I wanted to send a huge thank you to all of you at the True North Birth Center for being such a huge part of my life in this beautiful journey of stepping into motherhood and birthing our son Luke. From the moment of the first call with wilder, through all the appointments, and then, through the birth experience, I have felt so loved, seen, cared for, and valued. Each appointment left me feeling confident, excited, and in great hands. Having a natural birth with midwives was really important to me, but I wasn't sure what that experience would look like, but now I have gone through it, I can honestly say it was the best decision I could've asked for. I loved everything about this birth center, the cozy atmosphere, the yummy snacks, and the beautiful birthing rooms. Some birth centers are a little too "woo woo" but this one struck a beautiful balance of feeling modern, sophisticated, and professional, with a little touch of that Divine feminine essence. Miranda was an absolute angel during my birth, and was the perfect lifeguard. She let me truly do this on my own, only stepping in to measure vitals, and take the reins when necessary. She made me feel so empowered, and taken care of, and knew exactly how to match my energy during the entire birth process. I am so grateful to her, and felt like I had such a smooth birth experience, because of it! It makes me sad to have to part ways at this point, but I feel so empowered moving forward and want to refer any other mama your way down the road! From the bottom of my heart I want to thank each of you For any women considering a natural birth experience and are looking for THE BEST birth center - go with True North! You won't be disappointed. read more

I've reached out at least 5 times via phone and email to talk to literally anyone regarding services. Not a single reply or acknowledgment to my several inquiries. I can only imagine the quality of care given the quality of customer service so far. read more

Loved how personalized they are with each and everyone of their clients. I really enjoyed my visits with the midwives every month, and always felt very cared for. read more

It's difficult to give a 1 star here, but I feel a sense of responsibility to do so. My wife and I have had a positive birth experience, and all is well so far (thankfully), that positive birth experience was not at True North, but at St. Joseph Medical Center, where our child was born via a Cesarean (C) Section. Our experience at True North started off fine. Got some great classes taught by Wilder (who is a great Doula). At 32 weeks, we had an ultrasound done at a separate facility, the baby was in breech position then. No cause for alarm, it was still early. Weeks 32-40 rolled by with about 5-6 appointments at True North, where we were comforted by 3 separate midwives that the baby was now head down and lowering into the pelvic floor. This was assumed through a manual/hand feeling method called the "Leopold's Maneuver". No ultrasound was done or offered. At Week 40, on our due date, already having some contractions (10-15 mins apart, steady for 2-3 days), we showed up to our appointment. The midwife (this time Melanie) felt the baby and confirmed head down with smiles and affirming language. She then offered us an ultrasound to confirm, and this is when she realized (we all did) that our child was actually still head up. We verbally confirmed with Melanie that no ultrasound was done from weeks 32-40, and that this was a complete miss on the midwives part. She apologized and said there will be a new protocol to do ultrasounds more often. We're rational people, and we identified early in the pregnancy that the romantic goal of a birth center birth was ideal, but we kept our emotions at bay, and did what was needed: we requested an immediate transfer to a hospital for a C-Section. A day or so after the operation, I emailed the owner, Ashley Jones (MW60832856) asking to confirm the events I've outlined above. We got a drawn out response that started with emotional manipulation (saying that she understands how this can make us emotional and must be so difficult to deal with ) and was followed by classic misdirection and a condescending explanation of the Leopold Maneuvers, how experienced and trusted her team was, how these things happen, what an "unstable lie" is, and so on. Well okay, I had to get specific, so I asked more blunt questions: "1. During our 40 week check up, Melanie used the said and trusted Leopold Maneuver and confirmed head down, then she took out the ultrasound and was proven wrong. Are you saying it is possible that the baby flipped within the couple of minutes that passed between the two methods of a position check? 2. For a confirmed breech baby at 32 weeks, are you saying that the protocol at True North is to forego ultrasounds and use manual methods to monitor baby's position?" To which she responded: Email 1: "I believe I have answered all of your questions in my original response. I understand that it can be difficult to think everything was ok coming into a prenatal appointment late in pregnancy and having the entire plan change in an instant. I know this can take time to process and I hope you are all feeling well supported by friends and family in this postpartum period." - Ashley Jones When I pressed again to just get succinct answers, I got this response: Email #2: "Please revert to my initial response. I believe I have given quite detailed responses into the events leading up to [child's name]'s birth. I wish you all the best." - Ashley Jones I've stopped there, dumbfounded at the lack of discipline and accountability. To keep things positive, St. Joseph's family birth center is phenomenal! Great staff, friendly, knowledgeable, responsible, and detail oriented. I know events in all our lives have a purpose, that's why it was so easy for us to make the shift in the last minute, but as to what is going on at True North? I have to shrug my shoulders and just put our experience out there. read more

