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Leslie Cohen | Birth Doula CD(DTI)

@lestercoco

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🔸Los Angeles Birthdoula 🦋
🔸LGBTQIA+ birth advocate 🏳️‍🌈
🔸Pre & postnatal nutrition 🥬
🔸Voiceovers 🎙️
🔹Mother 🌎
🔹Photographer 📸

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To watch a woman, a woman like Ashley, with a partner like Anthony, enter into this passionate dream of having a VBAC, is to watch the most determined, powerful, and focused mother in labor. Ashley started her TOLAC in the wee hours of the morning, we set up the room beautifully, she made slight, animalistic noises all over her home, while keeping her surroundings safe, supportive, and peaceful. She wanted to labor at home for as long as possible, it felt right, she knows herself very well, she’s done the work in all areas of her life to get here. We were all thrilled, she was experiencing labor, there was no doubt about it, and she was in heaven! Her progression was palpable, as was the excitement for all 3 of us.

When Ashley’s water broke, on their midcentury dining room chair, while holding Anthony’s hands, the emotions rushed in. There was real pride in that moment, accompanied by ecstasy and relief, this was confirmation that all was evolving beautifully. They both burst into tears - They had arrived! It was happening! She had spontaneously broken her water! A feeling she hadn’t had the luxury of experiencing during her first labor. (See: pic 1)

One of the MANY things I learned from this birth, was that, even though I always encourage my clients to accept the birth they’re given, to embrace the unknown, to surrender to this illusion of control, the secret is…I wanted this for Ashley almost as much as she did.

We went to the hospital, all systems were go, and about 24 hours after labor had begun, Ashley was 10 cm and ready, and yet…
(Continued below in comments) by @lestercoco

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8 months ago

What a spectacular moment this was, with one of the best families I’ve ever had the honor to support @isabel.g.simon & @simonsaysjake
Isabel walked into this pregnancy like many first time pregnant people I meet - slightly anxious, with a few specific fears she inherited along the way around birth. She, Jake and I worked tenderly and gradually with these fears, and yet, no one knew how it would all unfold, ultimately.
Her doctor respected her wishes throughout, never pushed cervical checks, never talked induction, or peppered in any fear-mongering, she just let it all happen naturally, as Isabel wanted. It was a beautiful thing to observe, and so encouraging to know this IS possible with an OBGYN!
Here, Isabel had been on her hands and knees for about 2 hours, her doctor patiently watching in the dim light as her baby’s head slowly emerged, Jake, always by her side, keeping her safe and held, listening to her quiet whispers, while all of us softly encouraged Isabel to let go and welcome her baby boy earth side.
While yes, Isabel and Jake put together a strong, supportive birth team, in the end, only ONE person gives birth and can truly be crowned WARRIOR! You did this, Isabel, and from this moment on, no one can take that power away from you! Deep gratitude, as always, to be invited on these life-changing transformations. #doulalife #nevergetsold #thissongplayedatbirth #babybusinesscards 😂 by @lestercoco

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a year ago

Gilligan’s Guide Training Coming to LA / Calabasas!

I’m so excited to be co-hosting this special training with Lori Bregman at my studio, Already Within on Tuesday, September 22 from 3–6 PM.

We’ll be welcoming Ann Marie Gilligan, RN, SANE-A, LNC, RPYT and Evidence Based Birth® Instructor, creator of @gilligansguide for an intimate afternoon of education, conversation, and hands-on learning around optimal fetal positioning.

Designed for doulas, midwives, nurses, birth educators, prenatal yoga teachers, bodyworkers, student birth workers, and others supporting pregnant families. This workshop explores how fetal positioning can influence the progression of birth and how to prevent, identify, and support the rotation of a malpositioned baby within your scope of practice.

Ann Marie will weave together anatomy and physiology, the pelvis and fetal skull, lifestyle considerations, common birth interventions, real-life case studies, and practical applications you can bring directly into your work with families. There will also be plenty of space for questions, storytelling, and collective discussion with fellow birth professionals.

Tuesday, September 22 | 3–6 PM
Already Within | Calabasas
Certificate of Completion Provided
Drinks + light snacks included.

Space is intentionally limited. To reserve your spot, DM me @pamkessinger to register with your full name, phone number, and email, along with $350 payment via Venmo to @PamKessinger. A confirmation email will be sent once your registration and payment are received.

