As for the 5 star rating, CBP really is "As good as it gets!" Baby #4 and #5 were both delivered at CBP. My first 3 births were hospital births, and even though I LOVED my Dr. for Baby #1 and #2, I didn't care for the hospital setting. I was constantly offered drugs I didn't want, or need. I was also offered the idea of having my water broken as if it was natural. As an experienced young mother, I followed suit. When I was pregnant with #3 and here in N. Charleston, I needed to find someone new to care for baby and me. I went with a referral through TriCare and ended up with Season OBGYN...not only was I disrespected by some of the Dr.s I was required to meet with, when I was in labor (at Trident), I was told to be quiet by the Dr. and told to listen to my nurse and let the Dr. do her job. I water was broken against my will. (not sure why I didn't just cross my legs) Then after deliver, my son was forced to drink formula minuets after he was born even though said no and requested to have him back so I could nurse him. I was told my breast milk was not good enough for him. As a result, he was rushed to nursery level 2, his stomach was pumped, and he was placed on oxygen. His father never got to hold him after he was born, and we both weren't allowed to touch him until the following evening...nothing was wrong with him... That was it for me. To put icing on the cake, I had the anesthesiologist come in and ask how I was doing (I never had an epidural) and the next shift Dr. wanted to see my incision (I did not have a C-Section). CLEARLY NO ONE CARED ABOUT ME! They didn't even know anything about me, my labor, my deliver, or my baby! Enough about the hospital. Lets talk about what you really want to hear. There isn't much to say about CBP other than everyone takes care of YOU. YOU are their number 1 priority! YOU come first. YOU are not rushed. YOU are treated as family. Everything they do everyday is for YOU and your baby! I wanted more than anything to see how my body would deliver my baby without any external help. Not only did my water with #4 and #5 never break, both my baby girls were born still in their water sac and it didn't burst until their shoulders were on their way out. So awesome! You could never ask for a better experience than the one you will get with CBP. I will never go back to a hospital, unless of course if it is with CBP by my side calling the shots! read more

I had an amazing experience at CBP. After transferring care from MUSC just before 20 weeks, I was given the best of care. All of the midwives took their time with me at every appointment, listening and responding with great detail and care. I have never felt like I've been listened to and cared for in a medical system like at CBP. Every single individual at the practice was kind, caring, and thorough throughout my pregnancy. During labor, I was able to labor wherever I needed-- in the tub, shower, on a birthing stool, and in the bed. The birthing suites are incredible and have everything you could possibly need. I was supported and encouraged throughout my labor, and as a first time mom, while I was nervous, I did feel like I was in incredibly capable hands and did not doubt the ability of my midwife and nurse. I wound up pushing for almost four hours at the end, and they saw me through to the very end, pushing me exactly when I needed, and I delivered a beautiful baby girl. The team was familiar with my birth plan and knew exactly what I wanted, and they followed through and supported every decision I made. They were open minded and allowed me to make all of my own decisions throughout the pregnancy and birth and were respectful of every choice I made. Following the birth of my daughter, the 24 hour visit at home was ideal. My husband and I were so grateful for the uninterrupted time with the nurse, who went above and beyond every single question we had. She checked in every day after, answering questions and offering advice. This team is incredible. They are respectful, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and they truly go above and beyond for everyone at CBP. I will be returning for any children I have in the future, and I know that I will have the best standard of care in the industry. I am so so grateful for the team at CBP. read more

I gave birth to my daughter at Charleston Birth Place in September. It was better than anything I could have imagined. Charleston families are so fortunate to have the birth center as an option. We switched care providers after my 20 week anatomy scan. We switched from a CNM at a large OB practice, and the care and education we received at the birth center was above and beyond what we had previously experienced. My first appointment at the birth center was longer than ALL of my previous appointments put together. There are a million wonderful things about the birth center and the women who work there. If there is one thing that stood out to me the most, it would be how the mother and baby are viewed as one unit. What's good for mom is good for the baby and vice versa. This is true for postpartum as well, and this belief translates into amazing postpartum care. The midwives and nurses make sure you are eating well, they educate you about childbirth/pregnancy/infant care, they check on your physical AND emotional well being (At my first visit, Leigh asked me how I felt about my changing shape - What an awesome and often neglected insight!), they will do anything to help you breastfeed...the list goes on and on. I do not know of any other care provider who considers a baby not latching on correctly an immediate concern worthy of a late night phone call. I felt so supported and encouraged, and I know that I can still find support there if I need it. These women are professionals in every sense of the word. If you want outstanding care and to be respected and treated as a whole person, go to Charleston Birth Place. You will not be disappointed. read more

