I hopped on bored with PRM in the middle of my second trimester, always wanting a homebirth with a…read moremidwife and COVID being the final push for me to do so. I had warned upfront that we would have to work with payment because we were also buying a house. We would be able to eventually swing it, we were just waiting to close. Unfortunately, the closing for the house took way longer than expected and while these women claim it wasn't about money, I'm almost sure it was. I kept asking to discuss a payment plan so we'd have more stability and so they could see we really were committed, but every time I brought it up they always told me it was "fine". I'm 35 weeks pregnant, was only seen 3 times (plus an additional home visit where I was served the discharge papers), and God forbid talked to Sera about how I felt. On their website they say they offer mental support and I began experiencing ante-natal anxiety and this last week I had become depressed as well. So I reached out to Sera to express concerns I had about how I had felt put on the back burner considering every text message I had sent her prior had been not responded to and the fact that I kept missing appointments, to the point where I just texted Sarah about whatever I needed or whatever questions I had. The first time I got a text from Sera was her cancelling my appointment for a birth this past Friday. They both in the discharge letter and in my follow-up text messages after the discharge kept emphasizing my "personal offense" that didn't exist due to their cancellation of my appointments because of births they had to attend and my words were purposely twisted. When Sera came to my house, she was fake. Did a normal home visit and everything and then said she thinks we may not be a good fit. I reassured her I highly disagreed but I didn't know she already had discharged me until I read the letter after she left. I'm now awaiting a bill I'll more than likely be slammed with for 3 visits and condescension while also being abandoned at 35 weeks, where it will be very difficult for me to find a new provider never mind a midwife. I expressed my confusion and disappointment in what transpired along with how I will likely be delivering at home by myself now. I was ignored by both women Sera never responded (shocker) and Sarah didn't respond after suggesting the same highly clinical midwifery that Sera did, knowing I was not interested in having a nurse as a midwife. If this baby, myself, or both dies, it may not legally be your fault but you women know you could have been the factor preventing that had I not been abandoned and anyone would agree with that. How Absolutely disgusting. I feel violated and not like I can trust anyone else now to even assist with my labor and now I have to rush to find someone I likely won't trust after my experiences both with an OB delivering my twins and midwife now with a Singleton. I had felt really optimistic about it and yet again my experience has to be ruined. If you go with these people, never speak up for yourself or be your own advocate or provide any sort of critique because they clearly have very fragile egos. They insist it was not for monetary reasons so if it wasn't this, then they aren't as woman-of-color friendly like they claim. I doubt they get many POC customers and they discharge the one they had. Protect yourself from having to deliver solo like I likely will and find a better provider.

Sera is absolutely the BEST - deciding to have her be my provider was the best decision I could…read morehave made for me and my baby! Being under her care gave me confidence, and the peaceful setting I needed for a calm, uneventful yet joyous homebirth/waterbirth. I will absolutely choose her again when it's time to have another baby. I consider her an ESSENTIAL part of my birth experience!

Very early on in my pregnancy I decided to pursue a home birth. Fortunately for me, my husband was…read morefully supportive in this choice after meeting with Nancy Farr for the first time. We both quickly felt very comfortable with Nancy; she has a gentle yet professional manner with decades of experience (she attended the births of my nephew and niece over 25 years ago!). Appointments are thorough, as Nancy addresses all the expected physical concerns as well as diet, lifestyle, emotional health, etc. Nancy is exceedingly knowledgeable and takes her time in explaining everything and weighing up any options as they come up. Nancy and her support midwife did an amazing job assisting me during the labor and birth. As first time parents with a newborn, many questions came up which I texted Nancy about and always received prompt and thorough responses. Nancy proved herself to be the perfect midwife throughout my pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey. I feel very privileged to have been able to experience birthing in the comfort of my own home while having the security of two skilled midwives by my side. Nancy is wholeheartedly recommended to all who prefer seeking natural approaches to health.

