My birth experience was an absolute dream! I knew I wanted a natural birth, so I interviewed a…read morehandful of midwifes around San Diego county. I highly recommend Mother to Mother! With an entire hour of face time at each prenatal appointment, my questions were always thoroughly answered. I rotated appointments with all the midwifes and loved them all! These ladies really make sure that you and your baby are supported physically AND emotionally. Of course, family and friends thought I was a bit crazy to opt for a home birth. They warned me that "the first baby is the hardest" to birth and that I would need an epidural. I am SO glad that I went with my gut instead! I felt amazingly comfortable giving birth in my own space. Everything went smoothly and I felt safe and supported by my midwives the entire time. It was wonderful to be able to snuggle up to my baby immediately and not worry about traveling anywhere. The midwives even came to my home a few additional times after the birth to check on baby and me. Administratively, the team is organized and has a spectacular office manager who is always quick to answer my emails. She took care of billing my insurance, so I didn't have to deal with any paperwork! How we bring our babies into this world matters. If you are looking for a smart, experienced, loving team, I highly recommend Mother to Mother. My baby is now 6 weeks old and I am happy to report that we are both doing fantastic!

I don't even know where to start... maybe I'll start by saying that The midwives and staff and…read moreMother to Mother midwifery have gone above and beyond all expectations for me as a pregnant woman, during my birth and as a new mother. After watching the business of being born- and my mom telling me her horror story of my birth in the hospital- I began researching my options for a home birth. I decided to do a home birth after meeting with Brooke and Sunshine. Lovely, absolutely lovely people. The whole staff, just so beautiful and kind. Yes, I was worried I would be loud at home while I labored... but the facts are: 1. you labor at home for the most part if you have planned hospital birth anyway and 2. after your baby is born you're going to rethink exactly what it was you ever 'worried' about. During your pregnancy you'll have regular checkups, there is an emergency line to call (which I had to use because of some worrisome braxton hicks, and they were very quick to respond), you can go get a sonogram at a cute little place they'll refer you to, they do all of your blood tests there (Brooke is a certified nurse midwife), any questions at all they answer and even have books they loan you and they also have mixers which are really great to meet new or soon to be moms. They were also really sensitive to my requests to alter the language they used. For example, I wanted to use the word surges instead of contractions. Which seems like such a silly thing in retrospect, but it just goes to show how kind and sensitive these women were to my wants and needs as a patient. My birth was 9.5 hours and I had a 6.5 pound baby. No tears, yippee!!! So.... this was a relatively easy first birth. It was incredibly painful (I'll spare you the details) but I was surrounded by women that I love and trust and that made a HUGE difference. It was exactly what I wanted and had envisioned. The midwives come to check up on you and your baby at your home a couple times, then you take your baby to a pediatrician. It's so wonderful to just stay at home with your baby and not have to worry about getting out of the car to get to the hospital. But in hindsight... I wish I would have hired a postpartum doula. To have somebody there with you to help with the transition, breastfeeding and just to have somebody knowledgeable about newborns can really alleviate a lot of stress and fear. It's like, one day you're a free woman- then the next it's baby, baby, baby... 24/7! About 8 months after my baby was born- I started getting bouts of depression. I asked the midwives about it and they were incredibly helpful. I attended one of their mixers, met some moms and got some information on Postpartum Depression. I was even offered a follow up appointment to talk to Brooke. Midwives are not therapists, or psychologists... but they KNOW and they have TONS of experience with moms. That one meeting with Brooke has helped me receive more clarity and insight into my situation than anything else. You hire these midwives to help you birth your baby. But what you also get is peace of mind, lifelong friends, a loving community and the support you will need as a new mom.

My husband and I had an incredible experience working with our night doula, Jacqui. From the very…read morebeginning, she brought such a calming, warm, and reassuring presence into our home and immediately put us at ease as new parents. She is extremely knowledgeable and experienced, and naturally wonderful with newborns. Not only did our daughter thrive under her care, but my husband and I were finally able to get much needed rest and feel more confident as parents. Jacqui also taught us so much along the way and always made us feel supported, never judged. We are so grateful for her help during those early months and truly cannot recommend her highly enough to any family looking for a compassionate and highly skilled doula.

We had a great experience with our doula, Katie. She was incredibly supportive during those first…read morefew weeks with our newborn and helped us so much. She was kind, caring, and always made us feel supported. She truly felt like the big sister I needed during such an important time. The only downside of my experience was the lactation support. I only attended two sessions because, unfortunately, they were very stressful. During the first visit, the lactation consultant arrived late, seemed rushed, and left me with a few nipple shields that ultimately didn't work well for me. At the end, I didn't end up using them because they weren't helpful. The second session felt very similar. It also felt rushed and stressful, and my baby became stressed as well. Because of those experiences, I decided not to continue with the lactation sessions. Overall, I'm very grateful for Katie's support, and she made a huge positive difference during our postpartum journey.