Charleston Birth Place allowed and empowered me to bring my daughter into this world in a comfortable and loving environment. My husband especially enjoyed taking part in the birth. He has told everyone we know about what an incredible experience we had together going through the birthing process. We were fortunate enough to have a water birth, and my husband even got to cut the umbilical cord. Being together in the warm tub with our new, precious baby was the most amazing experience that I have ever had. It is a shame that so many families miss out on this kind of life opportunity, and that legislation is possibly not going to allow Charleston Birth Place to operate any longer. All of the staff at Charleston Birth Place are extremely knowledgeable and professional. I never felt unsafe or nervous about my ability to give birth under their care. I cannot even imagine a more wonderful experience than the one I had with these intelligent women, and in their lovely facility. The birthing rooms are kept immaculately clean and beautiful. Charleston Birth Place offers full support, before, during, and after pregnancy - I was never left wondering about anything. I wish that all women could experience birth in the same way that my family did - in an empowering environment, surrounded by caring experts, and in an establishment that supports women's natural ability to give birth. I highly recommend Charleston Birth Place to anyone and everyone! read more

I can't say enough good things about my experience at Charleston Birth Place (CBP)! My prenatal care was excellent and I was provided with tons of resources and information, which is great for a new mom. I never felt rushed during my appointments and always received a quick response from an after-hours call. I had a water birth at CBP, which was truly the most amazing experience of my life. The midwife, a nurse, a midwife-student (whose presence I specifically agreed to) and my husband were the only people present and I believe this small, ultra supportive group helped my labor progress quickly and without complication. The after delivery care was wonderful and intimate; a time that I will always treasure. We were allowed to return home that evening and received follow up care for myself and the baby at home, which was wonderful! A lactation consultant came to the house and assisted with breastfeeding in our own environment, as well as meeting with us at CBP. This continued support was very appreciated and reassuring to us as new parents! From start to finish CBP and it's dedicated, compassionate and knowledgeable team was exceptional and I would definitely recommend the facility to any family seeking an alternative to a hospital delivery. Thank you, Charleston Birth Place, for such an amazing experience! read more

We had our son at Charleston Birth Place last November! And plan to have our other kids there!! I started in OB care and it is not even comparable, the amount of love and care the CBP has for their patients. I switched immediately, because my questions were never answered and half the time my DR, didn't even remember my name! I had heard about CBP but they exceeded my expectations. I was seen quickly and The ladies at CBP not only know what they are doing but LOVE to do it. You can really tell they care so much about each and every Mama and Baby! They were all about educating all throughout my pregnancy and all questions were always answered! Even the questions i didn't know i had! I am SO thankful for my wonderful birth experience! The facility is amazing and clean and big! Such a relaxing place to have a baby! Upon arrival the Staff makes sure mama and baby (will) have everything they need for a happy,, healthy birth! CBP also does amazing follow up care! They actually send someone to your house. (they know you don't want to pack up your beautiful NEWBORN and stop snuggling for even a second). Someone also calls you every single day for a week. For any questions that may arise! Maternal Care doesn't get BETTER than this! I could not have asked for a better experience! read more

We, I say we because having a baby is a family event, chose Charleston Birth Place in 2008 after being less than satisfied with our options at the military hospital to birth our son in April 2009. I knew from previous births that I could trust my body to birth my baby naturally when no limitations were placed upon me. I felt that each appointment was more like meeting with a dear friend who cared not only about my health and that of the baby's, but also cared for me as a unique woman. We connected in a way not possible with an OB/GYN. During labor I walked around the lake, ate when I was hungry, drank copious amounts of water and juice, moved around on the medicine ball, and even carried on conversations and laughed between contractions. Judy even suggested that maybe I was making labor look too easy for our 14-year-old daughter who attended the birth along with her 12-year-old brother. They attended because CBP understood birth as a family event and the importance of being surrounded by family during such a life changing event. To rate the CBP with 5 stars is an honor. I was so impressed with the amount of care and compassion given me I continued to see Lesley for all my well woman care needs. read more