For anyone seeking a homebirth experience, you will not regret going with Nancy. What convinced me…read moreto hire her for my first homebirth was that her transfer rate is less than one in 10 mothers and the primary reason is maternal exhaustion. This convinced me that homebirth is natural and safe for low-risk mothers. I was thrilled that she spends a full hour with me and gets to know me and my family throughout the duration of the pregnancy. She manages to do this while still being extremely professional and making sure to check all the necessary biomarkers to watch for any potential risk that may come up. It is not the same as a certified nurse midwife as they tend to favor managed care and have slightly less flexibility than traditional midwives. Nancy is one of the very few CPM's in Connecticut. Of course when I got pregnant again after my first homebirth she took care of me for my second one! She helps toddlers transition into siblinghood which is a huge benefit! I cannot stress enough how awesome it is to not have to worry about unnecessary interventions such as a mother would have to experience in the hospital. I know it's extremely difficult to have an intervention free birth when in the hospital and being able to focus solely on labor and delivery as nature intended took so much pressure off of me and I was able to have the outcome we were looking for. You will be well taken care of going this route my only regret is that I did not use her for my first birth 12 years ago!

Absolutely stellar personalized care from an amazing group of open-minded, well-educated women. I…read morewouldn't want to deliver with anyone else!

From the owner: With Women Wellness LLC grew out of a desire to provide comprehensive, personalized midwifery care…read moreto women of all economic, social and educational backgrounds. The midwives at With Women Wellness, Michelle Killingsworth CNM and Suzanne Barton CNM, believe in empowering women to become advocates in their own healthcare, knowledgeable about options and be supported in their decisions in order to facilitate better health.

When my wife brought up the idea of a homebirth, I was so hesitant. As soon as we met Kristin, my…read morethoughts completely changed. Kristin has been the absolute best throughout our homebirth journey. She is caring, intelligent, kind and above all an amazing human that has taught us so much . I recommend anyone to at least meet with Kristin. Any doubts you may have, she can reassure you or just inform you ! She hosts monthly educational classes that are so beneficial. We are so thankful that we met Kristin and we hope that others are able to experience this incredible journey as well. Thank you Kristin!!!!

From the owner: We give clinically-sound homebirth prenatal, labor and birth and postpartum care that is…read moreindividualized, client- directed, and family-focused. We believe that the approach and content of prenatal care and birth can affect a person throughout their lifetime so we strive to provide support and service that strengthens, empowers, and brings joy.

One of the best decision I have made during my first pregnancy is to work with Vanessa. As I was…read moretalking to her I felt connected and comfortable with her to share my most personal exPerience. She was warm and caring. At the same time she was able to demonstrate her knowledge and yet remained flexible to guide us into our own birth plan. She never imposed her opinion. She showed evidence from most current researches and helped us make our own decision. I was induced due to my overdue. With my second round of pitocin and induced labor being intensified, we asked her to come over and she showed up at the hospital. She maintained calm for entire time and her presence was absolutely reassuring. I truly loved her counter pressure and she reminded me to breath to get through the intense pain. She also knows all the procedures that I felt completely advocated by her. Also my husband felt comfortable with her coaching how to help me and he got some rest with her being with me. It was extremely helpful to have Vanessa who can professionally maintain healthy distance and guiding this overwhelming process with patience and kindness. She blended with my team and detected what I and my husband wanted accurately. I ended up having a c-section due to my fibroid and I was so scared. I never received a surgery in my life and I felt like a failure. I also hated that things did not work out the way I planned. I was very hesitant to make that decision. She was able to assist me in communicating with my husband who wanted me to get the surgery but respectful to my wish. When she gently mentioned that, I realized I tried everything I could to give a natural birth and it is the time to go on a plan B. She waited until my surgery was over and made sure we were ok. We only had positive experiences with Vanessa and strongly recommend her for anyone!!! She will make the precious birth experience as the best as it can be!

