I loved my experience at best start and am heart broken that it is no longer open for clients. I had wonderful interactions with the staff from the beginning. They accepted me midway through my pregnancy which was amazing because I moved to SD at 30 weeks pregnant. At my prenatal appointments the midwives were thorough, respectful, friendly, and never seemed rushed. The building itself was cozy and I never had issues parking. I ended up barely making it to the birth center before my baby was born (my fault for waiting too long), but Erina, my midwife, was so calm, direct, and encouraging. They were so respectful of my wishes and gave us space and time as a family of three after my baby was born. I would hands down birth here again if it opens! read more

I am a military veteran, and at the time I was a single mother back in 2012 I was recommended this place by a friend of mine who gave birth there . She told me about the wonderful experience that she had and how the owner was so welcoming I got my consultation signed up for all the classes took all the classes initially it was a really good experience I had my sisters come in and help through the classes we had a really good experience however I got changed over to a different nurse. Her name was Sharon Wilson. She looked at my profile and instantly start questioning me about who was unborn childs father, who was gonna take care of my kid how I was gonna take care of my kid if the father was gonna be involved all of these questions. She was supposed to only be offering me healthcare. I didn't argue. I was a bit upset that she was questioning me like I was in an interrogation room. Shortly after she starts writing in my file I'm not sure what she wrote then the owner comes in and tells me her facility cannot accommodate me. They did recommend a great doctor, Dr. Wong, who ultimately delivered My Baby. However, the bias and treatment that I got from Sharon Wilson was not great. I felt like she was trying to intimidate me to get me angry so that she can write me off not giving me a chance to have the same experience as my friend. Now I know that it's their choice based upon certain medical issues . However.I felt like Sharon was against me and whatever she wrote in those files was not the truth. Looking back almost 13 years later I realize that going to Dr. Wong was the best choice for me hewas patient. He was kind understanding and he was nonjudgmental. everything you would have thought a nurse would be,Not sure if best start is still open however, if you are, please hire people who are willing to ensure that the patients are not prejudged and they don't have a bias against other others. read more

First of all i want to thank the entire staff at Best Start for taking care us for the last 6 months since we decided to use them for our first baby. All the doctors i saw recommended that natural birth was too risky for me, and i shouldn't even consider it. The midwives and team were very supportive, and reassuring that i was perfectly ok to have a natural birth. Our experience was absolutely amazing, and our team of delivery midwives (Jenique (lead), Andrea (assistant), Elizabeth (assistant) and Erina (check in/follow up) were ROCKSTARS! Im so grateful Best Start was able to help me achieve the exact birth plan i was hoping for. If you are unsure about natural birth, or choosing a birth center, take my word you should stop your searching and use Best Start, you wont regret it after you have your little bundle of joy! read more

Best Start Birth Center - Our little man wearing his new favorite shirt. - Obstetricians & Gynecologists Near Me - San Diego, California