CBP is THE place for all things women's health. From paps and birth control to prenatal care and delivery, the midwives will make you feel right at home. The facility is the only place in the low country equipped with amazing birthing tubs, aroma therapy, specialty lighting, double beds, and more. Prenatal care is not only top of the line, but the midwives are loving, caring, knowledgeable, and simply amazing. They take their time during each appointment to get to know you as an individual; to them you are a person and not just another patient. I've never had to wait for any appointment, including the one at 2am when my son decided to come into the world. My midwife answered the phone at 2am and was ready for me to deliver within minutes. It was such a wonderful experience! After delivery the nurse came to my house to check on baby and I, it was great not having to go anywhere. I got mastitis a week after delivery and my midwife answered her phone on a weekend night and got my prescription ready within minutes (good luck with a doctor doing that!). If you are expecting definitely take their free orientation, it is very informative. For paps and birth control, this is definitely the place to go to as well! read more

I've had two other successful natural births elsewhere before we moved to Charleston and I gave birth to our third son here at CBP. The experience I had here was wonderful! The midwives are extremely professional and I trusted their medical knowledge completely. I felt safe and comfortable and after giving birth to a 9 lb baby did not even need stitches because of the water birth experience! (I needed stitches after both previous births and they were much smaller!) These women will treat you as a person and not just shuffle you through the "system". They take the time to get to know you and support you as you progress through pregnancy. When the time comes to deliver you can trust that they will take the very best care of you and give you their entire attention. There's none of that "DON'T PUSH! We have to wait for the doctor nonsense. Nor will their be any unnecessary rushing because "I have another engagement I need to get to" nonsense either. If you want to be completely supported in delivering your baby naturally and with minimal interference this is the place to go. They are extremely qualified professionals and do their job with the utmost diligence! read more

I could not have asked for a better support group than the women at Charleston Birth Place. I felt welcomed, important, and valued there. My fears were calmed by talking to the nurses and midwives on staff. They have an excellent lending library where I was able to educate myself on all facets of natural birth. They offered classes on birthing methods and provided information for breastfeeding support groups and how to get started cloth diapering. The Charleston Birth Place felt like home. I felt cherished and they made my pregnancy and birth an empowering event. They fully supported my husband attending each appointment and brought my husband and I closer together through the labor process. They treated him with respect and empowered him to help me through labor and delivery. I received excellent care---I am so thankful that I could choose the Charleston Birth Place for my pregnancy and delivery. I believe these women are making a huge difference in the lives of women around them. They support the trend to natural unmedicated births. They offer quality time and unparalleled education tools. They offer so much to women in our community. read more

I wanted to have an all natural birth with no interventions and no doctors rushing me to deliver my baby. I wanted to give birth where I knew my baby and I were being cared for and not seen as another paycheck. Doing my research for a birth center Charleston Birth Place came up. My husband and I took the virtual tour and make an appointment to learn more about CBP. All the midwifes were so friendly and passionate about giving mothers the best birth they could possibly have. I received excellent prenatal care and felt prepared for an all natural water birth. When the time came to give birth Leigh was there to make sure I was cared for. She was amazing! I loved having the opportunity to give birth the way I wanted, all natural, no interventions with someone by my side the whole time not doing in and out like doctors and nurses. Now I am living in California and if I was able to I would go back to Charleston Birth Place for the birth of my next baby!! It was the best and most beautiful experience I have ever had!!! read more

Charleston Birth Place is the only place I would contemplate going to for my pregnancies, births, and gyn care. They have the most caring and awesome midwives. Their model of care is far above any other OB/GYN or hospital. They care, are loving, give each mother time, patience, and respect. I have had two children there, and they would be my first phone call should I see another plus sign on a pee stick. I had hyperemesis gravidarum and gestational diabetes with both pregnancies. Their knowledgeable and loving care helped me through my pregnancies and delivered two happy, healthy, babies. I had two beyond awesome labors and deliveries with them. My first was delivered in 2008 by Lesley, my second in 2011 by Judy and Jennifer. I had prenatal care from the three of them and Laurie. I love them all and could never thank them enough for their prenatal care, and my labors and deliveries. I cannot stress enough the importance of education and research. Become informed. Know your options! read more

It was my choice to birth at the Charleston Birth Place and I'm extremely happy that I was given such a choice because it was the best decision I could have made for both myself and my son's prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care. During all the visits to CBP (including my labor and delivery) I had the utmost confidence in the midwives' judgement and expertise. The midwives always put both my health and my son's health first. They even made sure that I was educated on all possible birth paths should an issue or hospital transfer arise. They made sure I met with and was comfortable with their backing physician. I think this allowed me to go into my natural birth with more confidence. I was blessed to have a beautiful, calm, healthy, birthing experience thanks to the loving midwives at CBP. This is a healthy, safe place to birth and the midwives' are extremely professional, caring, and loving to both the mama and the whole family involved in the birthing process. read more

