I had the most incredible experience at Natural BirthWorks's with both Gelena and Sandy, and even the doula Sandra! This experience was life changing for me, and changed me views on birth, breastfeeding, and womanhood forever. They made me feel so empowered and important, and the best part for me was all of the education they provide. I have learned so much about what our bodies do, what our bodies are capable of, what to understand about the process of labor, and even the beginnings of breastfeeding (and getting through the hardest moments). These women made me feel so safe and secure with them, it felt like having family by my side. Every time I showed up to their birth center, it was always so clean, welcoming, warm. There was often beautiful soft music, and comfy seating while waiting. I loved what they could feel my belly and tell me where my baby was positioned and the cute like quirky things my baby was doing! I loved the natural remedies when I didn't want to have drugs forced on me like a most awful experience I had before finding them! When it came to labor, I called Gelena and 2am, apologetic for waking her, and she was so sweet and excited for me, it made my fears disappear! When it came to labor at their birthing center, my birth story is long and incredible, but I will sum up the most moving part for me. I was having a hard time pushing near the end, my mind and body were exhausted and I had tried birthing in the tub, on a stool, and on my knees. Finally, it had taken the most beautiful display of community and team work to bring my baby into the world. My partner held an oxygen mask over my face, my doula Sandra was patting my face and neck with ice water (which felt amazing), Gelena was helping hold my cervix open because my pushing was natural and intense and I couldn't hold back, but I was barely 10cm. Sandy was holding the other side of the birth rope, I would pull one side, and she would pull the other. They were cheering "power push power push!" It was so encouraging and empowering. I remember Gelena telling me so excitedly she could see the head and asking me if I'd like a mirror to see or feel, but I wanted this baby OUT! They literally helped me birth this baby into the world, and it was the most beautiful, exciting, and empowering experience. They let me have time with my baby chest to chest while they sutured me up, and they were so loving towards both my baby and I before we went home. Once I was home, both women ALWAYS responded to texts when I was worried or had questions, and they were even there for me while we went through some genetic scares. These women are so truly good at their core, and I so highly suggest them. They have changed my life forever, and I take the knowledge they gave me and empower other women with it. read more

Natural Birth Works - Sandra, Gelena, and Sandy with my baby at newborn and 6 weeks old - Midwives Near Me - Margate, Florida

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Will never regret giving birth here. This is surely a safe heavens for families that cared for natural birth. Who respect the process of creating life. Who cared about their babies well being. This is family. read more

We started care at this facility but ended up transferring to another birthing center closer to our home. They are not organized on the back end. There was issues sending out her genetics/gender blood work sample and had to be retaken a month later. I am sure they failed to send it out on time. They did not send our ultrasound request until we had to pester them multiple times. It took many requests and weeks to get our medical records sent to our new midwife. For 3 months now my wife has been trying to get common billing information from them so we can file w our insurance. They do not respond to phone calls or emails. I left them a detailed message today, Monday (7/29/24) and again no response. I am also a healthcare provider and have owned private practices for over 20 years. I would never run a business like this and would not recommend. These providers are licensed by the state and I will be filing a complaint. read more

Natural Birth Works - Website - Midwives Near Me - Margate, Florida

My experience with Natural Birthworks was completely positive & I was able to bring to the world a healthy baby boy as a water birth at the birth center. There's so much to learn as a first time mom having an unmedicated birth & I was provided with all the resources and people so I could take control of my pregnancy and birth. The interactions did not feel transactional like they did at my OB so I transferred my care to the birth center at about 6 months pregnant. This facility resonated more with me and my desired outcome than going through a hospital birth plus the expense & stress was something I wanted to avoid. If you ask questions and read the documents, it explains the cost and risks since not everyone may be the best candidate for natural birth should complications or other things arise. I knew the risks and I did my diligence to learn as much as possible using all the resources shared and their undivided attention so I could stay as healthy as possible to achieve this goal. Every appt was about an hour - hour and a half and the assistants as well as Gelena and Sandy always took their time answering all my questions and giving me advise throughout my pregnancy. I received 3 virtual educational classes, lots of information , access to their mommas group chat and I have additional visits after the birth for follow up care. For my labor, I did hire a doula (birth coach) who had given birth by the same midwife I had - this was extremely beneficial because with the partnership of my doula, midwife, the assistants I was able to learn and understand the birthing process as everything progressed. I'm still learning and I feel like I've been in the best hands. I was treated with so much care, patience, & respect by everyone at the center & my son has been showered with so much love. I am so thankful and grateful for this experience. I absolutely recommend the team at this birth center. read more

