Caroline Cusenza and Maggie Bennett were our midwives for our first child. I started out early on with them and they were absolutely wonderful. I especially liked how much time they spent just getting to know us. I am originally from Texas, so when I was back there over the summer, I saw my old OB/GYN and the difference was ghastly. I would wait an hour in the OB's office only to spend 5-10 minutes actually talking to her. With Maggie and Carol my husband and I spent over an hour with them at each visit, the room was cozy, and they answered all of my questions and went above and beyond to get me information when they didn't know something offhand. Carol was the one who actually delivered my son. She was so supportive throughout the labor and gave the best back rubs! My son seemed to be stuck for a while, so she used a couple stretching techniques to loosen the ligaments in my hips and help bring him down. She also uses a water injection technique to alleviate back pain. (It burns like hell initially, but it was worth every second of the 45 minutes of back relief it gave me). Carol was at my house from 1 am when we called her over till 7pm the next day, the whole time she was talking me though the contractions, helping me focus my energy and relax my body, she even lit candles in my bedroom early on to set a calm mood for my husband to rest. The details are what make laboring at home so enjoyable and she really made it worth it for us. I wound up getting an intrauterine infection a few days after delivery. Caroline came to my side in the ER, took me home and got my prescription filled so that my husband could stay by my side. Then Maggie came with us to our follow up appointment at Natividad. (Important note: The doctors I saw, both in the ER at CHOMP and Dr. Chandler at Natividad, stressed the fact that this had nothing to do with my home birth. They said it can happen to anyone and there is nothing you can do or not do to cause it. "It's just bad luck," as they put it.) I did tear, so Caroline stitched me up and Maggie oversaw it. It is comforting to know that Maggie has been practicing for over 35 years. Now I am all healed and feeling great. The love and support these two women gave my husband and I has been inspiring. I only hope I'll be lucky enough to find a team this great in Texas for the rest of my babies. IMG_1033.JPG read more

Carol (and Maggie Bennett) were the midwives that my husband and I chose for the birth of our child this last November. We were impressed with both the expertise and the personable aspect of the Midwifery care that we received. We grew to love Carol & Maggie. Something we didn't expect from a caregiver. I mean how many people LOVE their OB's? Our experience was phenomenal. The level of care was so much more than imagined. Carol and Maggie really went above and beyond for us.... even driving me to the Bay Area for an Ultrasound that was needed... and many more unplanned adventures. I was treated with the utmost respect and dignity. At each prenatal appointment all my questions were answered and I always felt so cared for. The miracle of pregnancy and birth was celebrated each time we met. The care was so detailed and personable. All of our options were always thoroughly discussed and explained. I couldn't have asked for anything more than I received! Due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, I was transferred to the hospital for the actual delivery. Carol & Maggie stayed right by my side and gave me the support I needed to deliver in the hospital. I felt safe and confident as they were my advocates for avoiding any interventions that I didn't need or want. My Husband and I were very very very very thankful for the support we received both during the home labor and hospital labor and delivery. It is an experience we will never ever forget. Even our aftercare was amazing. All the home visits and the breastfeeding help was priceless. Carol has some amazing breastfeeding tips and helped me "figure it out" with my Baby. We are so grateful and thankful to have shared this miracle with the most amazing Midwives on the planet! There aren't enough compliments and kind words for our Midwives!!! Anyone who reads this and would like to contact me in regards to my experience is welcome to do so. I would love to share my experience! read more

I can only think of wonderful things to say about Carol. We had the pleasure of having her attend our HBAC (home birth after cesarean) back in January 2012, and it was the most amazing experience. Throughout the pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and postpartum, Carol was knowledgeable, supportive, attentive, and caring. Not only is she our midwife, but she is now our friend, and I can always come to her if I have a question. I would highly recommend Carol to anyone who desires individualized, evidenced-based care for the birth of their child or for well-woman care. read more

Carol attended the birth of my 2nd child, in 2010, and worked with Maggie throughout my pregnancy. Though Maggie was out of town during my delivery, Carol supported me along with the back up midwife. I was so glad for her presence and knowing that she had been by my side throughout pregnancy helped me relax in what could have been a stressful time. Carol was always so knowledgable and professional and I was honored to have her as part of my VBAC journey. read more

Carol attended the births of my 2nd and 3rd children and she was amazing supportive and professional! I can't recommend her enough! During pre-natal appts she took as much time as I needed, answered all questions and supported our entire family during the pregnancy and birth! She is an asset to the birth community and I feel very fortunate to have had her attend our births! read more

Carol was an assistant to Maggie Bennett at the time of our son's birth. She was an amazing care provider and friend to my wife during the pregnancy and after the birth of our first born son. I strongly recommend Carol as your midwife. She is extremely knowledgable, professional, and caring. read more

Carol is amazing. I am so happy that she was able to attend my birth. From the first time I met her I knew that I would want her there. She is so friendly, warm and approachable, but also extremely professional and knowledgable . She is just wonderful and I cannot recommend her enough!! read more