I do not recommend you let these people lead your birth experience! ASHELY THE OWNER was my on call midwife "nurse" when I called saying I was having contractions at 2am she told me to try and get some rest close my eyes and go back to sleep. So I did I waited like 5 -10 mins before calling her and saying these are Infact real contractions as she was questioning me if they were real or Brockton hitch contractions she is well aware it's not my first baby....why not just listen to the pregnant woman and question me so much? She clearly was tired and didn't wana deal with me. Very unprofessional lady and place. I dont not recommend to anyone even a wose enemy tohave this place ruin a beautiful experience. read more

ATTENTION SOON TO BE MOMS! this review is for True North Birth Center I was told there fee of $600 was to cover the birth and clean up and pay for midwife for the birth, mine was reduced to $350 for low income. I paid . When it came time to call the midwife phone number because I believed I was in labor the midwife. No answer but got a call back in a few mins. Ashley( who owns the place) answered and I told her I'm having bad contractors and think I'm in labor she asked how far apart they were. I told her I didn't time them with a timer but I'd guess they are 5 mins apart and getting stronger. She told me contractors can last sometimes up to hours to GO BACK TO SLEEP AND TRY AND GET SOME REST !! To download a app and time them. So I did as she said and went back to bed and tried to lay down as soon as the next constant came I got up because I was so uncomfortable definitely not sleeping at this point and I called back after the next contraction. (Was only 30 mins between calls)Ashley answered again and I told her I can't sleep through this it's very strong that's why I called... the first time. She had to leave from Port orchard and travel to poulsbo and won't be there for a bit but to meet at the birthing Inn. We hung up and the next contraction came. Within 20 mins of talking to her my water broke and I gave birth in my frount yard ! This wouldn't have happened if when I first called she told me to go to the birthing Inn instead of going back to sleep... not someone who should be a midwife or running a birthing business imo. And now they won't refund me my $350 apparently now the $350 I paid is to now cover longer appointment times (they schedule you for 60 min appointments and just chit-chat and ask how your doing vs the 45mins ? I never asked for long appointment times but my $350 is to cover these ? Total scam and bullshit only in it for the money. The system is rigged you can't tell someone money is to cover the BIRTH and the midwife time for the birth and cleanup! Then change it to its for longer appointment times. Maybe I won't get my refund like I feel I deserve but hopefully this review makes others think twice before signing that paper work and putting your baby in these peoples hands. read more

True North Birth Center - Doulas Near Me - Poulsbo, Washington

I felt as thought I received excellent care throughout this and my previous pregnancies from the True North Midwives. My concerns and questions were always met with compassion and confident knowledge. I feel so lucky to have had Holly at all three of my births, her calm and reassuring presence was exactly what I needed each time. Two birth center births followed by a home birth will forever be some my most cherished and happy memories. I will enthusiastically recommend to any family interested in an out of hospital birth experience! read more

After feeling like I wasn't heard as an individual through my first pregnancy, and dealing with scare tactics to try to push for unnecessary interventions and induction, I knew I wanted to have my next baby at True North Birth Center. At True North I felt heard. I felt seen. I felt encouraged and safe. Each of the midwives, and students, are so compassionate and empowering. Not only did they truly build a bond with me, but with my toddler and husband as they attended appointments with me. The midwives cared for us as a family. When it came to prenatal care, my wishes and concerns were always acknowledged. It was always a comfortable conversation regarding what tests and monitoring was necessary, which were minimal. Compared to the constant pressure during my first pregnancy, it felt nice to be "left alone" this time. The rooms are gorgeous and peaceful. I was so looking forward to laboring in the large tub and just being in that calm space, but my sweet baby had her own plans and we were only there for 5 minutes before her arrival! That was definitely unexpected and I was overwhelmed and scared when I arrived; but the ladies at True North were so calm and supportive that it helped comfort me after such a fast delivery. I think the most important and valuable difference between standard OB care and the care given at True North is the postpartum care. I felt abandoned after my first delivery, with such a long time before a very brief follow up. These midwives come to you multiple times after you go home, and see you as you are. I had severe PPD after my second. The midwives recognized this and made extra time for me to see them at the center for multiple mental health check-ins. They provided me with support, recommendations on supplements and mind-body exercises, and other resources to get me through it. Mostly they validated me and my experience, and I could tell I was truly cared about. I'm honestly sad that my care with True North is over because they became part of my family. I couldn't have asked for anything better. Well, except for getting to spend more time in the birthing suite before delivery, but that was in baby's hands! read more