Let's start with the fact my baby mama wanted to do a natural birth and I was completely unsure about the whole idea of that. Being first time parents, we really had no idea how everything was going to work. These lady's definitely showed me this is the only way people should be having babies unless there is an extraordinary situation, that wouldn't allow for it. Pre-birth care was very normal, my lady used her normal Dr, along with best start. She's a bit older and was diagnose with gestational diabetes about 1/2 way though the pregnancy. The Dr scared her to thinking it was this big ordeal and she would be very high risk. On the other hand best start dealt with it much differently and had her learn to keep her glucose within normal levels. This worked perfect and never was an issue after. Now to the birth... her water broke at 2:30am, first thing we did was call the midwife on duty and got all the information we needed to continue laboring at home, calling our Doula, and making our way though the start of birth. At 7:30am we made it to point where it was time to head in, Arrived at 8am. At this point they let us know if we get an full exam it would start the 24hr window. Being unsure how far along she actually was, we had the option to just have a basic exam where the midwife (Jenique) would see how dilated she was, but it wouldn't start the clock. So we chose to do that and found out she was 9cm and Jenique could see his head! At that time it was 9am and we were admitted and chose our birthing room. From here on, Jenique and Andrea were our 2 midwives and one or both of them was in the room for 90% of the delivery. Jenique was the lead, and really was AMAZING. She knew how to take charge, keep us well informed, and progress the delivery as it should have been. They checked baby and mamas heart rate every 15 minutes and coached and supported us though the whole process. My biggest fear was my lady's birth plan not working out and having to end up at the hospital. To make a long story short, the baby wasn't coming out as fast as they would have liked in the bathtub, so Jenique convinced my lady to get on the bed and do some pushing. About 1 hour later at 3:15pm our sweet little baby boy was born with no issues, and both mama and baby perfectly healthy. From there he went right to mamas chest and about 10 minutes later they pulled the placenta out. For the next hour baby laid with mama connected to the placenta and learning to feed. All the while the staff was cleaning up, and continually checking mama and baby regularly. This was very comforting as a first time father to make sure both baby and mama are doing well. Then I was able to cut the umbilical cord, and from there, baby laid on my check for the next hour while mama cleaned up, used the restroom and recouped. From there our 2 midwives were done with their shift and Elizabeth took over, with continued amazing care. They then did a full exam on baby, he was 8lbs 2.5oz and 22in long (yea not very small). After resting and bonding with our new little guy, we were discharged at 7:30pm, home by 8pm. It's been a little over 24hr since baby boy joined us, and I couldn't be happier with this whole experience. If we have another baby, I wouldn't even have to think twice where we would have it. We'll worth every penny, as a matter of fact, it was the best money I've ever spent in my life (and I LOVE my motorcycles). Mama is already up and moving around today, even though they told her to basically sit in bed (she is pretty much incapable of sitting still). Baby is doing great and just feeding and sleeping, and I am as happy as can be. As a business owner, I know what it takes to get a long, detailed review of a clients experience, and Best Start is well deserving of this review. From the bottom of all 3 of out hearts, thank you so much for taking care of all 3 of us. -Brent, Kathy, and baby Kai Wilder read more

Best Start Birth Center - 2hr after birth - Obstetricians & Gynecologists Near Me - San Diego, California

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Absolutely wonderful birth center. Natural water birth was a truly amazing and comforting experience for us, mother, father and baby. We recommend this center and it's fine midwife staff who understand and value a mother's right of passage in giving birth on mother's terms. Service and care at best start is far superior to the hospital conveyor belt runaround. Best Start is a healthy choice for the entire family especially mom and baby. read more

Best Start Birth Center - Baby Olga! - Obstetricians & Gynecologists Near Me - San Diego, California

My sister gave birth here and she said it was a good experience and that she would come back. The only feedback is that my sister was crowning and they moved her from inside the tub to the bed, and she said it was pretty uncomfortable and they had to have three people help pick her up and move her. Other than this, the place was very clean, relaxing, and everyone was really nice/professional. read more

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Updated review: I birthed and went through post partum and still love BSBC. Birth could not have gone better, my babe was born early AM and Irina was ready to meet us at a moments notice in the middle of the night. I did require lactation support, and Debbie was there for me every step of the way. I've used them for standard OB care since. read more

I gave birth here in May 2022. I decided on a birth center this time bc I wanted to get to know the women who would deliver my baby and I value continuity of care. Last time I did the midwives at ucsd and delivered at jacobs hospital and this was so much better. I'll list why. 1. Appointments are on time. That's right ladies, no waiting an hour for a five minute apt! 2. Speaking of, the apts are longer, around 30 minutes, and if you're having any issues physical or mental they will actually counsel you. Yes you read that right, actual communication with your provider! 3. There are only I think 5-6 midwives so if you start early in pregnancy as I did (8 weeks) you will see all of them multiple times which means you will trust them when you come back to give birth 4. Beautiful delivery rooms that make you feel like a real person, big birthing tubs and nice lighting 5. Nice front desk staff that are kind even when some patients are not 6. Education - most apts have in depth patient Ed time on different subjects like group B strep or body balancing. Not something you will see at your OB sadly. 7. Cost- it's probably covered by your insurance and because you don't stay overnight here or use pain meds, it's really affordable. I felt like the hospital was literally highway robbery compared to this and weirdly this was a way way better like fancy way to give birth! A strange example of something being superior and costing less. This may depend on your insurance but this was the case for me and I have a run of the mill PPO. Also - they will estimate the cost for you with your insurance plan if you'd like. I wish hospitals would do this so you knew what was coming financially! I really liked all the midwives in different ways; they have skills some obstetricians dont, for example being able to tell the babies position with their hands from the outside. My favorites were both of the Ann's and Deborah who ended up delivering my baby. I felt like I was meeting up with a friend to deliver my baby and it felt so right! Definitely a healing experience for me. Compared to the hospital, it was so nice to not feel scared and to be with a trusted person. I also delivered in the tub which helped so much with the pain and was an absolute dream to hold my baby in a warm bath after going through labor. They will take good care of you and you will get the best medical care if you can deliver here. I wish the whole American birth system could be more like Best Start. read more

