Lael and Shannon are both amazing human beings. I am forever grateful to them for my calm and supported pregnancy and beautiful birth at home. I found them when I was 28 weeks into my second pregnancy. I was not happy with my OBGYN care, and wanted to explore my options with the home birth. Luckily, I found Lael and Shannon, and I think we had a connection with them on a personal level, I loved their mindsets and their vast scope of interests. They also went out of their way to accommodate us financially, which we appreciate, having had an HMO insurance that didn't cover the home birth. The only thing I would have liked to see differently was their admin work - very slow and lots of errors in the paperwork, had to ask to correct several times. This is also important (not vitally important but still makes us parents who are eager to do the things as soon as possible go crazy). Overall, I am happy to recommend Shannon and Lael to all the Bay Area mamas looking for the most natural delivery possible. Thank you! read more

Lael and Shannon are incredible human beings and our home birth experience with them was perfect. For our first meeting before "committing" to them Lael visited us at our home and we knew instantly that we would be in good hands. Their many years of experience evident in everything they do. They were quick to respond to any random questions or concerns we had during pregnancy. We felt so safe with them as our partners in this, and when the big day came they were at our house within 20 mins of us calling, and they were perfectly supportive in terms of helping when needed or giving us space through labor. If considering a home birth I strongly strongly recommend calling Midwives Bay Area. read more

When we first heard about Lael & Shannon we knew we needed to meet them right away! We immediately felt so comfortable discussing our prenatal/postpartum care preferences and wishes with them and they were so respectful and knowledgeable of them. Our prenatal visits with Lael and Shannon were thorough and we felt confident leading up to our birth knowing we had their support. Shannon and Lael were both so encouraging and comforting through this entire pregnancy journey and we are beyond grateful to have shared this special time with them. read more

Lael and Shannon are absolutely wonderful in every possible way. They are caring, compassionate, professional, highly skilled, reliable, flexible. I couldn't have had better care during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. They prepared me, my husband and our 2 year old daughter just perfectly for the home birth of our son. Lael and Shannon helped me to really experience the birth of my dreams. I will be forever grateful to have had such beautiful women as my partners during that precious time. Our whole family loves these two ladies. Thank you Lael and Shannon! Or as our daughter would say: Danke LaelShannon read more

I'm so thankful to have found Lael and Shannon and experience their prenatal/postpartum support for my first baby! I reached out to them at around 34 weeks pregnant when I was beginning to feel that my care with the OBGYN, while fine, was very prescriptive and cold. I really wanted to experience birth the way our bodies were designed to: with inherent strength, intuition, and surrounded by love. During my consultation call, I asked what their transfer rate was and when Shannon said around 4% I thought, "Oh that's great!" naively thinking I'd automatically fall with the other 96%. Well, I was wrong XD My due date had come and gone but not before Lael and Shannon tried every natural induction method possible for me! They took a very thoughtful and measured approach so I always knew that baby boy and I were safe. However, this little guy was just too cozy and my dear midwives made the responsible call to have me transfer for emergency medical induction. We ended up transferring to Highland Hospital and the care we received from the nurses there was amazing. We realized why Lael and Shannon entrusted us to Highland's midwife team. Due to slow dilation and my son being posterior, my labor experience was quite long and challenging. Baby boy needed a vacuum assist and wasn't breathing for the first six minutes because of the shock. When he finally took his first breath we were able to have a little skin-to-skin with him before he headed to the NICU. This is where things grew really difficult for us. Because we would interact with a different doctor after each shift change, we kept receiving different information on the state of our boy and when we could bring him home. The first doctor seemed confident in his recovery and said he'd be discharged within 24 hrs. However, each following doctor believed his glucose levels were off and he ended up staying about three full days. This led to me feeling as though I wasn't providing enough for my baby, knowing full well that both our bodies were doing what they were supposed to. We decided to supplement with formula using the SNS system to see if it would help get his numbers up so that we could all just go home. I honestly believe that had we been able to take him home, or at least have him with us that first day, that his body would have regulated and been perfectly fine. Aside from this diagnosis, my son looked so sweet and was very healthy. We finally got home and Lael and Shannon came over to check on me and my son. They gave us so much love, support, and encouragement after that traumatic experience. They saw the negative mental effect the SNS system and hospital feeding schedule was having on me and recommended that I stop. They encouraged me to just breastfeed my baby the way I had intended. The difference was night and day. Immediately everything just fell into place and I felt like the mother I should be. Still tired of course! But now knowing that I was enough for my son and that he was doing so much better because I felt confident in that. Lael and Shannon provided so much more than we expected. Especially during Covid, with our families far away and with their own schedules so packed, we still felt that we received so much love and care from them. They always answered any questions or concerns we had truthfully and with medical knowledge. Even though I didn't get to experience the home birth I had envisioned, I'm still so thankful to have had them in my corner to support me every step of the way. I can't express how much love I have for these incredible women who truly empowered me. I'm definitely calling them again for baby #2 ;) read more

