I love the North Shore Birth Center. Really…read more For the first half of my pregnancy, I was going to my OB (who is fabulous!) because I wanted to make sure I was not going to be high-risk, etc. But from the beginning, I knew that I did NOT want a hospital birth so I was planning on switching from my OB at some point. I just wasn't sure to where. I debated back and forth between homebirth midwives, the Cambridge Birth Center, and the North Shore Birth Center. And ultimately, I ruled out homebirth just because my insurance wouldn't cover it (something that really really pisses me off). I went for a meet and greet night at the NSBC and they had me at hello. From 20 weeks on, I met with the midwives on a regular basis. They were all super friendly, and by the time my due date was imminent, I had met with all but two of the midwives at some point. A week before my due date, I went into prodromal labor and spent 12 hours there before things stopped progressing and they sent me home. But the midwives with me that night were so incredibly supportive and helpful, so I knew when the real thing actually happened, I'd be in good hands. They even called me a few times during that week to see how things were going. The following weekend, I found myself back at the NSBC, this time in active labor. Luckily I was once again with the midwife with whom I felt most comfortable, since I had met with her more often than the others. I got to the NSBC at 2:45 a.m., and by 11:15 a.m. I had myself a baby. The midwives who attended my birth were absolutely wonderful and I couldn't have asked for a better birth experience. They really helped me have the birth that I had envisioned for myself. It was a very difficult experience, but it was rewarding and I felt on top of the world by the time things were over. A few days later, I ended up back in the hospital because of some serious post-partum complications, but again the midwives were so wonderful. They visited me every day, answering my questions openly and honestly, and they never let me feel like I was alone during the most trying period of my life. I feel so lucky to have had my daughter in such a positive environment with such fabulous women at my side. And if I ever have another child, I can't imagine going anywhere other than the NSBC.

My wife and I just had our first child (a daughter - 6lbs 15oz). From a husbands point of view, it…read morewas such an amazing experience I have to let others know. Part of me wants to just keep this place a secret so we can go back and not have to worry about crowds but if I did that I wouldn't be able to sleep at night. My wife, prior to going to the birthing center, had seen a midwife closer to our home in western, Ma. Not comfortable with the place we were going we started to search out another birthing center that was encouraging of natural births. My wife really wanted to do a home birth but I was personally not fully on board with that and our insurance wouldn't cover it. After searching all over we found the North Shore birthing center. A reason it took us so long to find it was that it was over an hour and a half away from our home. Upon calling, the person who answered told us that others had driven further and that for a first child it shouldn't be a problem. We made the treck and went to at least check the place out. The staff are incredibly welcoming and friendly and make you feel like you are part of their family. The birthing center is a small house next to the beverly hospital and has 2 rooms set up for delivering (aside from the several rooms for check ups and appointments). One of the rooms has a large tub for water births. The rooms are average in size but are set up more like a regular room in your house instead of a hospital looking room. We went for the last 6 months of my wife's pregnancy for all routine checkups. We both met with about all the midwives that were on staff. Our baby came a few days after the due date. The delivery process was absolutely amazing and so different from the many stories we have heard from people who go to hospitals. So many people told my wife she was crazy and there was no way she could have a natural birth but with the midwifes, knowledge, patience, and encouragement she did it... and is very happy about it! I believe the reason it was such a great experience has a lot to do with the midwives knowing how woman's bodies prepare for birth and know the timing that things happen. While in labor both Karen and Amanda were the midwives on duty. Instead of rushing things and giving her undue pressure for no reason, they let nature take it's course. To me it's a shame more insurance companies don't point people back in this direction of midwifery and natural births. It would not only save the medical industry lots of money, I believe a lot of woman would have a much better view of child birth, and most importantly - woman and babies would be a lot safer! Honestly, places like this deserve a different scale for a review. I would give them 10 stars

stay far away from this midwife! I moved to MA at 30 weeks pregnant and transferred into Ann's…read morecare, after a few meetings it was clear she wasn't very personable & did not seem to want to build a relationship. My husband & I were unable to find another homebirth midwife so late so we stuck with Ann as we thought she at least had the medical knowledge needed for homebirth. she claims she trust the bodies natural way to birth (as do we!). Well my water broke & while waiting for contractions to begin she suggested I just go to the hospital 10 hours in. Ann was unable to provide me with any support during that time, she did not suggest anything to help kickstart labor. I labored at home for 50 hours on my own, I asked her at one point to just come check my baby's position/ heartbeat to ensure she was still okay in there, Ann's response was she could be there in two hours or so, and that she'd be unable to tell anything with baby since I'm in labor (???) I'm not even sure what that means.. as that's her whole job. at that point I felt completely ABANDONED. my husband & I decided to go to the hospital for a non stress test since Ann now said she did not feel comfortable doing a homebirth because baby could not be doing well she stated (after never even coming to see me in person!!!) on our way to the hospital she asked me to call her & then said I was going against her suggestion by going in, but when I asked if I turned around & went home would she still do the homebirth she said no. Thus, 50 hours after my water breaking we checked into the hospital as we were ABANDONED by Ann after taking our 6k birth fee. now she is ghosting us and will not respond. this is NOT the compassionate care she claims to have, and this is NOT the first story I've since heard about her doing the same to others.

