I delivered with Back Cove Midwives at Mercy and appreciated the care I had. I had a longer than desired labor but everything went as it should have. The nubane came right on time. A natural birth was what I wanted! read more

My labor was 18 hrs and my darling child was not facing the right way. Um, ow. I had an additional, excruciating problem called back labor. Jen was so capable and calm, I can't imagine going through that awful experience without her. I highly recommend back cove midwives and also the birthplace at mercy, where they deliver. Such a skilled group of professionals. I am so thankful for them, they kept my baby and I safe. Ellie has helped me with post partum issues. They are just a fantastic group. read more

Prenatal visits were great and had only a few issues. However, my husband and I had a surprisingly bad birthing experience with them that included being lied to during labor, not having my birth plan followed, and generally cold/standoffish bedside manner from several of the midwives at the practice. Basically the midwife waited until I was in the heart of the moment to change things around on me. I definitely expected more from them and will not be going back. It was a huge disappointment. I really thought it was going to be different with them. read more

It won't let me post the entire letter. I'd just like to say that my daughter would still be alive if I had not been in the care of backcove midwives. Now that we can talk about the case: Thank you in advance for reading this difficult account of the events leading and following our daughter, Maeve Lucille Baldwin's death. Backcove Midwives, specifically Kristen Ricci, prescribed medications contra-indicated for pregnancy: Adavan, Rescue Remedy Sleep Spray and holistic health tinctures both containing over 80% alcohol. This is an especially poor choice in prescription given my wife is two-years sober and they had implicit knowledge of my wife's sobriety. Even the pharmacist was alarmed a pregnant woman would be prescribed Adavan and urged Joan NOT to take it during pregnancy. My wife was VERY concerned with the baby not moving during the entire pregnancy. She was instructed by Martha (the BCM nurse) to take "kick counts" that should be more than 10 an hour. Joan was only feeling the baby "roll around" every half-hour or so. This did not seem to sway the opinion of the midwives. They, specifically Kristen, seemed to think Joan was in need of calming rather than the baby was in need of medical intervention. This treating of Joan's anxiety and NOT the baby was an unsettling trend throughout our experience with Backcove Midwives. On a typical unscheduled appointment (she made about 5 like this) Joan would first call and say "the baby isn't moving." Jerri or Kristen would eventually see my wife in a room of their Ocean Avenue office and simply feed her "sugar juice." Subsequently, the baby would lazily roll around (apparently) and that was evidence enough for the midwives that our baby was fine. We trusted in them completely as medical professionals. At one of these unscheduled appointments it was discovered by Jerri that Maeve had a "low baseline" to her heart-rate. It was on the "lowest side of normal" at 240. She still said "everything's great" and sent Joan on her way. We went to several assigned caregivers for scheduled ultrasounds as per the order of the midwives. All was going seemingly well until after the 28th week sonogram. Up until that point the baby was "at the 45th percentile" for her weight. Between sonograms the midwives were merely measuring Joan's belly with a length of tape. It took 4 scheduled visits (and 4 months) for them to determine the baby "wasn't growing." At her next sonogram, the baby had dropped to "the 6th percentile." Joan and I expressed concern but were assured expecting mothers need only be under constant monitoring in the hospital if the baby dips to the 5th percentile... close enough, we'd say! Still, we trusted in their expertise. At week 35 we had a sonogram at the Mercy Birthcenter which concluded her weight to be 5 pounds and that Joan had very low amniotic fluid. At week 36 we had two sonograms at Maine Med: the first of which Maeve was recorded to weigh 4lbs, 10oz, the second sonogram reading 4lbs, 5oz. Each reading was subsequently given to the midwives who determined the machines were improperly calibrated, rather than the baby was quickly losing weight. One midwife even joked that "they had better get the machines figured out." Joan and I were increasingly concerned but we still trusted the midwives professional opinion, with only one week to go before Joan's scheduled inducing. They frequently referred to Maeve as "a petit", that she "would be small but perfectly healthy." At our 36th week sonogram one ultrasound tech was able to determine a potential concern. The umbilical cord was attached to a corner of the placenta and not at the center (the latter is much more common). She mused that this could be effectively choking the supply of nutrients but confirmed that blood-flow through the umbilical cord as well as in the babies brain and kidney were functioning perfectly well. The tech was also able to determine that the placenta "seemed small" for such a late term. Nothing was done to treat this issue and we were given no special instructions no matter how many pointed questions we asked. We specifically inquired if Joan should reduce her hours at work, be put on bedrest or be full-on taken into the hospital for monitoring: the answer was always "no" with chuckling and nodding. Regarding the low amniotic fluid, the only special instructions we (sort-of) received were from the sonogram tech who suggested Joan drink more water. Joan then upped her already fairly high daily water intake to 5-6 liters a day. When she did receive any kind of instruction, barring prescriptions counter-indicative to pregnancy, she followed them. She also took prenatal vitamins, did prenatal yoga and ate a balanced, nutritious diet and was never exposed to potentially harmful solvents or cleaners. What would be Maeve's last sonogram took place on Friday the fifth. Her amniotic fluid levels had rebounded slightly but Maeve's weight had held st read more