As a first time mom, I am so happy that I chose Best Start as my first birthing experience. Pre-natal visits were relaxing and low-pressure. Wanting as natural of an experience as possible, the center is not pushy with anything such as tests or immunizations which was such a relief (you can opt out of anything, no questions asked). I ended up being diagnosed with GD and their team was great with helping me track and manage through balancing carbs and protein in my diet. The birth classes were great and a good way for my husband and I to bond further and really embrace the experience in partnership. Irina and Anne were especially pleasant for me during my visits. My birth experience was incredible. I went 41 + 5 days with my pregnancy. Best Start helped kickstart labor naturally through various methods to help ensure that I could labor in their care, which was a priority for me. I had an under 12-hour labor, 6 & 1/2 hours laboring at home and 5 hours of labor at Best Start after arriving at 6cm. I labored the whole time in the tub with the presence of my doula and husband, with midwives checking in periodically. Marley the midwife on call was there for the birth, helping me catch baby and she was really great. I used the nitrous oxide available for some contraction management in transition which was a nice touch during that phase of labor. I was even able to crack some jokes between contractions :) I birthed in the tub without complications or tearing. I definitely attribute this peaceful and successful experience to all of the preparation mentally, physically, classes and tips from midwifes and my doula. I can't imagine giving birth in any other way. My husband and I are bonded in such a unique manner, we have been on a high this past week and we feel so proud of ourselves. Best Start really lifted us up as a family. If you are worried about natural birth, I highly recommend Best Start and really surrendering to the process- and your body's natural ability to carry and birth life! You can do it! It is the most rewarding experience you'll ever have. Worth it. read more

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From the first time I made a call to make my first appointment, to just recently gave birth it had been an unforgettable experience and am glad I did it with all the front desk gals & amazing midwives & doula, ETC. Amazing experience and you cannot go wrong with choosing this center to give birth read more

