What more can we say ... Brana was an absolute delight and the exact energy, presence, and level of expertise my wife and I were looking for in a doula. Yes -- she's kind, thoughtful, insightful, and everything leading up to the birth put us at ease and provided us with the information and mindset we needed. But even more than that, it was Brana's presence at the physical birth and her post-partum visits that made (yes, made) our birth experience and made all the difference in how my wife gave birth, nurtered our son, and made the transition home. Regardless of the time of day or the problem at hand, Brana was our guiding force who always had a kind word or touch, a ready response, and a warm, positive attitude. It's not often that people surpass your wildest expectations, but Brana was truly a godsend to us and, even now, we wonder where we'd be without her insight on birthing position, birthing exercises, and lactation/latching. Our only regret is we didn't take advantage of her post-partum services (do it!), and by the time we realized our error in judgement, our schedules didn't align. Honestly, we can't speak more highly of her and including Brana in this very intimate, personal experience of yours will be the best decision you'll make throughout. Thank you, Brana. We'll never be able to repay the kindness and light you have given us.

Thomas P., via Yelp.com

A unique situation with a happy ending!

I am so thankful that Brana was a part of my pregnancy and birth journey. I began looking for a doula when I was diagnosed with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy at 33 weeks along. This meant I was going to have to have an induction at 37 weeks. While I had had a successful natural birth with my previous birth, I was very nervous about having an induction and felt I was going to need some extra support. To add to that, I was a surrogate for a friend and this was her first baby.
We felt a connection with Brana right away when we spoke to her on the phone. Since my friend and her spouse lived out of the area we had to do our pre-birth visits virtually, but that worked out great. Brana helped us understand what to expect with an induction and listened to how we hoped the birth would go. Together we developed a birth plan. Then the Coronavirus situation happened and everything changed. I was only allowed one person in the delivery room with me and Brana switched to virtual support. When we met again (still virtually), Brana showed my spouse and the baby's parents a bunch of different techniques to help comfort me and help the labor along.
On the day of my induction, we set up a video conference on my computer for Brana and the spouses that couldn't be in the delivery room. My friend and I texted and video chatted them off and on throughout the day and Brana gave us great advice. Then the pitocin kicked in hardcore and I needed a lot of support. Brana really stepped in. She encouraged me and made me feel like things were progressing and she gave my friend the tools and coaching to provide me with physical support. I honestly think I would have felt traumatized by the induction process had it not been for Brana there on the computer. Instead, I felt accomplished that I successfully birthed my dear friend's baby without pain medication with an induction at 37 weeks. I am beyond thankful to have had Brana's guiding light to help me navigate this birth during this stressful time.

Alicia, via Yelp.com

Brana is simply amazing. She is deeply intuitive, calming, has an insanely high EQ, and a great sense of humor. Instead of feeling, as many of the women I know do, that the birth of my child was an unpleasant and out-of-my-control means to a glorious end, Brana's assistance made me feel completely empowered by the whole experience. I wanted to attempt a natural birth but had no misgivings about needing to opt for an epidural if it felt necessary. The breathing/vocalization techniques Brana taught me and her massages allowed me to stay at home FAR longer than I would have been able to on my own. I arrived at the hospital 8 cm dilated and opted for an epidural soon after. My baby came out in 6 pushes and the whole thing felt calm and joyous. I cannot imagine what a scary experience it would have been to navigate the hospital system without Brana there to gently help guide nurses and my husband. You realize once you are going through it how quickly things can change and how rigid and black-and-white our medical system is. They're trained to strictly categorize people and situations, which is depersonalizing and not always what's ultimately best to mother and baby. It's easy to reflect back after the fact on how small changes could have very big impacts on the outcome of your birth, but in the heat of the moment, I was so grateful we had Brana there to be our advocate and ensure that small measures were taken (allowing me to birth on my side, for example) that made huge differences for me in the end. With such an excess of conflicting information on the internet, on pregnancy apps, from parents and in-laws, Brana was an invaluable, trusted resource. She was also so giving of her time and was there to support us even after our formal sessions ended. She made space in our hectic lives for us to pause and take a moment to truly appreciate the life changing event that was about to unfold.  

Lauren and Steve, via

A wonderful experience.
As a single parent heading into my first (and only) birthing experience I was pretty nervous. Should I mention I was also an oly child? I had zero experience or understanding of how the process works, the myriad of potential issues, solutions and what options exist for pregnant ladies everywhere.
Like most experiences, the giving birth part was full of twists and turns. But I felt fully informed and empowered both leading up to and during the labor process as well as completely supported because of Brana.
She recommended books and pod casts that shed light on so many facets of pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period. She was there for us before, during and after.Swaddling, feeding, regulating sleeping, crazy pre and post labor aches and pains...Brana is so knowledgeable and has such an amazing energy you basically want her to move in.
Can't recommend her more highly. Thanks Brana, we love you!