My experience with Lael and Shannon has been stellar. I cannot imagine giving birth with anybody else. They've been there for both of my home births (my kids are 6 and 1 years old). My first birth was 36 hours long, and Lael was there guiding me, encouraging me, and giving me peace of mind that everything was going as it should and to keep going. My second was a very intense, quick 2 hour birth! I needed stitches from both births, and they did a marvelous job at those--like nothing ever happened! And even when I'm not having babies, Lael will still answer her phone for every single question or concern I have about the kids. I'm truly grateful that Lael came into my life--she has a bounty of information to share, and she's my source of peace and comfort with anything relating to my babies. Very grateful for this midwife duo. read more

I can not recommend Lael and Shannon enough! The home birth was the most empowering experience I've had and I thank Lael and Shannon for making it so. They are both so warm and comforting. And unlike traditional doctors who cause me horrible anxiety, Lael and Shannon through their experience, knowledge and awesome personalities always kept me calm and confident. In fact, I think the biggest gift of working with them was the tranquility and confidence that came with it and the positive effect that calmness had on my labor and even my health in general. In fact, I felt so relaxed laboring at home and knowing Lael was on her way I would define the whole experience as almost casual, like naturally wedged between the activities of my day. And how luxurious to be able to take a shower and sleep in my own bed afterwards! The exhilaration of the home birth lasted several weeks, and in some ways I still feel the energy of it almost two months later. My first pregnancy I was pregnant with twins and the doctors viewed me as someone with a sickness needing a cure, not as the young healthy individual that I was. Everything was a battle. Having now experienced the night and day difference between a hospital birth and home birth I believe every woman deserves the joy and empowerment of a home birth. It seems to me, many women are being robbed of the right to give birth naturally. Lael and Shannon are a wealth of terrific information not just for prenatal care but health in general. I always looked forward to my prenatal appointments. If I ever had doubts or anxiety I always left feeling reassured and relaxed. I will, without a doubt, use them again if we have more children! read more

I had a VBAC home birth and I cannot recommend these wonderful midwives enough. I never imagined I would ever have a home birth. It was only something I'd see on social media and think "I wish I could do that". In January 2020 I had my first, a C-section that they scared me into. Very drugged and it's all a blur. That experience coupled with a little event that started in March of 2020 caused me to be a little (okay, a lot) crunchy and think for myself. I lost faith in our traditional medical systems in this country that lead to a lot of unnecessary testing during pregnancy and interventions during childbirth. I found Shannon and Lael and going with them was one of the best decisions I've ever made. They were supportive throughout my entire pregnancy and a dream team during my birth. It was a beautiful birth experience. I never felt anxious or fearful the whole time because I knew I could trust these experienced and knowledgeable ladies. I gave birth to a 9lb 11oz baby and his shoulders got stuck. They were so calm and quick with their response that I honestly had no idea it had even happened until after. If I had been in a hospital, I very likely would have had an unnecessary emergency C-section. I had continuous chiropractic adjustments using the Webster method throughout my pregnancy as well as a doula for the birth, which also contributed to the success. If you are considering a VBAC, the odds of having a successful one are MUCH greater at home than in a hospital. You can do it! They can help read more

I had an amazing experience with Shannon and Lael, I felt listened to and cared for! When I think back to my experience I always tear up because of how emotional and beautiful the home birth and care was. I would go with them again 100%! Truly loved them read more