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This review is long overdue. I have been a patient here at Best Start for more than one pregnancy. My 1st pregnancy in 2013 I was hoping to be able to use this facility (especially after doing the tour & learning more about the place) but my insurance at the time did not cover it, I ended up giving birth (naturally/unmedicated) at Mary Birch Hospital instead. Which was a very controlled & unpleasant experience. My 2nd pregnancy (2016), I changed health insurances to be able to birth at Best Start. The Best Start location was still in Bankers Hill. I went to all my prenatal appointments here and I received excellent care. The girls at the front desk were always so warm & caring. Most of my appointments were with Shari. There were 2 other midwives I had seen as well. Shari was my favorite. I love how calm & wise she was when she spoke. I also liked her witty humor. I genuinely enjoyed every experience I had with her. When it came to the birth it was Erina working that night, bummed out that it wasn't Shari, but it ended up being fine because Erina took great care of us. Erina asked if we wanted her close by or if we'd like a little more space to move & do our thing, which was opposite from the nurses in the hospital that crowd you & control your every move. She came in periodically to check the baby's heart rate, she let me & my husband (who was an excellent birth coach) work through the labor together. My babygirl was born in the water about 3 & a half hours after arriving at Best Start. One thing I remember was that Erina said "Don't put the baby down, she's used to being inside you & will want to feel you near. If you want a break from holding her pass her to Dad." This made me so happy because at Mary Birch Hospital they told me the opposite - to put my baby in that plastic bassinet because I could fall asleep & drop my baby. So the warm & opposite approach at Best Start was so pleasing to me. My first born who 3 years old was able to be at the birth & see her baby sister be born. This all was truly a magical moment. Now it's my 3rd pregnancy (2022). I knew I wanted a natural birth with a midwife, so I came back to Best Start. Now Best Start is at a different location on Enterprise, some different staff as well. There is also different rules & regulations due to covid, which is understandable. The front desk girls at the new location didn't seem as friendly as the ones at the old location. Besides Trisha, she's always a sweetheart & a veteran doula that I was blessed to get to know from my previous pregnancies. There was also a young lady who works there from Yuba City who helps with the blood draws, she is such a kind person. So a new policy they have at Best Start is that they schedule you with a different midwife each time you come in for a visit, until you've met them all. So when it comes to your birth, you do not birth with an unfamiliar midwife. This is a great idea overall, but it also makes it hard to really connect with a midwife since you're constantly being rotated around. I did really enjoy meeting Midwife Ann Groonwald, she gave me a really good feeling, I was able to connect on a deeper level with her within just 1 visit. I also was very happy to have my appointment with Shari who was my favorite from my previous pregnancy. My appointment with Erina was cool too, she always gives a lot of information & is straight to the point, which is something I can appreciate about her. After much consideration & seeing how my pregnancy was progressing I started feeling like I wanted to do a home birth. I got in touch with an amazing midwife, who actually was a previous employee at Best Start, & I started receiving co-care with her. I envision my birth at home & after talking it over with my husband we decided to go that route. So I won't be having my baby at Best Start this time around, not because I don't like this place. Best Start has been a blessing to me & my family & I would 100% reccomend it to anyone who is looking for a natural birth. I will miss seeing some of the midwives & staff at Best Start & I hope they see this review & know how much I love & appreciate them. Thanks again to everyone who helped & supported me through my pregnancies & childbirth & well women's check ups. read more

Best Start Birth Center - Moments after Dahlia is born, her Dad & big sister Desiya looking at the newest member of our family. (August 1st, 2016) - Obstetricians & Gynecologists Near Me - San Diego, California

I am so grateful to all the midwives and staff for making my second pregnancy one that allowed me to feel safer and more empowered than I felt with my first. I struggled with my mental health and chronic pain condition a lot throughout my pregnancy and they all gave me an incredible amount of resources and support. I will definitely be continuing to go to them for general reproductive health routine visits as well. I was dreading the idea of going back to OBGYN offices for the next Pap smear or pelvic floor issues, but I just found out at my 6 week postpartum check up that I can get that taken care of at the birth center, too! I really appreciate the whole-person, holistic approach to pregnancy, birth, and health care in general and would 100% recommend them to anyone... especially those of you feeling frustrated or unheard in your experience with doctors in the hospital setting. read more

Wow I really underestimated how amazing the team at Best Start Birth Center would be. From the start of my pregnancy I knew that I wanted to have a water birth and when Covid hit I could not be more thankful that I chose them. The child birth classes we had on zoom with Trish were amazing, she made Tuesday nights my favorite night! All of my appointments there were great and filled with laughter and Even though my Husband couldn't attend regular appointments (just baby boys birth along with my Doula) I still felt comforted in a place that cared about me and my baby. A feeling I never felt with my previous practitioner at Kaiser. Here the entire team is kind, knowledgeable and professional. Being a first time mom and living so far away from our own family they provided my husband and I love and reassurance that we were taken care of. Also more importantly once baby boy was here on our follow up appointment the one of midwives acted quickly after I expressed difficulty breastfeeding and connected me with a lactation consultant the very same day! Whom made a home visit and confirmed that baby had a lip and tongue tie. We were referred to an excellent pediatric dentist that week and now he is a expert nurser! Her actions saved us so much heart ache and my nipples from unnecessary pain! We will be repeat customers (haha in 2 years!) because let's be honest they coached me through birthing a 9lb baby and I didn't need stitches that's amazing! read more

Best Start Birth Center - My doula and I and in the final hours - Obstetricians & Gynecologists Near Me - San Diego, California

