very condescending and pretentious. when meeting in person and on the phone responded with "um do you have a question?" Without explaining much or any of her process. Asked for my name and email about 5 times and still butchered it. after visiting a few other midwife's I was told by a few not just one, that she doesn't attend most of her births! she called one day to cancel me and I responded with "that's ok I found another midwife" she was upset I wouldn't tell her who it was and proceeded to inappropriately laugh. If you don't get a warm fuzzy from her even through a phone call there's a reason! trust it. read more

Michelle and her team are amazing. I highly recommend the home birth experience and Michelle to guide you through it.

Just had a VBAC baby with Birth Matters and couldn't have asked for a better experience. My labor was so fast that the midwives made it with only 30 min to spare before our baby was here. I am so grateful for Michelle and her staff. They spend quality time with you, give you vital tools and information, and truly care about your wants and needs for your pregnancy and birth. read more

I honestly cannot say enough good things about both Michelle and the entire staff at Birth Matters (Emily was especially amazing at our birth and Kaydee was great throughout my entire pregnancy!!). We officially made the decision to have a home birth soon after I found out I was pregnant, and transferred care from an OB to Michelle at 20 weeks. From our first appointment at Birth Matters I knew that we had made the right decision; I loved the comprehensive care that was just as much about me as a person as it was about my pregnancy. When my blood pressure became high during my pregnancy, Michelle and her team worked with me to find different herbs and supplements to take to keep it under control. I always felt confidence and support from the team that we could manage my high blood pressure in order to still have the home birth that my husband and I wanted (which we did!). At the end of my pregnancy my due date came and went, but I never felt any sense of urgency from Michelle and her team to have the baby. My water broke the day before I was 41 weeks, and Michelle assured me that, despite the fact that I was slow to go into active labor, she knew I would still be able to have my baby at home. 26 hours later my body finally kicked it into high gear and Emily arrived at our house to find me in transition and getting close to having a baby! Maybe we waited a little too long to call the office... ;) I was so glad for Emily's calm and confident presence as I got into my birth tub and waited for Michelle to arrive. When she came I barely acknowledged her (except to yell at her to take the blood pressure cuff off during a contraction, sorry Michelle!) and my baby boy was born less than an hour later! He had a knot in his cord and wasn't breathing very well at first, but I never felt scared because Michelle skillfully handled the situation and within minutes my baby had pinked up and was happily laying on my chest. After I gave birth Michelle and her team made me feel like it was all about me and the baby. Nothing was rushed and I felt totally calm and comfortable, which was amazing! In the weeks following my birth Michelle checked in on me often (both during the home visits and over the phone), which made me feel very supported during a time that was a little emotionally difficult for me! Overall my husband and I are very happy with all the services we received from Michelle and the entire team at Birth Matters! We had the home birth of our dreams and I couldn't have imagined a better outcome :) If we are crazy enough to have a third child I know we will not hesitate to use them again for a home birth read more

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Michelle and her team of birthing magicians are truly amazing. I can't even explain how fantastic our experience with Birth Matters was. Some people are meant to do certain things in life and Michelle is one of those people. She is the Yoda of midwifery. The force is very strong with this one. :) Seriously though, best midwife ever!! read more

This was my first pregnancy and I couldn't imagine not having Michelle and her team. They took their time with me every appointment , informed me on everything that there was to know during pregnancy and post. I trusted them every step! my Family was so lucky to have them. We definitely will be going to them for our next pregnancy read more

