Nikki Avila

The one thing I regret is not hiring Nikki earlier!! I reached out to her when I was 36 weeks pregnant and I am so lucky she was willing to take me on so late in my pregnancy. Nikki not only helped me prepare as best as I could in the short time frame we had before I gave birth, but she also connected me with the women in her team who were incredible resources as well. When it came to my L&D, Nikki was with me in the hospital for a complete 24 hours. She helped me navigate challenges to my birth preferences, consider tough decisions, and advocate for me when dealing with some difficult healthcare professionals. I truthfully think my birth experience would have taken a horrible turn if i did not have the support I received from Nikki. After I was released from the hospital, My son had difficulty with his latch, and i had a hard time with pumping. I shared my issues with Nikki, and she quickly put me in touch with her lactation consultant in her group, and they were able to counsel me that same day. I truthfully believe if it wasn't for this help, i would have given up on my breast feeding journey prematurely. Although I reached out to Nikki late only because i found out my insurance would cover a doula, My husband and I both have determined if we no longer could hire Nikki through our insurance, we would budget for her services if we decide to have another baby in the near future. Nikki is kind but also direct, gentle but also strong, informative but not condescending, and she is patient but not avoidant. She is sensitive to the needs of the individual client, and accepting to all walks of life.

- Aliyah Gonzalez

Nikki is the best, I am so glad we hired her as our Doula. She is very knowledgeable, helpful and such a kind soul. Thank you for educating my daughter with your birth education classes, you made me feel very calm, peaceful during delivery. Thank you for all that you do. We love you.

- Milagros Damian

I found Nikki while searching for doula services during my third pregnancy. I was new to the area and already in my third trimester, yet she happily took me on as a client and even drove about 40 minutes to meet with me in my home. During my birth, her calm and grounding presence naturally helped me stay relaxed. I ended up having a fast, out-of-town birth, and she still made sure to arrive in time and provide steady comfort throughout. During postpartum visits, Nikki was incredibly sweet and felt more like a long-term friend than a provider. Having her come over to help during that season was such a comfort and made the transition so much easier.

- Shayne Taylor

Words can’t even explain how AMAZING Nikki is she has gone above and beyond to help me before birth during even after she’s answered all my questions throughly gave me advice encouraged me and was by my side comforting me while in labor for 3 days straight she’s taught me so much in such a short time span and I’m a mother of 7 yet there was so many things I didn’t know till I met Nikki ❤️ I’m a month postpartum and she’s still here helping me I’m so glad I had her as my doula 100% recommend you will not be disappointed 🫶🏼

- Mariah Alvarez

I am so beyond happy that I contacted In the Waiting Doula Services to guide me through my first pregnancy. Nikki is so kind, supportive, informative, and just overall so helpful. I had so many worries/ concerns as a first time mom, but Nikki was there to answer all my questions even questions I did not know I had. I appreciate the entire team! Marisol’s lactation class was amazing and helpful. ♥️

- Cristal Pulido

Mama you are here for a reason if you are unsure where to go choose Nikki. I am forever grateful that I came across her when searching for doulas her energy is unmatched from anyone I’ve met before. after my first birth at 20 left me with feelings of helplessness and frustration surrounding events in my birth story, I knew I didn’t want to go through the same experience a year later with my 2nd birth. During my first i felt the doctors and nursing staff had failed me. As well as myself for not having the knowledge to apply birthing tools I had learned or courage to advocate for myself. My second birthing time with Nikki was the complete opposite. She had a calm collected yet firm energy which I needed during my birth. Taking her hypnobabies course gave me the tools to apply the knowledge I had and she gave me a regained confidence to know I was capable of keeping my baby safe and make informed decisions. She also helped me process through the trauma of my first birth which absolutely freed my mental space from the negative associations of birth. I am so glad she was placed in my life and am forever grateful for the immeasurable influence she has had in my life. Thank you Nikki!