I can not say enough great things about the hynpobirthing class with Care Messer. My partner and I…read moreare first time parents and did not know the first thing about the labor and delivery process. We were very unsure about everything and looking for direction. In class we learned about what the different labor and delivery options are, what to expect from hospitals, and different techniques to use during labor. We now feel we have the tools to better understand the whole process and make the decisions that are right for us and our family. The class addressed all of my questions and I feel like the information was presented in a very unbiased way, not to mention Care is super funny and the time in class flys by! I would recommend this class to all of my friends and family.

If you are pregnant, book your class asap! I can't rave enough about their approach to preparing…read morefor birth. My husband had two kids from a previous relationship, but still was able to learn things he hadn't been present for with them. It improved our communication surrounding my pregnancy and birth, even when it took a different turn. We'd made it through four of the five classes when my son decided to he needed to get out at 30 weeks. I had so many tools in my toolbox that I felt prepared, even during the scary prospects of having preeclampsia and a NICU baby. I'm so grateful for Care and her entire team. Such a blessing!!!!

I loved my experience at best start and am heart broken that it is no longer open for clients…read more 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!

I am a military veteran, and at the time I was a single mother back in 2012 I was recommended this…read moreplace 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.

Words will never be able to fully express the gratitude I have for the team at San Diego Midwives;…read moreJamin, La Shel, Devery and Katrina. Upon every appointment they were always so inviting and compassionate. I immediately felt relaxed and at ease with them and knew I had made the best possible choice for our family. I was bringing the most precious thing into this world and I knew that these exceptional ladies were dedicated and prepped for this task. The actual birth day was exactly as I had envisioned it, a blissful dream. The San Diego Midwives team provided exceptional and loving care, as if this was their child brought into the world. La Shel, Jamin and Katrina were present up front and center during my birth. They provided great instructions to help with supporting me through delivery at a birth center. They followed my entire birth plan and allowed everything to take place as free and natural as nature intended. They have a unique ability to take charge in a birth setting with a relaxed ambiance about them. I was so relaxed during all my prenatal care, and that made birthing with them such a comforting measure. If I could give them a 10/10 I absolutely would for the most wonderful birth experience. There are not enough words to praise everyone involved in my birth, I was able to relax and bring my healthy baby girl into this world so beautifully.

Just had my first baby with Jamin and Emily and what an amazing experience it was! From first…read moremeeting Jamin to my last postpartum visit the care was exceptional! I work in the medical field and know that this kind of care is hard to find. They truly are passionate about their clients and go through every aspect of pregnancy with such diligence. I felt so supported and taken care of the entire time. They are like family now Will absolutely use them for my next home birth!

What is there to say about Dr Cobb that hasn't already been said. Thanks to him, I felt dignified…read moreduring my entire pregnancy and delivery. He has a way of listening and speaking that makes me feel like I matter, and my desires are worth listening to. He is an incredibly talented Dr and I am so grateful that I was able to have my second delivered by him. I don't know how this is possible but he doesn't seem to have been jaded by the medical field nor is he a slave to the system - he is one of a kind and an excellent advocate for women. I come from a family of Doctors so I say this with respect -- but most have an ego about them and I have felt patronized and dismissed by some. Dr Cobb is not that way at all. He is both confident and humble in his care. He made me feel safe and cared for. He has a way about him that is integrous and highly capable. If you are a mom carrying a piece of you into the world you probably feel both the heavy responsibility and fear of getting it right. Personally giving birth has been one of the most important moments of my life. Having the best Doctor by your side makes all the difference

Where should I start... After my early miscarriage last…read moreyear, I was devastated. I was trying to find an OB who was willing to offer extra care and tests before trying to conceive again. Other OBs did not think it was necessary since I was young and it was "only" my first miscarriage. I was too scared to try again until someone recommended Dr. Cobb. Dr. Cobb respects and truly understands my concerns, and he was willing to take extra steps to ensure my pregnancy was closely monitored. He made me feel that I had a certain level of control over my pregnancy, rather than simply being instructed. During delivery, my baby's heart rate was unstable for five hours, and I was unable to make further progress after reaching eight centimeters dilation. I asked whether it was time for an emergency C section. Dr. Cobb eased my mind and placed additional monitors to carefully track my baby's heart rate. My baby boy was ultimately delivered safely through a vaginal birth. I feel incredibly blessed to have had him as my OB throughout this pregnancy. Every visit made me feel respected, well cared for, and reassured. I would recommend him to everyone in San Diego!

