Testimonials

Leading workshops for birth support professionals is one of my favorites! I also try to release a few free webinars a year. I’m always touched and honored to read professionals’ warm words.

Here are some of them…


“I took Neri’s workshop because I was getting disheartened when couples would tell me prenatally that they want an unmedicated labor, or to go “as natural as possible” and then despite all the time I spent with them offering resources, giving information, listening to their birth goals and making a birth plan, things often went astray. It made me feel like I had failed as their doula. I know it’s not my birth, but I couldn’t help but wonder if there actually was a way to help mamas remember what they originally wanted before they went into labor, and how could I help them stay committed while staying within my scope of practice and keeping the doctors and nurses happy as well?  Birth Coach Method is the answer to this disconnect that we experience as doulas, and I truly believe (and have already experienced) mothers will feel more empowered in their choices and develop the commitment and motivation that it takes to remember why they hired me to have support in their unmedicated, unhindered birth in the first place! I am now feeling empowered, renewed and excited to practice coaching couples for birth in a new way and I know it is going to make for happier, healthier and more satisfied mamas and babies.

Ashley Shea, Organic Birth Santa Cruz


I’m a Lamaze educator and would be handy to add this to my Lamaze further education.

Again thank you for the webinar

Gemma Wilson, LCCE, Director of Breathability Childbirth Education


‘I will admit I was a little intimidated by all the wisdom in the room for the course of yesterday, but it was really amazing to be held in the same hands as some of the women that have been doing this for years! I am very grateful for how embracing the community and YOU are to Doulas that come from all walks of life.

Not only was this course really informative, especially in the subject line of what a lot of doulas seemed to glance over, The Art of Coaching, but it was engaging and never a dull moment … you were totally on top of it! Giving us the right amount of exercises that made the roleplay come easy and fun! The handouts weren’t overwhelming and the fact that you give us the power point after so we can engage in listening to what you have to say versus taking notes is so appreciated.

Not only have I been looking forward to the course but I have been a big fan of yours for the last few months! Looking into your webinars, downloading and highlighting your power points, even using your affirmation script for birth coaches in massage practicing.

The Art of Coaching was the cherry on top of my 2015 and I am happy to say that the tools that I was able to learn from you have already been taken advantage of. I was able to look at my new client right in her eyes with confidence and tell her that I was there with her to coach and learn with her thanks to the information that I learned through The Art of Coaching. I can not wait to see what the rest of my professional career has in store with the coaching tools that I will now carry close to my heart. I also believe these are tools I’ll be able to use in any coaching situation; family, friends, mothers, partners. Communication is key.

Thank you so much for giving the Santa Cruz County such a vital communication tool to bring to the Doula table.

Sylvia Rubio,  Birth Doula, Santa Cruz CA


“I absolutely LOVED your “Epidural” webinar! 

Thank you, very much!  There were amazing tips I’ll want to use… Half of my clients had epidurals, and I’m afraid that I didn’t do everything for them that I could have.  After the epidurals were administered, I wasn’t much use to them, and I think my closure visits were weak.  At any rate:  THANK YOU, VERY MUCH! 

In the doula spirit, Britt Hatch.


“Last week I attended Neri Choma’s  FULL day workshop – The Art of Coaching for Childbirth. The next day, while meeting with a new couple, I already had the opportunity to use some of these new coaching tools. Instead of talking and telling about myself and what I could do for them as a doula,  I was so much more attentive; asking questions to not only get to know them and make rapport but to help them clarify what they want and why do they want it.  This was just our first meeting and I’m looking forward to using so much more of what we learned to help families have a more satisfying birth. As suggested by Neri,  I’ve also been using some of these tools at home with my own family. I’m incorporating a different mindset that will be beneficial in so many of my daily communications and relationships.”

Renee Ben David, Birth Doula, Cupertino, CA


 ‘It was really refreshing to learn about this new way of solving common doula dilemmas.  By seeing myself as a labor coach, I feel more focused on the woman’s wishes for her birth, have a very easy time staying within my scope of practice, and offering nonjudgmental support. Neri has a way of clarifying the role of the birth doula in a way that respects the entire birth team.  I recommend this workshop to all doulas, beginners or experienced because, with the tools she teaches, my job is easier…

“…“I asked my most talkative, well-researched client about what she was giving up in order to have an unmedicated birth, and she was speechless! We explored her birth from a new angle. It was great! She soon went back to her big fear of battling with hospital staff. She believes she is giving up a smooth interaction with them. Then we worked on strategies for that, many inspired by your workshop.”

