Jodi does God's work!…read more She was recommended by someone at church. We are so grateful that we found someone who shared and respected our values, as the birthing journey was beyond anything we expected. It was amazing and life-changing!! We first had a call with her about 2 months into the pregnancy. She changed the way I thought about pregnancy in the first call already, I felt a sense of peace and even though she encouraged that we interview other doulas as well, we decided to go with her without interviewing others! As a first time parent, I had so many questions! Both my husband and I tend to overprepare for things, and Jodi patiently walked us through all the questions we had. We took all 3 courses she offered, and they were so thorough! Highly recommend these 1:1 courses over other bigger classes/zoom sessions for any other parents that have many questions - these are so good for anyone who wants undivided attention from their instructors! Also we're glad we did them because if might be hard to stay focused through these lengthy courses otherwise, and why wouldn't you want to pay full attention for these course? Your baby's life might depend on it!! She also answered any questions we had about pregnancy or prepping for baby's arrival over the course of the pregnancy. After all the prep work, finally the day came when our little one was ready to leave mama's belly! She really knew how to guide me through the contractions! She knew just the right words. I just followed whatever breathing she told me to do (I didn't practice any breathing before btw!!). I just simply listened to her voice and constantly prayed to God during contraction/pushing. She met us in our home during contraction, then when water broke, we finally drove to the hospital. Once we were at the hospital, I was already at 9 cm!! The baby came out a few hours later, and it was so magical. The baby was perfect. It went as we have hoped, unmedicated, natural birth . She knew just how to guide us through this very important journey. I'm so grateful for her...

I delivered with the Midwives at Mt. Auburn Hospital just over a week ago and can't say enough…read morepositive things about labor and delivery as well as the recovery period. I had read rave reviews about Mt. Auburn (including multiple people claiming to have had a "wonderful" labor there), all the while wondering how wonderful labor really could be. I now understand completely. From the moment that we called the hospital after contractions started to the arrival and long delivery process, each nurse and midwife that took care of me provided the utmost care, professionalism, and explanation of what was happening next and why. Amidst the inevitable anxiety of a first labor, I felt fully cared for and at ease. I can't thank the nurses enough for their tremendous care during both the labor and delivery process, as well as postpartum care for myself and baby. Postpartum, the nurses and a wonderful lactation consultant provided guidance on everything from what to expect during the first few days of our newborns' life to feeding techniques to giving the baby a first bath. Recovery was peaceful and allowed us time to bond as a family of three. By the time we left the hospital, we felt prepared enough to care for our newborn and with the opportunity to call with any questions that we might have. Thank you, Mt. Auburn!

I'm very disappointed by my recent experience with the Midwives at Mt. Auburn Hospital. My prenatal…read morecare was pretty standard, nothing exceptional. I had a low-risk pregnancy and everything went according to plan. The midwife I saw continually pushed for induction through castor oil, membrane sweeps, and evening primrose oil - these are not proven to be effective and are not positively backed by scientific research. I cannot believe that they don't follow evidence-based research when making medical recommendations. I went into labor spontaneously and progressed well. However, during my entire active labor, the midwife was in the room for no more than 5 minutes total. She basically did a quick pelvic exam and then left me on my own. I had no one in the room with me other than my husband. There was no nurse and no midwife - I felt so unsupported. After about 6 hours of labor, the midwife came back in and suggested a peanut ball and a warm bath, but she disappeared without setting me up with either. I guess my husband was supposed to figure this out? She returned a few hours later and I requested nitrous oxide - She said I needed a form for this (which was already in my file) and disappeared again. I never received anything to manage my pain and never saw the midwife again. I would have hoped that the midwife would have suggested labor positions to ease pain, pressed on my back/hips, showed my husband some ways to help (we took Bradley classes, but some extra direction in that moment would have been appreciated), provided encouragement, shown care, and simply been present. I feel like I was ignored and neglected. No one even brought me water. It wasn't until an OBGYN arrived that I felt like I was validated and heard - she got an anesthesiologist and I received an epidural. The OBGYN delivered my baby via c-section after failure to progress. My after-care at Mt. Auburn was pretty good. I felt all the nurses were caring and competent. I had to self-advocate to get time with the lactation consultants, but they were helpful. Takeaways: If you want support of any kind during labor, you'll need to hire your own doula. If you plan to breastfeed, arrange for your own postpartum doula or seek support from a non-hospital affiliated IBCLC. I am exclusively breastfeeding in spite of the care I received and not because of it. Just find a good OBGYN and forget about all the midwife nonsense - they're basically useless.

