I cannot thank this group enough for all the support they gave me!

Amber Cheek: We used Doulas of Raleigh for immediate postpartum support, when we came home from the hospital with our second baby.What a difference it made in my mental health - having a few nights a week where we could rest and reset was amazing. I had severe postpartum anxiety following the birth of my first child, which is why I contacted a doula service for the second. The support and care given by our doula allowed me to take care of myself, and be more aware of how I was doing mentally and physically.The whole process was comforting and peaceful. We were introduced to our doula weeks before our son arrived, and were able to get to know her before she came to take care of him. Knowing Doulas of Raleigh had already vetted and screened our doula was a weight off my shoulders.We reached back out to them a few months after our initial time with our doula, to see about care for our son for 2 weeks in the summer when my mom was out of town. The stress of finding someone and screening them was removed from our shoulders, and we were able to have someone in our home during those 2 weeks so we could work during the day.Both doulas we worked with were considerate of time (always on time or early), and respectful of our space and home. We enjoyed both experiences, and would recommend this service to anyone looking for postpartum care of support!

Laura M: We’ve loved doulas of Raleigh! We originally went to their birthing class which was very informative and helpful. Our teacher was very personable and took the time to answer everyone’s questions.Because of that interaction we decided to explore both a birth doula and post partum doula with doulas of Raleigh. Sadly by the time we decided to pull the trigger, they had no availability for a birth doula. This was maybe two months before our due date, so plan early!But we’ve LOVED having a postpartum doula! We had someone come twice a week for the first six weeks. We don’t have a lot of helpful family in the area and she was a savior! She showed up with a great attitude and just worked for four hours straight. She made us breakfast (even remembering how we like our eggs), did laundry, washed dishes, prepped meals, cared for the baby when we needed a break and gave us a ton of helpful advice. She helped with breastfeeding latching, learning to swaddle, gave advice on sleep issues, etc.We also enlisted Doulas of Raleigh around the three month post partum time frame. Our little guy was having some health issues that made night particularly tough and us very tired! We had a second doula come by (our original one was unavailable) and she was equally as helpful and hard working.They have made our post partum time a million times less stressful! We highly recommend!

Alanna Howard Garrison: Heather, Kelly and team were fantastic support to us during the pregnancy, delivery and postpartum periods. The newborn class we took was very informative, Heather was wonderful support during delivery and was that objective third party we were hoping for. We've had several postpartum doulas from the wider team support us during postpartum, and from the light housework to providing that extra set of hands while we rested and reset, each part has helped us show up better for our daughter, and we're grateful. We highly recommend them to anyone considering a doula team!

sarah hink: Best decision we made during my pregnancy was hiring Doulas of Raleigh. I did not feel very informed or heard by my medical provider, and the pregnancy being my first at "advance maternal age", I sought addition support to help ease my anxiety. Just knowing the team was there to answer questions throughout the pregnancy was comforting. My labor and delivery was not as planned, which is often the case, and Heather was there to support me and my partner through the chaos and stress in the hospital that day. I am so thankful Heather was there to be with us and help bring our daughter safely into our lives.

Sarah Cloud: We had doulas Erika and Sarah come to do overnight stays during our first week home. They were both incredible! So helpful to get some good rest during those first few days. They answered any questions we had and took great care of our little one! Highly recommend Doulas of Raleigh. Additionally the owner was very responsive and friendly and made sure the support we needed was available exactly when we needed it!