Ellen LaVoie, Certified Doula, Redwood City, CA


“Neri’s class has given me a new set of tools to better identify my clients’ true wishes for birth. I also feel better able to address the underlying fears or concerns of the women I serve. And although I have already been trying to approach my relationships with my clients and their care team from a position of curiosity, Neri’s course has given me the language and structure to do so more effectively and as a result, I feel better equipped to handle whatever comes my way. Thank you, Neri!”

Fabienne Greenberg, Birth & Postpartum Doula, Redwood City, CA


“As Doulas, we are accountable for the quality of our clients’ birth experience. How do you ensure that we provide them with the best experience possible if we don’t know what they need and especially why they need it? The Art of Coaching for Childbirth workshop allowed me to gain valuable tools through various exercises and discussions that not only now enable me to know my clients better and lead them,  but also help me establish a relationship based on trust. I am now much more equipped to coach them prenatally, through medical interventions, and through closure at the postpartum visit. I highly recommend this workshop to every doula out there as it is a very valuable addition to a birth doula certification. Neri’s delivery of the workshop is very interesting, interactive, and thought-provoking.

Myriam Chaouki, birth and postpartum doula, birth coach,  San Jose


I definitely hope to go back through all the contact and take notes before my time expires.  This is very detailed, very helpful information you have shared.  Your willingness to break it down and share with doulas who’ve already trained is a huge gift to the birth worker community.  Honestly, I think you could easily time 3 or 4 times as much for your Complete Tools Kit.  This is more specific and advanced than what most doulas probably get from the workshops.  I have only attended a childbirth educator workshop, so I know I am not an expert, but from the schedules I have looked at I can see that you have included more specific advanced information.

Thank you so much.  I have learned so much from you.  I did order the DVD as well.  I already know it is excellent from the other work of yours that I have seen. May you and your family have a very enjoyable holiday season! Thanks so much for your quick help! 

S. M, Doula,  December 2014


Hi Neri,Thank you for checking on my order.  I did receive the DVD as expected.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for a comprehensive active birth DVD.  I’ve already watched the DVD one time and look forward to having my husband watch it with me again.  This will be my third child and I did not have the opportunity to take any birthing classes with my first two (strict bed-rest).

Thanks again,
Melissa, Amazon Buyer, December 2014


Thank you, Neri, for creating such a wonderful DVD for all the expectant moms. Consolidated Information like this is very hard to find in one place. Me and my husband watched the DVD and absolutely loved it! This is something I would be using soon during my labor and childbirth in the next few weeks.

Neri’s deep understanding of childbirth is evident from the material she has provided in her DVD for expectant parents.

And, The best part about the DVD is that it talks about each phase of labor including what to expect, techniques, positions and massages to use. Very handy for mother and the birth partner as they can just follow the instructions without getting panicked.

I wish I had found your DVD during my first childbirth but I would definitely recommend this DVD to all the expectant moms now.

Geeta Verma, Amazon Buyer


Neri Choma has had a long association with Blossom Birth Services in Palo Alto. From 2004-2006 she served as the Director of Blossom Birth a nonprofit resource center for expectant and new families. She continued to be involved with Blossom from 2006 to  2011 as a birth educator.

Neri is very passionate and experienced childbirth educator. She is excellent at coaching women and their partners in preparing themselves for a natural birth with limited medical interventions. She can instill confidence and help women navigate the maternal care system to support them in their birth preferences.

Neri has also supported the larger birth community in the Bay Area, offering professional development opportunities for doulas to expand their horizons to explore new areas and learn from each other. She has been a mentor for many in the area.   I wish Neri all the very best as she continues her life journey and thank her for her commitment and service to hundreds of birthing women over the years.

Mora Oommen, Executive Director of Blossom Birth Palo Alto, CA


Neri served as Director of Blossom Birth when I was an instructor there. She served the organization and its contractors with fairness and conservative abundant spirit that Blossom thrived from.

As a childbirth educator, I am inspired by Neri’s experience, passion and expertise that show through as she instructs and empowers parents in her classes. I am continually hearing good reviews on Neri’s classes from parents I work with in different capacities.

Neri thrives as an instructor, sharing her experience and expertise as she guides and mentors new doulas into the field of supporting parents preparing for birth. The community is blessed to have her as an instructor and doula mentor.

Through my years of work with the birth community in lots of different capacities, it is not rare to find someone with passion about supporting parents, but it IS a rarity to have the chance to work with a confident, courageous and caring individual such as Neri.

Her work and spirit is an inspiration to others, and to the voice of change within our current birth culture.

Mendy Thijssen
Doula, Childbirth Mentor, Mountain View, CA