My pregnancy was very eventful, it seemed like each day brought on a new difficulty. My Ob office…read morewas not helping me and didn't care about what I wanted for my pregnancy, labor and delivery. I sincerely do not know what I would have done without Vanessa. She helped me and my husband through a very difficult pregnancy, labor and delivery. She started as my midwife but quickly turned into my doula since a home birth wasn't recommended due to gestational diabetes's. She gave me information and guidance to help me stay off insulin and medication. Vanessa really cared about what "I" wanted and that was a breath of fresh air considering all the other OBs and midwifes I saw in the area like to tell me what I was going to do. I'll forever be grateful for her being by my side and helping me look forward to what was really important a healthy baby. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Vanessa. You have been such a wonderful midwife, doula and now friend to me. Thank you for what you do, for supporting what women want during their pregnancy and empowering them to do it. New Life Blessings will give you the information but let YOU make the decisions. If that's what you are looking for New Life Blessings won't let you down :) God Bless!

As a mama who utilized the standard medical system for three births before finding Vanessa &…read moreTrinity Midwifery, I can say without a doubt that the care I received with Vanessa was the absolute best care I could've imagined. Not a single appointment was ever rushed; my questions were answered and I felt informed and empowered at every step. The attention not just to my pregnancy but to me as an individual was beyond compare. I have never felt more seen or heard during a major life event than I did with Vanessa's care. My fourth pregnancy had sudden complications at the very end and Vanessa was quick to pick up on my need for a hospital setting, without ever casting fear or doubt my way. She then operated in a doula capacity in the hospital, helping to facilitate a wonderful birthing experience despite it not being my dream home birth. Vanessa prioritized my health and safety as well as that of my baby by sending us to the hospital, and I'm grateful for that. My fifth pregnancy went "post dates" and Vanessa kept me grounded in those long days of anxiously waiting. She checked in on me frequently, offering so much encouragement and support. When the time finally came, Vanessa's calming presence helped keep my labor running smoothly, and led me to the most amazing home birth. She was sure to include my older kids as much as they wanted to be, which made the entire experience incredibly special for our whole family. It's hard to even describe how highly I recommend Vanessa & Trinity Midwifery. Vanessa has had a positive, lasting impact on our family and we are exceedingly thankful for the care she provided for us!

I cannot say enough positive things about Trinity Midwifery and their entire care team. I first…read moreused Vanessa as a Doula in hospital with my second child. But after that, I knew I wanted to home birth for any future kids. I used Trinity Midwifery for two home births after that, and if I have any more, they'll be the ones I call. Vanessa, Jessy, and Olivia are absolutely incredible to work with. I also had the pleasure of having a guest Midwife Ranee on board with my second home birth. The team at Trinity Midwifery is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and caring. Consent is a staple in their care and they will ask consent before touching you or taking vitals. Informed consent is very important to them and they will make sure you understand every option, medication, procedure, etc in full, including any risks and benefits before you give consent to them. They will not persuade or coerce you in any way, the choice for anything is yours. They are highly trained and can tell where you are in labor just by watching and listening. They know where baby is at just by palpating your belly and know if baby is mal-positioned and know maneuvers to put you in to correct it. They are extremely intuitive to you as a birthing mom and can tell if something isn't right and believe in you as the birthing mom to know your body and baby and listen and believe you if you think something intuitively isn't right. They are there throughout your labor as physical and emotional support. They will make you food, drinks, prepare your birth space, get you cold or warm compress cloths and use them, help keep the pool water warm, give counter pressure for pain relief, suggest positions and movement for labor, whatever you need. They will help direct dad if he's catching the baby. They are highly respectful of your birth space and make sure you are comfortable and everything is perfect for you. Music, lighting, aromatherapy, candles, they'll help make your birth space your own personal paradise. Your postpartum period right after birth is yours to direct, whether you want to wait an hour or two to cut the cord, or want to do placenta prints or want to do heel prick a week later or not at all, whatever you decide, they'll honor and respect it. Their mannerisms are calm, quiet, and gentle. Their support in labor is incredible and they'll remind you to breathe, relax your body, have low vocal tones, hold your hand, and keep you grounded in all of your moments of birth. They'll remind you with gentle affirmations that you can do this, and you are doing it. They are also there for support and education prenatally and postpartum. Even my prenatal and postpartum visits are a world of difference in care and expertise vs when I used to use an obgyn or even hospital based midwives. Overall, this team is the only one I would trust with my births, and I believe that every family deserves the incredible service they provide. My labors and births with them are the highlights of my life and I thank them for such beautiful birth experiences. I felt safe, cared for, supported, educated, and loved. I have included 2 pictures each of my two different home births. Perfect moments surrounded by an incredible birth team.