Courtney is the most amazing midwife! I truly couldn't have asked for a more perfect match for my…read morehome birth. She has a kind, patient, and calming soul that brought peace to my heart and mind each and every time that I saw her. From the hour long prenatal appointments, to the calming presence at my birth, she really blew us away with her care. During my delivery, our baby was found to have shoulder dystocia. Although a scary event, Courtney remained calm and used her knowledge, expertise, and care to manipulate the situation and deliver my little girl safe and sound. She made my entire postpartum experience so enjoyable and special for my family and I. She even took the time to teach my older daughter all about the placenta. I highly recommend her to anyone considering a home birth. We will definitely be using her again if we have another little angel in the future. Thank you so much, Courtney!!

Courtney changed my life and opened my eyes to what birth can really be! A powerful and life…read morechanging/transformative experience and I will forever be grateful to her. Her wisdom, patience, and love for what she does shines through and is inspiring. My care under Courtney was exceptional. She was my midwife, doula, managed my placenta and even became a friend I couldn't be happier with my birth experience

The Hospital itself was very clean and the entire midwife staff was friendly, but one stood out…read morecompletely; her name is Hope. We cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience with Hope, the incredible midwife who helped us deliver our baby. From the moment we met her, Hope made us; (husband and wife) feel like we were the only people in the hospital. She was so attentive, loving, and genuinely caring -- it felt like we had a close friend guiding us through the most important day of our lives. Hope's calm presence and encouraging words made all the difference, especially during the toughest moments. She explained everything clearly, reassured us when we felt overwhelmed. Her compassion and warmth were truly unmatched. This wife and husband team will forever be grateful for her support, kindness, and the way she made us feel safe, cared for, and empowered throughout the entire experience. If you're fortunate enough to have Hope as your midwife, you're in the very best hands. Thank you, Hope -- you are a true blessing!

My visit with Jennifer S. Hirch at the Convoy location today was honestly really disheartening…read more Right from the start of my prenatal appointment, she made me feel uncomfortable by immediately commenting on my weight. She didn't bother to ask about my lifestyle or background before diving into unsolicited nutrition advice. Her exact words "you've already gained so much weight and I don't want you to end up being the size of a house, so no more donuts for breakfast! " It was just plain hurtful and extremely unprofessional. It seemed like she didn't care to understand me as an individual and my lifestyle even though my labs and blood work looks perfect and she has NO idea about my lifestyle and profession since I am a certified nutritionist and when I got pregnant I was at my peak physique being extremely lean. She not only continues to saying " that's ironic " when I told her I didn't need nutrition advice since I am a certified nutritionist. She continued to pass judgment. Honestly, I'm pretty upset about the whole experience, and I don't think I'll be recommending UCSD's prenatal department to anyone after this. And will continue to file complains about this since it was unacceptable

I feel compelled to share my deeply troubling experience with Tourmaline Birthing Center to warn…read moreothers about the potential risks of trusting this facility with your care. It has taken me a while to process the trauma of what this center put me and my husband through and honestly I am still dealing with it 9 months later. At just 9 weeks pregnant, I went in for my first ultrasound and was informed by the sonogram technician that I was having a miscarriage. She diagnosed me with a "missed miscarriage," to which the midwife agreed and explained that I wasn't showing any symptoms which is why I had no idea. Her suggestion was to either wait until my body stayed to recognize the miscarriage (which could come with risk of infection) or that I drink one of their tinctures to "help expel the baby." This was not only devastating, but also completely unsettling. During the sonogram, when I questioned the miscarriage multiple times, I was met with no suggestions for a second opinion, just a "so sorry but unfortunately this happens" which only added to my growing concern. During the sono technician (which they outsource) even made odd comments about how her equipment was new and not working as well as her old machine, which only further fueled my doubts. Despite this, they moved forward with such a definitive and harsh diagnosis, giving me no room for questioning or proper reassurance. To add insult to injury, they suggested I take the blurry sonogram image to the beach and perform a "ceremony to help heal." This was a bizarre and completely unprofessional recommendation. Devastated and confused, I followed their advice and tried the tincture. But my body immediately rejected it, causing me to vomit repeatedly. I called the birth center for guidance, and they simply told me there was nothing else they could do and advised me to go to the ER. Thank God I did, because it was at the ER where I found out that I was *not* miscarrying--my baby was alive and growing. The emotional toll this experience took on me and my husband is beyond words. We had gone through the trauma of grieving a miscarriage, informed our family and friends, and even told my employer. It took away any joy we could have had in sharing our pregnancy news, and we were left with nothing but regret and disbelief. What really disturbs me, though, is how the birth center handled this situation. Not only were they dismissive and unhelpful, but their failure to provide proper care could have caused serious harm if I had continued to follow their advice. After the fact, one of the midwives called to offer an apology, but Josie (the midwife) also promised free services to make up for the trauma--and never followed through. This lack of follow-up speaks volumes about their lack of empathy, care, and responsibility. I want to make it clear that this review isn't just about one mistake; it's about the negligent, irresponsible way this birth center operates. I experienced multiple complications during my pregnancy including issues with my placenta. I can't help but wonder if it had anything to do with the tincture. What makes me think this is because when I did call the midwife she made a troubling statement telling me not to worry, that it wouldn't affect my baby or my placenta. Looking back, this is insanely troubling. My baby ended up being born premature due to a failing placenta and suffered from IUGR. I hope my story serves as a cautionary tale to anyone considering birthing here. Please, for the safety of your baby and your own peace of mind, I strongly urge you to reconsider.