I cannot express the magnitude of an impact Michelle will have on your lives as a person, as a midwife, and more. She is a miraculous woman with a sole passion for catching babies, and ensuring their utmost safety is paramount and top health is the pinnacle of her focus for the mother and child. I myself was originally skeptical of midwives, only because I really never heard of them. However, my wife advocated for me to give it a shot. And I am glad that she did! She wanted a natural birth. And by every means she wanted to avoid the cold touch of a hospital at every cost that has to seem to become the norm. Michelle is a leading expert in her field and on the board Association of Midwives for California. She has been providing guidance and personally delivered over 2000 babies throughout the course of her experience and boy does it show. From the moment you walk in for a consultation not once do you feel forced or obligated beyond those doors to move forward. Instead, you are greeted with the sincerest loving woman and her staff, as they provide you with all the details of natural childbirth. If natural birth is not your thing as well, they walk you through that process as well. They're equipped for it all and your personal advocate. Natural birth, postpartum care, prenatal care. It's' all here. She provides you with the most honest answer, but it is varnished in love to provide you the best knowledge to gear you for your upcoming baby to be. There is a swath of knowledge that is provided to you in every one of your many visits as you receive your checkups from her. In addition, she equips you with a "holy tome" binder that has answers to all your questions about your body, the different stages of pregnancy, and more. Michelle even has vitamins and minerals for you and your bundle of joy all throughout your 40 weeks to keep you in peak condition till the moment of arrival. My advice you have the question ask her. You won't regret it nor should it make you uncomfortable around her. She is here to serve you, and it is A+ work. Being able to deliver at a birthing center with Michelle was amazing. Just knowing you'd be going through the whole process with guidance, and the healthiest possible way. We checked in my wife whom was fully dilated and ready to go. She walked us through variating positions to help streamline the birth of our beautiful daughter and even assisted me in relaxing my wife emotionally, keeping her in the fight. Bam a whopping 7.5 lbs. ! Not as big as most, but it was bigger than I was went I came out. It was the most wonderful experience being able to catch my daughter coming out military style haha and hand her to my wife with the assistance of Michelle. I even got to cut the cord. The experience is worth every tear. I recommend all fathers; to be parents in general this is the way, and Michelle is will guide you every step of the way. My wife and I could not be more pleased to be in their services of Michelle. She is a miracle in the flesh. If we stay here in California; we will be going to her for all births. We absolutely loved all our visits, and conversations. Every single one. Thank you for teaching me to be an emotional coach during and outside of birth. My wife thanks you in more ways than she has fingers to count. The only place to be is Birth Matters, because well as cheesy as it sounds; BIRTH MATTERS! Mahalo nui iā 'oe ! Mr. & Mrs. Holley read more

We had an absolutely great experience working with Michelle, Kaydee, Emily and the rest of the Birth Matters staff! The whole team was very professional, competent, and supportive throughout the process. We appreciated their vast fund of knowledge in traditional medicine as well as alternative approaches in dealing with a variety of medical issues. Thank you, Michelle (and all), for making the (home)birth of our fourth child a very pleasant and memorable experience! read more

I have had prenatal care for two of my pregnancies with the team at Birth Matters, as well as some well woman care. I can't say enough good about Michelle and her assistants. They impressed me from the start with their professionalism, thoroughness, passion and compassion. They simply are one of the best in midwifery care! I felt so LOVED and HEARD throughout my prenatal care, birth, and postpartum. I always looked forward to my prenatal checkups as a chance to relax and unwind and process my emotions about the pregnancy. I believe you will NOT regret choosing this team. read more

Michelle and her team provided us exceptional prenatal care and a home delivery we will forever be grateful for. Her student midwife, Erin is going to be such a wonderful addition to the world of midwifery care. When we are ready to have a sibling for our little boy we'll be back. Thank you ladies for being so, so wonderful! You're the best! read more

I have had the best experience at Birth matters. Michelle Freund is amazing and she has a great team! I had the privilege of working with Kaydee Welchons as well and she is amazing too! I have now had 3 babies at home because of Michelle and her team. Not only is the birth great but the prenatal care goes above and beyond! I cannot say enough about them!!!! read more

We found Birth Matters and Michele Freund through our chiropractor who have recommended them for birth services. The staff and Michele were fantastic. Whole obstetric care before and after for my wife was more personal. Michele has delivered our first born who got tangled in the umbilical chord with a double loop and a triple twist. The team quickly resuscitated him and he is now a healthy 18 month old. The only reason one star down, is that the natural birth control method that was recommended failed and we now have a baby girl that is two months old as our second child read more

