My pregnancy was unplanned, so I found myself rushed to do my research. My OBGYN was vaginal birth friendly and so I felt confident that he would help make sure he did everything possible so that would delivery vaginally. In nursing school I was introduced to the idea of doulas, and knew I wanted to have the support of a doula. I went off the recommendation of a friend and found my doula and ended up meeting my midwife through her as well. I finally decided to ditch my OB at his 8th mention of c-section at our prenatal appointments. It was definitely God that placed Afua in my life and I could not be more grateful. Afua came into my life at a time that I lost my sister and mom. She was the mother figure I needed providing me with all the love, support, and tough love that mothers give. I love her approach to patient care because it is unmatched by the experience you get in mainstream healthcare. Afua treated me as family, she validated every one of my concerns no matter how silly they were. She guided me throughout my pregnancy, she provided a place for all expectant and new moms to come together and share their experiences and learn from each other and support one another. She has built her own village here in Houston. I am eternally grateful to her for the support she provided to me without fail and without hesitation. Not only did she provide me with exceptional personalized prenatal care, she safely delivered my baby in the comfort of my own home and she mended my soul. Thank you Afua! I love you! read more

The Birthing Place - This is Afua holding our healthy 8lb 6oz baby boy. - Midwives Near Me - Houston, Texas

I had my first baby with Afua and The Birthing Place, and the whole experience has been amazing. I started my pregnancy with my long-time OBGYN, but quickly realized that there's a difference from a once-a-year appointment and ongoing, regular maternity care... And a difference in what I expected from a health care provider and what the provider was willing to give. I felt rushed during my appointments, spent the vast majority of the visits sitting alone in the waiting room or exam room waiting to be seen, just to finally get 30-60 seconds with the Doctor who barely looked up from the clipboard to ask me 'everything looks good, any questions?' before heading out of the room. I knew I wanted more personalized care from someone truly invested in my and my unborn child's wellbeing, someone who made me feel less like a number and more like a valued client, who welcomed dialogue and discussion on prenatal and birth options without judgement or a 'this is our policy' mentality. Afua and her team met all of my requirements and then set the bar higher than even I could have expected! Her prenatal care model was thorough with more frequent visits than others, which I really appreciated because as a first time mom I would come up with lots of questions. Having the bi-monthly appointments meant I was checking in on my little ones progress more often than my other pregnant friends, it helped alleviate my fears and anxiety that something was wrong and created a strong rapport with Afua. I really love how easy it is to get in touch with Afua- she personally answers all phone calls and texts, so there's no going through a front desk or multiple midwives to talk to. It's easy, efficient, and really made the prenatal (and birth!) experience comfortable. She also has monthly group prenatals, where other pregnant moms get together to discuss relevant birth and childcare topics, meet new friends, and of course eat!! I love the community feeling and getting to know other moms in the area who are also planning on delivering with a midwife. She also hosts meetings for dads, where the men have the same opportunity to mingle and get/give parenting advice. My husband and I opted for a home birth, and the whole process went so smoothly that I'm still in awe that my daughter is here, healthy, and happy, and it's all thanks to Afua. read more

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We switched to The Birthing Place at 6 months because as soon as we met Afua we knew she was supposed to be our midwife. Her birthing center is centrally located and very close to the medical center, which was very convenient. She also took the time at our weekly visits to get to know us and understand what kind of a birth experience we were looking for, which is exactly what we got! We had a healthy baby, naturally. I cannot stress enough how much I contribute that to having an experienced midwife that I trusted, who actually listened and cared about us and our baby. I could not have wished for a more wonderful birth process. The Birthing Place also offers group prenatal, lactation meetings, mom meet-ups, and dad groups. I love that these groups aren't just women who've had their babies with Afua, but that they're open to the community! It's nice that a place like this exists for families, especially first time parents who have a lot of questions or might need some extra support. Truly happy that we chose Afua and The Birthing Place to bring our son into the world! read more

The Birthing Place - Midwives Near Me - Houston, Texas

If you are looking for a non invasive, holistic, and peaceful setting for the birth of your beautiful baby you need not look any further. Afua is a wonderful midwife who is patient, available, kind, and informative. She has 20+ years of experience as a midwife and is completely competent in delivering not only head down babies but breech and Twins as well. I hope your birthing journey leads you to The Birthing Place, it will be a choice you will not regret. read more