True North Birth Center completely changed my pregnancy. I was always very adamant I wanted to natural birth & when I found them it was a perfect fit. They are attentive, kind, understanding & thorough throughout the entire pregnancy. They had amazing communication, & answered all of my questions while providing resources. They made sure baby was healthy, but that I was also healthy mentally & addressed any anxieties I had about birth. My birthing experience itself was one of the most intense & amazing experiences of my life. I went into labor in the early morning, contacted the midwives around 5am & stayed in contact with them until I went in at 9:45am. My midwife came in throughout the labor to check babies heart on the Doppler, working/moving with me while I focused on the labor. I ended up doing a water birth & they supported my body through it. Because of their instruction z& physical support I only had 2 first degree tears. After the birth she was immediately put in my arms, & they walked me to the bed & did delayed cord cutting. After that they left the room & allowed us to bond for the first hour with our new family member. I couldn't have asked for a better experience & I appreciate everyone at this facility. Also, Wilders birthing classes are SO worth it. It completely changed my birthing experience z& showed me the best ways to facilitate the birth I wanted. read more

I can't speak highly enough about this place. I went through my first pregnancy here and received the most compassionate care. I truly felt respected, and listened to. The midwife's were there for me every step of the way. When I was having a tough time I was able to just walk in to be seen. This place should be the standard of care for every pregnant person. Not only do they focus on your physical health, but they focus on your mental health as well. Pregnancy is a big journey full of so many emotions and I felt truly supported here. Every single midwife was unbelievably kind and felt like I was visiting with a best friend. Everyone should have the opportunity to birth in this amazing atmosphere. There are 3 beautiful rooms, each with a comfy queen size bed for your partner and you to snuggle up during labor... no need to sleep on an uncomfortable chair! A spacious tub with UNLIMITED HOT WATER?? I never knew that was possible. My doula showered my back with hot water for literally hours while I was in the tub. And each room has a theme to it, I birthed in the North room which had a super cool Moon light that was lit the entire labor with stars in the background.. made that dim lighting extra special. Everything that you add to your "birth plan" for a hospital birth is just a given in this place.. dim lighting, music, being able to snack throughout labor, not having medical intervention.. etc. they listen to YOU and your desires and never push anything on you for their agenda. True north also offers many support groups that you can attend during pregnancy and postpartum. You know how you hear that you get limited ultrasounds during your pregnancy.. (sometimes only 1?!?) like come on, I want to see this baby every step of the way, not just at the anatomy scan?? True north has the ultra sound technology for you to see your baby whenever you desire!!! How amazing is that?? They even have the ability to share a video link with you to see that ultrasound over and over again. If the idea of a non medicated natural birth intimidates you, I urge you to schedule a consult with the midwives at true north, to at least give it a chance. You won't regret it! I absolutely loved my pregnancy here, and even loved my labor and delivery. It's big bummer that Tricare cut its ties here, but I will still choose True North for my next birth because it is more than worth it.(and still THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS CHEAPER THAN A HOSPITAL BIRTH.. even out of pocket.) Shoutout to all of the midwives here, especially Holly who delivered my sweet bundle of joy. Who sat through 21 hours of labor with me and supported me every step of the way and respected my decision to not transfer for a hospital birth and did everything in her power to keep me safe and healthy in the North room for my dream birth. Oh AND they offer postpartum care and pediatric care which is just the best not having to rush back to your PCP or find a pediatrician!! SERIOUSLY. Give this place a shot, you won't regret it! I love you True North!!! read more

Having had my first two children at home with midwives in San Francisco, one of my criteria when we started looking at homes on Bainbridge Island (before I was even pregnant) was to ensure that we had the option of midwifery care if we considered trying for another baby. Fast forward to my third pregnancy and I was pleasantly surprised to learn of a freestanding birthing center in Poulsbo. After having met Louisa, I was convinced that this was the right practice for me to plan another home birth (in our "forever" home)! However, circumstances being what they were with my previous medical history, the midwives and I agreed that the birthing center would be a better choice for our third. Being someone who had only known home birth, I can honestly say that Melanie, Emily and Jen made Salmonberry feel like a second home. I cannot imagine our little girl's birth having gone any more smoothly or calmly than it did with this amazing team of women! Thank you for building such a beautiful home to welcome our baby into the world! read more

Thank you so much Salmonberry for all that you do! You are an amazing group of women and we feel so fortunate to have found you!