Sara Scanlon: When my husband and I started our prenatal journey, a few friends suggested getting a doula. We didnt know much about doulas, but after a phone call with co-owner, Heather, explaining their purpose, we took the leap. We haven't looked back since!We took a childbirthing class with Heather, who quickly helped us realize our knowledge of labor and birth was limited to what we had seen in the movies. Using conversation, visual and tactile learning aids, humor, and kindness, Heather walked us through every step of the birthing process. When my doctor told me I was 100% effaced during labor, I shouted, "My Play-Doh is gone!" Being equipped with the knowledge of the childbirthing process helped me stay in control instead of letting labor happen to me.Kimberly taught us an infant feeding class tailored especially to us. A previous surgery meant breastfeeding could be a challenge, but knowing what to expect took so much pressure off. As I worked with the lactation consultant and worked through feeding challenges at the hospital, I heard Kimberly's encouragement and gentleness in the back of my mind, giving me permission to take things one step at a time. I am positive my breastfeeding journey would be far more stressful without Kimberly's help!Then, there were Crystal and Alley, the doulas assigned to us for prenatal, labor, and postpartum care. These women are intellentent, strong, compassionate, and so friendly and personal. The moment they came to our home, they felt like old friends. They initiated a group chat with my husband and me, proved through their actions that they were there for us, and checked in frequently. The holistic care they provide goes above and beyond preparing for labor: they provide practical and insightful strategies to maintain mental health, a healthy marriage, and self-care. They helped us feel calm and informed every step of the way!Alley happened to be the one to join us at the hospital for our labor and delivery journey. I can't put into words what she did for my husband and me. She believed in me, encouraged me, and taught me. When I didn't think I could go on anymore, Alley spoke truth to me and reminded me who I am and what I am capable of. I couldn't have done what I did without her. I am so in awe of Alley and her gift for helping and supporting others. I will forever cherish our experience together. I truly believe God sent us Alley.Everyone at doulas of Raleigh approaches their job with gentleness, intellegence, and passion. We were never told what to do: we were educated and supported as we made our own decisions. We were set up for success in ways we didn't know were possible. We cannot express our gratitude enough, and we absolutely love them. ❤️

Michele Doblitz: My spouse and I had the pleasure of hiring Doulas of Raleigh for the birth of our son in January 2022. Heather and Katy were a phenomenal team to work with from start to finish. They communicated with us every step of the way, were highly responsive, kind and professional. When it came time for labor and delivery, Heather met us at the hospital and was a calm, reassuring presence for us. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I highly recommend Doulas of Raleigh for expecting parents and consider the services they provide to be a worthwhile investment for such a significant milestone.

Kristen L Fitzpatrick: We were so lucky to have Heather and Katy by our sides throughout our pregnancy and the delivery of our baby. They walked us thorough the birthing process and prepared us for all possible scenarios, providing us the mental preparation we didn't know we needed. Katy was on call for our daughter's birth and not only supported me physically, but she created a sense of calm in the delivery room that empowered me and my husband. We feel so grateful to have had such a positive birth experience with the Doulas of Raleigh!

Rachel Brody: We had a great experience working with Doulas of Raleigh, and specifically Heather who attend the birth of our son. This was our second child and we weren't sure we needed a doula, but I'm so glad we decided to partner with one because every pregnancy and birth is so different. Heather was supportive, knowledgeable, and responsive. We both felt supported before, during and after the birth of our son. We would recommend to any of our friends (and have!)

Hannah Harris: We had an amazing experience with Heather as our birth Doula. Heather and Katy did a wonderful job providing prenatal education on the birthing process. When it came time to deliver, Heather was our on call Doula - and we couldn’t have done it without her! She was invaluable in helping us navigate the labor and delivery process. Doulas of Raleigh helped me have the birth experience I was most interested in. I never felt judged or inadequate - they answered every question I had with love and evidence based answers. If we have another child, we will definitely be connecting with Doulas of Raleigh again.