As a first time mom, I had wanted a natural birth from the start but of course had my reservations. The midwives and staff at best start were extremely reassuring and knowledgeable, making my reservations turn into excitement! Every visit made me more and more excited to have a natural birth and trust my body and intuition. The midwives all made sure I was comfortable with anything and everything they did with me, asking me before they touched my belly or did tests or bloodwork. Every test was optional so I was able to take charge of my prenatal care and say no if I wanted to. I specifically want to say thank you to my midwife who assisted me during birth, Amanda! I always felt tended to, taken care of and never scared. Her, the nurses, and midwife in training who attended my birth all continuously monitored me and my baby throughout labor. Always making sure I knew what was going on and suggesting position changes to help labor progress when needed. On top of this, they made sure all I had options when it came to care for my baby post birth. I had options when it came to vaccines, vitamin K, delayed cord clamping, skin to skin, etc. Every choice was in my hands and I never felt pressure from anyone to make a certain decision. The biggest thing for me was I always felt heard and empowered. I can't thank them enough for helping me realize my capabilities as a woman. You are capable too!!! Needless to say, I can't recommend best start enough! I now have a beautiful baby girl who is happy and healthy. I hope to have all my babies at best start if my husband and I stay in San Diego!! read more

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Best Start has been an really wonderful and wholesome experience. My wife and I are having our first child and couldn't have found a spot that more aligns with our values. All of the staff are knowledgeable, kind, attentive and fun. They provide excellent care and are always available if you need them. read more

Just had my son here a couple days ago. The experience from start to finish was incredible. The staff is great including front desk and assistants. I really grew to love Midwife Sheri, and she happened to be the one on call when I went into labor. Her calm, confident manner is so reassuring and relaxing. I was able to have the birth of my dreams after 3 hospital births. It was pure magic and I would recommend Best Start to anyone wishing for a natural birth. The birth rooms are beautiful. The staff and midwives respected every single one of my wishes no questions asked. They're also still there for you after birth. 292837 stars for Best Start Birth Center read more

Best Start Birth Center - Obstetricians & Gynecologists Near Me - San Diego, California

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I cannot say enough good things about Best Start. My first visit I went in, newly pregnant and just so concerned-- wondering if my baby was still in there-- and I had the most amazing midwife Marli who was so kind and compassionate, took her time explaining all things pregnancy to me, and showing me my baby for the first time. She is my absolute favorite and I would schedule visits around her schedule. ;-) I felt supported and cared for my whole pregnancy. Every visit was thorough and addressed every concern and question I had. You can tell that everyone here is so passionate about caring for women & their babies. When I delivered, I had Marli Ivers & Ann Groonwald there- THEY WERE INCREDIBLE. Birth is such an intense experience and it felt so endlessly long-- they did EVERYTHING to encourage me, help me, give me support in any way they could-- they were so focused on helping me be comfortable and get in the positions that would best assist me through the birthing process. Birth was so hard, but they were so gentle and kind and compassionate and patient with me during it. I could not have had a better birth experience with their team. Thank you Best Start for everything you did to walk me through the pregnancy journey and to help me get my baby safely into the world. I'm forever grateful for everything you all did for me and my beautiful daughter. We LOVE Best Start and we will be back for the birth of my future babies! ;-) read more

Best Start is the best! From beginning to end I received true holistic care from their amazing staff. My prenatal visits were thorough as I was able to spend ample amount of time with the midwives to talk about any questions or concerns I had. It was also nice to have the option of calling the on-call midwife whenever I had questions or concerns outside of appointments. The front desk staff, nurse practitioners, and midwives assistants were great as well. Racheal, Erina, Ashley, and Liz were absolutely amazing during my birth. I was truly taken care of by the best and I am so grateful I had each one of them as part of my birth team. 10/10 recommend Best Start Birth Center! read more

After having a below average experience with my first birth my second attempt going here could not have gone worse. Be prepared to sit in the waiting room for an hour while your scheduled midwife takes her lunch break. Because only their time is valuable. read more

Best Start provided exactly the type of prenatal care I was looking to have. I feel so heard in my visits and have never felt shamed for my endless questions. Can't wait to birth here! read more

I had the best birthing experience it went very well! Melanie was my doula and she was amazing!!! The midwives are great too!The appointments you wait for a while In waiting room. Also do not recommend Trish she canceled her birthing class and did not call me to let me know she canceled it. read more