Feel free to share with anyone who may be interested. I’m really looking forward to bringing our LA + Ventura birth community together. taken in Already Within Yoga by @lestercoco

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a month ago

Just Listed! This beautiful desert home: Two small but mighty homes on 5 Joshua Tree-studded acres on the mesa! 🏜3120 Hilton Ave., Yucca Valley, CA. If you want to see more details, or you're interested in a viewing, link in bio. taken in Yucca Valley/Joshua Tree by @lestercoco

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a month ago

How can one feel so much happiness, excitement, and pride, while simultaneously feeling such utter heartbreak?! So thrilled for you @h3nry.burns GO LIVE YOUR BIG, BEAUTIFUL LIFE to the fullest, as you always do! ❤️❤️❤️ 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 taken in McGill University by @lestercoco

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a month ago

Another amazing Copake summer! This one carried a little extra emotion with it 🥹 So thankful to my bestie, my sister, @wagwoman1 for making it all possible…AGAIN! #annualtradition taken in Copake Lake, New York by @lestercoco

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a month ago

Henry thought we were taking him whale watching for his 18th b’day…No offense to the whales, but this was way more rad.
We love u, Henry. Happy B’day, & cheers to u for keeping things adventurous & exhilarating!!!
& Thank you @cheungerzz and @skydivesantabarbara by @lestercoco

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3 months ago

My baby is 18 today! The amount of pride I have for this person is embarrassing & immeasurable. Henry, I never knew I could love someone as much as I love you, you are 1,000% the best decision I’ve ever made, (Or the universe made for me💫) It seemed appropriate to include your passport photo, as you spread your wings even BIGGER than you already have with this monumental birthday. You have, without a doubt, grown into an amazing man for others, and I can’t wait to see how you share your gifts with the world. Happy Birthday, my beautiful boy. Love u more ❤️ by @lestercoco

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3 months ago

Shameless additional graduation post!!! SO many people have helped raise and love this boy @h3nry.burns , they deserve recognition, thanks & tremendous gratitude for shepherding him these past 18 years! It means the absolutely WORLD to me that you all came to celebrate with us, near & far, it was FLAWLESS! LOVE really is all you need. My heart is FULL. Thank you ENDLESLIE to @marshafgordon @wagwoman1 @ehill76 @scohenaspen @lisacohenaspen @cybercrimezz @scar.scarsss @chaireleven @jakeburns9 (and William for representing his whole family. We missed u so @nessyburns, Jack & Poppy, but we felt u with us) & of course, Jere Burns, I literally couldn't have done it without you. I can’t believe it’s over, you will always be my boys @aidentvw @rio.tanji @aust1n.vw @henryfilly The world is yours!❤️ by @lestercoco

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4 months ago

Today was perfect 💙 I’m so proud of our boy, and beyond grateful for this village we have. You are deeply loved @h3nry.burns Go live your big, beautiful life, set the world on fire, and know your family and your brothers will always be by your side, no matter where you venture. #C4L #loyolahighschool #classof2026🎓 by @lestercoco

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4 months ago

I want to talk about strength, healing, reframing, empowerment, and redemption! I started working with Danielle late in her second pregnancy, she knew she was having a cesarean birth, and she KNEW she wanted a very different experience from her first. She was so vulnerable with me from the jump, open about her fears, clear about what she was holding onto, and willing to work deeply on reinventing her “story.” LOOK at these eyes, look how present she is, she reset the whole damn thing! There is no wrong way to give birth, period. You are incredibly strong @yelliebear , as are you, @surfbortz for being willing to help your wife in all the ways she needed. (Plus, you’re a very talented blood draw whisperer!) by @lestercoco

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4 months ago

This is a simple post about an induction gone RIGHT! These two planned, and planned…and planned some more, and to be honest, I was dubious, were they over-planning? Scottie and I talked a lot about surrender, letting go, enjoying the mystery that was about to unfold, and boy, did she, but in her own, unique way. Luckily for Scottie, her body and her baby were ready, it took very little to trigger her labor, and all the hard work she put into labor & birth, welcoming these contractions, going inward, meditating through each wave, brought her to the most peaceful, ecstatic, joyful place, paying off big-time! We danced, laughed, and cried to a stellar, hilarious playlist, (slide #3 was Scottie’s face seconds before she pushed her baby into this world). Scottie was so dialed in, and Josh was right by her side, supporting her throughout, with his quiet strength, his joy, and a great little jig.
📣Also a shoutout to @gilligansguide for that final, glorious shift that Scottie felt without a doubt.
✨I learn something at every single birth, the biggest lesson for me here - Don’t prejudge or think you know HOW it’s gonna go! Thank you both for hiring me before you were even pregnant, so we could learn this long lesson together. by @lestercoco

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5 months ago