Lorrin Plyler: As a first time mom I had a of anxiety surrounding birth but knew I wanted to attempt to do things naturally. My husband also had a lot of anxiety…so, I knew I needed a doula to help keep him calm and help me achieve the birth I wanted.After interviewing a few doulas in the area Heather’s approach and passion for what they do won me over.I met with Katy and Heather a few times prior to birth and we started a group text (me, husband, Katy and Heather) in case I needed anything/ had any questions. They were both always so responsive and it felt more like a group text with friends than someone I hired to help me have a baby! We created a detailed birth plan and they helped show us laboring positions as I wanted to stay at home as long as possible before heading to the hospital. There was a lot more detail to these meetings and they had handouts of different things like positions, postpartum care, a “plan” for my husband and I to work on before we came home… just helpful details I wouldn’t have thought of without their services.On the day of Katy was on call so I called her around 7am when my water broke. We kept in touch about hourly and she asked if I wanted her to come to me yet. I was “fine” until I wasn’t… and called and told her to meet us at the hospital. I had planned to have her come to my house… hang out in the tub… but things escalated too quickly.When we got there I was 9.5 cm and ready to go… they wouldn’t let her come back until we were assigned a room and when she was allowed back she jumped right in. Putting cold wash clothes on my neck, reassuring my husband, holding my legs because the nurses didn’t seem to want to. I don’t remember what, but there was a decision I was asked to make and she helped me weigh the risks/benefits. She also hung out way longer than an hour after baby was born as I was bleeding a little too much and she wanted to make sure we were about to head to a room before she left. She snapped some pictures which I will forever hold dear. My husband and I had talked about him doing this but he was stunned at how quickly things were going and without her thinking to do so, we wouldn’t have had any!I had my placenta encapsulated as well. Heather came over and cleaned my kitchen two days in a row! A requirement to do what she needed to do…but a perk none the less.They checked in many times with texts pre and post birth and made me feel very supported. They helped me accomplish my dream labor (if that’s a thing) and I will recommend their services to every pregnant person I know!!

Eliza Evans: As a FTM, I knew I wanted both a labor and postpartum doula but Doulas of Raleigh exceeded all of my expectations. There are not enough words to share how grateful I am to Heather and Kelly for making my transition into parenthood truly amazing!If you are hesitant about whether a labor or postpartum doula is right for you, I would recommend Doulas of Raleigh over and over again!Labor Doula:From the moment I met Katy and Heather they were professional, kind, calming, knowledgeable, and answered all of my calls, texts, and emails in a timely fashion. After our meetings, my husband and I felt prepared and confident throughout the entire pregnancy. Due to being induced, I had to deviate from my original birth plan which made me even happier to have had Heather by our side. Heather was encouraging, supportive, reassuring, and calming during my entire labor. As if this was not enough, I am beyond grateful to Heather for giving me the confidence to advocate for myself during labor. In a time that can be so overwhelming and chaotic, my husband and I were able to enjoy each moment because Heather was there to help and keep us present in each moment. Thank you thank you thank you Heather!Postpartum Doula:I did not know how important having a postpartum doula was until I met Kelly! Kelly gave me confidence, encouragement, knowledge, and sleep (thanks to the overnight hours.) Kelly is kind, patient, and answered all of my questions, and there were A LOT. There was one night my newborn was inconsolably crying and nothing I did seemed to calm him down. I texted Kelly in a panic and within minutes she responded and not only eased my mind but provided a solution that immediately helped me soothe my son to sleep! There are countless stories and things I could share about how wonderful Kelly is and how much she helped my postpartum journey. My husband and I are beyond grateful and appreciative of everything she did for us and the impact she left on our new family.

Janeli McNeal: As a first time mom giving birth during a pandemic, I really wanted the added support of a doula. When everything was being offered virtually, it was nice to have some in-person support from Heather and Katy. They were beyond amazing and made us feel comfortable the entire pregnancy.They were always quick to respond to our questions and made every effort to follow our lead in our desired pregnancy plan. I had a difficult delivery but Katy and Heather made sure to stay in touch with me after the birth of our son with regular and genuine concern. It meant so much. They really do care for you and continue to provide the same high quality support after the birth. If I have another child, they'll definitely be my side again.Thank you Heather and Katy!