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DO NOT TRUST THESE PEOPLE. They're a bun of con artist liars, who have no respect for other people's time. They blatantly lied to me on the phone, assuring me that my insurance would cover a birth and prenatal care at their facility. After conning me into doing a facility tour, they sent me a bogus email that I have to pay them "the non-billable portion is our concierge fee of $3000." This is so disrespectful and inconsiderate of my time, especially since I am a busy, pregnant, homeschooling mother. It's put me in a bad position, as I haven't been looking for other providers because I trusted them. I am baffled that you think this is an acceptable way to do business. read more

STAY FAR AWAY!!!!!!! Absolutely the worst experience we have ever Experienced. The midwife's do not care about their patients. They did not check on us at all during labor. They should not longer be in business read more

Gelena, Sandy & the whole staff at Natural Birth Works are GEMS! I first met with Gelena & Sandy in 2015 when I was pregnant with my first. They made me feel like the strongest human on earth. I delivered my first child at home safely under their care at 42 weeks. They were kind, attentive & patient. I went bad to them again in 2017 for my second and again most recently for my 3rd earlier this year. Their care and personalized attention is exactly what I needed for each of my pregnancy and deliveries. I was able to call or text them at any given time for any concerns or questions I had. I admire the knowledge and experience they bring. If you're looking for great midwives, look no further! read more

Expecting Mothers PLEASE PLEASE listen. I beg you. The horror stories with these people are real. This place is NOT for you. Do not give them the benefit of the doubt. I did and almost died and almost lost my infant. They believe in the money more than your health and the birth of your child. I received more calls about payments than my care. The two midwives galina and sandy saw abnormalities on my ultrasound and did NOT concur with a specialist. They didn't check the box on the ultrasound referral. Now I am left with a special need child that barely survived. They accused me for not resting (ignored me when I said I'm bleeding to much) and called me about a UTI. NEVER ONCE DISCUSSING THE POSSIBILITIES OF THE OUTCOME of the abnormalities of the ultrasound. They were too busy making sure payments were made. They run a business I get it but the point of going to a midwife is for the personal experience. I should have went to women's clinic, I would have gotten better care. I almost died twice from my emergency c-section (from bleeding out). They had to do another surgery 3 days later. My baby almost did not survive. He is a severe IGUR preemie and we spent 6 months in the hospital. My life is now about countless doctor's visits and a sick baby every week. I was fired from my job because I do not have child care to care for my medically disabled infant and I'm always at the doctors office. This could have been prevented if I was told when this was found at 18-20 weeks. Opposing to emailing me, texting me and calling me about payments. I trusted these midwives with my life and the life of my unborn child and left with heart break. Depression. No job. And a child that get fed through a tube and countless medical needs. If you have a story contact me Mrsdownsbrown@yahoo.com This establishment will be stopped. read more

Natural Birth Works - My miracle before being incubated again. Fighting for his life. - Midwives Near Me - Margate, Florida

absolutely horrible experience. Natural Birthworks is a very greedy business. The staff are unprofessional, rude and full of nonsense. Stay away and save your money and yourself from huge headaches and greedy people. Shame on them. They brought unnecessary stress to our lives and made it this experience a nightmare. read more

