Annie

11/29/2022

 I reached out to Briana for her services after reading her praises on doulamatch. I felt so supported throughout the birth of my son that it still makes me emotional when I think about it. Briana came and sat with me while I waited to go into active labor. She held my hand, practiced breathing, and held eye contact with me during intense moments. Briana gave me the confidence I needed to speak up for myself and what I wanted. She encapsulated my placenta and has checked in multiple times since giving birth. I would 100% work with Briana again and recommend her to anyone who is looking for support throughout their pregnancy journey!

Marenda

11/3/2022

I've used Briana's placenta encapsulation services twice. The prices are reasonable, she's professional and she works fast.

One thing stood out with my most recent order. Briana delivered my completed placenta order the day I arrived home from the hospital by simply leaving the package on my porch with no interaction. I really appreciated this method of drop-off, as I was tired and didn't want to really interact with too much of anyone! I highly recommend her services.

Tali K

3/8/2020

I got my placenta encapsulated by Briana. I didn't know what to expect, but Briana's service went above and beyond my expectations. She not only gave me the placenta pills with directions and the tincture to use after 6 weeks, but she also created a beautiful post-partum package with nipple cream and baby diaper rash cream and sprays for healing and natural remedies for the baby. Everything was so thoughtful and made with natural ingredients. It was so nice to come home to this beautiful gift basket. Furthermore, I can also say that I had a smooth post-partum experience after delivery and haven't had any symptoms of post-partum depression or anxiety. I highly recommend this service through Birth and Beyond!

Alexandria C

12/12/2019

Briana is a caring and thoughtful doula. She made herself available to me throughout my pregnancy and took the time to really understand my desires. She never forced her own ideas or thoughts onto my pregnancy or birthing process but she was also a source of knowledge when I sought out her input. During my labor, Briana seamlessly inserted herself into my care team and was a relentless supporter of my goals, needs and birth plan. She added strength, encouragement, wisdom and compassion to my birthing experience. Her company also handled my placenta encapsulation services and were timely with my pills and tincture, while providing a beautiful keepsake print and other goodies. I’d recommend Birth and Beyond, Inc. to anyone!

Martina Wesley

12/5/2019

Briana’s services are worth it and she is just awesome! We had our reservations when we first looked into doulas, but couldn’t be happier with our decision. We are first time parents and had never heard of a doula before the pregnancy, so we weren’t sure what her services would entail and if we really would need a doula. However, after meeting her the first time, we knew almost instantly we’d need her in our lives. Briana was always well informed and made suggestions not only out of experience, but would also support everything with references. This gave us the chance to build our own opinion and, ultimately, make an informed decision. This was very important for us because, even though we had read a lot and went to all pregnancy classes, there was still so much out there to learn and 40 weeks are just not enough time. Briana is very experienced and can easily guide, reassure and calm you. She never pushed us in any direction but rather supported every decision we made.

She was not overbearing but rather sensed what we as a couple wanted and needed... her involvement was just perfect for us! She not only supported me but also my husband. She gave my husband a chance to labor with me and help me so we can experience this moment together. I can’t even summarize in how many ways she helped us during pregnancy, birth and up to now. You can sense her passion for childbirth and that’s what makes her a perfect doula. She has a 1 on 1 relationship with her clients and she will be the one at your birth (but does have a sub, just in case). We saw a lot of other doula services that are a collaboration of 3 or more doulas and whoever is on call that day will attend your birth. Briana offers personalized and dedicated services and has become a close friend of our family. We will definetely hire her again as a postpartum doula as well as whenever we will have more children.

Alyx Beckwith

11/17/2019

Briana is an amazing doula. When I was only a few weeks pregnant, I selected her to be my doula. I knew that I wanted a doula to be with me throughout the pregnancy and during labor. After interviewing a couple of women, I knew Briana was the one. She has been an incredible doula for us from the start. During my pregnancy, I felt so supported and informed. She walked my husband and I through developing a birth plan and understanding all the ins and outs of the birth process (something that no one else in the healthcare system did!). She was so non-judgmental and always encouraged every question that we had, which helped to put our minds at ease. Due to my son's position in the womb when I went into labor, I was not able to have Briana in the delivery room after all, as I had to have a C section. Despite this, she still made me feel super supported by texting and calling to check in and to see if we needed anything. She continued to provide such useful information that aided in my recovery. She generously offered post-partum doula support and it was so incredibly helpful. I am so grateful for her and I only wish that every woman could have a doula like her! 