I had pelvic floor therapy after a c-section here, and thought my pelvic floor therapist, Cathie,…read morewas great! She helped me get back to feeling comfortable in my body again.

Absolutely wonderful place, staff is consistent and friendly.read more

From the moment we met Marissa we knew she was the doula for us! Marissa Potter changed our lives…read moreby her amazing positivity and steadfast support during our incredible journey into parenthood! I had to have a cesarian due to breech position, though i felt i was still able to remain in control of my birth. This is undoubtedly because of Marissas empowering spirit and positive outlook during our prenatal visits, not to mention her extremely relevant advice and suggestions. She is a true professional who is not just dedicated to her craft, she excels at it. Marissa provided us with the guidance and understanding we needed, and always let us know that she was there for us, and as promised, on the morning our baby girl was born, Marissa was at our side. Marissa prepared both my husband and I in a way I never thought we could be. I will never have another birth without her!

From the owner: Birth and Postpartum Doula support for pregnant women and families in Western Massachusetts and…read morebeyond.

"Practically perfect in every way." Little else can be said to accurately sum up my experience…read morewith Katie O'Day and Rebecca Price-Wood of Sacred Transitions Midwifery, yet I still have so much to add! Endowed with compassion and supremely skilled, Katie and Rebecca seamlessly blend the art of classical midwifery with the science of modern obstetrics to create a model of care that is awesome to behold. Their personalities complement each other beautifully, and they each breathe a unique air into their shared practice. Prenatal appointments are comprehensive yet relaxed, and postpartum care is exceptional, like nothing else I have experienced (and this was my fourth pregnancy and third homebirth!) Katie and Rebecca will treat you with compassion; your time and journey will truly be held as sacred while you are in their care. You will be respected. You will be heard. You will be enlightened, empowered, educated. Dare I say, you will be loved. For my fourth pregnancy I sought out Katie at the recommendation of my former midwife who had retired. I was nervous about having to find a new midwife after having such amazing previous experiences, and assumed that the odds of finding the "perfect" midwife for a second time were slim. One meeting with Katie was enough to assuage those fears, as it was clear to both my husband and me that she was compassionate, competent, and skilled. We trusted her immediately and we always felt safe and confident under her care. Rebecca joined Katie's practice late in my pregnancy, at about 36 weeks. I am generally very quiet and take a while to open up to people, but Rebecca immediately drew me out of my shell and I was chatting with her like I had known her for years. In addition, she was clearly as knowledgeable and passionate about her craft as Katie, and I was so thrilled to now have two amazing midwives directing my care! When they twice detected concerns with baby's heart rate late in my pregnancy, they humbly suggested that I visit the hospital for fetal monitoring to be sure there were not more serious concerns - it was easy to trust their judgement; I was not pressured to agree, and I was still in control of my choices. (On one such occasion, Katie even went above and beyond by driving me to the hospital and staying with me during fetal monitoring when I had no one else to available to go with me.) When labor day came, Rebecca arrived at my door first, with a smile, and was an incredibly intuitive labor coach, while Katie assumed the role of doula and assisted with pain management. They were such a great team! They seemed to know exactly what I needed at any given moment and made sure that I was taken care of so that I could focus on labor. I was confident that they were in control of the details, while I simultaneously maintained my autonomy. When my baby experienced shoulder dystocia, they handled it with such poise and skill that I was barely aware that something was amiss until after my daughter was safely in my arms. Postpartum was stellar! In addition to an extended window of care and more visits than the contemporary status quo, Katie is certified in "Mother Roasting," which combines traditional postpartum healing practices from around the globe to aid in recovery and transition you gently into motherhood. It was truly an honor to experience postpartum in this way; I felt so incredibly valued and was encouraged to take my time to heal. It was my most stable and successful postpartum period of all four of my children, and I know it was a direct result of Katie's extra-special attention and care. To top it all off, they even offer continuing well-woman services! They take a kinder, gentler approach to the necessary routine feminine checks, and are sure to address the full scope of your health. It is almost a year to the day since I gave birth, and I still think upon my experience with Katie and Rebecca often, and always with fondness. I have recommended them to others and will continue to do so for as long as they willing to offer their indispensable services to our community. My only regret is that this was likely the last baby for our family, and I will not have occasion to work with them again.