Ann is knowledgeable, experienced and professional. She…read moreoffers a calming and compassionate presence and ensures a safe and supportive environment to give birth. Highly recommend.

Working with Dashanna as my pregnancy and Postpartum Doula was a wonderfully amazing experience!! I…read morewas so nervous about navigating my first pregnancy and didn't feel like I was getting enough support from my OB, not to mention being pregnant at the start of the pandemic. I reached out to Dashanna and from our very first video call I felt supported, less anxious, and excited about my pregnancy journey! Throughout my entire pregnancy, I could reach out to Dashanna for any question, big or small and she was always there with help. She walked me through every trimester and taught me the stuff about pregnancy and birth that no one talks about. Dashanna was also a great resource to my husband and I as a couple. She helped him become a better birthing partner and Postpartum support. Having her as my Doula while I gave birth and visiting me at home after the hospital was invaluable. When your up with a new baby in the middle of the night and your panicking it's so nice to know you're not alone and Dashanna is there to help. I can't say enough positive things about her and her services. I've recommended her to every pregnant woman I know!

Dr. August is an incredible doctor. She delivers 99% of her patients, and that is unheard of…read morenowadays. She is trustworthy, kind, intelligent, empathetic, experienced and knowledgable. I wholeheartedly trust Dr. A with my life and the lives of my babies. It has been a privilege to have had Dr. August deliver all of my children, and to have had her unwavering support throughout my pregnancies.

Dr. August is amazing. I just had my newborn on New Year's Day and my 9 months spent at her office…read morewas very nice. They are very organized and have a welcoming staff. It is very clean too! Dr. August is my OBGYN and she walked me through my first pregnancy. She helped deliver my baby and I am extremely happy with the way things went. She had answers for every question! She made me feel comfortable which made for an easier delivery. Not to mention, my relatives had recommended her and she had also delivered their children years ago. I had my check up post delivery and I had to give her a hug and say my thanks because I was just so happy with the outcome. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't change anything. I highly recommend this OBGYN office.

Dr Grossman is GREAT. My wife just delivered our 2nd (first with him as well). He is very calm and…read moreeasy to talk to. My wife is a physician as well and did her research on choosing the right doctor as soon as we found out she was pregnant the first time. Again, we couldn't be more pleased. His demeanor helps ease any tension and stress a woman my have during her pregnancy.

I went with this doctor when my doctor of many years up and moved with no warning. I got the…read moreimpression from day one that he wasn't too interested in the care of women who wouldn't be having more children. He refused to do a pap as I've had a hysterectomy(former Dr still felt they were a good idea..as does the Dr that I see now) but would try to bill my insurance company for one. I saw him for three yearly visits. My final straw came when he proceeded to allow two people(in addition to the nurse) in the exam room to observe my pelvic exam without asking me if I was okay with it. I called him out on it and he then introduced me to them and said they were students. I have no problem with students observing..I had a student observe the birth of my daughter..but I was asked if it was okay. He seemed put out that I should question his handling of the matter. I never went back.

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Aldoni. She is not just the perfect doctor, she is a warm…read morespecial soul. Saint like. She is hands down the happiest, kindest, most calming, and most understanding doctor I have ever had. I've struggled with medical anxiety and had major fears around a C-section, but she always put me completely at ease. What stands out most is her personal touch. Even though she sees 30+ patients a day, she remembers you. She'll remember where you're from, if you changed your hair, or just something small you mentioned last time. She takes the time to make warm small talk and connect as a human being, not just a doctor. It feels like the kind of care you'd expect in a close-knit European village, not the rushed, assembly-line medicine we so often experience in the U.S. Dr. Aldoni makes you feel like you matter, and that she truly cares about her patients' well-being. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had her as my doctor. I'm genuinely sad that my care with her is ending as we move out of state--it honestly makes me emotional, because I know how rare it is to find a doctor like her. If you're looking for someone who will treat you with compassion, patience, and true humanity, I cannot recommend Dr. Aldoni highly enough.

Physicians and midwives provide excellent, thoughtful care and include patients in their plan of…read morecare.

It is unfortunate that a place with so many good reviews fell short of everything one would expect…read more Non-communicative staff made this experience from bad to worse. Unfortunately some immature girls who treat others like an inconvenience. It's a no from me.

I brought my daughter to Kioko Center when she was 2 1/2. My daughter showed signs of sensory…read moreprocesssing disorder. Tara, the owner was kind and immediately got my little gal. It turns out she did have sensory processing disorder and she began going to the Kioko center regularly. It made a HUGE difference!!! My daughter is now 9 and is doing great! She also has PDD-NOS. She continues to see Tara from time to time (she gets OT at school as part of her IEP) and she just had a blast at Tara's summer day camp. Tara changed our life and she and her entire staff are amazing. The things they do at the Kioko center and at her camp make a huge difference.

My mother was brought in on Saturday because of a bad fall. Everybody has wonderful. Very nice…read more Very attentive. She is on the Phippen floor. Her daytime nurse Dylan is a traveling nurse out of NY. He has been absolutely fantastic. He helps her out before her tests and has just been very helpful. They all have but she really has a soft spot for Dylan. Definitely recommend.

this is the worst run emergency department I've ever had the displeasure of visiting... 14 hours…read moreand still waiting to be seen... they are totally disorganized and understaffed and do an incredibly poor job of keeping patients apprised of their place for being seen