I had my 3rd and 4th children at home with Michelle's help (my firstborn was in another state, and my 2nd baby, while a homebirth, was with a midwfie that I didn't want to go back to). Michelle & her staff are WONDERFUL. So gentle, kind, caring, and educated. The whole birth experience was wonderful. I highly recommend Michelle and Birth Matters! read more

I couldn't be happier with Michelle and her team at Birth Matters! I went to Michelle after a disappointing hospital birth experience with my first child. My second pregnancy ended up in a miscarriage at nine weeks, which would have been so much more traumatic and painful were it not for Michelle's care. I had excessive bleeding and probably would have ended up waiting hours in the ER to be seen and then ended up with an unnecessary D and C procedure like so many other women I've spoken to about their miscarriages. Fortunately, Michelle came right over and treated me at home. She gave me pitocin shots to control the bleeding, and monitored me in the comfort of my own bed to make sure that I was safe and comfortable through such a terrible ordeal. I am forever grateful for that. Thankfully I got pregnant again, and I knew immediately, without question that Michelle was the midwife I wanted to guide me through another healthy pregnancy and birth. Michelle and her team give so much TLC to their patients. The prenatal care is beyond comparison. She would spend so much time with us answering questions and guiding us through the home birth process. There are literally a hundred different decisions to be made through the process and Michelle always presented thorough information based on her expertise and experience and allowed us to make whatever decision we were most comfortable with without any pressure or bias. I had a beautiful water birth that will always be one of the most amazing things I've ever experienced, and I would do it again in a heart beat. You could not ask for a better midwife and support staff than Birth Matters! read more

I had both my sons with Michelle, I can't say enough to explain how awesome this woman is. Highly educated, confident, supportive, gentle...everything you would want in a midwife. She will forever be a part of our family read more

Michelle and her team are amazing!!! They welcome you with open arms and have the most loving, caring practice. I've been going to birth matters for 2 months now and it's made my first pregnancy so much more relaxing and peaceful. I'm looking forward to the rest of my pregnancy with them, knowing I'm in the best hands :) read more

Michelle and her team are absolutely hands-down the greatest service and care providers I could have ever possibly ask for. Their professional and informative educational on point and absolutely are there to support my wife and I threw her first pregnancy. Absolutely love them all and went happily recommend them to everyone. read more

I don't even have words for how amazing this team is! We had the pregnancy and birth of our dreams! Michelle is a God sent woman! You're first, second or what ever order if baby you've got cooking- seriously look no father! Best midwife you could ask for! I hope we get to have all our babies with this team! read more

Where do I even begin? I am forever grateful to have had both of my pregnancies cared for by Michelle, Kaydee, and the Birth Matters team. They made it nothing but a wonderful experience with relaxing, friendly, loving office visits/appointments, help with every single little question I have ever had, so many resources and information on natural pregnancy and childbirth, the list just goes on. By the time I delivered my first daughter, I felt so cared for by them that it felt like having another mother there, helping me through my labor and delivery. I look forward to each appointment and visit with them! I will give birth to my second daughter next month and I have so much gratefulness knowing they will be the ones to go through it alongside me. Can't recommend Birth Matters enough! read more

It's hard to review the women that facilitated what I would call the most profound experience of my life. I am so grateful I'm not sure I have words... okay I have a few - Wise, loving, and immensely compassionate. Michelle and Kaydee were not only beyond professional, they were personal, they were truly present. Side-by-side for 43 weeks and almost 5 hours of pushing, we could not have been treated with more kindness and LOVE, yes, I said Love (capital L). You can feel they are passionate about midwifery, it shows in everything they do. They are incredible midwives but moreover INCREDIBLE human beings! read more

