Laurie was the midwife for all three of my boys births. As a husband the first one was a nerve…read moreracking experience but the energy she brought to our home was incomparable to anyone I've ever been around in a potentially tense moment. The comfort she brought, the environment she was able to create, her knowledge and care kept everyone and the entire house grounded to reality. It was the most beautiful experience, we chose to use her again and again. If we were going to continue to have babies, she would be right by my wife's side. I cannot recommend Laurie enough.

If you are considering Laurie as your midwife, I would encourage you to ask a lot of questions up…read morefront and to carefully consider whether she's the right fit for you. I personally would not choose her again, and I'd like to share why. Throughout my pregnancy, I initially interpreted Laurie's relaxed and laid-back demeanor as a positive, but I later came to feel that it reflected a lack of attentiveness. For example, I had multiple episodes of high blood pressure that she was aware of, including one that resulted in an ER visit where she sat with me. Despite that, during my active labor she never checked my blood pressure, nor did she regularly monitor fetal heart tones. When she arrived while I was in active labor, she ended up resting on the couch while my support team stayed engaged. I also had specifically asked ahead of time to meet her assistant so that I wouldn't have a stranger enter my home in the middle of labor. Despite asking multiple times for an introduction--even a quick FaceTime--that never happened. So when the time came, I was in labor and unexpectedly meeting someone I'd never seen before. During labor, I repeatedly expressed that I felt "stuck." My doula took this seriously and helped me try different positions, but Laurie reassured me that this was normal and something every woman goes through. In hindsight, I wish my concerns had been acknowledged more fully. Ultimately, my labor ended in a hospital transfer and a C-section. We later learned my baby was wrapped in his cord three times around his torso, was facing up, and I was diagnosed with preeclampsia--all factors that explained why I truly was "stuck." While I don't place the responsibility for the C-section on Laurie directly, I do feel her lack of attentiveness to my blood pressure and her dismissiveness of my concerns were significant. Afterward, when I reached out to process the experience with her, she declined to meet with me and instead suggested I see a therapist. This left me feeling dismissed again. I understand that after 20+ years in practice, it's possible to become desensitized to certain situations, and my impression is that this may have been the case with Laurie. For that reason, I urge you to reflect on the type of care and attentiveness you want from your midwife, and whether Laurie is the right fit for your needs. If anyone has any questions and would like to discuss the details of my experience further, i'd be more than happy to chat. You all deserve to know exactly what you are getting yourself into when it comes to the care and safety of you and your baby.

Where to begin?! We moved to Austin from Arizona, and within about six months of being here, got…read morepregnant with our second child. We had an amazing home birth team in Phoenix, so our expectations were really high for the type of care and knowledge we wanted in our Midwife. Being new to Austin meant we didn't have a large network of people to ask for references, so I researched online, read reviews and looked through credentials. I knew very quickly I wanted to work with Christy and Jenni. I had an extremely difficult pregnancy, although I was also sick the entirety of my first as well. I had hyperemesis gravidarum, meaning I was throwing up constantly, losing weight, and unable to keep down hardly anything. Christy has a huge wealth of knowledge and practices functional medicine alongside traditional options. I was always given information of references for alternative therapies to help my nausea. They were always helping me manage my sickness and we worked closely with a perinatal MD for any tests or services Christy couldn't provide herself. I had incredible care throughout my pregnancy and can't stress enough how great a resource Christy was for every ailment. Our birth experience was awesome! It only lasted an hour and a half (sooo fast!) but it was in the middle of the night with a birth tub. Our baby was born in a state of shock, partially because of how quickly everything progressed, and had a little trouble breathing. Christy knew what to do immediately and got her breathing and feeding perfectly in no time. The postpartum care we received was incredible. I had pelvic floor issues and our baby had some skin issues and Christy and Jenni were always available to answer questions and connect us with a provider that could help if it was outside their realm. Truly, we can't say enough about our experience and this team of women! They are wonderful and you and your baby will be in great hands.

