Ellen Klima

Just had our second birth with Ellen and again she was fantastic! Ellen implemented the Bradley principles we learned in her class. Throughout the pregnancy she checked in on our progress and offered support and advice. The day of our labor she was a rockstar-​super encouraging and helpful for both me and my husband. She knew the exact places to massage and provide counter pressure when I needed. When I needed her to be in my face, she was. When I needed moments alone with my husband it was like she had a sixth sense and knew it and stayed back. If you are contemplating taking Bradley classes I highly encourage you to take Ellen’s. You won’t regret it. And if you are looking for a doula after the classes there isn’t one better. Another successful birth-​healthy mommy and baby, and no drugs! Thanks Ellen! (Also awesome to note.. .I accidentally overpaid her and she called and let me know I paid too much! Great to know she values honesty more than a few hundred dollars!)

There aren’t enough complimentary words that my husband and I can say about Ellen’s doula services. She was a fantastic coach and advocate and supportive force throughout our birthing process. We’ve been telling everyone that a doula is a must for anyone attempting a natural birth, and if you’re in the San Francisco Bay area, Ellen is a wonderful choice!

So many wonderful things to say about Ellen and her Bradley Class! My husband and I signed up for her 12 week course not really knowing what to expect, but hoping to educate ourselves as first time parents. Ellen was a wealth of information and the classes were so relaxed and friendly, I hesitate to even call them classes. All of us couples would sit around Ellen’s livingroom, munching on a snack one of us had brought, listening to the week’s lesson (watching a real birthing video, learning about the stages of labor, nutrition and relaxation info, etc.), sharing our pregnancies and asking questions.
I credit Ellen with giving me the confidence to birth our son naturally and drug-​free. Knowing my husband/​coach knew the same material/​techniques I did was a true comfort. He knew his role and how to support me, so we were in sync when the big day came. I labored for 8 hours at home and arrived at the hospital fully dilated. Our healthy boy was born after 15 minutes of pushing. Although this was my first pregnancy/​labor/​child, I was not fearful of my labor so I didn’t feel the need to control (pitocin), dull (epidural) or avoid (elective c-​section) it.
Plus, we got to go back to Ellen’s, share our birth story with the next class, and then I went to new mommy/​parent afternoons at Ellen’s house. Her support is complete and genuine!
My wish is that every woman feel as empowered and educated as I was for my baby’s birth. My son is now 1 ½ and I am pregnant with our second child — and tempted to re-​take Ellen’s class to help repeat my last birth experience!

Wow. We can already say we are lucky to have found Ellen, and haven’t even given birth or completed her course yet. Her class is great. I agree with Tara that the biggest benefit is to the expectant father/​coach. I have read way more than he has on Bradley methods and childbirth.
Yesterday, I was floored at the amount of interest Ellen (and her husband) took in our scare yesterday. I was being sent to L&D triage due to sudden blood pressure issues at my last two office visits, being asked who my pediatrician was, and I was convinced that I was going to be induced at 36.5 weeks. I was devastated about the whole thing and called Ellen, just to let her know that we would be missing class that evening. She asked the right questions. She cannot give medical advice, but told me exactly what she would do in that situation. We were able to lie down in triage and do the relaxation exercises that Ellen had taught us. After several hours, a battery of test results showing the baby and I were just fine with no reason to separate us prematurely, I was sent home.
I called to let her know the good news, reached her husband, who showed a lot of compassion, concern, and was very knowledgable. I had never met him, but felt better after talking to him. Ellen called me today to check on me. She has a genuinely compassionate soul.