WEHADABABYIT'SABOY I had a completely unexpected, could-not-have-been-predicted type of childbirth that made me quite glad to have approached the day with a laid back mindset and the ladies of Back Cove Midwives. I was admitted by Jerri, but Jen was my midwife throughout active labor and delivery. Their support leading up to the big day, their skill and knowledge in the delivery room (and ultimately, for me, the operating room), and their postpartum care were all top notch. At every step along the way, even when things got overwhelming and intense, we were given options and scenarios. With Jen (and the nurses and doctors at Mercy!) by my side as a trusted care provider, I felt that we were equipped with the information we needed to make the best choices for our family and birthing situation. I easily look back on the experience positively, and I highly, highly recommend this practice for anyone seeking maternal care! read more

Well, here we are... we've got an 11 week old baby on our hands folks! I can still vividly remember everything about my birthing experience with BCM and with that, I give you a FIVE STAR review! Childbirth (and pregnancy) has a lot to do with luck. I am a very lucky woman, my pregnancy was uncomplicated until the end, I felt good, and loved my prenatal care at BCM. I met with everyone (Ellie, Kristen, Jerri, and Jen) and really like all of them. My complications at the end were related to high blood pressure, but due to either my body's ability to sense it was time or - again - LUCK, I went into labor on my own after being admitted to Mercy. My delivery was natural and fast, just as I hoped! Again, very lucky. Mercy is like a country club. Seriously, go take a tour. The best thing about my whole experience was that I felt like the choices were always laid out in front of me. Pain meds? Here are the options. Want to go med free? We'll start there. Possible induction? Here's what that would look like. Every situation and person is unique and dynamic. You should be able to go to a provider who understands that and will work with that mentality... You can always have an idea of how you want things to go, but you and your provider must ultimately be pretty flexible! I thought BCM did that really well. And Jerri delivered our little guy. :) We love her! read more

I wouldn't recommend back cove midwives. I didn't feel heard at all. My appointments felt rushed. When I called for a health concern, I was made to leave my detailed health concern with the receptionist! Later I was able to talk to a medical assistant, not once did a midwife talk to me to address my concern and it ended up being ignored and it was serious thing. read more

I just completed my 6 week postpartum checkup, and I must say that the midwives have made my first birthing experience an amazing one. All 4 midwives are knowledgable and caring, and I truly felt comfortable with whomever would be attending my birth (although friends and I each have a different "favorite"). The rest of the staff is very friendly, and everyone greets you by name when you come in. I never had to reschedule an appointment and they never ran more than 30 mins late. Now for the actual birth: Jerri and Jen were calm, encouraging, and patient- even when I was not- and coached me through the hardest parts of my delivery. Kristin and Ellie both stopped by and checked in afterwards, making sure to ask about the whole experience. I would not hesitate to recommend Back Cove, and I would definitely go back to them again. read more

I had a terrible first appointment with them and decided to keep my dr. They waited until I drove an hour to the appointment to call me and tell me a patient was in Labor and they couldn't see me. Generally a practice that delivers babies should have enough staff to cover hospital rotation and prenatal visits. This isn't my first baby and I was rooting for using them. Unfortunately on day one they seemed understaffed and unprepared to meet their patient load. The worst part was telling me that there were appointments to be seen in the office & I was not a priority. I guess making an appointment and driving and hour to get there couldn't have been considered against someone who lives in Portland and is 10 minutes away. Lack of thought and consideration. read more

I would highly recommend going here for pregnancy care. They don't judge any decisions that you want to make, or try to force your hand in anything. If you want someone to be more friendly, informative, and supportive during your pregnancy, Back Cove Midwives is a great choice. They support you every step of the way! read more

We delivered our baby girl with Back Cover Midwives at Mercy and could not have been any happier!! Each midwife was exceptionally caring and very capable. We would recommend them to all friends and family. read more

Caroline B and Downeast K, I am very sorry your experience with Back cove was negative. We try our hardest to please our patients, midwives and staff equally. If there is something that we can do differently, its always helpful to know. We want to make everyone happy, and make sure EVERY patient is comfortable and happy to come to appointments. read more

I have used Backcove midwives for three pregnancies. The entire staff is wonderful, knowledgable, and always makes me feel like a priority. My births with them were all wonderful. They are so much more attentive than an MD. I birthed without any drugs and they helped make that possible with encouragement in the hospital and many positions to help the labor move along. I have had no issues with them at all st appointments or at the hospital. They are truely a wonderful group of empowering and kind women. read more