Finding Jenni and Christy was like winning the lottery. I literally can't put into words how…read moreamazing these two women are...and how positively they have impacted my (and my family's) life. They are just. The best. Jenni and Christy helped my wife and I through two births, and unfortunately a few miscarriages. We first met them while interviewing for a midwife back in 2015. We interviewed a few other people around town, but instantly clicked with Jenni and Christy. They are warm, responsive, realistic and the best part - they really care about you, your pregnancy and your experience. Our meetings were sometimes long - filled with laughter in addition to medical explanations of my changing body. They took a few minutes each time to do the medical stuff, blood pressure/pee test/feel for baby...but then, the rest of the time they just wanted to know how I was feeling. I miss them. When my birth came around, Jenni was my rock. She is kind and gentle - her presence during the chaos of birth was invaluable. She kept me calm, centered and most of all, feeling safe through 8 hours of active labor and a 3 hours of pushing. My kiddo didn't want to come out, but they literally pulled out a bag of tricks: peanut yoga balls, weird positions, ropes to pull on and things to rest my legs on. They kept my spirits up, even when in those moments of wanting to give up. And, with their help I birthed a healthy little girl in the comfort of my home. It was amazing. Women are amazing. Now I'm crying. I can't recommend these MotherBloom midwifery enough. They taught me about the power of being a woman - and I know that I am a better mother because of my experience with them as my midwives. They really are, the best. I heart them so much!

I just birthed my 3rd baby and 2nd home birth honey with the honeys :) (baby #1 was born in a…read moredifferent state). The care I received was nothing short of life giving they supported me holistically as a woman - mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. I adore these women for all that they are and would not want to birth any other way! If you're considering birthing at home, this is the way to do it. Their breadth of knowledge is amazing game changer, and the fact that they really take the time in each appointment to listen to your questions and concerns helps you to feel empowered as a woman and a mother. I'm sad this is my last baby, because it is so nice to see them regularly

Working with Leonora, Brittany, and Meg during my third pregnancy was a dream. Pregnancy is hard on…read moreme, but they were so supportive and helpful as I walked through. I'm so grateful to have had their support, and know that my pregnancy and birth would have looked incredibly different without them! Can't recommend enough!

Marimikel Potter is everything you would hope for in a midwife and more. Thanks to Marimikel, we…read morenow have a happy and healthy 2 week old baby girl with a happy and healthy mother. That is all anyone can ask for but Marimikel gave us so much more. The education and accountability you get from working with Marimikel is INVALUABLE. From the very beginning, she has poured hours into educating us. If you want a healthy child and to be healthier parents for your child, work with Marimikel. She made sure we understood everything that was happening throughout the entire process and she always gave us options to appropriately handle any situation in the most health conscious way. It was reassuring seeing how prepared Marimikel and her team were for our home birth. While safely and confidently guiding my wife through labor, they were also cooking meals, cleaning the house, and even taking care of our pets. Everything was organized and intentional. They all had a very calming energy about them and my wife was kept as comfortable as possible the entire time. Nothing ever felt rushed or chaotic. What completely blows me away to this day is that Marimikel is always a phone call away. She was always available during pregnancy and now postpartum. That level of availability and care is rare. I genuinely cannot imagine going through this process without her. She doesn't just provide care, she wants do deeply in her core for my wife and our baby to be as healthy as possible. We are incredibly grateful and would recommend her without hesitation.

We used New Life Birth Services with MariMikel for both of our home births. MariMikel provided us…read morewith education on nutrition and wellness not only for pregnancy for but for the entire family. She's very informative and passionate about what she does. She's a book of knowledge and what we've learned from MariMikel has set a foundation for our family. Her prenatal vitamin regime is GOLDEN and I'm a firm believer that this is one of the main reasons why my body was properly prepared for a quick labor & recovery. You can't beat her experience in Austin: over 45 years delivering/attending more than 3,000 births. We are very blessed to have met MariMikel and thankful for the safe and loving births with her in our home. Bonus: Her hugs are magical! During my last birth, we hugged while singing "you are my sunshine" during a contraction. It was a very special moment.

I had the greatest experience with Kate my midwife. Her calming care and expertise helped me get…read morethrough my third pregnancy so much easier than my first two pregnancies. I had so much time to get to know her and she prepped for the delivery and what to expect in having a home birth. It was truly the most beautiful and calming experience I've ever had. I only wish I could've had all my babies with her care. And I could only hope everyone could be so lucky to have such an amazing midwife and experience as I did with Kate.