Midwives Bay Area - Esa with his new sister - Lactation Services Near Me

I loved my experience with Shannon and Lael from start to finish. I started seeing them for prenatal appointments in sept 2020. I looked forward to my visits with them because I would come away feeling confident and assured that we had a great team and that my body was made to birth. I had my HBAC in Feb 2021. When it was go time they were right there with me checking the baby's heart rate and mine. Then afterward they continued to support me and the baby by making home visits and if I had a question they were a text or a phone call away. I had the low intervention pregnancy and birth that I wanted and I say a lot of that is due to them and their intuitive approach. I adore and highly recommend this pair. read more

I couldn't be happier with Shannon and Lael! Home birth was a new experience for me and they made it the best experience possible. They were so flexible and patient. They made me feel so comfortable. They walked me through everything I was feeling. It was hard to go into labor and not have my mom comforting me but they helped fill that void. I'll forever be thankful. It was simply the best experience in my life! If I get blessed with another pregnancy they will be the ones delivering again. Hands down the best! read more

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Before I was pregnant with my second child, I began following Shannon on Instagram and asking questions around home births. Once I was pregnant and exploring the possibility of a home birth, my husband and I talked to Shannon and had our concerns addressed. We were on board but unsure if we could afford it. Midwives Bay Area worked with our budget and once the day came, Lael was there to assist with my birth and it was amazing! The most beautiful and wild experience. I am so grateful to have been able to give birth in the comfort on my home with my loved ones in the midst of a pandemic. read more

Shannon and Lael are a couple of the most caring and loving women. They genuinely care for their clients and making them as comfortable as possible. After a cold experience at the hospital with our first born, being pressured by doctors and being told we we're killing her just because of some opposing opinions, we went a different route, doing a home birth with Shannon & Lael. They really made the entire birthing experience how it should be: warm, celebrated, happy and family oriented. You won't find anyone better!! /5 read more

Lael and Shannon are Amazing!!! Just my luck to get pregnant during the Pandemic and coming to terms with the fact that a Hospital birth really was not an option; because mask wearing during child birth was a big no no ;) When it was all said and done I can attest that Trinity Midwifery was a God send (Heart emoji) Much much love and respect for these ladies and their profession. They are experts in their field and are awesome at making you feel just right during that intense time of child birth. Shannon has life saving hands that managed swiftly, my peculiar birth, and after the placenta was delivered. The whole team was stellar and really it was one of those "investments" in your child's life that really are priceless in the long run. My baby was born in the comfort of our home, on my bed, and was exposed to the healthy bacterium that will help his immune system in the short-&-long run of his life. It was an incredible experience to have in the comfort of home :) I would not change it for anything in the world. I love my baby so much and he is growing so wonderfully and healthy. Shannon and Lael where there even a month & half after the baby's birth to help with New Mom questions and the works. I am filled with a heart of gratitude for their practice and services. Love you both and the team that comes along on the day of delivery. Thank you so much you really do catch little miracles. Sincerely, Diane F. Berkeley, California, U.S.A read more

Midwives for the Free Birth We had interviewed about 6 midwives for our planned home birth, and the vibe that we got from meeting Lael and Shannon was warm, welcoming, and genuine. I was actually wanting to do a free birth and the comfortable medium between my husband and I was having midwives to be safe in light of the "unknowns." For me, it was important to have my voice be heard, be given all of the information so I could feel empowered in my options and choices every step of the way during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I am a firm believer in bringing back Birthing Mother Sovereignty and having a team that valued this was of the uptmost importance. I ended up getting what I had internally hoped for which was a free birth! (baby came in 2.5 hrs and we called Lael and Shannon in the last 40min because we didn't know baby was coming that fast!) and Lael flew into the front door right after I birthed our girl on the bathroom floor all on my own. Long story short, Lael ended up saving our daughter's life to bring her back into her body- she needed coaxing and I needed her help!) It was a humbling experience for me in my desire to do everything on my own, that I in fact was eternally grateful that I had Lael and Shannon arrive when they did. Shannon with her knowledge in herbalism helped with teas, herbal sitz bath, and postpartum contraction pain. Having them come to my house for visits was a huge perk, especially with having a toddler and a job it made it extremely convenient. They became a part of our family and birthing experience. Thank you, Lael and Shannon! read more