Carly Blanchard: I had the most amazing experience with Doulas of Raleigh. As a first time mom, I knew I wanted a doula as part of my birthing team, and was so lucky to find Heather and Katy. I loved that you meet with both of them at your first appointment so they both have the opportunity to get to know you and your partner, and I had the opportunity to feel equally comfortable with either of them. At our second appointment we had the same amazing meeting with them - they talked through signs of labor, helpful positions and counter pressure techniques for labor, and talked through postpartum help. Their hospital bag checklist was also super helpful.When I went in to labor, Katy was on call, and she answered immediately and kept in touch with me and my husband until we were ready for her to come to the house. She had the most amazing calm and reassuring energy. She was so helpful and able to answer most all of our questions. She helped me get through my labor and delivery with confidence. Not only was she amazing to me, she was also great with my husband - ensuring he ate, slept, and stayed hydrated so he could support me at his best.After Katy left the hospital, my husband, who was hesitant about a doula in the beginning, looked at me and said “it was worth every penny”.I said to Katy several times “I could not have done that without you”, and while she said yes I could, it would have been a much different experience.If we get pregnant again, one of my first calls will be to Heather to ensure I have them by my side again!

Megan Shank: My husband and I took the "Comfort Measures" class with Heather recently to prepare/refresh our memories before the birth of our second baby. It was a wonderful experience! In-person and at our home. Much better and more personalized than the class we took at the hospital prior to our first baby. Heather took time to answer our specific questions, talk through my first experience with labor, and recommend specific techniques. We have a lot more in our "tool box" going in this time around thanks to this class!

Sharyn Button: Heather and Erika are the best! We worked directly with Heather leading up to and during the birth of our daughter, and both my husband and I felt so grateful to have someone to hold our hand (sometimes literally) throughout the labor and birth process. Heather helped me move emotionally and physically through a long labor, and I don’t think I would have had the positive birth experience I had without her support and guidance. She even brought and hung up twinkle lights in our delivery room, which was very touching and thoughtful. Both Heather and Erika are super knowledgeable and experienced, and I can’t recommend them highly enough.

Rachel Marie Vetterl: As a FTM I knew I wanted a doula so I emailed Doulas of Raleigh because they popped up fast on google lol. However, that impulse decision to hire them without speaking to anyone else proved to be a good one. Erika and Heather are both so encouraging and knowledgeable. They spent so much time getting to know us and gave us great support during pregnancy birth and beyond. My husband and I loved them both immediately. Erika was at my birth and literally don’t know how we would’ve gotten through that Unmedicated back labor without her! We had an incredible experience and would use them time and time again.

Caroline Mills: I used Doulas of Raleigh for birth and postpartum doula services for my first baby. Throughout my pregnancy they were responsive and supportive for any questions I had - anything from birth plans/maps to the most comfortable pajamas to invest in! Throughout my labor and delivery their support was essential for my husband and me. Postpartum, Heather has been affirming and helpful, volunteering to help out with breastfeeding, baby care, and light housework. I highly recommend Doulas of Raleigh!

Alexa Little: The birth of my first child was difficult. I felt alone and uninformed in a cold hospital, while my husband sat at my side freaking out because, well, labor can be intense.I was able to have Doulas of Raleigh support me during the hospital birth of my second child, as well as postpartum overnight care. The amount of support and knowledge these women provided was astonishing. They will support you through a variety of birth choices that YOU decide on, and even showed us ways to relieve tension, and some positions for breathing during early labor. I was also able to make sure that my husband felt supported and included in the birth. I am now a firm believer that everyone should have a doula present during their birth just to experience how wonderful childbirth can be, as well as being informed of all the options you have.The overnight care was also spectacular. I was matched with doulas who have backgrounds in sleep training (which I’m a huge fan of). So while I got some sleep, they did the work at night! Transitioning back to being home with my toddler and needing to be available to my infant was made so much easier knowing I had some relief in the evenings. Now that they’re gone, our life has begun a new normal, and it was a smooth ride these awesome doulas!