It's going on 6 months since I've had my baby and after all these months I'm still beyond disappointed at my experience at natural birth works/ peaceful pregnancies. When I switched to the birth center I was initially excited and even up to my labor I was still fully trusting in my care under galena. It wasn't until I was in the throes of labor that I realized the midwife I was working with the whole time wouldn't be at my birth which she told me she would be. She sent another midwife who I'd met with only 2x and a student to my house for the birth. I only communicated with galena through text which was so unprofessional. After I had the baby I returned to the birthcenter where I did let galena know how I upset I was. I didn't take her apology as sincere and on our last visit she didn't even meet with me, I met with a completely different midwife I'd only met with once. Do your research before choosing a birthcenter and ask all the questions. If you're paying a provider they should be giving you the attention you deserve and need. read more

I had the best experience two times at Natural BirthWorks. The birthing center is so beautiful and Serene. Gelena and Sandy are so wonderful and they treat you like family. It was sad to say goodbye after my 6 week appointment. My first 2 kids were born at a hospital and it wasn't a good experience for me so I was so relieved to find Natural BirthWorks and to get the birth experience I always wanted. If I try for baby # 5 I will definitely be back read more

Just like the other reviews I feel completely scammed of my money and experience I felt like this was all about the transaction and nothing of being a women's woman. Unlike other women getting into this field because midwifery is a true passion, being a sister to witness lucky enough to witness this amazing rite of passage in any women's life, it was far from that. Everything on the outside looked great the office seemed nice the staff was accommodating at first but what first struck me as off was that I didn't even get to have a consult in person or talk to anyone till I paid the money up front and signed a bunch of BS paperwork that was impossible to even get back closer to the end. I chose Gelena Hinsky as who I would help guide me to having the birth I had always wanted or at least hoped for, mistake number two. Once the money was sent it was all downhill from there, Gelena never went over the paperwork with me which is something that absolutely should be a protocol I am a first time mom and it's scary the unknown and asking me things on this BS paperwork I had no idea what any of it even meant, nothing was went over or explained. Everything was so quick and my office visits felt so much like doctors appointments, Gelena was really not attentive and just seemed like this was just her job and she was doing just that, they claim to be holistic and what not but that's all a front I don't even think they look into anything they give you in the milestone bags were all crap, like liquid iv and a bunch of other horrible junk stuff that people who do actual research and live a certain lifestyle would never take. The care I was given felt half assed and just every appointment I went to I felt less and less of a connection with the midwife I chose Gelena. Me and my partner felt the same way that the experience was just so off and to choose someone to be there and witness this rite of passage for a women in her most vulnerable state giving birth to her child, the miracle of life you would think that they must have a passion for this otherwise why do it, but not Gelena. This was like going into any office and was like meeting with any healthcare provider, no connection no passion for the craft and not being a sister at all. I was showing very small and was sent by Gelena to see an ultrasound tech to see what was going on, wouldn't you think being a midwife and being there for your fellow women you would be there for her during the scary time and be on top calling and asking how I was or anything just keeping up with me..Nope! I was showing smaller and smaller every other ultrasound appointment and Gelena never thought it was necessary to reach out and be on top of the ultrasound appointments so she can review them and tell me what she thought..ya NOPE again! I would go in with my partner to our appointments and Gelena would just have no idea what was going on with me it was just so disappointing and having me to be the one to call and have to have them faxed right then and there wasting our appointment times on calling the offices as if paying her to do this was not enough she would run through it and just tell me eat more drink more and boom office visits were over. Every blood draw Gelena wouldn't go over much with me it was just in and out eat more drink more BS until I had a very scary ultrasound appointment where my amniotic fluid was significantly low so the ultrasound tech doctor on call gives my midwife a call showing the concern and luckily for Gelena that meant even less work to deal with. She called me that day and told me pretty much pack a bag and just go to the hospital and whatever he says just do that..super holistic right..it was an absolute nightmare because I wanted my homebirth I didn't want to do testing or go the hospital, she gave me no comfort she just passed me off to the hospital and never once check on me and asked me do you need help understanding. Me and my partner were there left helpless with no one to turn to till 3 am when we both trusted our guts and went with my intuition not to listen anyone and focus in on baby. The hospital wanted to induce me and I rightfully declined because I was 36 weeks and wanted my baby to grow as much as possible to come out healthy. read more