Sacred transitions birth services also offers placenta encapsulation, mother roasting to promote…read morepost partum healing and they have several highly recommended doulas they work with regularly. I would definitely use them again if I was planning another birth! my home birth was amazing

My husband and I hired Tara and Susanna as doulas ahead of our first child's birth in 2017, and…read morespecifically worked with Tara. We had a phenomenal experience, which resulted in working with them again for the birth of our second child in March 2021. In both cases, Tara and Susanna were tremendously helpful resources leading up to the delivery date. We always appreciated their candor and insights about what to expect and importantly, what our choices were (which was especially good to know during our first pregnancy). Tara and Susanna were always very responsive and detailed in their communication with us, and importantly, right ahead of the birth. For both births, I had a relatively quick active labor and Tara was there exactly when we needed her. She did an excellent job of ensuring my husband was involved in the labor process and provided us very helpful guidance on managing pain/new positions/breathing techniques. During my first birth, she proved to be a trusted advocate for me in a stressful situation (that almost resulted in an episiotomy), and although my second birth was relatively "uneventful", the quick nature of it made it very intense so we were grateful to have Tara's guidance and calm presence to help us through the birth. We feel very fortunate to have worked with Tara for both births, as her presence was extremely helpful in both cases!

My husband and I hired Susanna and Tara first as doulas, and later as midwives, to support us…read morethrough the pregnancy and birth of our first child. I simply cannot overstate how integral their care, compassion, expertise, and knowledge have been to the entire process of having our son. From the first prenatal visits with Susanna and Tara, they were open, non-judgmental, caring, and insightful. They worked with us to create a birth plan, sent us helpful information to assist us in making informed, evidence-based decisions for our son's care, and were always available for follow-up questions and discussions. Not only are Susanna and Tara both unmatched in their professionalism, but they are also kind, funny, brilliant, and the type of people who just make you feel comfortable and safe. When Covid began to surge as our due date approached, we reached out to them to consider a home birth and ended up contracting them to be our midwives instead of only contracting for doula care. It was the best decision we ever made during our birth and pregnancy process and I wish we had done it from the beginning. As midwives, Susanna and Tara provided the same level of care and insight as before, with an added level of expert care that we were impressed by time and time again. At the actual birth of our son, Susanna and Tara guided and comforted me through 10 hours of labor at home. I quite simply could not have done it without them. When I eventually needed to transfer to Mount Auburn for an epidural and what turned out to be a more complicated birth than anticipated, they accompanied me as far as they could to the doors of the labor ward (they were not allowed inside due to Covid), keeping me as calm as possible and helping me through every contraction with compassion and kindness all the way from our home to the hospital. Our son was born healthy and happy, and we came home to face the ups and downs of life as new parents with the knowledge that we were fully supported by Susanna and Tara. Their help became instrumental once again as I struggled with postpartum anxiety and breastfeeding issues--coming to my house at the drop of a dime when I was desperate for help, and only a phone call away to talk us through our challenges as they arose over the first few weeks. I cannot more highly recommend Susanna and Tara as doulas and midwives. In many ways, I feel like they saved me during my most vulnerable time and made me feel stronger and more empowered when I could have so easily felt defeated instead. Hire them. It will be the best decision you make for your entire pregnancy and birth!