Before my girl was even born I knew I didn't want the traditional hospital birth. I was contemplating a home birth, but my husband was not comfortable with it, so we decided a good compromise would be the Charleston Birth Place. Throughout my prenatal care, the midwives at CBP were excellent at answering any and all questions we had, putting our mind at ease and reassuring me that I was fully capable of natural childbirth. We never once felt uneasy about any "what if's" that may arise. throughout my labor and delivery I was supported by Laurie and the staff when needed, and felt incredibly comfortable with the relaxed atmosphere, dim lighting, and relaxing music. Our girl was born underwater, in the early morning hours, and we were encouraged to stay as long as we liked to rest and recoup from a long night. If I were to sum my experience up in a few words I would have to say~ comfortable, relaxed, warm, and enjoyable. I plan to return for future births :) read more

We had our first son at Charleston Birth Place and plan to have our other kids there. They gave amazing care and support throughout my pregnancy and beyond. All my questions were answered, nothing was ever hurried and I didn't have to wait for 45 minutes or more to be seen like at other places I had been. They also provided tons of education so that we felt more prepared for pregnancy and bringing home our little one. My birth was better than I could have expected. We also experienced a miscarriage in the last 6 months and while no one likes to go through an awful experience like that we felt truly cared for and helped with all the questions we had at the time, even to calling the midwife on call several times- we hadn't even had an appointment yet that pregnancy and they were still there for us through the whole process. I highly recommend CBP to any low risk mother who is looking for a safe, family friendly, wonderful, natural birth experience! read more

Charleston Birth Place is wonderful. After listening to their presentation and touring their facility, I also toured roper St. Francis Hospital's birthing suites and heard what they had to say. I chose CBP, hands down. There is no comparison. The facility is beautiful, clean, and as comfortable as home. I received excellent prenatal care, had a great experience with all of the staff, felt exceptionally comfortable with Lesley, who was my midwife; and when it came time to deliver, it could not have gone better. I loved birthing in the big awesome spa birthing tub. It's the way to go, ladies! I absolutely had the birth of my dreams, and went home with a beautiful, healthy first born baby boy. Plus the price is HALF, yes half or what it would be to have a normal delivery in a hospital. Charleston Birth Place is where I want to have any and all of my future babies. And I am so very thankful that they opened in time for me to have my first. read more

I chose to have both of my babies at Charleston Birth Place because I wanted a safe and natural birthing experience with the support of a midwife. The care I received at CBP was beyond excellent! I was able to birth my 11 lbs. 3.5oz. son in the water with absolutely no complications whatsoever. I believe with all of my heart that if I had chosen to have my son at a hospital, the outcome would have been much different. Laurie Hersey was my midwife at the time and she also delivered my second child in the water. She believed in me just like all of the midwives at CBP did. Combine the love and support you get from these women with their extensive medical experience, training and knowledge and what do you get? You get a safe, very natural and I must add AWESOME birthing experience! Without a doubt, I plan on having my third baby at Charleston Birth Place and I'm looking forward to it! read more

I chose to have my daughter at Charleston Birth Place after taking a natural birthing class. After taking the tour of the facility I could not wait to start my care with the midwives and felt reassured that they had the same philosophy towards birth. Transitioning from a traditional OBGYN to the Charleston Birth Place was night and day. I no longer had to wait 20-30 minutes to be seen for an appointment and was never rushed through questions. I was so happy with my prenatal care where the midwives obviously cared about me and my baby. They taught me about healthy nutrition and what to expect during natural child birth, topics that were never discussed at my previous visits. I can not speak more highly of the midwives and nurses at the Charleston Birth Place and the birth of my daughter was exactly what I wanted; all natural, without drugs and absolutely beautiful. read more

Having birthed my first two children in a hospital setting and my third at CBP, I cannot say enough about the differences in care and the positive impact it has made on my family! Beginning with my prenatal care, which was not only wellness-based but family centered as well and ending with my postpartum care, which was supportive, personal, and thorough. People assume that since I had epidurals with my first two babies, I would describe an excruciating birth at CBP, but it is the opposite. I experienced less pain, and a faster recovery when birthing naturally. I would recommend to anyone, even those that are skeptical, to at least attend to orientation and find out more. Even the skeptics within my own family, upon seeing the safety of the birth center and the competent care provided by the midwives, have become "believers" and recommend CBP to others as well! read more