Greg Taunton: Double Billed me for radiology services. One from WakeMed and one from Raleigh Radiology. 14 hours spent in ER, approx 2 hours of actual care provided. $11k bill.

Sarah Rosetta: Awesome staff!!!! I had such an awesome experience for an emergency stay where I was there for at least three days. They were all so caring and assured me that everything would be okay. They went over the top to even make the stay fun. I really appreciate everyone and want people to know how great of a staff that they have. Nurses, doctors and all. They really made the whole emergency visit so much better!

Melissa Wade: My husband cane to the hospital and we did not like the ER part of the hospital. It was not friendly and not that clean. After being admitted it was a awesome place. He had the best nurses. There is one that we really liked . I just want to say thank you to all the nurses for his care.

Casey: Ms. Erika Tomlin from the help desk was able to help fix my locked account. I had been having a TERRIBLE time - I tried to reset everything myself, nothing was working. The HelpDesk at WakeMed is PHENOMENAL!!! THANK YOU, ERIKA!!!!!

Valentina Calle Pemberthy: I think it’s kind of ridiculous the fact that we were transferred from Wake Med Cary to this one, stating that the specialist was waiting on us, so my friend can get better from her ear infection. We got here at 4:45 am and since then, we have waited 3 hours because they keep calling and no one shows up.On the other hand, I’m two different occasions she was crying, shaking out of pain in order for the nurses to come and give her medicine, for them to say “oh, let me go check what there giving you” and totally disappear for about an hour. On both times, she specifically informed the nurse she can not take the pain anymore, that it was a 10 and did not care about it.We understand they have other patients, but it’s very disrespectful and unprofessional from both the ER and the specialist to wait until a patient is in a very bad shape, for them to do something.

Aubrey Mosley: I was diagnosed with severe siacta in my right leg..I made a visit on 6/23/2023 and 6/26/2023. These folks written me a doctor note to return to work on 6/28/2023. Remind you my leg and toes are numb, Im barely getting around my home with a walking cane, and they really expected me to return to work 2 days later. Now Its alot of confusion with my job and I have to do unnecessary paper work showing I can not return that date. Poor decision on their behalf

Tamika Johnson: Wake med is a great hospital to go to the doctor and nurses take real good care of you.

Paul Barlow: My wife received world-class care from the WakeMed ER and then the staff of the Cardiovascular ICU. First, I was impressed by the professionalism and compassion displayed by the ER doctor who discussed my wife's condition. He took the time to explain what tests they had performed, what they had found, and their treatment plan. He also asked about my wife's medical history so that he could have context for understanding the current issues. And, moreover, he allowed me to ask questions. At no point, did I get the impression that he was in a rush to get away. I need to mention that a chaplain sat in with us and she provided wonderful support during the whole time my wife was in the ER. The ICU staff were fantastic. I couldn't find fault with the care. Just top-notch care throughout my wife's stay in the ICU. All the nurses were professional, caring, friendly and supportive. I got regular updates on my wife's condition and progress, and every opportunity to as questions. They're all wonderful people working to save lives. I can't thank them enough.

Rasheeda Etheredge: Nice facility. My father stayed there. David is wonderful and took great care of my dad. Everyone did really. I would highly recommend.

Mallory Feldman: Came from urgent care with a EKG indicating pericarditis. left my fiancé waiting in the waiting room for 10 hours gripping his chest cause they "didn't believe him", because every 24 year old man grips his chest and has heart issues. finally when we saw a doctor, she said it was absolutely nothing heart related, but still referred to us cardiology. cardiology didn't believe him either and was reluctant to give us pericarditis medications. we didnt even receive the full course. 6 months later it came back, we went to Duke, got the correct diagnosis and a full course of medicine. hopefully no further damage was done, but will see with follow up.

tOrres01: I recommend Wakemed 1000%.I was in the antenatal unit for one month and then in the nicu with my baby for another month and all the nurses were absolutely wonderful. The doctors always explain everything thoroughly and the nurses really take good care of you and always check in. Wakemed has very caring staff and takes amazing care of their patients.

