Our experience at Gentle Beginning has been phenomenal. Our first two children were born in hospitals, and the experiences were...less than ideal. We knew we wanted something different this time around. I discovered Gentle Beginnings by searching online, and was immediately drawn to their mission statement and the beautiful environment they've created for their mamas. They offer home births OR they have three lovely birthing rooms to choose from there at the center. Not to mention the homey waiting room and offices--totally family-friendly. My husband and I scrolled through all of the midwives on site, reading through their sweet bios. As soon as we read Melissa's, we knew we had to meet her, and when we did, everything just clicked. Melissa is BEYOND incredible. She is kind, gentle, supportive, understanding, and knowledgeable. Everything a mama could want during such an exciting and vulnerable time. She made us feel so comfortable trusting her throughout this pregnancy and delivery. She never rushed our appointments and took the time to connect with us on a personal level. This was my first unmedicated birth, and I was a tad bit anxious, to say the least; but Melissa made me feel heard and empowered to see it through. She listened intently to my desires for this birth, prepared me as much as one can, and came through tenfold when our big day arrived (or should I say night). When we arrived at the birthing center, at 3:15am, she was already there, preparing our room for us exactly how we'd wanted. She encouraged both me and my husband throughout my active labor, guiding us through each phase, and kept me calm and in control during even my most intense moments leading up to delivery. She cared for me and our sweet baby so perfectly in those tender first few hours after delivery. She has such a heart for the mamas and babes entrusted to her care; I truly could not imagine having a birth experience without her, going forward. Thank you, Gentle Beginnings, and thank you a million times over, Melissa!!! read more

Wow, where do I begin? I'm a bit of what you might call a "worrier." While I was so excited to be pregnant with our first child, I had a wave of worries that immediately came. So I started reading and researching and knew I wanted to go with a midwife and a birth center rather than a doctor and a hospital. But I didn't know at the time how much that decision would end up meaning to me. I didn't just have a provider for my pregnancy, I had a friend. And my husband and I now consider Melissa legitimately a part of our family. She helped me through so many worries, so many concerns. She let me cry. She let me vent. And never rushed me. The experience is one that I will forever cherish. And when our birth plan didn't go as planned and we had to go to Harris, Melissa was still by our side. She could have sent us on our way at that point, but she didn't. She showed up. She stayed. She was even the one to catch our sweet boy and put him on my belly, which makes her the first person he met outside of my belly. She was the one to support me when my son (along with my husband) was taken to NICU. She reassured me, took care of me, long after her duties were done. And even in my postpartum care, she's going way above and beyond to be there for us and I couldn't be more grateful. I truly believe God was at work in bringing Melissa into our lives. And we feel blessed to know her. read more

When I found out I was pregnant I knew I wanted something different for my baby and I. From the very first time we met Michelle I knew we had found where we needed to be. She made us feel so welcome, answered all my first time mom (million) questions and eased my husbands apprehensions. Before leaving that initial interview we made our first appointment with her. I don't feel like I can express how awesome I think Michelle, Hannah and Melissa are. They truly go above and beyond! -They taught me, eased my worries and empowered me at every meeting. -They made my husband feel apart of the appointments and worked with us to make sure he could attend every one. -I was able to make my own decisions about care and they encouraged me throughout my whole pregnancy. - They went above and beyond what was expeceted after baby was here to care for both of us. I am forever grateful my family found Gentle Beginnings. I know these amazing woman genuinely care about me and my baby. With their help and support I was able to have the most beautiful birthing experience and my daughter was brought into this world peacefully, surrounded by Love. I reccomend this birthing center to everyone looking for this type of experience. We will definitely use Gentle Beginnings again! read more

I had to have an emergency c-section with our first, not knowing any better, when the Dr said we had to have another c-section with our 2nd, we just did it. They were both horrible experiences. Gentle Beginnings changed everything for us! Every appointment was like meeting with family that was trusted. It was a rough pregnancy and everyone there was amazing, Michele, Melissa, Andrea, Hannah... In the end, we did not get to delivery naturally as we had prayed and hoped for due to very serious risks involved for both myself and baby. It was terrifying having to have another c-section. As my midwife described me "it was like you were experiencing PTSD from your past sections and you were not doing well". Michele was fantastic (along with my stinking amazing husband). She got me in with nurse midwives, they made sure I had my family in the room (even though the hospital was saying no), she made she I had birthing music, lavender essential oils, LOTS of support and LOTS of prayers. She held my hand, coached me, breathed with me and helped me get through something that was not planned and was very scary to walk through again. It was the best birth to date! EVERYONE, I mean EVERYONE, should have a midwife! And it should be with Gentle Beginnings. read more