I could not have had a better birth experience than the home birth of my healthy baby boy. I am so grateful for the expertise and personalized care that everyone at Birth Matters offered. Michelle Freund's prenatal care and knowledge was second to none. She is a loving and caring person and has vast experience with all sorts of different maternity related conditions. She makes you feel very relaxed and comfortable. I had a wonderful pregnancy. I drove from San Diego for all of my appointments and I loved the home visits the last week of my pregnancy and postpartum. Birth Matters has all the equipment needed to care for patients and I enjoyed the convenience of getting all of my blood work done in her office. She was very open to my birth plan and encouraged me to have the maternity and birth experience that I desired, regardless if it was her standard or not. For example, to avoid exposure to my baby, I did not want the doppler ultrasound to hear the babies heart beat each visit, and she was more than happy to use a fetal stethoscope. Michelle welcomed my decision not receive any vaccinations during my pregnancy, especially the flu vaccine which is required in a lot of hospitals. We also knew by my measurements that my son was going to be big, but Michelle still supported me in my decision not to have an ultrasound. I was grateful for the vast amount information that she provided, so I could make educated and informed decisions. All of my visits were very thorough and she made sure I had all of my questions and concerns address each visit. My appointments were never rushed. The birth of my son was 6 hours with the last two being the most intense. I had rented two birthing tubs from Birth Matters one for inside and one for outside in case it was warm enough and laboring in the water was fantastic. The environment of my home birth was also beautiful. I had candles, piano music playing, and I enjoyed taking pictures between my early contractions. My husband also had a part in the birth. He mobilized my sacrum to diminish the intensity of the contractions. My son was on the large side. He was 9 pounds 12 ounces and his shoulders got stuck, "shoulder dystocia", after his head was delivered. Michelle and her team changed my position, tried rotating the baby, applied pressure on my belly, and with their help he was born 2 minutes later. I was so grateful that I did not tear. I would assume in a hospital environment episotomies and c-sections are common when shoulder dystocia happens. I was very impressed on how effectively and calmly all three of them worked together to deliver my beautiful, healthy son. My daughter, who had slept through the entire labor and delivery, then walked up the stairs to meet her new baby brother who was only a few minutes old. It was a joyous moment for the three of us to be together to welcome the newest member of our family. I will always remember the positive, loving, safe environment in which my son was born. My newborn was then adjusted by my husband, who is a chiropractor, to restore proper head and spinal motion thus maximizing our babies neural function and development. Birth Matters also did a outstanding job providing care to both myself and my infant after he was born. Having your provider come to you for home visits makes a mom's life so much easier after baby arrives. Michelle and her team again were very thorough and they routinely checked up on us the following week post delivery. My son is 100% breastfed and healthy as can be. On my last appointment at Birth Matters, my son was two months old and he weighed 14 pounds 7 ounces. I feel so blessed to be able to provide my child with the perfect start to life free of medical intervention, harmful pharmaceuticals, and a stressful birth environment. Thanks to Michelle Freund and everyone at Birth Matters, I have a wonderful birth story that I will always be able to cherish and a healthy, happy newborn. Dr. Andrea Dorris read more

I couldn't be happier with my care at Birthmatters! I've used them for two pregnancies now and am so glad that I found them. The prenatal care is as good as it can get; I can't believe the difference between my first hospital birth and my subsequent midwife-led pregnancies. They manage so much and are very focused on keeping you and the baby healthy. It was amazing to me, especially after already having a child, how much more I had to learn (from what to do with leg cramps to shaking during labor to nutrition and on and on-- they are so well-rounded!). I love how available Michelle, Kaydee and Emily have been for me--from random questions or concerns to appointment scheduling. They have a large video and book library and have offered up some of the best referrals I've ever received (from chiropractic care to ultrasound techs). The oceanside location is peaceful and has a wonderful courtyard for older babies to play in while you're at your appointment. Really, it's just an all around excellent practice. I felt safe, supported and loved at all times! read more

Michelle and team provide wisdom throughout pregnancy, expertise during labor and support post-pregnancy. We sought out a half a dozen options (UCSD midwife, another midwife, a local birth center, an OB who supports natural birth at Scripps Encinitas) and ultimately agreed BMI felt like the best fit for us. We couldn't have been more thrilled with our overall experience. Our first baby arrived naturally, in our home, calmly this past fall. read more

Birth Matters and Michelle are the best. They feel like family to us. We've recommended friends and everyone agrees. Michelle is truly gifted in midwifery and I cant recommend her and her team highly enough. If you're looking to home birth and they are close enough to where you are, look no further. read more