Jenny and baby Max, via DoulaMatch.net

Brana was the best presence we could have asked to have at our birth. From the first meeting, we felt that Brana's services were individualized to our situation. My first son was born 4 weeks early, so Brana went on call 1 month prior to my due date because of my history. She responded to my text messages quickly, and answered all my questions with patience. To our surprise, my water broke with my second 4 weeks early too, and as Brana had anticipated a possibility of a preterm birth she was ready and there in no time. I desired a natural birth, and felt well informed and supported by my doula at all times. Her calm, non pushy attitude was appreciated by the nurses and my doctor as well. She is also an expert in breastfeeding ( I think she is still breastfeeding her 3.5 year old), so it was wonderful having her as a resource in the early weeks.
To anybody who is looking for a pleasant birth experience, I highly recommend Brana! Enjoy, Sonia

Sonia Capretta, via DoulaMatch.net

I felt privilege to have had Brana be my doula for my third baby girl, it was then that I knew what I was missing the two times before. And it was simply somebody showing me the support I needed to get through the miracle of birth and anything in between. From the talks and meetings during pregnancy to the day of delivery, she was there to offer me a calming ambient that made my experience much more enjoyable. She gave her all to me with a 100% of her mind, body, and soul. I highly recommend Brana to any woman out there expecting, especially the first timers, because that’s when we are most terrified of the unknown, but then again it doesn’t matter how many times you’ve done it, it can still be scary and she will be able to ease your mind and address all your concerns, and make sure you are at peace as you prepare yourself for delivery. Most importantly, if you have a birth plan, she will make sure your doctor and nurses stick to it! When I have my next baby, without hesitation, I will ask her to be doula again!

Sara Raz, via DoulaMatch.net

I have nothing but amazing things to say about Brana Ninkov. Brana was my doula for the birth of my second child in March 2013. She supported me emotionally and even physically through the process, putting me at ease with her gentle bedside manner- even bringing humor and fun to the process (as she understood that's what I wanted). My birth plan was modern: I accepted to be induced and use an Epideral. Brana was open minded and non-judgemental and accepted of all of my wishes and took actions that were consistent with my plan at all times. Her presence in my delivery room was vital to the success and beauty of my experience. Whatever your birth plan, you will not meet a more supportive, knowledgable, relatable doula anywhere. I highly recommend!

Anna  Frenkel, via DoulaMatch.net

Brana is the most gentle, honest, and loving person I know.  To have Brana participate in my birthing process was an incredible blessing; and I am proud to call her among my most intimate friends. 
She was calm.  She was knowledgable.  She supported me and my birthing partner (husband Joe).  Having attended the birthing class at Bini Birth (based on Brana's recommendation), I felt prepared for the journey to come.  Joe was next to me the whole time, and prepared for the process.  His job was to "protect me like a wild bear." 
Brana was there to support us.  She knew to breathe next to me.  She knew when and how to make suggestions that felt tolerable to me while I was in active labor.  Having Brana as a doula allowed my team (midwife, sister, husband) to take breaks.  Who knew they would need to eat or use the bathroom?
Having a doula was like having a committed expert as a friend through my pregnancy and brithing process.  She answered questions along the way and provided reassurances to my weary pregnancy brain.
I believe having Brana in the room while you birth, and with you through your pregnancy, is the most wonderful experience you could have.  Having her positive, calm, gentle energy is the exact way I wanted to have my son greated into the world.

Diana McClean, via DoulaMatch.net

Three months ago I was blessed to give birth to a beautiful baby girl. While being pregnant I hesitated a lot whether to use a doula for my birth experience or to rely on the nurses in the hospital. After hearing stories about how stressful the experience can be in the hospital and about how much pressure is for medical interventions that speed up the birth, I decided to give a doula try. I have to say, it was the one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Throughout the whole experience, Brana was there for us. We hired her about 5 months before the due date. She informed and prepared us thoroughly for the whole experience and helped me ease calmly into what is to come. My fears and stress were replaced by excitement and enthusiasm.
The dilevery itself was simply magical. Brana did a wonderful job accompanying us throughout the whole experience. She helped us set the room up based on my wishes, providing a very homey environment. Brana kindly took care of all the details such as candles, dimmmed lights, calm meditative music, the pilates ball that ended up being a life saver. Brana’s calm personality, helped me tremendously to relax, breath and enjoy. I am unsure how she did it, but she truly helped me to be in the “here and now”, and take it all in! instead of suffering from the pain, I found myself welcoming it and even enjoying it in some weird way , while hearing Brana calmly remind me, “with every surge, my baby is coming closer and closer to me..: )
I ended up having my baby girl completely natural, without any intervention. Thanks to Brana being by my side, and all the confidence and knowledge that she gave me, I trusted that I could do it, and I did it. I cannot thank you Brana enough for being there for us and for helping us create such memorable and beautiful experience!

Diana Meirovich, via DoulaMatch.net

On my 2nd pregnancy I decided that I want to try a natural birth, with no epidoral. Brana was there for me for every question I had, and helped me with all my concerns. when I went to the hospital, I called Brana and she came so fast and supported me, listened to me, and helped me with each contraction. 

The thing I liked most in my experience with Brana was that although Brana believes in natural birth, she never tried to force it. She listened to me and she did everything she could to make it easier on me. I am so happy that Brana was there for me. 

Liron Shir Bonen, via Doula,atch.net

Brana is an amazing doula. She will walk you through every step with a kindness and consideration that seems endless. For those who are able to take the most natural route she will be right by your side helping you and your partner understand all of the innumerable decisions that come up. Due to a health condition I've had since childhood, I ended up having to have a cesarean in the hospital and I was extremely disappointed that we had to change my husband and my plan for a natural birth. Brana was able to walk me through step by step how to give my son the most natural experience of his birth. She is so fascinated by the beauty of birth that she keeps up with all of the latest research and information on how to create your ideal birth even when conditions may not be that ideal.

Haaland DeWart, via DoulaMatch.net