I'm so happy my husband and I chose homebirth and found such amazing midwives as Lael and Shannon. From the very first phone call Lael gave us a confidence in their practice and also gave us a peace about homebirth. This was our first pregnancy so we had lot's of questions, which Shannon and Lael were always happy to answer. They took great care of me through all of my prenatal appointments and had a real authentic sincerity that matters during such a beautiful season of life. The day of the birth Shannon was with us. She gave my husband and I the space to move through labor and contractions in the rythem and way we wanted to. When the time came that we needed her guidance it was her expertise that helped us with positions that would be productive in getting me fully dilated. Which was very much appreciated as I was having a long labor. Shannon was gentle and kind and when we finally welcomed our baby boy into the world she also made sure that everything was seamless so we could enjoy the moment. Things were quickly cleaned up and I was treated like a queen, served dinner in bed and all tucked in so I could just enjoy the moment of being with my new little family. The post partum appointments were definitely a blessing that I did not expect when we pursued home birth with Lael and Shannon. Having your midwife come to your house after you just gave birth feels like such an exclusive treatment! This was truly one of my favorite parts besides the crocpot full of herbal sitz bath she made before leaving the birth. That made going to the bathroom post birth feel like a spa treatment! 10 out of 10 recommend these wonderful midwives! read more

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I moved to California from the East coast a few years ago - I knew no one and did not have a clue to how the West Coast did anything. Kaiser was overwhelming especially when I was so accustomed to my doctor in a private practice. When I found out I was pregnant, I considered a birth center, but felt that the best option was to have a midwife or/and a doula at the hospital. I began interviewing and when I met Lael - it was love at first sight! I decided I would be having a home birth and I have NEVER looked back. Since then, I have had three homebirths (most recently in the middle of a pandemic in July 2020). Lael and Shannon allow you to trust in yourself. (I hear their voices, from time to time - still telling me to "push pass to the other side of pain, the discomfort") They gently guide you to do what you already know you CAN do! Bringing forth light is an experience, being surrounded by love and support is existential. Lael and Shannon made me feel safe, held, and heard. I realized it is a dance and an understanding between mother and baby. And that practices (like theirs) that honor and celebrate women and their power are sacred. Women have been birthing for centuries, yet there is a horrification (that leads to traumatization) when we see birth depicted in popular culture. Yet, it is not like it is in the movies. It is raw, deep, and guttural. Lael and Shannon live this life and they are forever woven into my story. (ps. [for context] This was never me. I was the girl who would joke about scheduling a C-section, the moment I found out I was pregnant.) read more

I had a wonderful experience working with Lael and Shannon leading up to the birth of my son. I am now convinced that a homebirth is the ultimate "life hack" - highly recommend!! I loved their laid-back attitude, treating birth as something healthy, beautiful, and full of joy. Thank you, Lael and Shannon! read more

Lael and Shannon are AMAZING!! I can't recommend them enough. I had my first son in the hospital and just had my second at home-what a difference!!!! Lael delivered my sweet boy and she was incredible. I knew I was in good hands from the start. They go above and beyond and I'm truly grateful for their kind and loving approach. Thank you, thank you!! read more

The best midwives !! I had my first homebirth with Shannon and Lael June 2020 and I highly recommend! They made me feel safe and strong and got me through it ! Best experience ever love you both ! Such a blessing to know and have you guys in our community! read more

Lael and Shannon were my midwives for my second baby. They were both so amazing, supportive and comforting in helping me navigate my redemptive home birth after my first pregnancy ended in an induction with complications (also a planned home birth with a different midwife). They were confident and respectful while listening to my wishes when my son went almost 2 weeks past his due date. They never once frightened me into making medical decisions or submitting to tests and had absolute trust in my body and the entire process of pregnancy. They believe babies are born when they are ready and fully helped me surrender during my labor. Although my second pregnancy was harder in some ways since I already had a toddler, I was healthier in this one than my first. They encouraged me to listen to my body and my own maternal instincts and the results were beautiful. My entire labor was so relaxed and supportive and I would absolutely hire them again if we have a third! Not every home birth midwife is the same, nor do they have the same training. They are the true OG's of birth and midwifery!! read more