Michele and her crew were absolutely wonderful for our home births. She helped bring both of my babies into this world and took such good care of us. She listened to my concerns and took so much time during each prenatal appointment to make sure everything was going okay and even after the exam was over we would end up talking longer. We cried and laughed and hugged every time! She really takes the time to know her clients. Everyone at Gentle Beginnings treats you like family whether you're their client or not. My husband and I are so happy we chose Gentle Beginnings to take care of me during both of my pregnancies. I don't think I could have had the birth I desired without Michele's help, her loving words guided me through the whole process. Then after my son was born I got to attend Tales and Tea and share my birth story with other moms who had just given birth with GBBC. I got to see the new birthing rooms with new tubs and they are gorgeous! The care and attention they give you even after having the baby is great. It's definitely a sad day when you have your last postpartum appointment, it's hard to say goodbye when they've been so involved in your life for 9+ months. Can't wait until next time, we'll definitely be going back! read more

Absolutely love Gentle Beginnings. The best things about them (in no particular order): 1. Andrea (front desk) she is so sweet! 2. Their birth center (it is so beautiful and homey!) 3. Their midwives! I am familiar only with Teree and Michele. Both are outstanding and embody what it means to be a midwife. I love them both! I have not a single negative thing to say. I often think about my experience, and I just cannot get over how beautiful it was. I wouldn't have been able to do it without Teree. She is so observant and well in tune with her clients. She will become more than just your midwife, but your friend. I believe that is a defining and essential aspect of what sets midwifery apart and creates a truly calm, fearless and welcoming atmosphere for birth. Michele has such a beautiful heart. She is strong and informative, and although she was only my assistant, I treasure the comfort she gave me after my daughter was born. I will always have my babies with these women and will never stop suggesting them to all of my friends! read more

The midwives at Gentle Beginnings are absolutely wonderful! We have had two births with them - one at the birth center, and one at home. Both times, the care I received was exceptional and went above and beyond. The prenatal appointments never felt rushed, and the midwives always take the time to answer questions and address any concerns. Michele is compassionate and knowledgeable, and I felt completely confident in her abilities. She was there each step of the way, and she has such a gift for empowering women to follow their birthing instincts. She always knew what I needed during labor, sometimes even before I did! Malloree and Melissa are also wonderful at what they do, and I was blessed to have them as part of my birth team. They have such beautiful servant hearts. All of the staff at Gentle Beginnings have a joy in their work, and it is evident at every appointment and at every birth. I look forward to future pregnancies, knowing that I will be in the capable and caring hands of this amazing group of midwives. read more

Melissa Matus is a wonderful midwife! I highly recommend Gente Beginnings for anyone to have their birthing experience at. They are high above a hospital experience (i had a hospital experience w/my 1st daughter & it was a nightmare) ...Melissa Matus & the women at Gentle Beginnings knew what they were doing at every step & it was 100% clear that they had the experience to handle childbirth & any complications that may occur. My experience was amazing, I truly believe I got through it all because of my midwife's ability, expertise & faith! I honestly cannot say that about my hospital experience at all. I'm not bashing hospitals but that was just how my experience went. I would send my dearest friend or anyone that wants expert birthing care directly to Gente Beginnings & to Melissa Matus. Everyone please keep your faith & trust the experts, these ladies are absolute experts! God Bless! read more

I highly recommend Gentle Beginnings. The team there is always helpful and excited to see us. You always get a good welcome when you walk in the door and hugs before you leave. My midwife is Michele along with her students Bethany and Leighah. My husband and I gave birth last week to a beautiful baby girl at the birthing center and there is no way that I could've done it without her and her team. Her and her team are great at supporting my husband and I. She is always there to answer my questions in or out of our appointments. If you want to go through the natural birthing process and be with the ones who helped you through the process leading up to this point, go to GBBC. It's a personal, calm, and quiet environment and they are so professional and are able to answer and talk through any questions you have. read more

I had my first five babies at a different birth center and was hesitant and uncertain when researching a new birth center for the birth of my sixth baby. I am so very glad I chose Gentle Beginnings, and even more grateful that I had the care of Cheryl during my pregnancy and delivery. I absolutely love that at this birth center you choose a midwife and she is the only person you see for all your visits and your delivery--it really cements a strong bond between mother and midwife, which is so neat. Cheryl was incredible throughout my pregnancy, and was honest and helpful in all her care, but never pushy or demanding in any way in regards to any aspect of my pre-natal care/testing/etc. She was a gift and a blessing to me and my baby. I only wish I had found her earlier and had delivered all my babies with her. read more