Angela Dail: We had an amazing experience with the nursing staff at the WakeMed Raleigh campus in the Hearth wing on the 6th floor. Would like to especially thank Aaron Swords for his help with my Dad who was very anxious during his stay. He went above and beyond in caring for my Dad. I have been grateful to the nurses in area 6A for their help.

Don Rasbridge: We had the best experience we've ever had at an ER. It was exactly as you would hope for: Competancy, expediancy, and compassion.

Ashley Hutchinson: They don’t actually “hear” you or your concerns. You are just a number they are trying to push out and open the bed up.

Angela Payne: Here’s to the entire ICU staff at the WakeMed Raleigh Campus on an outstanding job. My daughter came in on a stretcher, breathing tube and suffering from DKA and will walk out breathing on her own with normal blood sugar level. The healthcare profession is not an easy job but the families can tell when you love what you do. Since you may not hear it often, I wanted to say thank you for the care that you provided for my family not just the person that was sick but all of us. Before Covid I thought thank was enough but now I know better. If someone touches you tell them. Phenomenal work to the ICU staff, job well done!!!!! Thank you.

scott burks: In an instant wife’s heart rhythm went irregular. Drove straight to Wake Med emergency. After sitting with heart issue for 2 hours, spoke to triage nurse who moved us towards back, to two chairs that sat beside a waste basket full of used supplies, blood spots on floor, a very non clean environment. After 20 minutes of not being spoke to and watching 7 nurses flirt w each other, look at their phones, just doing nothing, we realized we weren’t going to get what we came for which was treatment. While I understand ERs can be long waits, hostile patients, very sick patients, this place has gone rouge. It would much better serve the community as a parking lot. We had to seek treatment elsewhere.If I were shot in the face while standing at the corner of Sunnybrook Rd and New Bern Ave, I would rather to be taken to Rex or Duke, miles away

Brian Burnett: I attempted to tell this hospital that my child was a victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy by the custodial parent almost over a decade ago... Now that my child is old enough to understand what is going on (and living with me) it's obvious that I was 100% correct............ This hospital attempted to deny me visitation to my own child (because they listened to the alienating & abusing parent) The hospital treated me like I was a danger to my child (because of the false reports from the alienating parent). I have all intentions on seeking legal action since this hospital assisted with this child abuse. Yes, Munchausen syndrome by proxy is CHILD ABUSE!!!! What makes matters worse is that this was a VERY EASY issue to identify but no one took the time to listen and or do any research. The day that I visited this hospital the ONLY reason I was able to see my child was because I asked to speak with human resources and I pulled my phone out to record the entire conversation.

Bryan Miller: Worst ER experience ever. Brought my spouse into the ER for severe pain in her right kidney area. We have been sitting in the ER for 7 hours. It took them 3 hours just to take her back and to be seen. The PA spent all of 3 minutes with her, they took some blood and sent her back out to the lobby. We have been sitting in the from 2:19 to 9:15 and we are still sitting here. They told her they wanted to do a CT 3 hours ago. I just went up and asked what was taking so long and they said they were waiting on the CT results...BUT she hasn't even gotten the CT yet. It has been absolute chaos in here ALL day. Nothing that resembles organization at all. This place has saved my life twice...but I came in in an ambulance having a heart attack. If you walk in in pain expect to sit here for hours and hours and hours. Awful excuse for an ER.

Lorilynn Reason: Friendly,caring staff. Clean and orderly

Kay: I want to thank all the medical team who gave me their support. I am very happy to have had my baby in this hospital. They gave me good care from the first day. I am very grateful to nurse Stefanie, who had her support since they prepared me. For my surgery, although I don't remember their names now from the others, I just want to tell you that all the nurses were so kind and nice people.