When I got pregnant with my second baby, my doula recommended Justine. She had seen how Justine handled several tricky birth situations and felt confident that I would be in good hands. It didn't take me long to realize that she was 100% right. Not only is Justine kind and warm, but she continually educates herself with the newest research so that she can best serve the mothers and babies she works with. It was easy to go to appointments and bring my 5 year old son. The care, before and after baby, is next level:) Baby was sunny side up and I got very uncomfortable because her head was on my spine. So at 39 weeks, I asked Justine about natural induction techniques. We did a membrane sweep, then later that same day, I had Accupuncture and acupressure massage. My contractions started almost immediately when I left the appointment. Labor came on hard and fast, very differently than my first baby. At the birth center, Justine gave me the space to listen to my body. However, after a few very intense hours, nothing seemed to be moving the needle. I could feel myself running out of steam. I told her I needed to try something else, so she got me on the peanut ball. That did the trick - baby came out finally. Birth is just intense, in the hospital or out. In my situation, I surely would have had been made to have a c-section at the hospital. Justine's expertise allowed me to have the birth I wanted- and then go home and get in my own bed! I trust her completely and would definitely recommend her to anyone wanting to have an out of hospital birth. read more

I just had a baby at Bakersfield Birth Center with Justine (and her assistant Bri) and had the most wonderful experience! I want to start by saying that Justine is highly gifted at what she does and puts her heart and soul into her work. It's very obvious that it's much more than work to her, midwifery is her calling and passion. Justine came highly recommended to me by many friends and acquaintances in my community who had wonderful experiences with her also. My first baby was born in a hospital and I had a less-than-ideal experience. When I got pregnant with my second baby, I knew I wanted to go a more natural route. From the moment I met Justine at my first prenatal care appointment, she was kind, professional and knowledgeable. She always answered all my questions with patience and care. Unlike my OB in my first pregnancy, Justine cared deeply about my nutrition, supplement intake, blood sugar levels, etc. My prenatal care was specialized to me. I (and my baby) wasn't just a number to her, she cared for us and our well-being throughout my pregnancy. My prenatal appointments were done in the comfort of my home and my toddler was always welcome to be there when I didn't have a babysitter. When I went into labor, I called Justine at 5am and she answered immediately. She was calm but attentive. We met at the birth center a few hours later. Her birth center is AMAZING! It is beautiful and has the most inviting atmosphere. Laboring at the birth center was such a more pleasant experience than laboring in the hospital. At the hospital with my first birth I was hooked up to an IV, fetal monitoring system, blood pressure cuff, etc. the entire time. I was restricted from moving around, eating and drinking, even without an epidural. At the birth center, I was free to move around, eat, drink, listen to music, get in and out of the shower/ tub. Justine monitored the baby intermittently as needed. My husband was comfortable and free to support me without judgement of what that looked like for us. This freedom made my contractions so much more manageable. Justine and her assistant/ student Bri were kind, helpful and patient the entire time. They are so selfless. They cleaned up after me, got me whatever I wanted/ needed, supported me through contractions, and encouraged me to listen to my body and do what my instincts led me to do. When it was time to deliver, Justine allowed me to do what felt right instead of telling me to push in a certain position at a certain time like the hospital did. My daughter had shoulder dystocia and got stuck at the shoulders (which also happened at the hospital with my first son). The doctor who delivered my son took extreme, invasive measures to get him out, which caused me extreme trauma and pain postpartum. Unlike that doctor, when Justine saw that I needed assistance getting my daughter out, she simply had me change positions and she used her experience and skill to help me deliver my baby, leaving me without even a tear. After my daughter was born, she spent 2 hours breastfeeding and doing skin to skin with me. My husband and I marveled at the gift of our new baby girl, and Justine and Bri joined in in giving their compliments of her cuteness! Then Bri performed her newborn exam while my husband and I ate some lunch. We went over postpartum care for me and the baby. Then I took a shower and we were on our way home a few hours after our daughter was born. We didn't even have to be away from our son overnight, whereas we were forced to stay in the hospital 3 days when he was born (even though he had no complications). Justine came to our house the day after the birth for my first postpartum appointment to check on me and the baby. Justine is highly skilled in what she does, but also passionate and caring about her patients. If you are considering a midwife for your birth, I highly recommend Justine and the Bakersfield Birth Center! P.S. Justine and Bri took the most beautiful, special pictures for us throughout my labor and birth. read more