Kate and Michelle were wonderful from beginning to end, and made my homebirth dream come true. My…read morecare was never rushed and truly feels like they became part of our family as we got to know each other during the pregnancy. They are both very passionate about what they do. Can't imagine doing my next birth any other way!

OK this is going to be a long (but VERY honest) review so bare with me. The care I received at…read moreAustin area birthing center was indescribable, in the best way. I truly felt so supported, so respected and loved during my entire experience. I transferred to Austin area birthing center around eight or nine weeks pregnant. I had received prior care with an OB/GYN and it was very impersonal. I didn't feel like she was listening to me and appointments were rushed. For years I've always told myself I wanted a natural birth but I never knew if I'd be able to do it. During my prenatal care all of my questions were answered everyone was so friendly so supportive and kind. This was my first baby and so I did a lot of research before going into labor and birth. I knew all the things that I didn't have to do and I knew all of the things that I wanted. At my 37 week appointment I asked for A cervical check even though I know I didn't necessarily need one. I was still working full-time and was experiencing some intense cramps a few days before and so I requested them to check. I was only a centimeter dilated so I figured I had time especially because it was my first baby. 38 weeks and three days at two in the morning my water broke. When I called the midwife on call she was super calm asked me how I was feeling the color of my water and if I was having contractions which I wasn't yet. She asked if I could meet her there in a few hours unless labor intensely progressed. Around 4 AM, I threw up, but I figured it was because I ate too much lasagna! Nothing I couldn't really handle, around five I called again because they were a minute apart and she met me there a few minutes later. She asked politely if she could check me to see how dilated I was but at the moment I was uncomfortable and so I denied. I had asked for a few minutes alone with my mom and my partner and they gave me the room to deal with the contractions on my own. About 15 minutes later, I told them they could check me and I was almost at 9 cm. Things progressed pretty quickly after that and I was in active labor for about five hours before my son came. The entire time they held my hand they listened to what I needed what I wanted and I was given exactly what I needed, every single minute during my entire labor. If there are any negative reviews, which I can't even understand how there could be, please read this one!!! I beg of you! I absolutely can't speak highly enough about the care I received. My son was born in a room filled with so much love and I couldn't be happier. All of my babies will be born here!! Rachel, Janae, Ellie, Betty, and Valerry. ADORE YOU. Will forever be grateful for you all over there.

I'm athletic, normally 125 lbs, I eat well and exercise regularly. I have no health conditions and…read morethe birth was still a disaster. The months leading up to my delivery were fine. I felt supported by the midwives. It was the actually delivery that was severely botched. Looking back, isn't that all that matters? I met many of the midwives during Centering and check ups. I felt like they were helpful. On the night I went into labor, I timed my contractions, called my doula. She said to call the midwife. The midwife that night was someone I had never met. Her name was Jamie. From the second I got on the phone with her, I felt belittled. She said she didn't believe I was in labor and that I should wait. She said the fact that I could talk was a clear sign it was too early. But, she said, if I insisted that I was in labor then she would meet me at the birthing center. I dilated very early & was instructed by Jamie to push, push, push. On every contraction, push, push push. For something like four hours (until very early AM), I pushed. My room started to fill up with random people. I used the ball, I used the blow up peanut, I used the bathtub, I used the stool. In a cycle, one at time, I used each thing. Then, once I'd tried them all, I circled back around and tried them all again. Never resting. Just pushing. At some point in the early AM hours, Jamie's shift was over -- so she left! She simply walked in the room, and said "My shift is over and a new midwife will be here shortly". Erin, the new midwife showed up. I knew her and I liked her. However, her guidance simply started over from the exact same beginning place that Jamie had started from. On every contraction, push, push push. For something like four MORE hours. All over again, I used the ball, I used the blow up peanut, I used the bathtub, I used the stool. One at time, I used each thing then circled back around and tried them all again. Never resting. Just pushing. Some time the next morning, I said stop. I cannot go on. I'm dying. Call 911. "You're so close!!" They said, "Keep pushing". So, several hours later, some time around 1pm, I passed the point of exhaustion and was on the brink of insanity. I slid off the bed, onto the floor, onto my knees screaming. I prayed. I begged God, what do I do? I am dying. So, I asked the midwife, "Is the baby coming? Is she going to come out any second now?" "Oh no! No way. Not at all. We don't even see her head." The midwife said. It almost seemed like she thought the question was cute. Now, I have never given birth before and I've never been at a birth before. My experience is limited. But I knew enough to know, that was not right. That was not right! There is no reasonable medical professional, midwife or person who would instruct someone to push that hard and that long with ZERO progress. "Call 911" I demanded. "We're so close!" The midwife pleaded. "You wanted a natural birth so bad, we're so close. It will be at least an hour before you get any medication at all if you go to the hospital". "It's not the medication I want, it's my life. I'm done. I can't go on." I had pushed, in active labor, for 8 hours. Seven hours after the ambulance came and 2 additional hours of active labor, my healthy, beautiful baby girl was born. The hospital staff was incredible. They were disgusted that these midwives allowed me to push for that long and that hard with little progress. Turns out, my daughter was posterior. It took the doctor 5 seconds to determine this. How did the midwives miss this? Just keep pushing, they said! The blood vessels in my entire face were completely blown out. I looked like I had been in a boxing match. ABC was a complete shitshow. After being at the hospital and receiving the level of professionalism they offered there, this group of midwives felt like a room full of middle school girls playing "let's birth a baby". By the time I told them to call 911, my birthing room was full of 7+ people all trying to "help". I'm not saying you need to go to the hospital, but don't go here. And yes, we still had to pay 100%.