I am currently being attended for my prenatal care inhopes of having a waterbirth here at Best Start Birth Center. The Medical assistants/receptionists, as well as the midwives, all have a great attitude, your questions are mostly answered. An amazing ambience to have your newborns here or at home with the help of the lovely midwives. I'm so excited for this journey of pregnancy care here with Best Start Birth Center! read more

The experience given has been a world of a difference. The treatment to the mother is what is truly captivating. I will forever be thankful for this experience. read more

I am so incredibly grateful for Best Start! They really gave me the birth that I wish I had for my first child. They are client-centered, holistic in women's health, and well versed in all the naturalistic and no/low intervention procedures. It feels like you are home from the lobby to the birthing room. The staff are so welcoming and friendly. My midwife Sherry, has delivered I believe about a thousand babies? She was so down to earth and made me feel so comfortable! My husband and I loved our birth experience and have been bragging about Best Start to all of our friends! If you dare to go natural, come to Best Start for a truly best start for your baby!! read more

Best Start Birth Center - The tub where I delivered. I am sitting on a balance ball which helped with comfort during the less severe contractions. - Obstetricians & Gynecologists Near Me - San Diego, California

I will absolutely be delivering here again. As a first time mom, they level of care you receive is so extremely important. I made the decision to switch from an OB/hospital to Best Start Birth Center when I was 32 weeks pregnant and it was the best decision I could have made! My husband and I were both so happy with the care we received from all of the midwives. Ann Groonwald and Erina where the midwives on call when I went into labor and they had a student midwife at the time as well. I labored at best start for about 5 hours and unfortunately my baby decided to poop while he was still in the womb. They noticed the meconium and checked me and I was 10 centimeters (normally they would transfer to a hospital if meconium was present but not dilated). So I got in the tub and pushed for an hour and then our sweet baby boy was born. They all stayed so calm when they noticed the meconium I didn't even know what was going on.. I though I pooped Unfortunately around 4 hours post partum, Ann noticed his skin was looking pale and his oxygen was low. She started CPAP and made the decision to transfer him to Rady Children's (she held that oxygen on him for AN HOUR while waiting for the ambulance!! Bless her heart). I am so thankful she did because our little man was really sick because of all the meconium he had ingested. He was in the NICU for 17 days. He's now 3 weeks old and is the healthiest/happiest dude! Although the outcome was not what we had ever expected, my birth itself was exactly what I wanted. Could not be any happier with my experience here at Best Start read more

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Didn't have a great experience here. I came to speak with a more holistically minded practitioner (midwives) about menstrual problems I was having. I asked if we could do some hormonal labs to see where things are at. The midwife told me I should just get an IUD so I don't have a period anymore...and then only ordered a thyroid panel :( Also, after figuring out that my son was an unplanned pregnancy, she said to me "You know honey condoms only work when you take them out of the package", not sure if she was trying to be funny, but it was not funny. It felt very disrespectful and rude. Especially from a worker who is supposed to be creating the environment where all birth is celebrated. :( read more

I birthed my 4th baby here in 2015 and had a wonderful experience. Best start made my dreams of a water birth come true in a very serene, home-like setting. They provided top of the line care for my 5th pregnancy in 2021 (though I chose to birth at a hospital and have an epidural, big mistake.) The water birth was painful but the care, comfort and genuine compassion I received during such a vulnerable time was more peaceful than the pain meds, plus they have laughing gas now so idk. They provide well woman care for non pregnant patients and are warm and welcoming, offering tea, snacks and access to the kitchen during appointments and labor. Highly recommended! Some of the staff are immature but I guess it's slim Pickens for help these days read more

I can't imagine giving birth anywhere else in San Diego. Best Start is the most incredible option where you are cared for, respected, and given space that you need with the support partners you want present. This is NOT a hospital experience, this is birth like it was always meant to be with flexible finance and insurance options. The midwives are all incredible, and so knowledgeable. The birth classes are so great, and available to even to those who choose not to give birth at the location. I cannot sing the praises of Best Start enough - they're the very best. I wouldn't have my babies anywhere else. read more