Megan James

8/12/2019

Briana provided our childbirth, newborn care & breastfeeding classes in our home.

She was so great at explaining everything, making us feel comfortable, and giving us confidence in bringing our first baby into the world. She never rushed through anything and she really took the time to make sure all of our questions/ concerns were answered. I can’t say enough about her and will recommend her to everyone I know!

Laura Putney

7/4/2019

Briana is professional AND down to earth, highly educated, she’s a fabulous teacher, and an exceptional human being! She taught our prenatal & birthing classes & did our placenta encapsulation, which we had a lot of questions about, all of which she answered and explained to us in detail. It was so helpful.

Then when it was time for placenta encapsulation, she was so accommodating for pick-up and drop-off! She delivered it to our doorstep in lovely packaging with little surprises in the bag as well which were unexpected but so generous and special! We truly loved working with her & recommend her services 100%. 

Stefani Mergen

3/26/2019

I met Briana at a Meet the Doulas night, held by my birth center. She was a wealth of knowledge, was warm and kind, and had a great sense of humor! She made it very easy to decide that when it came time to labor, she would be a calming and peaceful presence. Prior to labor she came to our home and meet our sons, and really got to know us as a family. She helped me with my birth plan, educated me on different essential oils to use during labor, and was very supportive in so many areas.

During labor Briana was amazing! My husband was away for work and we didn’t know if he was going to make it back in time. She stayed positive and helped me stay focused. From giving advice on different positions, running the diffuser with just the right essential oils, and using counter pressure when my back was hurting from contractions she was a huge support! After my husband arrived, she continued to help me stay focused and calm. 

After labor she she continued to check on me and my family. She also encapsulated my placenta! Briana made a beautiful print,the capsules, and 2 tinctures, all was done in a beautiful way. Her experience and knowledge of the placenta is fascinating, and having her share all of that with me was so beneficial to understanding more about my body and the amazing things it does. 

Did I mention she’s a rockstar? After spending over 12 hours with me in labor, she taught a birth class, and took care of multiples that same night!! She’s truly an amazing gift to our family!

Kaely Harrod

3/24/2019

Briana was our sibling doula for the birth of my niece. She arrived just before bedtime and was so kind and patient with my three children. They woke up the next day raving about how great she was at putting them to bed. She was prompt, went above and beyond to communicate with me during the birth, and made my children feel right at home with her there. They wanted her to return and do more bedtimes! If you hire Briana for a sibling doula expect above and beyond care as well as patience and kindness to your child(ren). I highly recommend her.

Sara Velasco

3/21/2019

When I met Briana, right away I felt very comfortable with her and she was very reassuring.  When I was laboring at home, she kept in constant contact with me via text or phone conversations.  She asked a lot of questions and helped me really know what to look for in order for me to know when to go into the birth center.  Once at the birth center, she was there to greet us and went right into helping me be comfortable.  She knew I was having back labor (I had no idea at the time) and applied counter pressure to help with the pain.  The entire time she was a reassuring face and helped keep me centered.  I believe because of her help and calm demeanor, I was able to get the birth experience that I really wanted.  My first birth was done without a doula and I feel that the outcome, even though not horrible, wasn't what I imagined and could have been better with a doula.  Even after having the baby she didn't just contact me once and go our separate ways.  She constantly checks in with me, gives me ideas of things to try. I believe she genuinely cares about her clients.  I highly recommend Briana and would definitely use her again in a heartbeat if we decide to have another child.

Jon Podschun

3/21/2019

We had an amazing experience. She was on time to come take care of our 13 month old daughter while we had our son. Our daughter was asleep at the time so I don’t think she even knew we were gone, but because Briana was so punctual we had no problem making it to the hospital safely and had way less stress of a toddler needing care while having a baby. Couldn’t be happier!!! 