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I just had my third baby with this wonderful woman! Our family has been beyond blessed by every ounce of her knowledge, love and care. I will forever recommend Justine and beautiful business to all expecting mothers of all circumstances! read more

I am deeply disappointed with my experience with Justine and would not recommend her. I hired Justine after a traumatic hospital birth in 2021, as a VBAC patient. I was excited at first. I was expecting my experience to be more natural/holistic, but she still very much follows a medical model/ very "fear-based". She thought my baby had growth restriction and thought my baby was breech, but she was fine both times. When I told her about my traumatic birth, which involved the hospital staff pressuring me, being very fear based, and strongly suggesting a C-section, she would defend/justify their dismissive behavior. The worst part of my experience was my birth. I reached my due date (Jan 10th) and my baby still wasn't coming. I wanted to go into labor naturally. My understanding was that I had until 42 weeks (until Jan. 24, 2024) for her to be able to attend the birth, and AFTER that, she would need to transfer me to a hospital. I told her I would take castor oil to induce labor if needed. I had my last prenatal app with Justine on Jan. 22nd. She texted me the night before she was going to break another mom's waters that morning- basically suggesting for me to not take the castor oil yet. My last app was so uncomfortable. It almost felt like she was already saying "bye". I still had 2 days to go into labor and was doing everything I could to induce- acupuncture, chiropractor, miles circuit, walking, etc. On Jan. 23rd, she called me in the evening to suggest taking the castor oil. I had been having on and off contractions so I decided to take on Jan. 24th in the morning. She texted me that morning to see if I took it and I told her I took it this morning because of my contractions. She called me and told me she had to transfer care to the hospital because I was supposed to go into labor the night before by midnight. I was completely taken aback as this was NEVER explained to me, not at any point during prenatal care or during the phone call the night prior. If she had told me over the phone- you have until midnight to go into active labor, I would swallowed a castor oil bottle! She never told me I was supposed to be in labor by the end of 41 weeks and 6 days. My understanding was 42 weeks, which would have been Jan. 24th, and AFTER 42 weeks, she would need to transfer me. I confirmed this with her multiple times throughout my pregnancy. She told me that she would come to my house to check me and said that if I wasn't 6 centimeters dilated, she would need to transfer. I had to tell my husband what she told me and he was also completely shocked. She got to my house checked me, and I was only 2 cm. She checked the baby and everything was fine. She saw me having contractions but said she would need to transfer me ASAP. Me and my husband were left, abandoned. My biggest fear was going to a hospital because I knew they would be very aggressive with me since I was VBAC patient and was past my due date. I decided to labor at home as long as I could. We ended up needing to call the ambulance and taken to the hospital. I was able to have my baby and even the doctors there were upset/confused that she abandoned me. I believe if Justine would have given me that last day on the 24th, I would have had my home birth because I dilated extremely fast. But, it seemed like she wanted to "wash her hands" of me and not take any responsibility. Justine NEVER contacted me after she came to my home on Jan 24. She didn't attend my birth or provide any postpartum visits. She didn't text/call to see what happened with birth or my baby and that's what breaks my heart the most. We have emailed her twice sharing our concerns and she couldn't even show us the respect of emailing us back. I didn't want to write a negative review, but I don't want this to happen to anyone else. I would have NEVER treated a patient like this. Another traumatic birth experience. I thought midwifery care was about connection and I thought I had one with Justine. But her lack of follow up to see if I was even alive after my birth, made me realize there wasn't. read more

You know, having a baby is an incredible thing. Incredibly hard, incredibly special, and incredibly nerve racking. As I lay in bed with my resting wife and half a day old child it's hard to put into words just how incredibly special it is. Justine and Brie are both incredibly knowledgeable, informed, and passionate about the whole birthing process. We've never felt so taken care of, inspired, and happy about a thing such as giving birth. It opened up my eyes to a whole new world I am glad to be welcomed into. My wife chose this place (and idea) and I was clue less, let alone had even heard about it! Justine really helped to educate me with the numbers, and was there for my wife every step of the way. The office is professional and located in a very easy location. Making for a stress free birthing experience. Going with Justine and Brie was the best decision for us. If you are looking for the best decision for your family, this is it. Meet with this team and you will be in the best hands in kern county. Couldn't be more thankful and couldn't say enough good things. read more