Tourmaline exceeded my hopes & expectations by miles!!! I cant imagine having gone through my…read morepregnancy, labor, & postpartum journey anywhere else. From the moment you walk into their space you can tell its special. Everyone, from the midwives, the office staff, the other practitioners there, & all the couples you cross paths with feel so welcoming & connected...it is such a unique community. The care itself was outstanding. My husband & I were pregnant with our first and were absolutely clueless. The midwives never made us feel like we should know more or like we were asking silly questions but instead spent all the time in the world to make sure we felt educated & confident enough to make the best informed decisions for US. They never pushed anything on us & left us feeling empowered in all our choices. My labor was truly amazing. I want every woman considering doing a natural birth to know you are SO capable. The Tourmaline family helped me trust & appreciate my body & its design more than ever before, I am so grateful. The comfortable, "homey" environment is what initially drew us to the birth center & it was just perfect when the day finally came. I birthed in the bathtub, the team there was so peaceful & encouraging, & the care afterwards topnotch. These midwives are seriously geniuses. They make you feel like family & you can trust their knowledge & experience. Our postpartum checkups were at our home for the first bit and often which we wanted because we felt so unsure of everything & since our girl came at 37 weeks we just wanted the extra support & the midwives were so kind to show up for us in every way. They all get to know you so personally it is bittersweet to be finished with my appointments now! Though I know we will stay connected forever! I obviously could go on for days & couldn't recommend this place more for birthing but also all the other services they offer! Just love this place!

Kiersten Markham is a gem…read more As a man going through all of this, I had my world rocked in the most amazing way. My wife and I took her Conscious Conception for Couples course and honestly at a very deep level we know we are ready to bring a life into this world. From her visualizations to navigating our birth stories with our parents or the homework that kept us in tune and accountable, we not only learned more about ourselves but we were able to heal so many aspects of our lives. Through talking to our parents, it was eye-opening to hear how uninvolved men/dads were with the entire process of conception, pregnancy and birth back then and how this has absolutely affected us today as a society. Or how women were told that our patriarchal healthcare system knows more about their bodies than they do themselves... to have my mom talk about my birth was a massive step on its own but for us to reconcile much of our relationship, well, that speaks for itself. Conception, pregnancy and birth as fundamentally what has been responsible for life on earth for eons of time........ this procreative process does not need more unconscious men trying to control it whether it's husbands or our healthcare system, it needs us to be MORE conscious and yet be a part of creating and holding space for the wonder and awe that it is. Kiersten has changed our lives of not only for ourselves as individuals but as a couple who will now populate our planet with much more conscious beings. We are so blessed and excited :) This might be a weird thing for most guys to consider doing BUT trust the process. Trust Kiersten, her wisdom and her expertise... she has been doing brilliant work with this community for years and she's not just excellent, she has made an indelible imprint on our family for generations......

Kiersten's Conscious Conception course is a must for any couple planning on starting a family. This…read morecourse really dug into our own birth experiences, our parents and even grandparents births and childhoods. Through visualizations, meditations and connecting with our partner with the weekly assignments it not only brought me closer to my partner but it made me feel more connected to our spirit baby. Kiersten is an excellent resource for all things birth all the while being the absolute sweetest person on the planet. She deeply cares for everyone's situations and stories and offers heartfelt guidance and wisdom in creating the conception and birth of your dreams. I feel so grateful to have taken such a spiritual and intimate course. I highly highly recommend it.