Casandra Buenaventura

3/11/2019

I never considered having a doula because I always knew I wanted an epidural and I always thought doulas were for people attempting natural childbirth. However, Briana made me feel really validated in the fact that I desired support despite also desiring medical pain relief. I am extremely satisfied with not only the support Briana provided be during labor, but also the prenatal childbirth education she did for me. I went into this feeling way more educated, and therefore more empowered to advocate for myself despite Briana being there. She always said she would step in if need be, and especially if I wanted her to, but I expressed to her my desire to find and feel confident in utilizing my voice during labor, and she facilitated that experience for me. 

Christina

3/8/2019

I had the pleasure of working with Briana for the birth of my third son Ethan. I met her at an expectant mother's show and was very impressed with her professionalism and experience. I wasn't quite sure I would hire a doula as I've had 2 natural births previously and knew what to expect, but her ability to offer custom and personalized services greatly appealed to me now as a working mom expecting baby #3.

I hired her for a refresher birth/breastfeeding course which she came to my home and did with me and my husband. She also helped me with a list of items to have for hospital bag/postpartum and breastfeeding. The other thing that we discussed more for this baby was postpartum help and she helped me find a wonderful nanny for when I went back to work. Briana's access to resources and network are very valuable and saved me lots of time.

While my first 2 were birthed at the Womens Birth and Wellness Center - I was leaning towards going to UNC Hospital to have a longer stay and access to more services. It was a good thing I switched care as an emergency C-section was required.  I labored naturally all the way to the end with her help. Briana has a very calming but assertive presence that worked very well for my birthing experience. She kept assuring me that I could do it and that I was amazing. We made it to the end but had to C-section because of his cord being wrapped on his neck. I was glad she was there to stay with my husband when I was taken to the operating room. She came to see me afterwards both at the hospital and at home to deliver placenta capsules.

If you are considering a doula that is experienced, organized, on-time and reliable she is a match. Also, my family and kids loved her and the time she spent with me was always valuable.

Christina

3/8/2019

I had the pleasure of working with Briana for the birth of my third son Ethan. I met her at an expectant mother's show and was very impressed with her professionalism and experience. I wasn't quite sure I would hire a doula as I've had 2 natural births previously and knew what to expect, but her ability to offer custom and personalized services greatly appealed to me now as a working mom expecting baby #3.

I hired her for a refresher birth/breastfeeding course which she came to my home and did with me and my husband. She also helped me with a list of items to have for hospital bag/postpartum and breastfeeding. The other thing that we discussed more for this baby was postpartum help and she helped me find a wonderful nanny for when I went back to work. Briana's access to resources and network are very valuable and saved me lots of time.

While my first 2 were birthed at the Womens Birth and Wellness Center - I was leaning towards going to UNC Hospital to have a longer stay and access to more services. It was a good thing I switched care as an emergency C-section was required.  I labored naturally all the way to the end with her help. Briana has a very calming but assertive presence that worked very well for my birthing experience. She kept assuring me that I could do it and that I was amazing. We made it to the end but had to C-section because of his cord being wrapped on his neck. I was glad she was there to stay with my husband when I was taken to the operating room. She came to see me afterwards both at the hospital and at home to deliver placenta capsules.

If you are considering a doula that is experienced, organized, on-time and reliable she is a match. Also, my family and kids loved her and the time she spent with me was always valuable.

Bethany

3/5/2019

I really enjoyed working with Briana and I am so glad we hired her to be our doula! What surprised me the most about this experience is the value I received from her services before and after the birth. My pregnancy became higher risk in the last trimester, and Briana helped me on a weekly basis by phone and text as I went through additional monitoring and eventually a surprise induction. The home visits were very helpful--I always felt supported by her and affirmed in the decisions that were important to me, and when I was uncertain about something she really helped clarify my options. She has a lot of knowledge and a wealth of resources she shared with me regarding local care providers (this is invaluable in and of itself!) and when I had to undergo an induction process I was anxious about, she helped me relax and confidently accept the change in circumstances. She also helped me create a birth plan that was easy to read with very nice graphics. I received the same level of support from her by phone, text, and home visit after the birth as well. 