Bakersfield Birth Center - A brand new baby and my beautiful wife - Prenatal/Perinatal Care Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Justine and Bri at Bakersfield Birth Center ...AMAZING PEOPLE AND EXPERIENCE! Justine is so knowledgeable and very passionate about midwifery and it really shines through, just by talking to her you can feel it. Open to questions when I felt uncertain about what to do. Would hands down do it all over again if I knew I had this team by my side. read more

Justin, Chess, and Emily were amazing through the whole process. The facility is family friendly, our two little girls loved to coming to every appointment. The big difference between a hospital and Bakersfield Birthing Center is a facility wanting you to get in and get out vs. having a very knowledgeable and experienced friend walk you through the whole process. The options, comfort, and cleanliness of the beautiful delivery rooms made this experience a much more wholesome birthing experience for my wife than hospital rooms. Our daughter was born yesterday morning at Bakersfield Birth Center and both baby and mom are healthy! 100% recommend Justine and the team to anybody wanting to go the midwife route! read more

Two healthy, safe births with Justine & her wonderful team and I honestly wouldn't have had it any other way! From my very first appointment with Justine I always felt heard, educated on any questions/concern & well taken care of. I am so thankful that I was referred to Justine with my first baby & blessed to be able to have my second with her as well. I absolutely love Justine & her team. I felt safe & could ask absolutely anything without being judged. I knew that my babies and I were always being taken care of whether it was her recommending the best supplements for a healthy pregnancy/postpartum, Listening with a Doppler for more than a couple seconds to make sure baby had a good heartbeat, checking my ankles for swelling, or guiding me with exercise and diet. I would go to doctor visits in the beginning of both pregnancies and was always rushed, judged for choices and just unhappy. I left BBC happy, prepared & all questions answered. That was huge for my husband and I. The delivery rooms are beautiful, comfortable and always clean. I 1000% recommend BBC! They are extremely knowledgeable & stay on top of education! read more

I love Justine and how she does her work! I had an amazing birth experience and I felt I was always getting taken care of the whole time. She's always there when you need her anytime. She means a lot to me and my family! Not to mention this was my first pregnancy and I went natural all the way with so much support around me! Justine is a loving, caring, and respectful person you can just talk to her about anything! read more

Bakersfield Birth Center - My baby boy with Justine! - Prenatal/Perinatal Care Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Our experience with Justine was nothing short of disappointing and frustrating. Despite our hopes for a personalized and empowering birth experience, we were met with confusion, stress, and ultimately abandonment. Throughout the pregnancy, Justine provided inconsistent and alarming information, leading to unnecessary anxiety. Despite our low-risk pregnancy, her remarks about our baby's growth and position only served to heighten our concerns. The biggest letdown came during labor when Justine failed to communicate clearly on how she would not attend the birth of we went past 41 weeks and 6 days, leaving us stranded without support. Her abrupt departure not only left us emotionally abandoned but also resulted in unnecessary medical interventions and hefty hospital bills. Despite charging a substantial fee for full prenatal, birth, and postpartum care,Justine failed to fulfill her obligations, providing only a fraction of the promised services. Her lack of follow-up after the birth further underscored her disregard for her patients' well-being. In summary, our experience with Justine was characterized by incompetence, poor communication, and abandonment. We wrote her an email and tried contacting her but she has failed to reply nor try to solve this issue. We strongly advise others to seek alternative care providers who prioritize their patients' needs and well-being. read more

What an absolutely amazing experience I had with Justine. She helped me to have a safe and special home birth experience. I am truly, from the bottom of my heart thankful for everything she did for my family and I throughout the entire process leading up to and after the birth. I cant express in words how much I appreciated having her with me on my journey. She genuinely loves her clients and the beautiful babies she helps bring into this world. I am Greatful for the bond and TRUST we formed. Thank you for helping me have the experience I've always really wanted after 4 other kids. #5 was definitely a special birth thanks to her. read more

The team at Bakersfield Birth Center is amazing! They were competent, friendly, honest, firm (when needed), and truly cared about both the mom and the baby. This was our first baby and the thought of delivering our first baby at home could be stressful at times; however, Justine and Bri helped calm our fears and affirmed our research, our calling, and our trust in them as an experienced, competent midwifery team. We were so blessed to have such wonderful people and skilled professionals be part of our biggest blessing, the birth of our son! We hope to use their services again soon:) read more