- cArisma

We just had Nikki as our doula this year for my second baby (I wish we had knew about her for my first). When my husband and I met Nikki for the first time i thought it was going to be hard since my husband and Nikki had a language barrier but they both tried so hard to understand each other and I am glad they did. We loved how she made us feel so comfortable, and we knew we wanted to have her for sure. I did end up having a unmedicated birth, and I know I couldn’t have done it without her by my side. I remember my husband telling me right after I had my baby that he was thankful for Nikki, he was very nervous seeing all the pain I was going through and he said as soon as Nikki arrived he felt way more calm as I remember in that moment I kept saying I couldn’t do it because I was in so much pain but Nikki reassured me I can do it, and told me I was going to be ok. After I gave birth she told me she knew I could do it and that she was so proud of me and that made me feel so good 🥹 Also, she was able to stay with me overnight at the hospital since my husband had to come home and be with our daughter. I am very thankful she was able to because she helped me so much with my baby that first night. We loved her so much that we will be using her for our next baby for sure❤️

- Sandra Loera Valdez

Having Nikki as my doula was part of an amazing birthing experience. She was so supportive and engaging with both my husband and I. I learned so much about trusting my body and having a healthy mindset about my pregnancy. Thanks to her I have an amazing birthing story to share. Nikki is all about advocating for you and making sure your needs are met. She has the charisma and all the skills needed to assist you in this memorable experience.

- Aly Gonzalez

Nikki provided me with plenty of knowledge, care, and love during my pregnancy and she was right by my side giving me words of encouragement throughout my labor process. Her office is calm and inviting. She made me feel safe, and like I had a voice when it came time to talk to the doctors. She provided excellent post partum advice and healing. She performed a womb closing ritual on me and it helped me process my birth. I would recommend her to anyone of my friends and would love to have her be my doula if I ever gave birth again. Amazing work.

- Aileth Bran

We hired Nikki as our Doula for my second pregnancy. I was concerned that I might need to have another C-section and knew that there was a possibility for that, but Nikki reassured me that she would help do everything she could to avoid that, which was a success! The amount of comfort she provided and care throughout my pregnancy and labor, far exceeded my expectations. She not only helped ease my mind but she also helped my husband during the process of it all. She is incredibly knowledgeable and is very calming. My husband and I could not have had our successful VBAC without her! I'm so grateful for this experience with Nikki.

- Mariah Trimble

DEFINITELY recommend! As a first time pregnancy and mom Nikki played a huge role in my overall experience. Any anxieties or worries I had about my pregnancy or birth process Nikki was there. I went through a lot my first pregnancy health wise and this lady had a huge impact. If you need a doula I 100%recommend Nikki she is very knowledgeable, very compassion and treats you more than just a client she treats you like family. Always answers always available even through text, she always answered whenever I called she was always an available, no disappointments. When we went into the hospital my boyfriend as a first time father felt relieved when she was there bc he knew he could rely on her for the right thing questions and all that even if it were to come to the extent where I couldn’t advocate for myself he trusted and knew she would for me too.She was there for me and also will advocate for you, she is very In tune to your body and definitely through her knowledge and preparation prepared me better than I originally was to have my baby and throughout the pregnancy process as well. I would choose her over and over again for every baby I have. It doesn’t stop just when you have a baby she is there after and also ensuring u get sleep or whatever you may need done postpartum my sleep was very much needed and she was very good with my baby

- Karimah

I knew Nikki was going to be a huge factor in a successful VBAC with my second baby. The unknown is scary, and she gave me all the facts I needed to know about having a VBAC and about birth in general prior to even going into labor. I feel that she prepared me very well for childbirth. Nikki has such a natural calming, nurturing effect- exactly what I needed. I texted her late at night notifying her that my water had broken and she responded right away and offered to come to me. She responded to my home when I asked her to so we could try and walk the baby out. Then she met us in the hospital when we got a room and kept me calm and comfortable, assisting me with different positions on the labor ball to help position baby and different relaxing techniques. Nikki isn’t afraid to stand up for your beliefs/ birth preferences if she needs to. I had a very pushy nurse who was attempting to use scare tactics to force me out of my comfort/ beliefs. Nikki advocated for me, and didn’t let the nurse push me into anything I didn’t want. Without her, I would’ve absolutely given into the nurse. I am so thankful for Nikki. She is the reason why I was able to have a successful VBAC! I know I left some major points out somewhere, but please trust me when I say that you need Nikki to have the best birth experience. She is amazing and was meant to do this work!

