Lia Berquist

Birth & Postpartum Doula
Long Beach, California
25 years of experience
5.0
About me

As a Doula and birth worker, I'm committed to supporting you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I've given birth to two beautiful babies (who are now grown/and almost grown) and I could not have done it without my doula. I have a Bachelors of Science in Human Environmental Sciences – which equates to commercial interior design - but childbirth is my passion. I have been teaching childbirth classes in The Bradley Method ® in Long Beach, California since 2011. In 2012, I became a certified Doula and have since had the honor of witnessing over 350 births. It is my goal to empower women and their partners, through positive education, to give birth in the most natural way possible. The benefits of a natural birth are countless and the value to the birthing parent, baby, and the family unit, are immeasurable. Bradley Method ® classes provide a safe place for parents to explore their options, and weigh the benefits and risks of interventions with which they may be presented, prior to arriving at the labor and delivery room. A doula added to that formula elevates the experience, improving outcomes and birth satisfaction. Education and Experience: • Certified Doula since 2012 (The VBACLink cert in 2019) • Affiliated Bradley Method® Instructor since 2011 • Evidence Based Birth® Instructor since 2018 • B.S. in Human Environmental Sciences, 1996 I'd love to help you advocate for whatever kind of birth YOU want.

Education

Bachelor of Science, University of Arkansas (1996)

Certification and training

The Bradley Method® (2011)

The VBAC Link (2019)

Evidence Based Birth® (2018)

Memberships and affiliations

American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth

Credentials
CBE CD
Specialties
Adoption Advanced Maternal Age Birth Assistant Birth Doula Birth Photographer Building Healthy Communication Childbirth Education High Risk and Low Intervention Obstetrical Care High-Risk Pregnancy Home Birth Infant Care Labor Doula Multiples Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Neonatal Resuscitation Program Newborn Care Positive Thinking Postpartum Adjustment Postpartum Care Relaxation Techniques Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) Water birth
Languages

English

Service introduction

I am a certified childbirth educator and doula / birthworker. I teach The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth as well as Evidence Based Birth classes. My classes are conducted in person and / or online - you choose.

Packages
The Little Shabang - Hospital
o I provide emotional and educational support throughout your entire pregnancy o I will fully support you physically and emotionally through your entire labor and birth, making myself available to you whenever you request. There is no time limit on services provided (with this package, there may be an additional hourly fee in very rare circumstances which will be outlined in my contract for services) o One prenatal visit at your home o One postpartum visit within 24 hours of birth / returning home from hospital o Continued virtual postpartum support for 8 weeks o Customized Birth Bag and Birth Plan o Rebozo shawl + instruction for you and your partner on the history and benefit of Rebozo o Online admission to one series of any of my childbirth classes (a $750 value); in-person spots only as available o Pre-made “padsicles” for the postpartum phase (Hospital birth only)
$2,900.00
USD Flat rate
Ratings and reviews
Average
5.0
# of Reviews
1
5.0

Having Lia as a part of my birth team was beyond invaluable and I wish everyone could have Lia in their corner! I was fortunate to have her by my side through two pregnancies and natural unmedicated births as my doula. During my first pregnancy, my husband and I decided to take her Bradley Class in order to prepare for birth (highly recommend!). I didn’t originally have an intention of pursuing a natural unmedicated birth, but a few class sessions in and I was determined to make that happen. I knew I needed Lia as my doula in order to have that extra support and reassurance. Her knowledge and way of communicating all the information around pregnancy, birth, and most importantly advocacy, is that of an expert. Lia made me feel completely supported and empowered to stand firm in my birth goals and do anything and everything needed to put myself in the best possible position to achieve them including when I decided to switch providers late in both pregnancies as they were trying to force unnecessary inductions. She responded to every phone call, text message, and email throughout my pregnancies and even postpartum extremely quickly and helped me calmly navigate the medical system that can be difficult when wanting to go into spontaneous labor. During labor, Lia acted asupported both me and my husband as well as did ALL the things like providing counter pressure, ensuring I stayed hydrated, a barrier to my laborland bubble with hospital staff, etc. I can undoubtedly say that my outcomes would have been much different without her guidance, expertise, and encouragement. If you are thinking about hiring Lia as your doula or taking her class, do both!!

- Kimberly B.

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