Kristin is so wonderful. She takes her time, listens, and is so caring and thorough. Her student…read moremidwife, Sami, is amazing as well. They're a great team and I'm so happy to have had them as my birth team.

Kristin has delivered both of our babies, and we absolutely love her! She is calm, peaceful, and…read moreknowledgeable--exactly the sort of person you want walking with you through the journey of pregnancy and childbirth. I've texted her many a time with all sorts of questions, and so appreciate her quick responses and willingness to address whatever concerns I might have. Her care and support through both of my pregnancies/labor and deliveries was a total game-changer in both experiences being so positive for me and my family. We love Kristin and couldn't recommend her more highly!

Erica was the back-up midwife for my labor just in case my midwife or her assistant couldn't make…read moreit, so we only met a couple of times before the birth. During our time together, she was so kind and relatable. She shared a personal, empowering experience of her own labor that resonated with me and gave me a new perspective/tool for my impending labor. I appreciate how she was capable of opening up to a stranger and reassuring me on my ability to give birth. Even though we didn't have many appointments together, I was grateful that she took the time to get aquatinted with me even though there was a possibility that she would not be attending my labor. Once I went into labor, only my midwife was available so Erica stepped in to accompany her. She was extremely calm and supportive from beginning to end. Her and my midwife were an excellent team and I am so thankful for the peaceful atmosphere they created. There were moments that I wanted to give up, but Erica reminded me of my strength and of how close we were to baby's arrival. I will forever be grateful for that extra support I needed in the moment to persevere. Erica emulates strength and I am glad that I was able to have her by my side in my weakest moment.

From the owner: After many years of attending births in hospitals as a doula, I trained for 4 years as a home birth…read moremidwife and became certified and licensed in 2016. I found Pure Light Wellness Center to be a great fit in collaborative care and office space.

My first home birth with Michelle went super well. 7 years later I'm having my second homebirth…read morewith her. I think she's super knowledgeable, and is a master at her craft. I trust her, & feel that I'm in wonderful hands with her. Excited to meet baby #2 with her help :)

I'm the father, so I'm going to write from my perspective and it's been a little over a year since…read moreMichelle helped us. I think during the initial consultation, my wife was a little hesitant because she is very direct. However those hesitations were quickly put to rest. Michelle took very good care of my wife during our visits and was very flexible. Her apprentices were kind and respectful as well. She listened to my wife's concerns and either put them to rest or explained why xyz was necessary. This was our second child, but our first home birth. She explained the process and ran out to our home even when it was a just having Braxton Hicks. During the actual birth she was calm and collected and allowed us to kinda do our thing, although there was a few times that she was direct. During the birth itself, she allowed me to actually pull my little one out, which was such an awesome and unique experience that I will be able to cherish for the rest of my life. Thank you to Michelle and her team for being awesome and having such a welcoming vibe, and allowing us to have such a beautiful birth.