What goes on behind the scenes at Buddha Belly? Stories & lessons learned from our own families, client reviews, birth stories, and a glimpse into our world supporting your family.

A doula offering a cup of tea to a new mom, why choose a doula agency?

The Benefits of Choosing a Doula Agency

By Christie Collbran | September 18, 2023

If you’re on this page, you’re likely considering bringing a doula into your birth or postpartum experience. Kudos to you for prioritizing support and care during this remarkable journey. As someone deeply involved in the Tampa Bay community – a doula here since 2009, and the founder of Buddha Belly Doulas since 2014 – I’ve…

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Parents Need Help Not Judgment

By Christie Collbran | February 5, 2021

Raise your hand if you’ve ever had to deal with a Judgy McJudgerpants in your life? I recently wrote about coping with a colicky baby as a new parent – what made it better and what didn’t. Three aspects of the situation made it harder: lack of support judgment and unsolicited advice. I was exclusively…

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The Childbirth Course with Buddha Belly Doulas was fantastic – Mayrel, Oldsmar

By Christie Collbran | December 23, 2020

My husband and I took the childbirth course with Buddha Belly Doulas and it was fantastic. Both Christie and Amy are awesome; they are very professional, knowledgeable and always offer prompt customer service. The course’s curriculum was very informative, sourced from science based content, and taught at a good, relaxed pace, allowing us to absorb…

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“Mommy, I Pooped My Pants”

By Christie Collbran | December 3, 2020

The story of a Christmas tree excursion that didn’t go exactly as planned.  It was a dark evening in the Christmas tree tent, as 3 year old Jack and 8 year old Shane ran around giggling with glee during their annual hide-n-seek game. The other tree-shoppers didn’t seem to mind. They had also been touched…

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Extremely Enlightening – Samantha H., New Port Richey

By Christie Collbran | November 5, 2020

HypnoBirthing was the best decision for preparing for labor! Candice was an excellent instructor and far exceeded my expectations. Reading the Hypnobirthing book is one thing, but nothing compares to experiencing it with someone who is as knowledgable, passionate and experienced as Candice is. Would recommend to any and everyone looking to have any kind…

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Best Decision During Pregnancy – Sarah., Tampa

By Christie Collbran | August 5, 2020

Dear Christie and Amy, I just wanted to let you know how much my husband and I enjoyed and benefited from Candice’s Hypnobirthing Class. She provided such valuable information that both of us never would have known otherwise, and I am feeling much better and more prepared about giving birth! I feel that it’s the…

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Everything Was Handled With Care – Aleya, St. Pete

By Christie Collbran | July 9, 2020

I contacted Buddha Belly about a month before I gave birth. I planned on doing the placenta encapsulation and Tincture. They sent me my kit immediately. I was then put in contact with Korene who gave me some simple instructions. After giving birth and settling in at home, Korene came over to start the process.…

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I couldn’t recommend them more! – Lina, St. Pete

By Christie Collbran | June 27, 2020

We used Buddha Belly Doulas for our home birth and I couldn’t recommend them more! We had Hayley and Julia as our lovely doulas. They supported us through the pregnancy and were so helpful when we had to navigate changes to our birth plan due to COVID. Julia was on call on the day of…

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She was the Perfect Companion – Katie, Land O’ Lakes

By Christie Collbran | June 1, 2020

I can’t recommend Buddha Belly Birth Services highly enough! Our doula team was Julia Dixon and Hayley Livermore. We met them in January when I was 5 months pregnant and had just moved to Florida. I trusted them both right away. They were kind, compassionate and knowledgeable. Over the course of my pregnancy the world…

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We 100% Recommend Buddha Belly – Anggie, Tampa

By Christie Collbran | April 5, 2020

My husband and I are having our first baby in May 2020. We signed up for a childbirth class that eventually turned into a virtual class. Michaela was our instructor and she was wonderful. When we were done with our sessions, we legitimately missed her! During this time of uncertainty, we were at ease knowing…

COVID-19 Doula Support

COVID-19 and Doula Support and Safety

By Christie Collbran | March 13, 2020

As the COVID-19 crisis continues around the world, babies are still being born every day and more and more families may need the support of their birth doula, postpartum doula or lactation counselor. Your family’s health and well-being, as well as ours, is our top priority. We are closely monitoring the situation and will update…

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Extremely Helpful – Elizabeth H., Riverview

By Christie Collbran | October 10, 2019

My husband and I used Buddha Belly for our childbirth education class, placenta encapsulation and doula services. They were responsive when we inquired about services and able to help guide us in what we might need for childbirth. Amy was great in the class and did our placenta encapsulation. She also helped with breastfeeding questions…