Although the birth was much faster than I anticipated and I was not able to utilize some of the comfort measures I had planned to try during contractions, Briana was very helpful both with aiding my physical comfort and with guiding me verbally when I needed to adjust what I doing. It was very helpful to have her there as the voice to focus on in the midst of all the other medical professionals.

Finally, I would like to mention that Briana worked really well with everyone involved in this process, including my husband, who was skeptical about hiring a doula. I know she won him over and I appreciated her making him confortable in the process. I highly recommend her!

Myranda H.

2/12/2019

Working with Briana was not originally planned. I met her during a pregnancy class I had to take at my birthing center. She instantly became a warm and loving person in my life. The day I went into labor, Briana happened to be finishing up a class. She was the first face I saw walking into the center and immediately said, "Everything is going to be alright!" See, my doula had just backed out from supporting us during birth. Thankfully, Brianna was at the center. While everyone was getting things set up, Briana was standing there "blowing out candles" with me. With everyone standing and looking at my bottom, I told my team to get Briana in the room, and she gladly came and literally had my back! And I will NEVER forget that.

Afterwards, dealing with postpartum, she always checked on me, encouraged me, and made me feel empowered! Briana is an exquisite and rare gem. She does what she does with honesty, true love, and humbleness. I thank God for her not just being a part of my birth, but becoming a part of my village, my framily!

Rachel Ishihara

2/12/2019

Briana is wonderful! She was the educator for all of our baby classes and really prepared us for all the stuff we didn’t know about birth and babies. We also used her to encapsulate my placenta, and she did not disappoint! She had my capsules to me the day after my birth and checked up on me for weeks after my birth. She’s fun, professional, informative, and very supportive. I highly recommend her and would definitely use her again! 

Elizabeth Onesty

2/12/2019

My experience with Briana was wonderful! My husband and I took her child birth classes and then hired her as our doula. She taught us so much and made sure we knew all of our options. She came to our house a couple times before the birth and helped me prepare and asked her all sorts of questions. When I told her what I was hoping for suring my son’s birth she was so supportive of all my wishes and helped me to focus on them throughout my labor and reminded me that I could in fact do it, when I thought I didn’t have anything left in me to give. She was also invaluable to my husband. She encouraged him and helped him to support me through the entire experience. I can’t recommend her enoigh! We love Briana and, if we have more children in the future, you better believe we’ll be asking her to be there, again!

Liz

DeRondra Pham

2/7/2019

Briana encapsulated my placenta in September of 2018. She did such an amazing job and created beautiful keepsake placenta prints. Everything was so clearly done with care and made me feel so special.

Emily Popa

1/3/2019

I had a wonderful experience with Briana of Birth & Beyond Doulas. Briana took care of encapsulating my placenta, making a Tree of Life placenta print, plus 2 tinctures. She had a very quick turn around time on the capsules (etc). Everything was packaged in a professional & beautiful way. Briana is also a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things related to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and she was happy to share that knowledge (and tons of encouragement!) in our correspondence. She is a great person offering excellent services. 100% would recommend!

Jade Robinson

3/17/2018

Briana was our overnight postpartum doula for our twins since they were just days old. We also have two older children, and we forgot what it was like to have newborns. We considered ourselves first time parents this time around. Briana really helped my wife to reframe her childbirth experience, since it was quite traumatic. As a husband in this situation, I didn’t understand what reframing could really do for my wife’s emotional health until Briana was doing it. Briana came in and told us her goal was to be the wife every woman wishes she had. Briana did just that. She cleaned up after all of us, she washed dishes, and even prepared breakfast. She did all of this in between taking care of our twins AND helping my wife emotionally. I know my wife will be up here writing a testimonial shortly, but Briana was truly MY lifesaver. I went into this thinking that this was an expensive service that all women thought they needed, but I feel like I used Briana‘s services just as much as my family did and for that I call her my Godsend.