Back Cove was absolutely wonderful and miles away from my first birth experience with an OB. I felt heard, supported, and had best practices be the baseline assumption rather than something I had to advocate for. Thank you. read more

I have had scheduling issues with the midwives as well. They will fill the on-call np's schedule with appointments and then cancel those appointments same-day if someone goes into labor. I am not a fan of this practice. First, isn't it likely that someone will go into labor? Second, no one told me that this might happen, or gave me a choice to schedule an appointment that wasn't subject to cancelation. So, the first time this happened to me, I had dropped everything at work and come to an appointment that was canceled. They tried to contact me beforehand to let me know the appointment had been canceled but not everyone is available to be told not to come. All that said, I still give the midwives four stars because they are so good at what they do. Bedside manner, time with patients, advice on everything from nutrition to prenatal testing to birthing options, all of it was excellent. I also had two wonderful actual birth experiences with the midwives at Mercy Hospital. I, too, am sorry to hear that someone had an bad birthing experience with them because they were unstintingly supportive with me (24 hours in labor the first time around). I just hope they fix their administrative issues. read more

I had an awesome experience with Back cove midwives. I did "Group" and prepared for birth with four other couples. My visits with the midwives were always informative and they were incredibly professional. I did end up on bed rest at the end of my pregnancy and was in and out of the office two or three times a week for the last month of my pregnancy. Every visit I felt welcomed and well informed. I felt that precautions were taken that kept me and my baby safe and happy. My birth went very well. My husband and I were incredibly happy with the birth. We didn't have a birth plan, just the hope that it would be a natural birth. I delivered naturally and in water! which was awesome. At my six week check up the midwife was sure to ask how I felt about the birth in order to address any concerns or annoyance I had... (there weren't any). I loved them and would love to use them again. read more

This will be my third baby that will be delivered through the Back Cove Midwives (hopefully in the next two weeks) and I will never go anywhere else! I felt like I got exactly what I needed for each birth. I love how they operate, you rotate through the four midwives so no matter when you go into labor, someone you know will be there. I am sad to read the one star reviews on here, I have used them for almost 7 years now and have never had a bad experience. I've gotten comfort when I've been a crying ball of hormones and treated with respect and dignity when following my body's instincts. I highly recommend them to anyone who wants a birth experience where you are supported with the strength and wisdom of many caring and intelligent women. read more

This practice is superb. All staff are caring and competent and take the time during your appointments to make sure they know you, and hear your concerns. You have appointments with all the midwives throughout your pregnancy so that you know whoever is delivering you. I moved away in the beginning of my second pregnancy and when I called Back Cove Midwives for some information, the nurse I spoke to remembered me enough to have a great conversation asking me about our new chapter. You don't get that kind of care very often in our healthcare system these days. I can't recommend them highly enough. read more

This practice is understaffed, and the office is hectic and cramped. I went to Back Cove for my entire pregnancy, and birthed at the Mercy Birth Center with my Back Cove Midwife, Ellie. I felt like the best care I ever had with Back Cove was during my initial appointment, when I met with a medical assistant in their one comfortable patient room with a chaise lounge. I got the impression from that visit that this would be a uniquely caring, attentive practice, and that I'd feel as comfortable during exams as I did on that chaise lounge. This was not the case, however. All my checkups took place in tiny, tight, fluorescent exam rooms. They don't normally do internal exams so I am not sure why they couldn't have their meetings with patients somewhere comfortable. I found all of the midwives to be competent, though some were more personable than others. I hoped and prayed I would get Ellie for my birth after first meeting her, because I inferred she was the most senior member of the practice, and I assumed this would mean she was the best. After a few more prenatal appointments with her, however, I started to hope that ANYONE else but her would deliver my baby. I did not need tough love or bluntness. I needed acceptance and support. I specifically asked for what I needed and was ignored. What really bugs me is I asked every midwife and every staff member whom I worked with to help me with a pregnancy issue I was having, and my requests were blown off until my problem became alarming and out of control. I think they need to listen to their patients more, and take their concerns more seriously, especially when it is an experienced mom saying she knows she has a problem. The birth went ok. I achieved my goals, mainly. The baby was born well and my hiney was saved by Ellie's expert midwifery. I trusted her enough to get it done but it ended there. My birth partner had to repeatedly tell Ellie to stop with the tough love "you need to try harder" kind of stuff. I was treated like I wasn't *trying* to birth my baby, which was preposterous. As it turned out, I needed to be away from Ellie for my labor to progress, and a few minutes away from her in the bathroom helped me get where I needed to be. The rest was a piece of cake. I appreciate that we are all healthy and safe, but Back Cove left a very bitter taste in my mouth. They never contacted me again after my baby was born. I never had my six week appointment with them (or anyone) and they didn't seem to notice or care. I felt like, after my baby was born, that I could never have another exam, ever. This feeling is wearing off now that quite some time has passed. But I think they should have had better postnatal care in general. Even when they knew I was having trouble nursing and that I have a history of PPD, they didn't follow up once. I find that very odd. I think that the main problem with Back Cove is they're overworked, and they need, desperately, to hire more staff. As for Mercy, that place is heaven. The nurses are great, and the rooms are great. The food, even, is great. And I liked the Fore River location. We live in the area and every time I cross the route one bridge from SOPO to Portland, I see the arched window and I think "that's where my baby was born!" I'm all done having babies. But if I were ever to have another, I would definitely NOT use Back Cove. Overall, I'd give them a C. They pass. They got it done. But they are nothing to write home about. And birth is so special, it requires more sensitivity and attention than they are capable of giving their patients. read more