I feel blessed that I met Justine. I totally trusted her with my first baby. Justine supported me throughout the whole pregnancy, emotionally, and professionally. Giving birth at the birth center was very comfortable, warm atmosphere and great staff that helped me throughout the process. My baby had a shoulder dystopia and I don't know any person who would've been able to help me give birth naturally and without any consequences. I highly recommend Justine and her staff! Thank you! read more

Justine took such good care of me throughout my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. Because of her my first birthing experience was empowering and beautiful I cannot thank her enough. I experienced back labor for the duration of my active labor (which feels like your back is actually breaking) and she massaged my back for two hours straight up until my baby was entering the world and she needed her hands to guide him. She made sure my baby and i were on track and thriving throughout our postpartum period. I am so excited to give birth again when the time comes, and i plan on coming back to Justine read more

After my second pregnancy and birth being a home birth, I knew I wanted another natural calm birth for my third. However, as a surrogate, I compromised with the parents and we all agreed to a birth center. Little did I know, we cannot control what happens to our bodies as we go through pregnancy. I ended up with marginal placenta previa at 19 weeks. Month after month I was reassured that this condition would resolve and I could have the vaginale birth I so desired. Every appointment Justine stood by my steadfast belief that a natural birth is what I wanted, even when the perinatologist told me I should just schedule a c-section at 37 weeks. Justine didn't just pass me off onto an OB- she looked at my history, my symptoms, and then stayed with me and supported me all the way up until 40+1 weeks when a final ultrasound and even a second opinion revealed that a c-section was indeed the only safe option. My second SurroBaby came into the world via surgical birth at Mercy SW (with Justine's support the entire time)- completely different from my first SurroBaby. Though it was not the beautiful birth center birth I so desperately hoped for, I am thankful for Justine's steadfast help and no-nonsense approach. read more

This was my 3rd baby, but first natural birth at a birthing center. The experience was amazing - working with Justine was pure joy. She kept me reading and educating myself about natural birth and breastfeeding. She responded quickly to any questions I had. Her personality is sweet and mom-like, very friendly! The birthing experience was so peaceful, I felt like I was at a spa! I was given many ideas to keep contractions going while also maximizing comfort. From Justine and her assistants, I was given constant reassurance. I loved having my baby with Justine and from someone who is an all-time "wimp" about pain - I came away feeling amazed at having birthed a baby with no pain medication, and am thankful for the support and encouragement I had from Justine and her team. Thank you! read more

I have had 3 of my 5 births with midwife Justine. The first two babies I had in the hospital. The next two were at home under Justine's care and my fifth baby was born at the Bakersfield Birth Center. There is truly no comparison to the level of attention and care I received with Justine as my midwife compared to conventional OB/Gyn drs. My prenatal appointments with her consisted of the full medical care I had received at the doctor's offices, but so much more! Justine takes her time to get to know more than just the physical needs of her clients but also the emotional needs, any fears or anxieties, and she truly has a desire to understand us as women with our own unique journeys. She has a depth of experience as a midwife and I have felt secure in the personalized, expert care I have received with her. I just have always felt like she cares deeply about me, and my family. Under her care I have felt empowered to choose the atmosphere of my births. I have been able to have the most peaceful births possible. I have felt empowered to choose without pressure what the first few precious hours with my newborn will look like, what interventions they should/shouldn't have. This is so valuable to me after experiencing two hospital births in which I felt I was walking into a battleground of sorts. The Bakersfield Birth Center is serene and peaceful. Justine's sweet, gentle spirit carries over into the atmosphere of the birth center. I have been so blessed to have her as my midwife. I only wish I had chosen to have all my babies with her, but perhaps without the stark contrasting experience, I wouldn't be able to speak to level of care I received with her as midwife. I cannot recommend her and her birth center enough! read more