I used Alissa after I had my first child in February. She is just so wonderful. I struggled a lot,…read moreand she provided so much help. She helped as a lactation consultant, showed us the best way to swaddle, helped when I needed a break, and was just a great listener. Alissa was always available and quick to respond to any questions. I was afraid a doula would have her own parenting philosophy that she would force on me, but Alissa just helped me achieve my own parenting goals.

Staff makes it impossible to reach provider about clinical questions and could do a better job at…read moreunderstanding the administrative hurdles.

I've been going to this practice for about three years now and have had the pleasure of Dr. Parras…read moreTomkins as my primary physician. I have also seen Dr. Lee when Dr. Tomkins was on vacation. Both Drs. are extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, and helpful. My only other experience was with the Cambridge Health Alliance for which their Somerville based doctors have a strange system for booking appointments (on the day a week before). In comparison, booking appointments at the Family Medicine @ Ball Square is a breeze. They are open to walk-ins and I have called and shown up as early as 5 minutes later. They also take blood samples and the like for tests on-site, no need to go elsewhere. I have also been taking my 5 month old son (from birth) here and am very pleased with their attentiveness, ease at getting vaccinations and being provided with information, as well as the care of the support staff and nurses. There is very little wait time when going for pre-scheduled appointments. Family Medicine @ Ball Square is part of the Hallmark Health Medical Associates (Lawrence Memorial Hospital and Melrose-Wakefield Hospital) which also provides for a wide range of doctors and services that I have found to be excellent.

Mara and her practice, Strong Roots Counseling, have been my lifeline. I had postpartum depression…read moreand found her through my mom group at Mt. Auburn. I have continued to see her (my son is now 2). I've been to dozens of therapists and it is such a personal issue but she has really clicked for me. She accepts many insurances and is well known in the field of perinatal counseling! My husband was even being seen at Strong Roots. She is very accommodating with your schedule and her office building has parking, bathrooms, and she has coffee/tea/water there. Strong Roots also has acupuncture and does classes!

She-Tara was truly an integral part of my birthing experience. She educated my husband & I in the…read moreweeks leading up to my delivery and made us feel comfortable asking any question we could think of (at literally any time we had a question). She let us know what all of our options were and empowered us to feel in control of our own experience right down to the 'adjusting at home' stage. When I went into labor, she came to the hospital immediately and supported us as much (or as little) as we needed her to and contributed to the safe and healthy delivery of my baby girl. We are grateful for her and highly recommend hiring her.

I've been coming to the Center for Women for years (in fact, my 36 year old son was born at Mt…read more Auburn!) Unfortunately, I was just told that Dr. McKee, who is excellent, won't be able to see any patients for annual visits anymore. When I asked why, the scheduler said that the manager instructed them not to schedule any annual visits with the doctors in the practice anymore -- only the nurse practitioners or PAs. This is terrible for continuity of care. I should be able to see my doctor. I didn't schedule an appointment. Our medical system is so broken in the U.S.

3 starts because Dr. Mckee is great! But the receptionist staff is terrible. Multiple…read morereceptionists on multiple visits have now been rude both in person and over the phone. They are unhelpful and lazy. Dr. McKee however is very professional, kind, and provides great patient care as well as medical advice.

The process to hire Better Half Services was so smooth. The initial meeting was great . I had a…read morebunch of questions that were answered then and I called with additional questions that were answered. The young lady was very patient, knowledgeable, professional and kind. This made me more comfortable with going through with the process to hire. Intro to Mom was awesome. Mom loves her CNA. person. They are very well taken care of. I'm so glad to have Better Half Services as a part of Mom's home caregiver team. They even have a couple of songs they do ,it's hilarious, keeps Mom's laughing. It is said " laughter doesn't good like a medicine. I believe it , I've witnessed it. Thank you Better Half Services!

Better half services the outstanding company of healthcare she is very considerate outgoing and…read moretreat you with a warm smile she interact with the clients and make the families feel comfortable