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I came to "Natural Birth Works" seeking a supportive comfortable space for natural water birth. This is the one thing that I did not receive. I wanted to take the alternative natural birth route because I believed it was the opposite of so many traumatic hospital birth stories we have all heard, specifically births that's are under time constraints unnecessary intervention and constant cervical checks. I never felt supported by Galena on the day I went by into labor. She then sent me home while I was in labor with a broken water. When we finally got into the laboring room on our second return trip around sunset later that day I was to do relieved I would be able to relax and birth in peace. I remember this being around sunset....I would be only allowed to labor for 6 hours before being "sent home" again for the 2nd time. I did not feel respected or cared for by Galena I feel like she just wanted to go home and only wanted to deal with a quick birth at her convenience. She advertises patience and long hours of waiting for babies... I never got that. Galena kept having me do strenuous exercises while I was in labor that where starting to wear me out but pushed through with ambition and optimism for at least 2 hours of physical activity that only slowed my contractions more. I was meditating on the bed when I began to feel alot of pressure to get things moving at her pace she asked me "what are we doing here?" in an annoyed tone. In my birth plan I asked for reassurance, I never felt reassured. After another invasive cervical check (with a now over 12 hour broken water) she said I was only 4 centimeters and I would probably need Pitocin! or I would have to go home and wait it out and come back again. I was under the impression that these kind of time constraints, drug recommendations and constant cervical exams are something they do in hospitals not at the natural birth center. Being sent away again caused me great distress. When I got in my car again for the 3rd time I had back to back contractions on a 40 minute drive and a total mental emotional breakdown. I was not able to handle another displacement and trip back again so we went to the hospital. When I was admitted to the hospital I had already dilated to 6cm in that short amount of time even though she sent me away for not progressing. I was writhing in agony with contractions 2 mins apart. Unable to walk. Completely unable to find my zen after having the rug ripped out from under me, I was afraid and no longer felt safe after this major change of scenery. The hospital concluded after another more accurate test that my water had indeed been broken for now almost 24hours. I was in need of IV antibiotics to prevent infection. They had a lab test my fluids and said that the other swab test done by the midwife was not reliable and inaccurate. Galena refuses to admit her mistake and inaccurate testing. I never needed Pitocin like she recommended and my baby was born later that morning. Thank God we did not go back home and went to hospital because my baby could have gotten an infection. I could have received prenatal care covered by my insurance, the only thing I really needed was a safe zen birthing space and we definitely did not receive that. I know several women who birthed in other natural birth centers and all of them were allowed to labor in peace without displacement and stayed there over a day, I was never given even close to this opportunity and I will remember it for the rest of my life as a dark shadow on one of the most beautiful days of my life. I am angry I was moved right before my labor majorly progressed causing me great distress and the cost of a hospital delivery and 2 day stay on top of the full upfront non refundable payment. We paid thousands of$$$They don't even have an ultrasound machine, she sends you to a specialist that charges $100 a visit. My entire pregnancy she never did any internal exams and when I told her I thought I had yeast infection while I was pregnant she just told me to stick a piece of garlic up my vagina without even running any tests to see what was going on. read more

I couldn't speak more highly of NBW. From their warm, zen, welcoming facility to their exceptional care of their moms; this place is top of the line. I was treated like royalty. Every text, call or email answered so promptly. To the endless guidance & resources provided both Sandy and Gelena are passionate and gifted in their craft. There was no place I would rather be or rather birth than NBW. When I needed to vent, they were there. When I broke down crying, they gave me support. When I expressed fear, they instilled confidence in me. I was never a "patient" or a "number" of theirs, I was a MOM, a fellow woman who was going through a lot and most importantly I was a friend. Please do yourself, your partner and your future bundle of joy a favor and check these wonderful ladies out. You will not regret it. read more

Natural Birth Works - Midwives Near Me - Margate, Florida