- Lia Galvez

I chose Nikki for my third pregnancy with twins and I wish I would’ve found her sooner. My goal was a VBA2C and I knew that Nikki was going to be the support I needed. She is a one of a kind woman who just happens to be a birth worker too. Her energy is so comforting and every time I came to her with my concerns, she helped me get through the medical fear mongering to determine what my husband and I were ok with doing. Never once did she make me feel bad about any path I chose surrounding my birth and pregnancy. A doula would be unnecessary if we had kept the knowledge of our ancestors with their homeopathic remedies, matriarchal support and non-medicalized treatment plan, but since we have lost our ancestral practices - hiring a doula is the best way to protect yourself against malpractice and self doubt. I am very happy with the service she provided me and my family but even more than that, I know I’ve gained a lifelong sister and added to my village.

- Esperanza Rivera

If you're looking to hire a doula Nikki is the best way to go! Shes a great advocate and knows her stuff! We took Hypnobabies with her. At first i wanted a home birth but went the hospital route for my first birth. I still needed an advocate and guidance as i hate the medical field, my OBGYN and birth nurses were a nightmare! Nikki helped advocate with them. Nikki was there for me and helped me a lot during my pregnancy and after for postpartum care. I had just met Nikki in the middle of my pregnancy and immediately felt comfortable with her throughout my journey. Having Nikki also helped my partner understand this journey even more and helped prepare him. My partner also loves Nikki! She taught him how to wrap our baby and gave great recommendations that helped us as new parents! ❤️❤️❤️ Hire her, shes the advocate everyones needs😇🪽

- Ruby Romero

I loved loved loved Nikki as my doula!!! She is so educated, calm, understanding, and really knows how to make you feel comfortable! She gave us childbirth courses, helped during and after birth. Having calming techniques and props in my birth room really helped me stay calm. I would highly recommend her!!

- Carolina Ruiz

What can I say! Hiring Nikki was the best decision we could have made for my second birthing experience. I knew from having a horrible experience the first time around I wanted a healing experience and that’s is exactly what she provided. Her calming energy and positive affirmations gave me the power I needed to take my rights back on such a beautiful experience. So blessed to forever share how healing birthing with her by our side was.

- The Salto’s

First time mom here, I hope my words do her justice. My partner & I both agree that hiring Nikki was one of the best choices we made during this pregnancy. I am so grateful for the education and support she provided. Nikki has such a strong, calm, and welcoming presence. She is someone I was able to share tears, laughs, hopes, and fears for my pregnancy, labor, and delivery. I am so glad that I was able to have her by my side through it. Highly recommend hiring Nikki! We love her so much!

- TaylorJade Miller

We used Nikki for Hypnobabies Childbirth Education and loved it. I wish I would have had her as my Doula. Although I was not able to fully use the Hypnobabies during my L&D turned Emergency C-Section experience I enjoyed the Relaxation Tracks. Nikki came out to our home which I very much appreciate as all I wanted to do was lie down esp towards the end. I have a healthcare background & was looking for someone that has decent medical knowledge. We had our last sesion days before Delivery & Nikki noticed I was miserable and would likely deliver by the weekend (I sure did and did not get to do the belly casting she was going to do for me). She is also comfortable with Dogs as well.

- Amarpal Gill

If you're interested in having an advocate and an ally during your pregnancy/birthing journey, Nikki is an amazing person and professional to have at your side. The education that she provided during pregnancy was invaluable and made me feel prepared for my birthing experience. She made me feel safe, secured, and gave me strategies on how to advocate for myself in the hospital setting. Overall, I was able to have the best birthing experience possible, largely attributed to her. If I decide to have another child, I will be using her as my doula.

- Rachel Nelson

If you’re looking for a doula you’ve come to the right place. It’s easy to see that Nikki is truly passionate about the pregnancy journey. To know Nikki is to love her! As soon as I spoke to her she felt like a friend and someone who I would want by my side supporting me during the most important time of my life, my birth! We did her hypnobabies birthing classes as well and she always made it fun! Nikki was always just a call or text away if we had any questions or concerns. She went above and beyond when it came to getting me prepped for labor and postpartum both physically and mentally. On the day of the birth she was accessible at midnight when my water broke and reassured me everything was going to be okay after I realized there was meconium in the water. She promptly met us at the hospital and had tools and items that I found very helpful during my birthing waves. She was a constant support to both me and my husband and helped me navigate all the decisions I had to make at the hospital without any judgment. Our birth didn’t go exactly as planned but it was still an amazing birth thanks to Nikki’s support. If you’re thinking about hiring a doula Nikki is your girl. You will not be disappointed and you will be very supported in this amazing journey to motherhood!