I drove from Rosenberg, in traffic most of the time, to Third Ward to see Afua. If that isn't a testament to how amazing she is, I don't know what is. After a traumatic birth experience in 2013 that led to an "emergency" (I use that loosely) C-Section, I knew that the only way to have the birth that I wanted was to find a midwife. When I became pregnant again in 2015, I started my search like most techies; I looked on Instagram. There I found The Birthing Place and after a quick trip to the website, I called and made my first appointment. I was 10 weeks. From the moment we met, Afua was warm, genuine, and no nonsense. To be honest, one of the things I love about her is her accent (East Coast); it screams I love you, but don't f*** with me. From the grey locs to the hug she makes sure to give you upon entrance and exit, I knew that Afua was going to be the best thing that happened to me and my birth experience. Whether it was a middle of the night question, or the fact that I had to meet her after my graduate classes during the week, she was always available to me. When I went into labor, she walked 4, count em 4, miles with me (in June) to help kick start the party. During my labor, she was and her crew took care of me helped me realize all my wishes. Althea and Melea were a wonderful compliment to the team. My concern was tearing, and they made sure that it did not happen with gentle words and hands, as well as a lot of encouragement. I welcome by little at 9:27pm and was home by 1:30am the same night. Afua came to my home for my first visit and checked out both the baby and I. She also saw me a week later and then six weeks after that. But it does not stop there, because she has multiple events at her practice that her clients, as well as non-clients, are encouraged to attend. Tomorrow, I will be going to a breast feeding support group! If you want your experience to be your own, Afua is the woman you want to see. She cares about you, your well-being, mind, body, and soul. Our visits weren't just pre-natal, they were therapy. She didn't just measure and weigh me, she asked me about my life, fears, concerns, and all the things unrelated to my pregnancy that may have affected my birth. If I ever have another child, the first person I will tell after my partner and family is Afua so that we can get a head start at making another memorable birth experience. A-1 Experience like no other!!! read more

Afua is nothing short of spectacular. When I became pregnant, I planned to interview a whole bunch of midwives so we could make our final decision. I'm a planner, I had the names of all the midwives in the Houston area, and I felt like this was the most important decision we had to make for our baby. Luckily, it was also the easiest. As soon as I talked to Afua, I knew she was the one I wanted with us when I brought my baby into the world. From the moment we met her she felt like family. She is one of the warmest, kindest, funniest people I have ever met and she makes us feel so at ease. Whenever my wife and I go to a prenatal appointment we end up staying for hours just talking to Afua, sharing stories about our lives, and being excited about baby! We never feel rushed and she is completely open to talking to us about any concerns, or just being a listening ear to any personal problems or stresses we have going on in our lives. She is a wealth of knowledge and experience, but she never makes you feel as though she is smarter or knows more than you. She teaches you to trust yourself, your body, and your baby. She really takes care of her moms and is fully available to them. The group prenatals she hosts are a great opportunity to meet with other mamas who are sharing your experience and to meet some new mommy friends that share your values about birth and babies. Afua even recently sent me and a few other pregnant moms to a pampering session to get massages, guided meditation, and mini facials! Afua is passionate about birth and she is passionate about empowering women to have the birth they want. And it shows in everything she does. I feel so incredibly privileged and lucky that she is my midwife and that she will be there to guide me as my family grows. We are so lucky that during this process our family is growing not by just one (our little baby), but that we get to add Afua as well. I would recommend her wholeheartedly and without reservation if you want a personal experience with a midwife that will love, respect, and care for you in a way that is unparalleled. read more

I was told by my close doula/midwife friend (who trained with Ina May Gaskin) that if she had to pick from the midwives in Houston she would likely herself go with Afua Hassan. If you're looking for a Birthing Center meet her and see if it's a good fit for you. She has trained with the very renowned Ina May Gaskin at the farm and delivered 8-900 babies about with maybe a couple of stories of having to transfer to the hospital based on mother's choice or true emergency -- that's a really really low rate! There are plenty of great midwives and Afua shines among them. She has great accessibility -- she gets back to you fast if you have the tiniest emotional irrational concern she acknowledges it. She hold community support circles and is a true patron of women in her community. She is truly happy to be woken up in the middle of the night to tend to labouring women -- clearly passionate about her work. Location may be a factor to consider, although keep in mind it is extremely close to the medical center (very low chance hopefully that it is needed). When needed Afua has lobbied for her patients and (my own evaluation) saved a babies life by insisting a nurse give her client immediate attention rather than get her registered before attended to. She doesn't make a fuss of her own achievements so I thought to state some stories I heard from her and some stats on her deliveries -- hopefully I got them all right! Go with your comfort level and your gut feeling -- your birth is not about the best midwife but the most empowering atmosphere of comfort for you. read more