I'd only give 5 stars to Melanie. Loved her, sweetest person and the only person I remember their name 8 months after having my baby. A one star because I did not like my experience here. I had a different midwife every single appt so didn't remember anyone's name. Every appt felt like I had to repeat myself. But it's okay. They made it known that it was because of whoever would be on call for your birth because they made it about them and not the patient. I would've rather had one midwife and stick to that one midwife my entire pregnancy but oh well. Only had one scheduled ultrasound while I'd over hear other patients talk about their growth ultrasound near their due date. I always voiced my concern about getting another ultrasound because I felt that my baby was breeched but of course they know better and reassured me that my baby wasn't breeched. Well I had a very long and painful 4 days of labor why? Because my baby was breeched. Got transferred to the hospital day three of my labor and being at the hospital was a better experience than all my months here and the OB assigned to me knew right away my baby was breeched. I developed complications because of this and being in labor for so long that I had to have a c section. Did one of my postpartum appts here as well and you guessed it I have a new midwife that I didn't know and she didn't know I had a c section and I had to tell her if she was going to check me or anything but only looked at my scar and said I was good. But she made sure to remind me about my birth control options. My birth control is the very traumatic birth I experienced. Didn't even bother showing up to my 6 week appointment. read more

Great customer service and staff very clean facility made to feel at home... my wife loves it as well!! read more

Best Start Birth Center - Front desk - Obstetricians & Gynecologists Near Me - San Diego, California

I love everyone that works here. They make you feel at home and the atmosphere is so cozy and calming. I can't wait to give birth here. An absolute blessing that exists. read more

Best Start Birth Center - Birthing Center - Obstetricians & Gynecologists Near Me - San Diego, California

It's been nearly a year since delivering my daughter at Best Start. The experience provided everything it promised when we were selecting a birth place- a comfortable and inviting environment with a team of compassionate, knowledgeable, and experienced midwives. I knew I was lucky to have found and delivered at Best Start, but a friend's recent experience has motivated me to reflect and share a review now. Like me, my friend delivered her second baby at 41 weeks while classified as "advanced maternal age." Unlike me, she was pressured by her team into induction due to her age and length of gestation. She spent 48 hours lying in bed being induced or "resting" courtesy of Benadryl before they ruptured her membranes due to lack of progress. The baby then became distressed and swallowed meconium during an emergency c-section. My friend ended up exhausted and in significant pain and separated from her newborn in the NICU because she could not walk to visit her. This birth story makes me feel simultaneously so, so devastated for my friend and so, SO grateful for Best Start. Thank you. Thank you for making practical and educated birth decisions and empowering women to have positive, healthy births. Our family is eternally grateful to Erina, Ashley, and the whole team at Best Start. Thank you. read more

I had my whirlwind birth at Best Start in February (pre-pandemic, praise the Lord)! Like some other reviewers, 3-1-1 wasn't the best choice for me since I had a very fast labor despite being a first-time-mom. To be fair, when I inquired about that as a possibility since my mom also had a very fast first-time-labor with me, Erina mentioned that getting a hotel closeby might be advisable since I live 35-40 minutes away from the birthing center. But the logistics of that seemed a little daunting to me so I didn't end up taking her advice, though I definitely will next time around. Thanks to my amazing doula, Amanda Hoyle, who used her amazing intuition to figure out that I was progressing very quickly, I made it to the birth center just in time to push my son out. Shari was my midwife and she did an excellent job directing me through the birthing process. The tub was absolutely amazing, the pushing process was unbelievably painless. The room was relaxing and calm and I felt very well cared for during my recovery by Shari and birthing assistant Emily. It was so nice to be able to go home in the morning after delivering my son at night, it was a good way for my husband and I to adjust to life with a newborn and I think it's preferable to the hospital policy of a multi-night stay. Emily coached us through everything from checking vitals to securing the carseat and we felt prepared to take on parenthood after her amazing pep talks. Despite being out-of-network for the center itself (but in-network for the midwifery), the bill was very affordable. I am very pleased with the care my family received and plan to deliver my future child(ren) at Best Start as well. read more

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Receiving care here for my second pregnancy. I've enjoyed meeting all of the care team and am looking forward to the birth experience. Currently 28 weeks. My daughter is also loving being a part of the visits. - Esther K read more