Gentle beginnings is by far hands down the best birth center in the DFW area. The midwives are so professional and confident in what they do. I always look forward to going into an appointment. Youre kindly greeted right away and the care the provide is exceptional. I love that you can pick your midwife and develop a lasting bond over he nine months and beyond. The prenatal care is unsurpassed as well and the postpartum care. I recommend gentle beginnings to everyone. I can't speak highly enough of them. You will not be disappointed in any way if you go here. Every single midwife including the students are the warmest sweetest people that truly believe in you and your body. They are intelligent highly trained women. I love them dearly and will use them every pregnancy. read more

i am so grateful I found Gentle Beginnings! Michele was amazing and from the first time we met her we felt comfortable, heard, and important. Our story was important to her. Every appointment I felt like she was my friend and we could talk about anything, never felt rushed or like I needed to get out so she could move on to the next person. None of my concerns or wishes were downplayed but rather as important to her as they were to me. My birth plan didn't quite go as planned, as I delivered my baby in the car on the way to the birth center but that didn't stop Michele and her team from taking care of my family and I. Once we arrived at the birthing center we were still taken care of just as planned, time and care was given and we left feeling SO happy! read more

I cannot say enough about Gentle Beginnings and the people there. Andrea at the front desk is amazing...she knows your name even if it's your first time at the birth center. We had Michele as our midwife for the birth of our son, and she was calm and faithful and attentive. She was never worried, but always careful. My son flipped to breech at 38 weeks, which in another situation may have been an issue, but for Michele it was no big deal. When baby decided to stay put until 42 weeks, Michele was patient and faithful and constantly reminded me that there WAS a baby in there and he would come out when he was ready. My entire experience here can almost be summed up with one thing that Michele said to me. "This is your baby...we'll do what YOU want." read more

After 3 hospital births with epidurals and the whole shebang, I decide to see how amazing my body actually was and decided try the natural unmedicated approach. We found out at 19 weeks that I was pregnant with TWINS! Michele, Melissa, and Hannah were AMAZING at calming down my initial nerves. You hear horror stories on how most women are forced into a C-section when I having multiples. They reminded that my natural birth was possible! 38 weeks to the day my identical twin baby boys were born happy and healthy AT HOME, both over 6lbs. Michele helped me lead the way reminding me to trusting my body. Without her and her team I think my birth experience would have been much different. I would recommend these lovely ladies to anyone! read more

We have used gentle beginnings for our second and third daughter. Our first daughter was a C-cetion and it was a terribly traumatic experience for my wife and I. For our second daughter we wanted something that would be more personal and comfortable for our family. This is exactly what we got with Gentle Beginnings. Michelle was absolutely wonderful through the entire experience start to finish. We came back and used her again for the birth of our third daughter. The entire process is extremely personal and professional. Your not just another number on a chart, these women actually care deeply about their clients and there family. I can't say enough great things about them. read more

Ann, Michele, Hannah and Teree took great care of me and my babies. I felt heard at every appointment and looked forward to each one, not only to check on my babes, but to see our midwives. Every appointment felt like we were talking to friends, or in Ann's case, another mom. We love these ladies so much. I felt safe during the births and after. They really let your body do what it was made for! Our midwives have become family to us. They love you and pray for you throughout pregnancy and labor. I couldn't imagine having babies with anyone else. *Fair warning: your last postpartum check up may end with tears. read more

I switched to the care of Michele, Hannah and Melissa at 32 weeks pregnant! My first prenatal appointment was SO different than any OB appointment I had with my first son, or that pregnancy. They are so caring, and personal. I will never forget when they would feel my baby to make sure he was in optimal position they'd always sweetly greet him by his name! That meant so much to me! I mean what OB cares enough to learn your baby's name? They always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. I love them so much and will forever recommend them to EVERYONE who is expecting a baby! read more

I cannot say enough about how wonderful Gentle Beginnings is. The midwives and staff are phenomenal, and I always felt like family when I walked in those doors! I was incredibly privileged to birth both of my daughters at Gentle Beginnings under the care of Ann Crowell and Michele Massey. The midwives are not just well-trained and knowledgeable, they are gentle and kind, funny and understanding. They are with you every step of the way, through the ups and the downs, and never let you leave without a hug. I highly recommend Gentle Beginnings and all the midwives there! read more

After visiting a couple different birth centers, I landed at Gentle Beginnings. Truly, it was the best decision for my pregnancy and birth experience. Melissa Matus was my midwife and I just cannot say enough good things about her. During my pregnancy she educated me and my husband and was always reachable for questions big and small. In labor and delivery, she was such a peaceful presence and did her job beautifully. She helped us welcome our first baby into the world after a long labor. I will most certainly be running to Melissa for any future babies that come! read more