Afua was our midwife for our first child who we delivered at home. The delivery was amazing because Afua and her team were dedicated to the mission the entire time. Going through the birth process the first time, especially at home, we were excited and hopeful to find a midwife that would help us in achieving our all natural home birth. Afua's determination and strong spirit was apparent from the getgo, and we knew instantly that she would ensure committed to helping us through the process successfully and safely. We are ever grateful to Afua and all of her team for our experience and the healthy delivery of our first born. read more

I came across The Birthing Place after doing some research online trying to find a mommy and me class to go to with my baby girl. We had to go trial and error with other baby classes, but After going to The Birthing Place one time, I was instantly hooked. Everyone is so nice and helpful and Afua is so amazing to be around. She is so knowledgeable and makes you want to ask questions for all that is motherhood and babies. Taking to her and the other moms feels so natural and comfortable. I can see why people love to be around her and go back to her when having their second child and so forth. She feels like family! read more

i gave birth to my beautiful goddess almost 7months ago (it's real in these baby streets). i find myself now reflecting once again on how amazing my experience was with the goddess afua and her staff of goddesses! the energy was amazing during our entire experience!! peace+love+light PEACE ON PURPOSE! - jasmine blue, lpc aka kösmïc khamïllïon manifester of enlightened souls read more

I love Afua! She is one of the most experienced midwives in Houston, with 30 years of practice. She instantly made me feel comfortable when I met her for the first time. She is very straight up and honest - no messing around, which for me is a good thing. read more

I recently went to First Sunday at The Birthing Place and had a great experience. I am not pregnant but wanted to gain more insight about midwifery and what my options are for when I have children. Afua is so knowledgeable and answered all of my questions and let me tell you I had a lot! The other women also talked about their experiences and I left so excited and assured that I want a midwife and a doula when I'm ready to have children! Thanks again everyone and thank you Afua for doing First Sundays! read more

Not only is Afua a highly skilled and experienced midwife, she has an infectious personality and genuine warmth about her. I love her center The Birthing Place not only because they also offer various events and services to the community for women and families to educate themselves, feel supported, and connect with each other from preconception, birth, postpartum and beyond. I highly recommend Afua and The Birthing Place! read more

Afua helped deliver our last 2 babies and it was a blessing to have her. Our water births were much easier and less stressful with her comforting presence and immense experience. Not only is she an extremely knowledgeable midwife but she has the compassion, intuition and care to make each client feel at ease. My wife and I happily refer people to Afua because we know they will get the best possible care. We love you Afua! read more

I have worked in the operating rooms of a hospital for a year and seen my fair share of c-sections. Enough to know that I never wanted this to happen to my wife & child unless it was a life-or-death emergency. If you do your research you'll find that (in the US) chances of ending up with a C-section are unnaturally high if you go to give birth in a hospital. Home-birth is a natural alternative. Long story short, Afua is the best midwife in town. She is ivy-league educated, has over 30 years of experience and seen pretty much every case imaginable. We totally trusted her and her team, and it was good that we did. It is because of her and team member LeMonica that my wife could have the birth of her dreams and we are proud parents of a healthy baby girl! Without going into details, I know that we would have ended up with a c-section after all had we opted for going to a hospital instead. Afua is an experienced, skilled, professional midwife and on top caring and filled with love. If you are undecided about home birth or if you are undecided about which midwife to go with, talk to her and to the mothers (and fathers) that she and her team have worked with. read more

The people here are phenomenal. They create a safe space for moms-to-be and new moms. The group prenatal is a fantastic way to share experiences and information. The events they hold are always entertaining, informative and comforting. I have been attending for the last couple of months as a new mother and cannot believe the amount of valuable support I've received. They have created a really nice community environment where you can learn and make connections. Birthing centers and their midwives are a wonderful choice if you are experiencing a low risk pregnancy and The Birthing Place is a great choice for support before, during and after birth. read more