Best Start Birth Center - My 19 month old daughter measuring her fundal height after mine was measured. - Obstetricians & Gynecologists Near Me - San Diego, California

i love the environment here i felt so much more relaxed than being in a hospital setting. everyone is so kind and i loved meeting all the midwives. i felt that my care was very personalized and that i was actually a human being instead of the quick shove you out the door appointments you typically have at the hospital. when my husband and i decide to have another child i hope we are still stationed here so i can have the same experience. thank you best start. read more

Love Best Start! Went through them with my first pregnancy that sadly ended in a miscarriage, well-woman care , and now my current pregnancy (24 weeks today)! Always look forward to my appts here and it's AMAZING that they are in network with my insurance!! read more

My daughter died because of their "care". I've had time to ponder over this and talked to a few different medical professionals and it keeps coming back to the fact that had they listened to me, my daughter would be alive. For the last 2 months of pregnancy I inquired about how much water I was retaining and was told, thats just pregnancy. High blood pressure? Thats just pregnancy. I trusted them and I ended up having pre-eclampsia. A simple urine test is all that's required to detect it. I would not recommend this facility and their lack of compassion afterwards was very telling. I'm thankful for the doctors at UCSD for saving my life(as I was very close to death)and ultimately getting my daughter the best care she could have after being in distress for over 8 hours. Also Radys children hospital for all they did to save her as well as the compassion afterwards. You would think a place dedicated to pregnancy would give better care. First time moms, I would avoid this place. You will not have the best start. read more

I'll do my best to put my love for Best Start into words! I had both of my kids at Best Start and would never dream of having my kids any other way in any other place. My journey with Best Start started 2 and a half years ago with my son. After plenty of careful and thorough research, I decided I wanted to have a nature birth as long as it was safe for my baby and I. Then I set out to find the best place in San Diego to have my natural birth which quickly lead me to Best Start. The women there made me feel safe and comfortable - I learned so much and felt so prepared for my birth that I was completely at ease once I felt the onset of labor. My labor group consisted of the father of my child, a three of my closest friends. Not one eye in the room was dry when my son was born. Everyone couldn't stop talking about what a beautiful experience it was and how none of them could dream about bringing a child into the world any other way. Flash forward to spring of 2018, my fiance and I got pregnant and I knew exactly where our child was going to be born! Although my son was born in 6 hours, my daughter took a full 19 - but the wonderful women at Best Start made sure I felt taken care of for every second of labor. You really feel like you're family. I couldn't say enough about this place! read more

This is our second childbirth here at Best Start and both have been great experiences. From prenatal appt's to the birth and post partum checkups we can't be more happy with the staff. Doula Trish, midwives Jenique and Nat were fantastic, if we have another we will be back! read more

My review is for their birthing classes only as I did not deliver here. I was supposed to have a home birth with my little dude so I needed to find birthing classes that focused purely on natural birth. My midwives suggested looking here and it worked out perfectly. I called to look into the class schedule and was told that I would be placed on a waitlist as they like to keep the classes small and they give priority to those birthing there. I was given a date to call back to check to see if I was placed in a class and to get more info. I called on that date and I was in a class for Thursday nights. It was all so easy to get signed up and in. There were 8 mamas total in the class and 2 of us weren't scheduled to birth at the center. The classes were great. They were 2.5 hours once a week for 7 weeks. Every class covered something different and incredibly important to have a successful natural birth. I will admit to being totally miserable during every single class before I stopped working as I was soooo tired. I was getting up super early for work and my bedtime is 9 and that is when class ended, so I was just done but once the classes came to an end, I realized how much I still took in. I learned so much and I totally put them to use while I was laboring at home before I had to transfer to the hospital. My husband also learned so much. I felt super proud of him for all of the things he learned and how he was helping me implement techniques for labor. Our instructor was Aimee and we loved her. She is younger and had a baby recently so I feel like it was easy to relate to her and that she is in the loop on a lot of newer stuff going on in the L&D world. We felt very comfortable with her, she made the classes easy. Overall, we were very happy with our experience and I totally suggest taking classes here if you want a natural birth. I also highly suggest birthing here if you want an out of hospital birth, the whole center was amazing every time we went. read more