Midwives Bay Area - Home birth in the tub with Shannon and Lael at my side - Lactation Services Near Me

I'm sure most if not all midwives are highly qualified and knowledgeable, but what makes Shannon and Lael unique is in providing the sense of safety and reassurance, which is a personality trait that fit us quite well. We are first time parents so we had no idea what to expect, but we felt calm throughout the birth and just followed their guidance. A couple nights in we had a panicked parents moment but Lael picked up the phone right away and gave clear instructions. We feel very lucky to have had them as our guardian angels. read more

Bottom line up front: Lael and Shannon are an incredible birth team, and there's a reason they have so many great reviews! They were referred to me from other midwives that I had interviewed, and I'm so grateful I found them. I had used midwives for my three previous pregnancies, but my youngest son's birth was the best by far. Part of that is experience, part of that was finally birthing without an ounce of self-consciousness, and a large part of that was the incredible relationship Shannon & Lael had created throughout the pregnancy and labor. 2020 was a heck of a year for our family: we lost our house in a fire 3 weeks before the ridiculous shut downs, then we found out we were preggo with #4, and we lived in a camper in our driveway while we rebuilt the home. Throughout all of that, Lael and Shannon were calm, collected, and so warm in their care. My entire family looked forward to their visits, and I was so blessed to have them when labor began in earnest. Shannon handled my birthing poop episode with grace, and both of them in combination with my husband created an incredible atmosphere for bringing Baby Nick into the world. In short, I have been an advocate of unmedicated homebirth where possible, but these ladies really knocked it out of the park. I would change literally NOTHING about my prenatal, birthing, and post-natal care. read more

I interviewed probably 9 or 10 midwives and there was just something missing with each of them. Then, I found Lael. She was everything I was looking for in a midwife and more. Kind, warm, experienced, knowledgeable, and talking to her made me feel at ease, seen, valued and trusted. My husband, who was very reluctant to me birthing our child at home, was put at ease again and again with each interaction with Lael. He is a no nonsense, straight shooter and having Lael's calm and confident energy throughout my care was exactly what he needed to put his mind at ease. Throughout my entire pregnancy, I was completely in control of my care and Lael was there as a loving support and guide. She presented me with all the information and options and allowed me to choose what was the right decision for my body and my baby. When I learned that Lael worked closely with one specific midwifery partner in her practice, I was nervous. How could anyone come close to the level of care I had been receiving from Lael?! Then I met Shannon. Together, they are the perfect team and I could not have felt more safe and cared for than I did with Lael and Shannon. I wish I could have 100 more babies and have them be at every birth. My home birth was beyond perfect. Lael adapted to fit my needs through my labor and remained a calm and constant support through the wee hours of the night. I could go on and on about the care I received from this duo, but I'll end with this. If you are looking for a midwife to attend your homebirth - stop searching. You won't find a better team than Shannon and Lael. read more

Giving birth to our child at home under Shannon and Lael's care was the best decision ... that the COVID pandemic made for us! We never considered homebirth until, in March of 2020, a month before my due date, things at our intended hospital rapidly deteriorated. Prenatal workshops were summarily cancelled, physicians were advocating early inductions, and no one could assure me that anyone would be allowed to be with me during the birth. In this context, beginning to speak to Shannon and Lael about homebirth was profoundly calming: it meant taking the process back into our own hands in a way that was the absolute antithesis of going it alone. There is a stereotype that homebirth constitutes some kind of refusal of medical care. Nothing could be further from the truth. Shannon and Lael come armed with all the medical expertise and equipment you could possibly need. But more than this, they come with an understanding of how to facilitate birth as an event that is at once miraculous and completely ordinary: their care wraps all the way around this amazing thing that your body already knows how to do. And it doesn't stop when the baby is safely in your arms! The best-kept secret about homebirth with these midwives is the support and attention you receive afterwards, which is, hands-down, the best whole-person healthcare anyone in our family has ever received. Returning again and again to check on our little family, Shannon and Lael gently gave us the skills and confidence to begin our lives as parents. read more