I cannot stress how thankful I am to have found Afua and this wonderful haven called The Birthing Place. I am so happy that my first pregnancy and birth was with the support and love of this woman. Afua is simply AMAZING! She not only is my midwife, she served as my counselor, my adviser, and lastly, my friend. She is kind and encouraging, but she tells it like it is.Throughout my pregnancies I dealt with the woes of law school along with my husband living in another city for work, and Afua helped me through it all! she made me feel so strong, and through her words, I became strong. The birth of my son has been the most beautiful experience. I got everything I hoped for when it came to his birth, including the fact that he was a boy! Afua allowed me body to lead the experience all while making sure we were both okay. I cannot say enough about this woman. The aftercare was phenomenal! She is so knowledgeable and she keeps a network of professionals to help new parents from car seat installation and lamaze classes to breastfeeding classes and monthly group meeting that, as a new mom, has helped me keep my sanity. Her smile is infectious, and from the very first phone call I made to her while I was 'in search' of a midwife, she has maintained the beautiful demeanor that makes her perfect for this industry. I tell my birth story to anyone who will listen and I recommend Afua to everyone who is having a baby, even if a water birth or a non medical birth has never crossed your mind; consider her. She professional, she's knowledgeable and she has a way of erasing all doubt in your mind. My husband and I have been so pleased with the experience that as we talk about our next addition, Afua is always in the conversation. I am so happy that I found this beautiful spirit and that she gave me the words I needed to realize my own power. Thank you isn't enough, but those are the only words I know, so Thank you, Afua. With Love, Tonyce Gustave read more

Afua was our midwife and I could not be more pleased. We had an instant connection with her and everything fell into place. For our family, there was no other. Afua cares for the whole family's well-being. I felt like I was getting the best free counseling we had, and needed! You have to go with who you trust. We felt totally confident in her abilities. Thank you, Afua, for being a very special part of our lives. read more

I had a wonderful birth using the Birthing Place. I started services about 3 months into my pregnancy. I was able to attend prenatal groups to connect with other expectant / new moms and learned a ton. I connected with Afua from day one and knew all along that I was making the best decision for me and my family. She answered all our questions and we never felt rushed or anything but encouraged. I chose to give birth at home and it was perfect. I felt in total control of my process and gently guided by Afua. She supported, nurtured and reassured us every step of the way. I'll definitely use her for all my future births! read more

Words cannot express the way My Husband and I feel about our entire experience with Afua and the midwifery students at The Birthing Place!! Afua was straight forward and informative from day one!! Always answered ANY question we had about the pregnancy and always gave me as the mother full range to control my delivery! On the day of my delivery, she and the students assisted me and my Husband with giving birth to our sweet baby girl and my Husband was able to catch our daughter!!! It was so easy with her guidance!!! The best experience EVER!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND The Birthing Place for your pregnancy and delivery needs!! read more

Afua is the best! My wife did some research on finding a midwife in Houston while we were still living in Virginia, and found Afua. Upon reading about her, she thought, "Whoa, we needs to meet this lady." My wife then met Afua at a BIRTH fair while she was visiting Houston, and fell in love with her even more, since Afua lived up to the image my wife had created in her mind. A few months later, we set up a call with Afua to interview her, and make sure she was in line with all of the things we wanted in a midwife and a birth. She definitely was. This was all before we were pregnant and were even living in Houston. Fast forward to now: my beautiful lady is 34 weeks pregnant, we are living in Houston, and we couldn't be happier with Afua as our midwife. She is warm, open, attentive, loving, generous, kind, adorable, lovely, and amazing. We have regular prenatal appointments in Afua's conveniently-located, comfortable and cozy birthing center, where Afua always makes sure we feel empowered in the process. We have opted not to get any Doppler or sonogram exams, and Afua has supported us on our journey the entire way, lovingly and without reserve. It is evident that she is a true master practicing authentic midwifery. Just last night, my wife and I were watching "Birth Story" and all we could think about was how lucky we are to have Afua as our midwife. In short, she lives up to the hype. Hmm. I think I might make Afua a shirt that says, "I LIVE UP TO THE HYPE." Stay tuned for an update to this review once we bring our little baby into the world! read more