I had both of my children with the midwives at Back Cove and they were AMAZING! My labor and birth experiences were very different with my daughter and son and I had great care both times. My prenatal visits were also terrific. The midwives guided me with their knowledge and encouragement and I look back on my experience with them fondly. I still use Back Cove for my yearly check ups. I can't recommend them enough. read more

I am COMPLETELY shocked to see the 1 star review with cold bedside manner. I had the MOST AMAZING experience with the midwives, from conception to delivery. I was treated with warmth and respect and always felt knowledgeable and comfortable to make decisions about MY pregnancy, MY birth and MY baby! I brought my daughter into the world in a beautiful and peaceful water delivery attended by one of the midwives at Mercy Hospital and could not be happier! read more

I am currently pregnant with my 3rd child now. Ellie and Jen delivered my other 2 daughters and I can't say enough good about them! The entire process for all pregnancies has been wonderful. Very caring, attentive and ensuring my baby and I are receiving the best care. I believe as a patient in any doctors office you need to make your provider aware of any questions you may have. They repeatedly asked me if I have any questions or concerns they can address. Birthing has been wonderful. I have very long labors and they help me stick to my birth plan. This is my last child and I feel great knowing that the midwives will do everything they can to give me a great experience. I would highly recommend them. read more

Current and future pregnant Mamas: Stay away from back cove midwives. Not only did they misdiagnose us as having miscarried, when we decided not to use them anymore because of this, they decided to forgo billing my insurance and instead bill me. $1,000 in bills for 2 visits (the second one we left being told our baby hadn't developed past 6 weeks, there was no heartbeat or new fetal development, after an untrained practitioner did an internal ultrasound) and now, I'm jumping through hoops to get them to bill my insurance. When it happen originally, I decided to take the high road and just find a new doctor, instead of raising a ruckus. But now they've sent me almost a grand in bills and gave attitude when I tried to call the office to correct this. Incorrectly tell us we had a miscarriage, not even apologize (they actually tried to blame me for not filling my bladder enough when I drank 32oz of water 1/2 hour before the ultrasound and almost peed my pants on the table), and then refuse to bill our insurance when we back out of their practice? Are these the kind of people you want tending to your pregnancy?! This is unfortunate, most Midwives are wonderful. I had a lovely midwife in Portsmouth 12 years ago when I was pregnant with our son. I cannot even believe the lack of professionalism and beside manner that come out of this office. Any expectant mother should look elsewhere for prenatal care. read more

There is so much to say, but most of all I was lied to. Every single appointment they asked me about my birth plan, every single appointment I told them that I knew babies come when and how they want to, but to please support me during my labor by checking in with me, giving me updates, and reminding me to stay hydrated/change positions/walk around. I was told that of course they would do this. I also said please no constant monitoring or IV, and I absolutely did not want to end up lying in bed. They said of course, if there was no medical reason for an IV or continuous monitoring they would make sure to advocate for me. NOPE. I was in labor for 3 days and hadn't slept at all. The nurses insisted on an IV and continuous monitoring because it was "easier". No medical reason. After arguing with them it was clear they didn't want to to their job, so I relented, knowing the midwives would be able to advocate for me later. They didn't. The midwife sat there and did literally nothing- never checked in with me about what I needed. The nurse wasn't much better, and kept making very snide remarks about the midwife anytime she left the room. When I was crowning the midwife inserted her fingers into me without any warning, shooting my pain from what was already a 10 to something in the 100s. When I asked later, there was no medical reason for this. Just to "help me out". I felt violated and betrayed both emotionally and physically by the midwives. When I went in to talk about it, the midwife tried to blame me- saying "we don't really do birth plans". When I asked why they asked about a birth plan at EVERY SINGLE APPOINTMENT I was told "well that was just for you" and that she "wasn't there to argue". So they sound great- but don't deliver, no pun intended. If you absolutely want them due to personal/insurance/ any other reasons, hire a doula. These midwives are not there to help you through labor, or at least they were not for me. read more