- Luisa Hill

Nikki is a force to be reckoned with... educated, kind, loving. She will advocate for you, your birth, your family. Because of her, I can say that I was given the dignity to labor/birth the way I wanted/needed, I can say that I was surrounded with love and LAUGHTER, and I am changed forever by the energy exchange. It is an honor to know Nikki, we love her so much!

- Danae’ Mutuc

Nikki was an amazing doula ! She was very attentive and concerned about me and my baby. I was a little late getting a doula but she did her best to ensure that my birth would be amazing. She really bends over backwards for her clients.

- Maile Carey

Hiring Nikki as our doula was the best investment we did for our birth. Initially my husband and I went in fearful of birth and with many negative views on birth, but we learned how to develop a birth preference plan, advocate for ourselves at medical settings, and even notice red flags with my first ob/gyn. We also used hypnobabies for our birth and it was the best experience of our lives. Birth was peaceful, beautiful, and smooth. No fear of “giving birth” and actually trusting my body could give birth and knows how to. Nikki was very informative, hands on, and calming. We could not have done this without Nikki’s expertise and guidance.

- Mayra Brambila

Nikki was so incredibly compassionate and loyal towards my pregnancy and birthing experience. She was emotionally present and supportive not just to me, but to my husband as well. Nikki was always a text away - ready and willing to offer her knowledge, experience and love. Inviting Nikki alongside our pregnancy and birth journey was a total asset for us. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually Nikki was in our corner, truly wanting a calm, peaceful and memorable delivery. 💙 5 stars doesn’t seem enough!

- Carri-Ann Evenson

I hired Nikki to be my doula (I’m a first time mom). It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I had a vision of how I wanted my birth plan to pan out and I needed an advocate who would stand up for my son and I during the experience. Nikki helped me through every contraction and never let me give up. I didn’t want an epidural and that’s what ended up happening. I highly recommend Nikki. She’s very knowledgeable and personable as well. Many thanks to you, Nikki.

- J P

Nikki is amazing. She is so patient and has so much great information to share! When I went into labor, it was late in the evening and when I text her with my questions, she answered immediately and shortly after joined me in my home. She brings such a calming and peaceful presence wherever she goes, which is so helpful during labor and birth. We will be contacting her again for our next tiny human!

- Moriah Unruh

I contacted Nikki on a very VERY short notice due to moving, and COVID, I was supposed to be alone to give birth so I wanted a doula with me. Nikki was super informative and reassuring for the short time we got to know each other, and I knew I wanted to birth in her presence! My labor ended up being very short, and pretty uneventful, but I was grateful to have her there to guide me through contractions, reminding me to breathe, and to reassure me of my birth preferences when things got crazy. My only regret is not being able to book her sooner, she’s awesome.

- Stacy Michelle

I hired Nikki on my 4th pregnancy for both support and for the hypnobabies birthing class. Having Nikki as support during pregnancy was a breath of fresh air, she is so kind and welcoming I almost felt as if I've known her forever. Even as it was my 4th pregnancy I felt I needed this extra support because pregnancy is full of surprises and it is never to late to have a doula. Throughout my pregnancy and even now postpartum Nikki checks in. She is full of knowledge and full of heart when it comes to advocating for women. hypnobabies is an added bonus service she provides, both my husband and I benefited greatly from it. Still use my relaxation techniques in my 4th trimester. I strongly believe every pregnant momma needs a doula💓

- Perla Aguilar

Having Nikki during our journey was just what I needed for our second child. I knew the help of a L&D doula was necessary after my first. Nikki took the sessions prior to birth to really learn of my fears, anxieties, and traumas so that she could better serve me during the birthing process. When comparing our first birth without a doula to this one-hands down night and day difference! It made the experience more relaxing, comfortable, and calming for myself and my husband. I highly recommend her services, no matter what number birth this is for you.

- Katherine McDaris

Nikki is amazing ! She supported all my birthing wishes. Was always available when any question or concerns Came up regarding pregnancy, birth, and in the postpartum stage. Having a doula like her is such a blessing, not only did she help me in the birthing process but also my family 💛

- Briana Marin

Nikki was incredibly supportive my whole pregnancy. She provided helpful information regarding child birth and how to advocate for ourselves in the hospital. She helped us develop my birth plan. I’m so thankful she was able to attend our hospital birth because I don’t know what my husband and I would have done without her. While I was laboring, my husband supported me, while she supported him. I feel that every birthing woman should have access to an doula. They are invaluable!

- Yuli Avila