If you are searching for a midwife, stop right here and just pick Justine. We interviewed 5 midwives and chose Justine because of her skill, confidence and experience and we could not be happier. She is the midwife other midwives call when crazy stuff happens. She kept us out of the hospital when others would have transferred us. We planned for a home birth but had meconium present when my water broke at 7 cm, had we been transferred to the hospital our baby girl would have been in NICU for 3 days just because meconium was present. We did transfer from home to her birth center (only because of meconium) as we lived an hour from a hospital and in case baby needed assistance we would be closer to one. Our baby girl came out perfectly healthy, no need for the hospital. Her birth center is beautiful, felt very clean yet homey, we had our unmedicated water birth as planned. Justine knew exactly what to do and when to do it. She administered fluids for hydration when my 3 days of labor continued, to help speed things along and it worked. She stands by respectfully and lets your body do what is naturally knows but is there when you need her. Just knowing she was there and putting all of our trust in her knowledge and experience made us feel relaxed and confident. She is very compassionate, loves babies and mamas so much and you definitely feel that. read more

There are truly no words to express how completely amazing Justine at Bakersfield Birth Center is! She is an absolute gift. Justine was my midwife for prenatal care and my home birth in Oct. 2016. Her knowledge, nurturing nature, gentle confidence, and experience as both mother and midwife makes for a blessing of support during one of the most vulnerable times in a woman's life. I trust her judgement completely and was so comforted by her presence during my very quick labor and birth. Her support and expertise continued when my baby girl was a few months old in the form of lactation consulting services. My heart truly smiles when I think of her! I am immensely grateful for you, Justine!! read more

Excellent care doesn't even begin to describe the level Justine gives to the whole family. She takes time to not only make sure momma feels comfortable and ready but she spends time talking to dad too. The birth center opened late in my pregnancy with my first child. I was only in her care for the last two months. In those two months though, she was able to take me from nervous about what my body was going to go through to excited and so comfortable with the process. I had my son March 2016 and can not imagine it any other way. My son was surrounded by warm caring people the moment he was born. We were in a comfortable bed to bond and get support with breast feeding. When I was ready, I was able to take a shower and go home. He was never in a box or taken out of our sight. I recommend everyone set up a meeting and talk to Justine. If it isn't for you then move on but at least experience this level of expertise for yourself. I don't think you'll see it any other way after talking to her either. read more

Justine delivered both of my babies in the comfort of my home before opening the birth center. Undeniably she has the best model of care in the county! My first birth experience included co-care with an OBGYN and another midwife in the area. About half way through that pregnancy the relationship between the two professionals soured and we kept the midwife, knowing she worked with Justine. After 22 hours of labor I began experiencing some complications. With tears in my eyes I write that I am forever grateful that she called Justine. Without hesitation or missing a single beat she came into my home with a confidence and direction that delivered my son within an hour! She even brought a doula to ensure I had the emotional support I needed to bring him safely into this world. She stayed with me to make sure my first feeding was a success and that I received the care I needed. She was an absolute relief to my husband and sister who were also in the room with me. Naturally, without question we sought her care for our second child. Because of her knowledge, passion and thorough attention to my physical and emotional needs I had the birth experience I had set for with my first child. On top of that, my baby girl was delivered inside of 4 hours. If you are seeking a personal, intimate and fulfilling birth experience you have found the best. The Lord has truly blessed our family with this midwife. As for Bakersfield Birth Center, it is certainly a gift to our community! If you are hesitant to have a home birth and know you do not want the risks that come with a hospital birth, schedule a consolation and see this amazing facility for yourself. Any mommy-to-be seeking her own vision of a birth experience for both her and baby will easily find it a soothing and safe place to deliver her little one. Indulge in the best and rest easy in Justine's care with your new little bundle of joy!! read more

After living in LA for 12 years and being exposed to different options for birthing practices, I returned home to start a family of my own. I knew I wanted a natural and holistic birth and searched for a midwife that would be able to give me that option. I found Justine and she had just opened the Bakersfield Birth Center. As this was my first child, I didn't know what to expect but Justine opened my eyes to a new world and held my hand through this beautiful journey. I spoke with other girlfriends who were also pregnant at the same time and I found that I was more informed about what was happening and going to happen during pregnancy. I felt so well cared for throughout my pregnancy and like Justine actually listened to my concerns. My birth didn't go exactly as I planned but Justine was still there and provided lactation support and postpartum care. She helped me through the new trials of being a mother and gave me reassuring advice as needed. If you want a personal birth experience with love, support, guidance and that is holistic, THIS is where you want to be. Justine Backhaus is so knowledgeable, loving and kind and you can tell she wholeheartedly LOVES what she does. I would highly recommend Justine Backhaus and the Bakersfield Birth Center for an amazing birth experience. read more